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Ganged Up On In the Courts

Joshua Herrera May be Facing Life in Prison Because of an Unevaluated Gang Enhancement Law

On the steps of the Main Jail, Rebecca Rivera called out to God and her son at the same time. She asked that God save her son from a life in prison, and that her son hear her prayer. 24-year-old Joshua Herrera, housed on the fourth floor of that jail, did in fact hear his mother and the 200 or so supporters who chanted and cheered through Rebecca’s impromptu speech, many of whom also had sons, uncles, nephews somewhere in that building. And from the fourth floor, it must have been quite a sight, an unlikely movement that Rivera has pieced together since Joshua was convicted of home invasion robbery with gang enhancements in 2006. Marching alongside the Herrera family were young Chicano men who also have been labeled as gang members themselves, college students sporting their banners, firefighters who met Joshua, and about 50 leather-clad bikers sitting on Harleys that roared like they had jet engines inside them.

Last Week Was the Best Week

Last week was amazing. The Supreme Court delivered two major victories to move our country forward, the President exhibited strength and eloquence in the aftermath of a tragedy, and a young woman of unparalleled courage graced us with her presence.

Prescriptions for Equal Access to Excellent Education

It has now been 60 years since the U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision to provide education equity for all children. But race and income still too often dictate the quality of the educational experience. These issues apply in our 31 school districts in Santa Clara County.

2013: The Year in Review

The year 2013 will be remembered for its political turmoil, local and nationwide. A former county supervisor went to jail and the spotlight subsequently landed on his political buddy, a San Jose councilman. The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to get married, and the president lied to the nation about domestic spying. San Jose Inside runs down the list of stories that caught our attention this year.

Marriage Ruling Prompts Celebration

Arlene Rusche (left) and her soon-to-be-wife Clara Brock at a marriage equality rally outside San Jose City Hall.
Arlene Rusche, 73, never expected to live long enough to have the option of legally marrying her partner.

“At my age, you begin to think you’re running out of time,” said the Santa Clara resident. “But then I heard the news and tears of joy just rolled down my face. Lots of tears. Then I turned to her, my partner, and I asked her, ‘Does this mean I can marry you now?’”

Rusche and her newly minted fiancé and partner of 22 years, 86-year-old Clara Brock, celebrated Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down DOMA and Prop. 8 at an evening rally outside San Jose’s City Hall.  About 300 people gathered in the downtown plaza, including politicians, community leaders, activists, gay couples who plan to tie the knot and gay couples who married when the California Supreme Court briefly allowed it back in 2008. Celebrants held up signs with messages like, “Keep calm and gay marry” and “Out and about.”

Resolution on Citizens United Case Goes to San Jose City Council

As lawmakers around the county urge Congress to create a constitutional amendment to overturn the controversial Citizens United decision, the City Council on Tuesday may vote in favor of supporting a resolution to overturn the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case. Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include lawsuit settlements, a new contract for Microsoft software and state taxes.