Guest view: AB 1454 shows how to improve child literacy, efficiently and effectively
Every teacher in California wants their students to be able to read. But too often, we’re not given the tools to provide effective reading instruction.
While serving as an English language arts/English language development teacher on Special Assignment for Gilroy Unified School District, our Las...
Letter: How ‘Idea Friendly’ cities are rewriting local government
Across the country, a quiet revolution is changing how small towns and cities operate. It’s not led by billion-dollar investments or top-down mandates, but by neighbors with ideas—and local governments willing to say YES.
This movement is called “Idea Friendly,” a term coined by the...
Guest view: What to know about property tax relief as fire season arrives
Anyone driving through the cities and unincorporated areas of southern Santa Clara County will immediately notice its diverse and vibrant landscape. For many, the area evokes memories of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
However, South County's location and topography also make it particularly vulnerable to...
Editorial: In tough times, let’s remember to enjoy the little things in life
Lately, it can feel like the world is weighed down with stress—global conflicts, economic uncertainty and the fast pace of everyday life. It’s easy to get caught up in the heaviness of it all. But right here in our own community, there are still...
Around Town: PJIFF welcomes two new board members as it celebrates 20 years
Mattie Scariot, Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, said she was thrilled to announce the appointment of Jon Fitzgerald and Tasja Kirkwood to the PJIFF Board of Directors during a milestone year—its 20th anniversary. Their appointments bring an exciting blend of industry...
Letter: Taxpayers cannot afford a transportation boondoggle
Open letter to Hon. Sean Duffy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation:
Re: USDOT F.R.A.'s Notice of Proposed Determination 6-4-2025
In my opinion, the reason for the failure of the CAHSRA’s high speed rail proposal is its reliance on the public sector model of transport funding as seen...
Letter: Pause Caltrain and enhance VTA bus service
I’ve seen the Caltrain South County ridership numbers: Gilroy, 100 riders per day; San Martin, 22 riders per day; Morgan Hill, 120 riders per day; Blossom Hill, 54 riders per day; Capitol, 42 riders per day.
These five stations south of Tamien are not electrified...
Editorial: Let’s end the stigma surrounding fentanyl
The fentanyl crisis is ravaging communities around the country, touching lives across every socioeconomic, racial and geographic line. Yet too often, our conversations about fentanyl overdoses are clouded by stigma, misinformation and judgment.
It’s time to change that.
Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times...
From My Perspective: Say ‘yes’ to God
This column speaks to Christians, who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are ready to hear God’s voice to live out His plan for their lives. If this is you, read on. If this is something that intrigues you, or you...
Spoking My Mind: June gloom, then VROOOM!
Before we start, a HUGE shout out to all of the fine folks who volunteered at those Bay Area Bike to Wherever energizer stations and bicycle events last month. Your time and talents made it another wonderful happening for cyclists everywhere!Onto June, which means...