In the last century, George Orwell predicted that government and corporate power centers would use propaganda to hoodwink citizens and obscure the truth. Recent developments in SV show he was spot on.

February, 2028

Dear Neighbor,
We are writing as a courtesy rather than a requirement. Our Los Altos–based real estate development firm has purchased the house next door to you, as well as another home further down your block.

Our intention is to utilize the City of San Jose’s updated General Plan, which now permits higher-density development across all single-family neighborhoods. 

Project 1 (Next Door): Because your neighbor's property features a 9,000-square-foot lot, current regulations allow up to 16 new housing units. We plan to maximize this parcel with a three-story complex consisting of a primary multi-family building alongside a mix of attached and detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

Yesterday’s split City Council vote (6-4 opposing the 2/3-voter requirement for new local taxes in Prop 43) shows that more and more SJ city councilmembers are uncomfortable coercing their over-taxed constituents to sign up for even more new levies.

Why won't the SJ Merc acknowledge that subsidies pay for "affordable" housing?

This week's contentious SJ City conversation on upzoning daylights a core question: is zoning a state-wide, county-wide, city-wide, or neighborhood-wide question? It's a debate that goes back to a 1926 Supreme Court decision upholding zoning in Arizona. Various voices continue to disagree, as the long Tuesday night debate revealed--from SJ electeds to academics

Why do local gov'ts appear to ignore citizen input and favor big, moneyed interests? Academics and community leaders explore, below.

Voters across the country are seeing modest, short-term transit proposals or outright rejecting new tax hikes. But the Bay Area’s Transit Industrial Complex is trying to muscle through a mammoth, regressive sales tax to bail out local transit agencies. Thunder Parley, CIO, Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit, reviews just how extreme our local regional transit measure truly is.

Support for the Bay Area's troubled Regional Transit Tax is fading, as fresh, acute critiques challenge the proposed bailout of local transit agencies. Reports from Merc and SJ Spotlight, below. 

Polls showing plummeting support for potential new taxes prompts city to back off on new levy. Mtn View Voice explains