SJ Mercury editorial writers have contorted themselves into some odd rhetorical positions to justify going all-in on lefty labor candidates in the SJ Council races, all the while dissing candidates supported by moderate groups like Common Good. But is it too much to ask that at least they get some basic facts right--like acknowledging that D6 CM and third place mayoral candidate Dev Davis is still on the council?
Read MoreLast year, San Jose gov’t promised to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Retired lawyer and think tank commentator John H. Hinderaker digs into the lofty—if not impossible—goal of achieving carbon neutrality through substitutionary wind/solar energy. Across the U.S., increased wind and solar have hardly reduced carbon emissions; and their intermittency demands additional power from reliable (not “green”) sources, suggesting that going zero carbon actually proliferates GHGs.
Read MoreThe SCC dropped its zero dollar bail policy amid evidence of skyrocketed local violent crime. However, catch-and-release supporters fiercely insist that releasing criminals pre-trial doesn’t lead to increased violent crime. A Fresno County press release, about a local’s repeated offenses made possible by zero bail—including rape and assault with a deadly weapon—suggests otherwise.
Read MoreAt a recent councilmember campaign event, we heard local labor-backed polls suggest that the likely increase in voters in the general election will boost lefties' chances, as Hispanic voters (he suggested they're the new voters) will trend progressive. Um, not true—according to national and local trends. Ruy Teixeria of the American Enterprise Institute explains.
Read MoreDr. Robert Malone analyzed the dangers of (post)modern journalism at an event organized by the Liberty Forum of Silicon Valley and Values Advocacy Coalition. While citizens instinctively expect the media to spread truth, some schools of thought—particularly “advocacy journalism”—instead filter the truth to achieve fixed goals. Quotes from Dr. Malone’s talk below.
Read MoreAt a Silicon Valley Association of Republican Women (SVARW) event, local changemaker Jane Kearney (VP of Programs of Silicon Valley-based Liberty Forum, as well as clinical psychologist) examines repercussions of recent restrictive yet inconsistent COVID-19 lockdowns. This pandemic may be functionally almost over, but the consequences of ever-changing governance live on, suggests Kearney.
Read MoreSwitching 100% to renewable energy increases residents’ electricity prices, increases California’s reliance on other states’ (and countries’) power sources, and decreases energy reliability to intermittent at best. Mexico’s leadership was wise when it “pulled the plug” on green energy in 2020, choosing more affordable/practical natural gas power, posits Ronald Stein. In Fox & Hounds Daily, Stein asserts that California should follow in Mexico’s footsteps.
Read MoreAs San Jose is exploring whether to follow in the footsteps of cities like San Francisco and New York City and expand voting liberties to noncitizens, advocates claim in the SJ Spotlight that their stance is constitutionally supported by “no taxation without representation.” Jeff Duncan breaks down pro-noncitizen voting lobby’s commonly refrained—yet insufficient—rationale in the National Review.
Read MoreDespite high nationwide pandemic-era membership, labor unions are losing workers big time. Why haven’t unions remained the powerhouses of Santa Clara County’s employed workforce? Multiple sources below untangle Labor’s fall from grace for the local citizen.
Read MoreFrom 2020–2021, San Jose church Calvary Chapel was slapped with record-high fines for disobeying SCC’s COVID mandates. Recently, the local appeals court dropped over $200,000 in Calvary’s fines, calling the contempt-of-court charges “unconstitutional.” Opp Now spoke with several Californian attorneys—including Calvary’s own—about what this case means for the government–community relationship, and discovered a complex legal thicket.
Read MoreDuring recent years’ disastrous rolling blackouts, Gov. Newsom promised to partner with businesses to work towards a solution. This amounted to Newsom asking businesses to reduce electricity use. Breaking down California’s “energy crisis,” Fox & Hounds Daily editor Joel Fox argues that a true solution will involve both natural and renewable energy sources, so businesses can stably continue normal operations—and not have to turn off the lights.
Read MoreAB 257, currently being considered in the Senate, purports to protect fast food employees by guaranteeing fair wages. However, the California Policy Center team claims that by capitalizing on workers’ rights platforms, the bill distracts attention from its end result: unionizing statewide fast food restaurants. CPC argues the dangers of AB 257 for businesses, workers, and California’s already-precarious economy.
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