More in Silicon Valley than perhaps anywhere else, we wrestle with what being “human” means amidst technological advancements, AI debates, and a fast-moving culture. Below, Opp Now gathered exclusive perspectives from art faculty on this fundamental conflict of “authentic” vs. “technical”—and overcoming it, with our hands, our eyes, and our fellowship with others across space and time.
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Many folks read San Jose news and feel they're manipulating our emotions for engagement—whether via “rage bait” or shallow fan service. (No wonder San Jose pols are turning to film and fiction for wisdom!) On Substack, documentarian Michael Nayna argues media shouldn't see its consumers as profit machines or moldable clay, but fellow thinkers.
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Our very own editor Lauren Oliver celebrates San Jose's first fall rain, below, with an elegant two-stanza poem that recalls the exquisite, otherworldly feelings of wonder we have after a storm's passed. An Opp Now exclusive.
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Phew. Another election on the books. Over the next week, we'll be highlighting Opp Now contributors' exclusive takes on (local and statewide) Nov. 2024 wins, flops, and possible next steps. Today, we feature delightful eye-openers from: HJTA's Susan Shelley, Independent Leadership Group's Irene Smith, SJ Housing Commissioner Roberta Moore, and former Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou.
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San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and Irene Smith (runner-up in 2022 D3 council election) call for a special election to determine who will occupy the now-vacant position.
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Palo Alto councilmember Greg Tananka says that local governments should not ignore the real message of the November 5 election: The People want lean, efficient government. An Opp Now exclusive.
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California has enough rainfall to address local droughts, claims CPC's water policy director Edward Ring—but the State regularly and wastefully dumps water into SF Bay to try to save the Delta smelt fish. Why, decades after this program began, is the smelt fish population no better off—while Bay Areans are being forced into strict water rationing? From a 9.4 newsletter.
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Political analyst Kira Davis explains, via X, why SCC is (you heard this right) still counting ballots and determining winners a week after Election Day. Since CA legally prohibits ID verification at the polls, volunteers must painstakingly—and often subjectively, Davis claims—verify signatures, one at a time.
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Just like in the Bay Area, Fresno leads with the carrot. This Central Valley city has ramped up housing programs and social services, which help get people off the street. Even folks who don’t at first comply are given every opportunity, in order to avoid jail. But, as SF Chronicle’s Kevin Fagan reports, some "continuously service-resistant" people could still end up behind bars.
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Fremont let its homeless population double to over 1,000 between 2019 and 2022. Now, facing potential funding cuts from Sacramento, their City Council is targeting "perma-parkers." Outreach teams already visit homeless encampments to offer housing, but City Attorney Rafael Alvarado points out that parking must be banned on certain streets (e.g., next to school playgrounds) to avoid future safety emergencies. SJ Merc’s Kyle Martin reports.
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Kyle Martin of Mercury News notes that Fremont’s homeless population doubled from 2019 to 2022, going from 608 to 1,026. The East Bay City is starting to implement solutions proven in SF to reduce chronic homelessness.
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San Francisco's mayor-elect will inherit a massive budget deficit, a downtown in a Doom Loop, chronic crime and homelessness. Oh, did we forget to mention a federal branch that is probably not gonna be real friendly? SF Standard's Joe Rodriguez explores.
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