Politics

Local government and nonprofit leaders in Santa Clara County are bracing for the impact of proposed federal budget cuts that could dramatically reshape public services, potentially leaving thousands of vulnerable residents without critical healthcare, social services and support programs. “Cutting Medicaid funding would be a...

The family of Don Gage has scheduled an upcoming funeral mass and a celebration of life in honor of the former mayor of Gilroy, who died March 25 at age 79.  A funeral mass for Gage will take place at 10am April 5 at St....

Lorraine Barke, former mayor and longtime community leader in Morgan Hill, died March 5. She was 87. Born in Illinois to Alexander and Emily Furtek, Barke spent most of her adult life in Morgan Hill with her husband Bernard, where they would grow into outsized...

Don Gage—a South County icon of politics and a beloved member of the Gilroy community—died on March 25 at age 79.  Gage’s political career started in 1981 and spanned a range of local offices and specialties. He served as a Gilroy City Council member from...

After celebrating the holidays with her family and recovering from a bout of Covid, Zoe Lofgren flew back to Washington, DC on Jan. 2 to begin her new term representing California’s 18th Congressional District in the US Congress. The district follows Highway 101 from...

California lawmakers in 2024 introduced 4,821 bills, but most of them were tossed or otherwise rejected during the months-long legislative process during which most never saw the light of day. Just 1,206 made it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, with 1,017 getting signed into law...

Two new Morgan Hill City Council members, the new City Treasurer and the reelected mayor were sworn in for office at the Dec. 11 council meeting.  Miriam T. Vega and Soraida Iwanaga took their seats at the dais—for council districts A and C, respectively—following the...

Morgan Hill’s two new city council members and city treasurer, as well as the re-elected mayor, will be sworn in at an inauguration ceremony at 6pm Dec. 11 at council chambers at 17555 Peak Ave.  Sworn in will be Mayor Mark Turner, Council member-elect Miriam...

The leaders of the state Legislature have a message for voters: We know you’re frustrated with how expensive California is—and we’re going to fix it. After a painful election that sparked recriminations and soul searching among Democrats across the country, state Senate President Pro Tem...

Robert Rivas, who represents 29th California district, was re-elected this week as Speaker of the California State Assembly.  Rivas, of Hollister, now begins his second year as Assembly Speaker following a unanimous vote by his Democratic colleagues on Dec. 2.  “I am filled with great pride...