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The article reports that VTA bus service will resume following the end of a strike by union workers, with full operations expected to return over the next few days. The union, representing 1,500 workers, continues to negotiate a new contract after rejecting VTA's wage increase offer. Although bus services are set to restart, light rail operations will take longer due to necessary inspections and repairs.
A Santa Clara County judge has ordered members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 to return to work, effectively ending a 17-day strike that halted bus and light rail services. The ruling, made by Superior Court Judge Daniel Nishigaya, supports the VTA's argument that the strike breached their contract. While negotiations for a new contract will continue, VTA officials are uncertain about the timeline for resuming services.
Sunnyvale's Public Safety Chief, Phan Ngo, is set to retire at the end of April after eight years of service, during which he enhanced community trust and led the department through the COVID-19 crisis. His career in law enforcement spans 36 years, emphasizing community engagement and representation. The city will conduct a nationwide search for Ngo's replacement, with input from residents on desired qualifications for the new chief.
The San Jose City Council has approved a fee program allowing the Fire Department to charge $427 per trip for emergency medical services starting January 1, 2026. This initiative aims to align San Jose with other California fire agencies that already implement similar fees, responding to increased demand for medical services. While the program is designed to support the fire department's budget, concerns remain about the financial burden on uninsured residents.
VTA bus drivers and light rail operators in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly rejected a new contract offer, which included a wage increase but also proposed changes to previously agreed-upon contract terms. The rejection, with 83% of union members voting against it, has left thousands of commuters scrambling for alternatives as the strike continues. Union President Raj Singh criticized the agency for attempting to stall negotiations.
Nearly 200 healthcare workers in Santa Clara County, including clinical lab scientists and medical technicians, have initiated a strike from March 24 to March 28. The strike impacts several hospitals and public health labs as union leaders dispute new contract language proposed by the county, which they argue could limit their ability to strike and alter their work assignments. County officials are under pressure to restore critical healthcare services amid a significant budget deficit.
A Santa Clara County Court upheld Richard Farley's death sentence for a 1988 mass shooting at ESL Incorporated, rejecting a petition for resentencing to life without parole. Victims' testimonies influenced Judge Benjamin Williams's decision, emphasizing a community stance against leniency for mass murderers.
The article by Brandon Pho highlights the impact of the historic VTA worker strike on commuters relying on public transit in Silicon Valley. With bus and light rail services halted, many commuters are left stranded, facing the choice between long walks or costly Uber rides. This situation underscores the challenges of transit connectivity in a car-dominated region and raises concerns about the future of public transportation in the area.
Sunnyvale City Council approved a retail preservation program aimed at maintaining commercial spaces in underserved neighborhoods, specifically targeting two aging retail centers. The program offers developers a way to bypass affordable housing requirements if they commit to increasing retail space, though financial incentives remain a concern. Community members expressed fears that the redevelopment could lead to food deserts in North Sunnyvale.
San Jose firefighters will now participate in a state-funded cancer prevention and research program after initial resistance from city officials. Following advocacy from state legislators and the firefighters' union, the city reversed its decision, allowing participation in a grant under Assembly Bill 700, which aims to address rising cancer rates among firefighters. This collaboration will engage research institutions to study the effects of secondhand smoke exposure on firefighter health.