San Jose's New Google Development Advisory Group

Recently, the Law Foundation, along with 38 other organizations, was appointed to the newly created Station Area Advisory Group (SAAG) formed by San Jose City Council to provide input on the Google development project near the Diridon Station. The SAAG has representation from various parts of our community, including the business sector, school districts, neighborhood associations, and community groups.

The Law Foundation hopes our participation will lead to outcomes that prevent the displacement of low-income communities in San Jose from the place they call home. We will continue to be a leader in advocating for an inclusive Silicon Valley and to bring front and center the crisis of unmanaged gentrification and the displacement of low-income families in Silicon Valley.

Quick Ways You Can Advance Justice

A Gift for You
As the holiday season quickly approaches, we want to make sure that you stay informed about the social issues affecting our community with a few special recommendations ranging from books, podcasts, articles, and even documentaries from some of our closest supporters! Keep an eye out for our emails coming in December, each with a new recommendation to share with your friends, colleagues, and family. 

After Thanksgiving, Join Us for Giving Tuesday on November 28
After Black Friday and Cyber Monday comes Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to giving back to your local community. Mark your calendar for November 28 and join us on this national day of giving to help provide crucial, life-changing legal services in Silicon Valley.

With you on our side, we've fought against housing discrimination, secured safe and stable homes for foster children and youth facing abuse and neglect, and we've advocated for patients' rights and affordable healthcare. Help us continue this life-changing work; give for justice this #GivingTuesday and make a donation to the Law Foundation on November 28th. Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues to join you and match your gift to make an even bigger impact in your community!

If you just can't wait for the big day, visit our donation page today to get a head-start on the giving season. 

Advocating for Stronger Rent Protections

Photo by Ramona Giwargis, Bay Area News Group

Earlier this week, the San Jose City Council voted on whether or not to tie rent increases for rent-controlled units to the cost of living, capped at 5%. The Law Foundation, along with partners at the Silicon Valley Renters' Rights Coalition, packed into City Hall to defend past rent and tenant protection victories and urged City Council to vote "yes" on the measure to help stabilize rents for families in San Jose. 

The vote was close, but unfortunately, the City Council did not move forward with a measure to tie rent increases for rent-controlled apartments to the cost of living. However, tenants and community members successfully organized against landlords' attempts to water down San Jose's Apartment Rent Ordinance and Tenant Protection Ordinance, crucial housing protections for over 400,000 tenants in San Jose.

Many thanks to Council Members Sergio Jimenez, Raul Peralez, Don Rocha, Magdalena Carrasco, Tam Nguyen, and Sylvia Arenas for their support. The fight to preserve renter protections in San Jose continues next Spring 2018, when the Apartment Rent Ordinance returns to Council. See you there!  

Learn more about San Jose City Council's vote from The Mercury News.