Silicon Valley sheriff has made a name in her domain
Laurie Smith made history as the first woman in California to be elected sheriff. She’s been running the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office for the last 13 years, and has her sights set on 20.
Politics & Gov
Keep up with Peninsula Leaders, Legislation and Municipal Affairs
Mountain View mail carrier delivers what email can’t: a personal touch
The U.S. Postal Service is in dire financial straits. But with cheer and determination, one mail carrier in Silicon Valley is giving it all he’s got.
Dummies that teach — San Mateo firefighters train using high-tech mannequin patients
Firefighters from San Mateo County trained to treat children with medical emergencies. Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital provided realistic mannequin patients that had their own heartbeats and lung function.
Immigrant voters seek support of possible tax increase for wealthiest Californians
Phone bank volunteers in San Jose are calling 20,000 registered immigrant voters to ask if they would support a potential 2012 ballot initiative to raise taxes on the wealthiest individuals and corporations.
Long awaited, East Palo Alto’s first skate park due to open in November
Skateboarders in East Palo Alto have been practicing in the City Hall parking lot for years. But next month, East Palo Alto’s first skate park is scheduled to open.
Residents report communication lapses during Sunnyvale manhunt (PODCAST)
When a Sunnyvale neighborhood became the center of a manhunt for gunman Shareef Allman, police relied on media to update residents. But some crucial pieces of information fell through the cracks.
East Palo Alto residents demand more pedestrian safety after 6-year-old’s death
Three weeks after 6-year-old Sioreli Torres Zamora was struck and killed by a car while crossing Bay Road on her way to school, many East Palo Alto residents are pressing officials to make the city safer for pedestrians.
Local and federal officials crack down on medicinal marijuana
After 15 years of legal operation in California, medical marijuana dispensaries are now under fire as they struggle to navigate conflicting federal, state and local laws.
Late-night snack — San Jose eatery seeks permit to stay open until 3 a.m.
The owner of The Kebab Shack wants to join other restaurants near San Jose State University in staying open well past midnight. The process has been full of obstacles.