Category: Business

Governor Brown, Mayor Reed and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Shirakawa announce expansion of Samsung Semiconductor Inc.

Governor Brown, Mayor Reed and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Shirakawa announce expansion of Samsung Semiconductor Inc.

As employment numbers continue to struggle in the South Bay, elected officials announce a new corporate partnership.

La Oferta Newspaper Rack Found in San Jose Mercury News Recycling Bin

La Oferta Newspaper Rack Found in San Jose Mercury News Recycling Bin

The San Jose Police Department verified that newspaper racks of several Bay Area publications, including La Oferta, were found in the recycling bin located behind the building of the San Jose Mercury News.

Same Jobs, Less Money. Why Wouldn’t San Jose Raise the Wage?

Same Jobs, Less Money. Why Wouldn’t San Jose Raise the Wage?

Having worked in both San Francisco, where minimum wage jobs pay $10.00 an hour, and in San Jose, where employers only have to pay $8.00 an hour, Anthony Mastracola shares his view on the impact the two dollar difference can make for youth and families.

Challenge to the Mayor: You Try Living on $8.50 an Hour

Challenge to the Mayor: You Try Living on $8.50 an Hour

San Jose resident Ookie Robinson pens a letter to the Mayor, explaining why supporting a minimum wage increase is not only smart, it's also necessary for survival in San Jose.

Flea Market Hustlin'

Flea Market Hustlin'

Immigrants of all backgrounds and ages come to the San Jose Flea Market to sell their goods to survive and create their own American Dream -- to be their own boss. Commentator Manuel Rocha shares his story of working at the Flea Market as a young man, selling shoulder to shoulder with elders from around the globe.

Multicultural Boomer Power Flexes Creative Business Muscle in Silicon Valley

Multicultural Boomer Power Flexes Creative Business Muscle in Silicon Valley

New-tech entrepreneurs met in Silicon Valley to show innovations from preventing arthritis degeneration to helping with eldercare for families of many cultures.

American Dreaming in Downtown San Jose

American Dreaming in Downtown San Jose

Chinese immigrants share their tale of coming to America with next to nothing, how they were taught to make burritos from Mexican immigrants, and their "second home" Peking House Restaurant where they serve the San Jose community -- from longtime regular customers to homeless in the area.

UNITE HERE Hotel Workers Share Their Voices on Historic Double Tree Strike

UNITE HERE Hotel Workers Share Their Voices on Historic Double Tree Strike

Over 250 Doubletree Hotel workers returned to the job on Friday, June 8 after a successful 4-day strike.

Silicon Valley Suicide Reverberates in Chinese Blogosphere

Silicon Valley Suicide Reverberates in Chinese Blogosphere

The suicide of a Chinese-American software engineer in Silicon Valley shocked the Bay Area Chinese-American community and sparked discussions in China's blogosphere.

As Eldercare Grows, So Do Labor Battles

As Eldercare Grows, So Do Labor Battles

Aging boomers will heighten demand for eldercare, and poor pay and job conditions are prompting unions to organize home care and nursing home workers.

Calif. Schools Lead the Way Preparing Next Generation of Workers: Latino

Calif. Schools Lead the Way Preparing Next Generation of Workers: Latino

For the first time this past year, more Latino students than white students applied for admission to California State University’s 23 campuses. These numbers not only reflect the growing Latino population, but the impact of early education programs.

New Program Aims to Close Digital Divide for Minorities

New Program Aims to Close Digital Divide for Minorities

Studies show that as the nation is becoming increasingly digital, more minority families are being left behind due to limited or no Internet access at home. Seeking to bridge the divide, Comcast Cable recently launched an Internet Essentials program during its inaugural Youth Tech Summit and Expo held recently in San Francisco.

Occupy Wall Street. Occupy San Jose. A Night with the Resistance.

Occupy Wall Street. Occupy San Jose. A Night with the Resistance.

After spending a night in the tents, author Marco Reyes comments on the significance of the Occupy Wall Street movement locally in San Jose, and what the movement means in the backdrop of history.

The Passing of an iCon — A Young Immigrant Reflects on How Steve Jobs Opened a World That Once Seemed Out of Reach

The Passing of an iCon — A Young Immigrant Reflects on How Steve Jobs Opened a World That Once Seemed Out of Reach

Adrian Avila, a young self-taught graphic designer, writes about how Steve Jobs was a catalyst to realizing his dreams and shows the connection between technological innovators and the working poor, many of whom are immigrants.

Inside the Shadow Economy — Touch Me for Money, Life as a Male Escort

Inside the Shadow Economy — Touch Me for Money, Life as a Male Escort

When "Edward" needs cash fast he relies on the one thing he has complete control over: his body.

Bad Teeth a Barrier to Health and Jobs

Bad Teeth a Barrier to Health and Jobs

A dental clinic for low-income Californians gives hope to some, but exposes painful, costly state and federal policies.

Green Jobs: A Promise Unfulfilled

Green Jobs: A Promise Unfulfilled

Green job-training initiatives implemented during Obama's presidency have fallen far short of the hype.

Music in the Park -- A Eulogy to a San Jose Tradition

Music in the Park -- A Eulogy to a San Jose Tradition

This summer, De-Bug and the San Jose Downtown Association teamed up to provide activities for youth at the weekly concerts. The collaboration was a tremendous success, but still the historic event may be coming to a close.

California is Closer to a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

California is Closer to a Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

On August 15th the California Senate Appropriations Committee will decide whether California has the funds to pass the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, AB889, giving the estimated 200,000 nannies, housekeepers, and caregivers worker protections. Local members of the California Domestic Workers Coalition met with the office of Sen. Alquist to urge her to support the bill.

Faber’s Cyclery: San Jose’s Renown Cycle Shop Nears the Century Mark

Faber’s Cyclery: San Jose’s Renown Cycle Shop Nears the Century Mark

One of the longest standing small business’s in San Jose, Faber’s Cyclery has become a hub for Bay Area bicycle enthusiasts. Photographer Bernardo Grijalva captures the scenes of Faber’s – the people, the bikes, the community.

California: Ground Zero for America’s Foreclosure Crisis

California: Ground Zero for America’s Foreclosure Crisis

After foreclosure, homeowners pick up the pieces and re-imagine the California dream of homeownership.

Should Cities Cut Police Services to Balance Their Budgets?

 Should Cities Cut Police Services to Balance Their Budgets?

For the first time in San Jose history, the San Jose Police Department just laid-off over 100 officers due to the strained city budget. India Currents writers debate the notion of cutting police budgets to balance budgets.

Abercrombie & Fitch Sued Over Muslim Employee’s Hijab

Abercrombie & Fitch Sued Over Muslim Employee’s Hijab

Former Abercrombie and Fitch employee, Hani Khan, says she was told she had to take her hijab off at work. When she refused, she was fired.

Calif. Homeowners Left to Fight Foreclosure on Their Own

Calif. Homeowners Left to Fight Foreclosure on Their Own

In the absence of government support, homeowners facing foreclosure are taking things into their own hands.

Best Weapons Against Anti-Immigration Bills: Inter-Ethnic Coalitions, Economy

Best Weapons Against Anti-Immigration Bills: Inter-Ethnic Coalitions, Economy

As states across the country look to enact their own immigration laws, the immigration debate has shifted to state capitols.

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Looking Back, Looking Forward

The publisher of India Currents shares her reflections on building a community institution, and the possibilities that lay ahead.

Going Off The Track – the Slow Disappearance of Caltrain

Going Off The Track – the Slow Disappearance of Caltrain

A longtime Caltrian rider reports on how budget cuts is threatening the services from San Jose to San Francisco.

Student Body Presidents: Budget Cuts Threaten Dream of a Higher Education

Student Body Presidents: Budget Cuts Threaten Dream of a Higher Education

High school student body presidents in the Bay Area say budget cutbacks are damaging their shot at a college education.

Taxpayer Beware: Predatory Lenders Want a Piece of Your Refund

Taxpayer Beware: Predatory Lenders Want a Piece of Your Refund

Walmart has teamed up with Jackson Hewitt, the tax preparation company, to offer "refund anticipation loans"—a scam that may target low-income minority communities.

Stopping Deportations Before They Start ⎯ How Advocates Can Protect Immigrants Facing Criminal Charges

Stopping Deportations Before They Start  ⎯  How Advocates Can Protect Immigrants Facing Criminal Charges

On the heels of the one-year anniversary of a historic Supreme Court decision, attorney Angie Junck and organizer Raj Jayadev share lessons learned from a case of a San Jose man who beat a deportation order.

Malia Movement Company

Malia Movement Company

March is International Women's Month, and De-Bug will be highlighting women leaders in the Bay Area as a month long series. The first installment features the Malia Movement Company — a collective of female artists, dancers, and creators committed to being "fabulous."

SJ Made – Pop-Up Market Highlights Local Entrepreneurs

SJ Made – Pop-Up Market Highlights Local Entrepreneurs

T-shirt designers, jewelry-makers, and an assortment of other creative vendors created their own pop-up market in downtown San Jose – giving the community a chance to come together and shop local.

Training With a Green Consciousness

Training With a Green Consciousness

The Obama administration has focused on pushing green technology development. At the Center for Employment Training (CET), students learn practical skills needed in today's job market, while learning how to work on hybrid cars and how to install solar panels.

City Council Receives Letter Explaining Why Outside Candidate Is Best Choice for Top Cop

City Council Receives Letter Explaining Why Outside Candidate Is Best Choice for Top Cop

Days before news broke that the City Manager had picked the Interim Chief Moore as the next San Jose Police Chief, CJA sent a letter detailing why Chief Batts was most qualified to meet their community criteria. The City Council is expected to make their decisions regarding Chief Moore on Tuesday.

South Bay Music on the Rise — Interview with 408 Inc. Founder Playa Rae

South Bay Music on the Rise — Interview with 408 Inc. Founder Playa Rae

Music entrepreneur Playa Rae has been a driving force for local artists to be heard and to gain attention in larger markets beyond San Jose.

You Meet the Nicest People Making Video Games

You Meet the Nicest People Making Video Games

Filmmaker La Mar Williams profiles the lives of video game creators who are crafting out new media platforms.

Minority Small Businesses Pack Summit for Loan Help

Minority Small Businesses Pack Summit for Loan Help

A recent summit on entrepreneurship and small business growth in Silicon Valley, organized by the White House Initiative on AAPIs aimed to provide information on federal aid and programs to help them succeed.

The Caravan — A San Jose Underground Music Institution

The Caravan — A San Jose Underground Music Institution

With venues coming and going in San Jose, one has remained as an open outlet for local music talent, a place where you can catch a great show every week.

Cannery Park Entrepreneurs — Making Shopping Local Look Good

Cannery Park Entrepreneurs — Making Shopping Local Look Good

Cannery Park, located near Japantown, has emerged as a hub for a generation of new, innovative cultural business owners. De-Bug attended a collective showing to discuss their local businesses.

Employment Scams: When Jobs Are Too Good To Be True

Employment Scams: When Jobs Are Too Good To Be True

With young people desperate for jobs, many have fallen victim to job scams – seemingly great employment opportunities that turn out to be hustles. De-Bug writers share experiences of getting jobs that were, in fact, too good to be true.

Commercial Free Holiday Season in the South Bay

Commercial Free Holiday Season in the South Bay

In the scramble of holiday consumerism, some Bay Area stores and advocates are trying to separate authentic gift giving from corporate-driven buying.

To the New Police Chief: Communicate to the People of San Jose, Not Just the Politicians

To the New Police Chief: Communicate to the People of San Jose, Not Just the Politicians

In 2006, Art Calderon's father, who was 68 at the time, was beaten by SJPD officers. The Calderon family was given a $97,500 settlement by the city of San Jose as a result. In episode #5 of this series, Art Calderon Jr. speaks about how the new chief can create new positive relationships in the Latino community.

South Asian Truck Drivers Struggle Under Costs of New Regulations

South Asian Truck Drivers Struggle Under Costs of New Regulations

In Northern California, being a truck driver is a common profession of choice for many South Asians. Current changes to state regulations is putting a squeeze on their ability to make a living.

Dream Act or No: I Will Still Dream On

Dream Act or No: I Will Still Dream On

An undocumented immigrant writes, "The way I look at it , I don’t need the DREAM Act for me to live my American dream. I will always be a dreamer, no matter what."

Should Four Loko Be Banned? Youth Responses to the Caffeinated Alcohol Drink

Should Four Loko Be Banned? Youth Responses to the Caffeinated Alcohol Drink

The alcoholic energy drink Four Loko has generated national controversy after a repudiation from the FDA and has been banned in several states. Critics say the drink targets underage youth and offers a dangerous mix of caffeine and potent amount of alcohol. In this article, San Jose youth give their opinion on the drink that has been called "blackout in a can."

Quán Nhậu: The Secret Bars of San Jose

Quán Nhậu: The Secret Bars of San Jose

Hidden from view in East Side neighborhoods are Vietnamese restaurant bars frequented only by those in the know. De-Bug writer Patrick Thanh An Ngô gives us a rundown of what these establishments are and who goes there.

A "Quality" American Job: When Carly Fiorina Was My Boss

A "Quality" American Job: When Carly Fiorina Was My Boss

Senate candidate Carly Fiorina often cites her experience as the former CEO of HP to promote her platform of economic growth and job creation. But one former HP temp worker recalls his experience of low wages, no benefits, or job security under Fiorina's leadership — to challenge Fiorina's definition of a "quality job."

Whitman’s Hypocrisy Reflects America’s Treatment of Latinos

Whitman’s Hypocrisy Reflects America’s Treatment of Latinos

When California Governor candidate Meg Whitman was found to have employed an undocumented immigrant, many of the public expressed shock. Commentator Gil Villigran says what was exposed in the Whitman home speaks to a legacy of how immigrants are treated in this country.

Health Care Law — What's in it for Small Businesses?

Health Care Law — What's in it for Small Businesses?

Health care reform law experts answer questions from small business owners about policy and their obligations as employers.

Age Discrimination Is Silicon Valley's Dirty Little Secret

Age Discrimination Is Silicon Valley's Dirty Little Secret

In the tech world, the older you are, the less likely you'll be hired as an engineer. Silicon Valley companies don't care about your experience; they care about their pocketbooks, according to commentator Vivek Wadhwa, and hiring younger, inexperienced engineers saves them money.

SJ Beez Celebrates First San Jose Multicultural Media Network

SJ Beez Celebrates First San Jose Multicultural Media Network

We did it! SJ Beez held its first mixer and celebrated being the only multicultural media network in San Jose.

I'm a Scrapper — The Art of Turning Metal into Money

I'm a Scrapper — The Art of Turning Metal into Money

With employment prospects looking grim, some have turned to alternative means to earn income. One young commentator writes about the craft of "scrapping" which allows her to pull in a great income — that is if she doesn't get caught.

Immigrant Rights Groups Flex Voting Power for Upcoming Ballot

Immigrant Rights Groups Flex Voting Power for Upcoming Ballot

A multi-ethnic coalition has launched "Immigrant Vote!," a statewide effort to help immigrant communities be heard on the November 2nd ballot. They will be campaigning for Proposition 24 and 25, as well as Santa Clara County's Measure A.

Rebirth Through Finding a New Job

Rebirth Through Finding a New Job

With youth unemployment reaching an astounding high, one commentator talks about the feeling of being reborn through finally finding the ever elusive job.

A Clown's Life in San Jose

A Clown's Life in San Jose

Oscar Liendo, a 27-year-old clown from Texas, says that being a clown is an art form. He performs with the Ringling Bros., who recently toured the Bay Area.

Mexican Consulate Teams Up With Officials and Labor Leaders to Host Labor Rights Week

Mexican Consulate Teams Up With Officials and Labor Leaders to Host Labor Rights Week

The Mexican Consulate is recognizing Labor Rights Week from August 30 to September 6. Together with key city agencies, officials and the Department of Labor, the consulate is offering panel discussions, labor workshops and assistance to the community all week.

Tropicana Center Persists and Thrives in the Heart of Eastside San Jose

Tropicana Center Persists and Thrives in the Heart of Eastside San Jose

Eight years ago, the Tropicana Center, comprised of immigrant small business owners, faced being destroyed by City redevelopment plans. But the store owners and the community united, fought back, and are now doing better than ever.

Indian Rickshaws Pull Ahead With Social Entrepreneurship

Indian Rickshaws Pull Ahead With Social Entrepreneurship

Global business guru C.K. Prahalad had long argued that profit and social development should not be seen as oil and water. Today, “social entrepreneurship” has become an important development to help some of the poorest groups in the world like the rickshaw pullers in India.

Is the Metro PCS Television Commercial Racist?

Is the Metro PCS Television Commercial Racist?

Two views on whether the recent Metro PCS commercial starring two Indian characters, Ranjit and Chad, is harmless fun or racial stereotyping

Mmm Chaat! Indian Street Food Hits Bay Area

Mmm Chaat! Indian Street Food Hits Bay Area

Nutritious, delicious, and filling comfort food from the streets of India is redefining the country’s cuisine in the United States.

Hindu Scripture For Travelers

 Hindu Scripture For Travelers

At many hotels and motels in San Jose and other locations across the country, travelers can now find in their nightstands copies of the Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Hindu text of wisdom originated from India.

Silicon Valley Labor Advocates Connect San Jose Workers to South Korea

Silicon Valley Labor Advocates Connect San Jose Workers to South Korea

As Silicon Valley high-tech firms expand their production operations across the globe, local labor leaders are building international ties to elevate global health and safety standards in the industry.

Eastside Groups Protest Bank of America

Eastside Groups Protest Bank of America

Local advocacy group People Acting in Community Together, joined by local faith organizations and city council candidates, rallied community members to divest from Bank of America.

When the Woman is Boss

When the Woman is Boss

Farhana Huq Brings her Immigrant Women’s Entrepreneurial Program “CEO Women” to San Jose to offer language, financial literacy and entrepreneurial training.

Shorty Fatz: The Art of Bicycle Making

Shorty Fatz: The Art of Bicycle Making

Sitting on two wheels has never looked so good. Shorty Fatz, a San Jose-based design and manufacturing company owned by two young entrepreneurs, has evolved into the creator of some of the most innovative and sought-after low-rider bicycle frames in the industry.

 
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