Joining and strengthening leaders to serve the common good
VIDEO: Brian Cabrera, Class XXIV, shares his thoughts on ALF
VIDEO: Kathy Yates, Class I, talks about ALF's transformative impact
Quotable Quotes
I'm a big believer in supporting amazing leaders, and you find them in this work.
That's one of the wonderful things about working locally. You get to know these terrific leaders and help them grow and have an even greater impact.
- Susan Ford Dorsey, Class XI,
President, Sand Hill Foundation
From an interview with ALF Class XXII Senior Fellow Emmett Carson, President & CEO of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, in One: Innovation through Philanthropy (Spring 2013) about her passion for philanthropy and the impact of community collaboration.
Despite being one of the wealthiest regions of the world, Silicon Valley is struggling to attract local philanthropic resources to local causes at a rate that keeps pace with other major metro areas in the United States.
- Alexa Cortes Culwell, Class XVI,
Founder & Managing Director, Philanthropy Futures
From a post on the Stanford Social Innovation Review blog (5.8.13) on the disconnect between Silicon Valley wealth and philanthropic giving.
We are becoming a community where
our teachers, our police, our firefighters,
our nurses, they can’t live with us. They
have to come in from other places.
Healthy communities have all these people living together.
- Russell Hancock, Class XX,
President & CEO, Joint Venture
Silicon Valley
From an article in The New York Times (5.2.13) on class divisions in Silicon Valley.
They go there as strangers and they leave at the end of those four days as family.
- Pat Mitchell, Class XXI,
Executive Director, Silicon Valley FACES
From a Palo Alto Online article (4.30.13) on the record-breaking 19th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund; Silicon Valley FACES received a grant for Camp Everytown, a diversity retreat for high school students.
When you get a call from the Palo Alto police that says there's a mother that has a two-year-old daughter and a six-year-old son in the rain over at Cubberley Community Center and you're able to give them a place to stay, it makes it that much rewarding.
- Paul Bains, Class XVI,
Founder & President, Project WeHOPE
From a Palo Alto Online article on the record-breaking 19th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund; Project WeHOPE received a grant to help fund the HVAC system in The Warming Shelter for the homeless in East Palo Alto.
I'm getting the impression from people in the community that they understand the police are doing the best job they can under some very difficult circumstances. At the same time, there's always room for improvement.
- LaDoris Cordell, Class VIII,
City of San Jose Independent
Police Auditor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.22.13) on a new report showing that the San Jose Police Department received 7% fewer complaints despite a decrease in the number of officers and a rise in crime.
This is the field where I found my life’s calling, applying technology to meet critical needs of society, where the market is likely to fail.
- Jim Fruchterman, Class XXI,
Founder & CEO, Benetech
From his remarks to the American Foundation for the Blind’s National Leadership Conference on receiving the 2013 Migel Medal for exemplifying exceptional accomplishments in service to the blind and visually impaired.
We really want to retain the Mercury News headquarters in San Jose. And we want to see a jobs-related use at their current site. We would not want to see housing there.
- Kim Walesh, Class XVIII,
Director of Economic Development and Chief Strategist
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.16.13) on the sale of the Mercury News property.
This great law has been greatly abused.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
CEO & President, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.8.13) on the stalled momentum of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
If you have everyone thinking like an owner, you have better company.
- Iris Harrell, Class XXIV,
CEO, Harrell Remodeling
From a story in the Mountain View Voice (4.4.13) on Iris Harrell's plan to have her employees eventually own her company.
I think San Jose has so much potential. That’s what’s inspired me about living downtown....A lot of people with great ideas and energy can make a difference.
- Connie Martinez, Class X,
Executive Director/Managing Director & CEO, Arts Council Silicon Valley/1stACT Silicon Valley
From a profile in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (3.29.13)
This is the team that saw the need for an active ethics center in Silicon Valley and took the steps to create it. We are grateful to them for their vision.
- Kirk Hanson, Class IV,
Executive Director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University & ALF Faculty
From Sal Pizarro's column in the San Jose Mercury News (3.27.13) on The Markkula Center's 25th Anniversary Dinner honoring its founders.
We've been providing life preservers, life rafts, but we haven't been able to get people out of the water. So, this is what we're going to do to get people out of the water and safe.
- Naomi Nakano-Matsumoto,
Class XXIV,
Executive Director, West Valley Community Services
From San Jose Mercury News article (3.7.13) on Step Up Silicon Valley's 1,000 Out of Poverty Campaign in which 16 agencies have pledged to move 1,000 people out of poverty in Santa Clara County over the next 12 months.
I would like to believe that there was some debate over whether to come to the swearing in of a second-term supervisor two months into his term rather than be on Air Force Two on the way to Vatican City.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
Santa Clara County Supervisor, District V
From an article in Palo Alto Online (3.18.13) on ALF Senior Fellow Joe Simitian's Supervisorial swearing in by Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Joe Huber, rather than U.S Congresswoman Anna Eshoo. The latter is traveling to Italy as an official representative at the investiture of Pope Francis I.
What is extraordinary about Step Up Silicon Valley is that many disparate organizations serving people in need are combining forces to achieve a common goal: alleviating poverty. With its participation in Step Up, ALF is bringing its collaborative leadership model to bear against any challenges that this major community-change effort faces.
- Don Watters, Class I,
McKinsey Director Emeritus
From a press release (3.7.13) on Step Up Silicon Valley's 1,000 Out of Poverty Campaign in which 16 agencies have pledged to move 1,000 people out of poverty in Santa Clara County over the next 12 months.
There's some great savings to be had by spending some money today in order to save tens of thousands of dollars that we don't spend tomorrow. The cost now will pale in comparison to the cost due to inaction.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
Councilmember, City of San Jose
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.12.13) on a new strategy to house and help the homeless in San Jose.
Ironically, this vital aspect of training is often perceived as an 'extra' and is at risk when funding limitations dictate cutbacks. Life skills are an essential ingredient in our formula for success. My legacy will be to assure the long-term continuation of life
skills training.
- Sharon Williams, Class III,
CEO, JobTrain
From press release (2.27.13) announcing Sharon's retirement after 40 years with JobTrain (formerly OICW) in East Palo Alto.
We must act with a sense of urgency and compassion and make a commitment to our children...we must come together in dialogue and create community.
- Leon Beauchman, Class XX,
Director, Wireless Communication Initiatives, Joint Venture:
Silicon Valley Network
From an opinion published in the San Jose Mercury News (2.22.13), Martin Luther King's vision still unrealized
I am honored and delighted to join the ranks of San Jose's hometown law firm, and the leading practice in the Bay Area providing clients with an alternative to ‘big law'.
- Marcela Davison Avilés, Class XXII,
Of Counsel, Hoge Fenton & President and CEO/Executive Producer, Mexican Heritage Corp. & ¡VivaFest!
From a news release (2.19.13) announcing that Marcela Davison Avilés has joined Hoge Fenton as Of Counsel.
I have seen “forgiveness” at work, felt
it’s liberating power and, therefore, submit that it is an essential ingredient for collaborative leadership.
- Chike C. Nwoffiah, Class XXI,
Executive Director, Oriki Theater
From an ALF blog post on forgiveness (February 2013), a component of the ALF Fellows class curriculum.
We’re becoming this hourglass economy of two valleys: the haves and the have nots.
- Russell Hancock, Class XX,
President & CEO, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network
From Silicon Valley Business Journal article (2.1.13) on the release of the 2013 Silicon Valley Index.
The old boundaries just don’t apply anymore and if we continue to approach our world as if they do, we aren’t going to be successful.
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
CEO & President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From PR Web (2.5.13) article on release of 2013 Silicon Valley Index.
Diversity does not just expand the common ground of consensus. It also increases the larger group’s ability to solve problems.
- Steven Johnson,
author, father, website creator
From the book, Future Perfect: The Case for Progress in an Networked Age.
It reaffirms what we’ve known. This valley is continuing to create jobs at a rate that exceeds any other metro area in the country.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Councilmember
From an article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (1.17.13) on a new Milken Institute report in which San Jose was named the country's best performing large city in 2012.
While we applaud his involvement in cancer causes, the adulation rings hollow now when you realize he achieved his celebrity through cheating. He would not be Lance Armstrong without the drugging that allowed him to win the Tour de France so many times.
- Kirk Hanson, Class IV,
Executive Director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (1.16.13).
The Silicon Valley Business Journal — yes, we’ve changed our name to take ownership of the best business brand in the world — is a transformed publication as of today.
- James MacGregor, Class XXI,
Publisher, Silicon Valley Business Journal
From an article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (1.3.13) on the publication's total product revamp.
The basic strategy is one, never forget your home base. That means working our own Silicon Valley, Bay Area and California delegations in the House and Senate. Two, remembering who the decision-makers are — that means the chairs and ranking members of the committees of the jurisdiction.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From "How to goose innovation economy" interview in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (1.7.13).
Our trustees felt that the work he has done - running nonprofits, building organizational capacity, designing and implementing strategic philanthropic programs, and working productively with boards - will serve our family very well.
- Lisa Sonsini, Class XIV,
Board President, Sobrato
Family Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (12.12.12) announcing Rick Williams of Realize Consulting as the new CEO of the Sobrato Family Foundation.
This is a big deal. There has been some discussion within the community that the next generation may not be as involved in philanthropy, so it is very important and very symbolic that he has made this commitment.
- Kirk Hanson, Class IV,
Executive Director, Markkula Center for
Applied Ethics
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.19.12) on Mark Zuckerberg & Priscilla Chan's gift of 18M Facebook shares (valued at close to $500 million) to Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
I’m looking forward to building on Cindy’s legacy of political and organizing victories for working families.
- Ben Field, Class XXIII,
CEO, South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (12.12) on Field's new role as CEO of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council, a position previously held by ALF Senior Fellow Cindy Chavez, who will retain her role as executive director of the independently funded social change organization Working Partnerships USA.
This change really offers me the opportunity to focus on next generation public policy initiatives we're going to be working on.
- Cindy Chavez, Class XII,
Executive Director,
Working Partnerships USA
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.11.12) on Chavez' transfer of leadership as the CEO of the South Bay
AFL-CIO Labor Council to ALF Senior Fellow Ben Field. She will retain her role as
executive director of the independently funded social change organization
Working Partnerships USA.
We’ve had very good activity on the vacancy.
- Mark Ritchie, Class XIV,
President, Ritchie Commercial
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (12.3.12) on the 85% lease occupancy rate of the Fairmont Office Tower in downtown San Jose, which is currently under sales contract with an LA-based investment firm for approximately $90 million.
The Cold Weather Program provides life-saving shelter to thousands during the winter months and is absolutely critical.
- Jennifer Niklaus, Class XXIV,
CEO, EHC LifeBuilders
From an article in Campbell Patch (11.26.12) on the opening of homeless shelter with the advent of cold and wet weather.
The donations by residents and businesses help foster positive change to make the Palo Alto area a better place for all.
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Founder & Publisher, Palo Alto Weekly
From an article in the Palo Alto Weekly (11.9.12) announcing the launch of the 2012 Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund.
If there was a celebrity in government, he was it. He not only had a lot of wisdom, but a lot of wit. That set him apart.
- Judy Kleinberg, Class XIX,
Program Officer for San Jose and
Silicon Valley, John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.1.12) on the passing of ALF
Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
Gary was the consummate "honest broker" in local and national politics. We will miss him greatly. He always had the best interests of his community and its citizens in mind. And in every encounter, you felt you were important to him. He had great values and extraordinary gifts.
- Kirk Hanson, Class IV,
Executive Director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics
From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
When you have a win-at-any-costs mentality, the cost is far greater than you can imagine. You can walk away from dirty fights, and talk about the issues. I just think we need a new breed of people running for office who
do this.
- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow in Government Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
From an article in Cleveland.com (10.27.12) on how campaign mistruths have become the new norm.
The persistence and hard work of the FPPC has won a significant and lasting victory for transparency in the political process. We will continue in this matter and all others to ensure that the people of California know who is funding political activity in this state.
- Ann Ravel, Class XI,
Chairwoman, California Fair Political Practices Commission
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.5.12) on the CA state Supreme Court's order that an AZ group reveal the funding source of an anonymous $11 million donation - the largest anonymous contribution to a ballot measure campaign in California history.
He had a wonderful mix of old-school values and 21st Century aspirations. He spent his career in the tech world, dealing with business around the world, but Palo Alto was his home, first and last. He was a hometown guy with worldwide sensibilities.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
We will cherish the good humor and professional approach to all that Gary did in his life. He displayed such genuine pride in his home town. Gary could almost always find a way to help you know how Palo Alto would do something. He gave so much of himself to his city and our region. Silicon Valley has lost one of its most effective leaders.
- Cindy Chavez, Class XII & husband Mike Potter,
Executive Director, South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council & Manager, State & Local Government Affairs, Cisco Systems
From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
Annette, you lost a wonderful husband and partner. Matthew and Julia, you lost a terrific father. We lost a great friend. I genuinely enjoyed every minute I spent with Gary. I will remember Gary every time I sing "Take me out to the ballgame."
- Larry Stone, Class VI,
County Assessor, Santa Clara County Assessor's Office
From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
I just can't imagine Palo Alto without him. He was one of the giants of our political world. No one else had that sense of Palo Alto history.
- Liz Kniss, Class VII,
Santa Clara County Supervisor, District V
From a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
Gary was an original, and there will never be another one like him. He was Palo Alto hero!
- Russell Hancock, Class XX,
President & CEO, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network
From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
As with nearly all of our larger community, I am deeply saddened with Gary's passing far too young and with so much more that he would have lovingly contributed to the betterment of our community and the betterment of his many, many friends. Gary was a giver. He asked by his example and by his personal words that we all do better in our lives for one another and for the Palo Alto community that he so deeply loved.
- Jim Baer, Class V,
Developer
From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.
Leaders who emphasize everyone hitting a single rather than everyone swinging for a home run, quite simply, get more people
on base.
- Jena McGregor,
Columnist, The Washington Post,
"On Leadership"
From a column in the Washington Post (10.29.12), In World Series, a Giant win for teams over superstars.
We are trying to channel the urgency that families feel when their kids are stuck in a
bad school.
- Matt Hammer, Class XXII,
Outgoing Executive Director of PACT & incoming head of Innovate Public Schools
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.25.12) on two new funds to raise money for, and transform education in, Bay Area schools, including Innovate Public Schools in Santa Clara & San Mateo Counties, which will be housed at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation in Mountain View.
My friend Esther epitomized boldness in her style, in her work and in her voice. She would want to be remembered by the continuance of her work.
- Blanca Alvarado, Class III,
Retired Supervisor, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors
From ALF Senior Fellow Esther Medina's obituary in the San Jose Mercury News (10.25.12). Esther was an advocate for the disenfranchised and the former Executive Director of Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA).
So what exactly is a network mindset? It's a new style of leadership that works through active participation, openness, decentralized decision-making, and collective action.
- Beth Kanter,
Visiting Scholar for Social Media
and Nonprofits, David and Lucile
Packard Foundation.
We've had serious governance problems in the United States before...and we resolved all those not with some kind of technical fix, but by politics. At the end of the day, people have to become mobilized and energized and take on the responsibility for making change.
- Bob Brownstein, Class XII,
Policy Director, Working Partnerships USA
From a Reviving CA statewide pre-election conversation with The California Report's Rachael Myrow on fiscal and governance reform.
Today, because of the generosity of our donors, Silicon Valley Community Foundation is the largest single funder of nonprofit organizations in the 9 county
Bay Area...The second statistic is that
Silicon Valley Community Foundation is ranked as the 13th largest international funder in the U.S.
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
CEO & President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From his remarks at the Silicon Valley Community Foundation regional meeting (10.2.12).
Hockey can turn a good week into a great week when you have that wave of teal pouring down Santa Clara Street.
- Scott Knies, Class XXII,
Executive Director, San Jose Downtown Association
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.27.12) on how the current NHL lockout is affecting local businesses in San Jose.
After many conversations with President Obama’s administration, a strong push by the LGBT community, and with the help of my colleagues, Secretary Napolitano has announced that she will disseminate written guidance to immigration authorities that confirms the interpretation of the phrase ‘family relationships’ to include LGBT relationships — specifically the relationships of immigrants in same-sex marriages and partnerships with U.S. citizens.
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From a post on Political Blogger (9.28.12).
It's unfortunate this labor dispute has had a negative impact on the people who are so important to us.
- Malcolm Bordelon, Class XVIII,
Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment/San Jose Sharks
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.27.12) on how the current NHL lockout is affecting local businesses in San Jose.
Leigh was a man of few words. But could he ever listen. And when he did talk, it was to ask a good question or to answer one. And his answer usually was yes.
- Colleen Wilcox, Class X,
former Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.18.12) on the passing of long-time newspaper columnist Leigh Weimers.
And part of feeling like part of a community is being welcomed by the people already there.
- Ellen Dumesnil,
Director of the International Institute of the Bay Area
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.25.12), "New Bay Area immigrants moving beyond 'melting pot' vs. 'salad bowl' debate".
Whoever is going to replace Chief Moore hopefully will build upon his successes in communicating with the community.
- Scott Knies, Class XXII,
Executive Director, San Jose
Downtown Association
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.20.12) on the hiring of a new police chief in San Jose.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype in the past year has enabled us to not only harness Skype technology, but also Microsoft’s evolving technology platforms for civic engagement.
- Anu Natarajan,
Program Director, Reviving California
From a press release (9.13.12) on Reviving California's October 5th Community Summit: Connecting Californians for Reform.
For many years Leigh was the best-known and most popular person at the Mercury News. His love of San Jose consistently
came through in his columns. He was always a gentleman.
- Larry Jinks,
former San Jose Mercury News
President & Publisher and
founding ALF board member
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (8.30.12) on the death of long-time columnist Leigh Weimers.
IBM is a long-standing partner to the Tanzanian government and we are committed to supporting the country's economic growth and technical advancement. A key part of our strategy in Africa is to build skills and a culture of innovation across the continent.
- Mark Dean, Class XVII ,
Chief Technology Officer and IBM Fellow, IBM Middle East and Africa
From an IBM press release (7.4.12) on a collaboration agreement with the Tanzanian Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology to help accelerate the adoption of technology as part of Tanzania's ongoing development and strategy to increase its competitiveness in East Africa.
Gardner’s history is rooted in local people advocating for the health care needs of their community and working in partnership with local government and nonprofits to create meaningful change. We are proud to be a part of this partnership with the County which began with the Coalition for a Downtown Hospital and is embraced by so many individuals and organizations.
- Reymundo Espinoza, Class XX,
CEO, Gardner Family Health Network
From a news release (8.9.12) on the Grand Opening of the Gardner Downtown Health Center on E. Santa Clara Street in San Jose.
They desired to do more skilled volunteering. We thought that was fascinating.
- Teresa Briggs, Class XX,
Bay Area Managing Partner, Deloitte
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (8.3.12) on the success of Deloitte's pro bono program.
The challenge here is raising money for
arts and culture. It's an incredibly
different environment than anywhere else
in the country.
- Rick Lombardo, Class XXIV,
Artistic Director, San Jose
Repertory Theatre
Excerpt from speech to San Jose Rotary as reported in Sal Pizzarro's column in the San Jose Mercury News (8.6.12).
We hope this gift will establish a foundation for future gifts from other alumni, helping
the school to continue building its international reputation.
- Mike Gaulke, Class XXIII,
Chairman and former CEO, Exponent
From an article in the Portland Business Journal (7.31.12) on the Gaulke's $3.5 million gift to Oregon State University's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
What should cities do to manage the current crisis and set in place safeguards against future economic recessions? They must return to the basics.
- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow, Government Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
From a Wall Street Journal MarketWatch "Outside the Box" commentary (7.27.12).
While more content today is 'born digital,' it also needs to be 'born accessible.'
- Betsy Beaumon, Class XXIV,
VP & General Manager,
Benetech Literacy Program
From a Yahoo News! article (7.23.12) on Benetech's five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Benetech's Bookshare initiative, the world's largest online accessible library of copyrighted content for people with print disabilities.
It means fewer trips to the emergency room. It means fewer trips back to the doctor. That's not only good for the patients, but it helps us reduce health care costs at SCVMC and El Camino Hospital.
- Chris Wilder, Class XXI,
Executive Director, Valley
Medical Foundation
From Sal Pizzarro's column in the San Jose Mercury News (7.22.12) noting that El Camino Hospital District's recent $1.4M grant makes it VMC Foundation's largest organizational donor ($5M cumulative total).
The only value of money is if it's well spent. Let me tell you, this is an opportunity where the money was well spent.
- Cole Wilbur, Class VIII,
Trustee & former President,
David & Lucile Packard Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.22.12) on the long-awaited opening of Cooley Landing Park in East Palo Alto.
Silicon Valley embodies the creative energy of the future. I personally feel that the future is happening now, in the present, so I tried to select specific artworks that suggest the various ways in which we could start seeing the present as an antenna for the future.
- Dooeun Choi,
2012 ZERO Biennial Curator
From ZERO1 July Enews wrapping up series of interviews w/ZERO1 Biennial curators.
Dialogue is a process which enables people from all walks of life to talk deeply and personally about some of the major issues and realities that divide them.
- Sandy Heierbacher,
Co-founder, The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation
From The National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) online Resource Center.
Implicit in our strategy is that leadership matters.
- Sally Osberg, Class I,
President and CEO, The Skoll Foundation
From an interview with Forbes (6.25.12) on the Skoll Foundation's strategic evolution to leverage impact and drive change.
A marginalized community has become a margin of victory.
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From a front-page article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.8.12) on growth of Asian-American voters.
That these two boards are willing to come together -- that says a whole lot to me about this merger.
- Porcia Silverberg, Class XXIII,
Executive Director,Thrive, The Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County
From an article in Palo Alto Online (7.10.12) on the merger of Innvision of Santa Clara County and Shelter Network of San Mateo.
It will take thoughtful actions from many people to move us toward a more
sustainable world.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President and CEO of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
From remarks at the opening of the Packard Foundation's new headquarters at 343 Second Street in Los Altos, a Net Zero Energy building that meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System Platinum rating standards.
When it comes to patents granted in U.S. that fuel the innovation economy, the epicenter on earth is Silicon Valley.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.2.12) on the U.S. Commerce Department's announcement that San Jose will be the site of a new U.S. Patent and Trademark office.
State parks are out of intensive care, but still on life support.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.29.12) on the passage of California's $91 billion state budget that leaves uncertain the outcome of Simitian (D-Palo Alto) & Noreen Evans' (D-Santa Rosa) joint legislation to keep state parks slated for closure open.
These parks are precious public resources and extraordinary economic assets. They are part of our heritage as Californians. They are places that hold great meaning for all of us. While this budget proposal by no means puts an end to our effort to keep parks open, it is an encouraging start with long-term potential.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.28.12) on the passage of California's $91 billion state budget that leaves uncertain the outcome of Simitian (D-Palo Alto) & Noreen Evans' (D-Santa Rosa) joint legislation to keep state parks slated for closure open.
I don’t get involved in the weeds, I get rid of the roadblocks, so they can execute.
- Jessica Denacour, Class XXI,
Vice President & Chief Information Officer, Varian Medical Systems
From a profile, "'Velvet Hammer' transforms IT systems" in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (6.15.12).
.
Leadership longevity in my mind comes when you put to good use what you have learned, you continue to be bold, and continue to be honest and you continue to reach for opportunities to be a good leader.
- Michael Mulcahy, Class XIII,
Managing Partner, SDS NexGen
Partners, LP
From a profile in Content Magazine
(Spring 2012).
The merger of EF into Silicon Valley Community Foundation helps take EF’s vision to the next level. EF has always believed that any company, regardless of size or stage of maturity, should have the opportunity and means to positively impact the community. Through this merger companies will have a soup to nuts offering of strategic consulting services, funding mechanisms and leverage of a powerful network to increase their effectiveness as good corporate citizens.
- Diane Solinger, Class XVIII,
Former Executive Director, Entrepreneurs Foundation & new Manager for Employee Social Responsibility, Google
From a joint press release (6.7.12) announcing the integration of the Entrepreneurs Foundation w/Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s business services unit.
The failures in your future will teach you. They'll give you strength. They'll make you more resilient. They'll help you understand what you really value. And they'll help you to empathize with the setbacks of others. And perhaps most important, your failures will be the foundation for all your many successes
to come.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
Excerpt from baccalaureate address (6.3.12) to Palo Alto High School Class of 2012.
The Weekly is a strong supporter of gay rights and of gay marriage, and we cannot lend our endorsement to a candidate for judge who has actively attempted to deny this right.
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Founder & Publisher, Palo Alto Weekly
From an article in Palo Alto Online (5.29.12) on the Palo Alto Weekly's rescindment of its endorsement of San Jose attorney Steven Pogue to the Santa Clara County Superior Court based on information & confirmation of Pogue's $500 contribution to the 2008 Prop 8 campaign to ban gay marriage.
Public trust in government is at an all-time low. Our goal is to make information about who is paying for campaigns available in an immediate, accessible and organized way that is useful for voters in understanding and demystifying the political process.
- Ann Ravel, Class XI,
Chair, California Fair Political
Practices Commission
From an article in Calbuzz (5.29.12) on how ALF Senior Fellow Ann Ravel can make the California Fair Political Practices Commission more effective.
An organization that doesn't have heroes, to me, doesn't know its values. When you see Willie Mays, you see Giants. When you see Willie McCovey, you see Giants. These players look up to these guys, and they know what they have a chance to be.
- Bruce Bochy,
San Francisco Giants Manager & 2012 ALF Exemplary Leader
From an onstage conversation with Senior Fellow Luther Jackson at ALF's 2012 Exemplary Leader Awards at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, 5.3.12.
Sleep Train has opened the average person up to understand what goes on in foster care.
- Andre Chapman, Class XXIII,
CEO, Unity Care
From Sal Pizarro's column in the San Jose Mercury News (5.14.12) on Unity Care's inaugural Youth Live fundraiser that honored Sleep Train founder and CEO Dale Carlsen for his company's support of foster children, and ALF Senior Fellow and Board Member Lisa Sonsini, president of Sobrato Family Foundation, for her many years of work advocating for youth including foster children.
It is a combination of the unique capabilities of the valley, combined with the unique, broad capabilities of Stanford and a very strong medical research and teaching ... hospital. You need all of those if you're going to take on the global issue of health care, and I think this is an opportunity to do that.
- John Morgridge, Class VIII,
Chairman Emeritus, Cisco Systems
From an article in Palo Alto Online (5.8.12) on the announcement of Stanford's $1 billion fundraising campaign to build a new hospital and integrate emerging technology into medical care & instruction. Half of this amount has already been raised from individual donors and tech companies.
We know you are in a fiscal crisis, and if there were any time in the history of the city for you to consider shutting the facility it would be now. We get that. However, we also know you could literally close all the cultural facilities you own and not begin to solve your budget.
- Connie Martinez, Class X,
Managing Director & CEO, 1stACT Silicon Valley
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (5.25.11) on the adoption of a news business plan for San Jose's Mexican Heritage Plaza.
If you ever, ever, ever think that you don't play a critical role - let me be clear on this - your loyalty and your enthusiasm, it's what endears us here and on the road. Your enthusiasm gives these players adrenaline that they play on. Your interest gives them a passion to win. When you come out in full force, it's amazing.
- Bruce Bochy,
San Francisco Giants Manager & 2012 ALF Exemplary Leader
From an onstage conversation with Senior Fellow Luther Jackson at ALF's 2012 Exemplary Leader Awards at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, 5.3.12.
One of the most fabulous things that's ever happened in the 19 years we've been doing this just landed on our doorstep right as the year was coming to a close.
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Founder & Publisher, Palo Alto Weekly
From an article in Palo Alto Online (5.1.12) on the 18th annual Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund's anonymous donation of $100,000 that enabled the distribution of $353,000 in grants to 55 area nonprofits.
Vikki has a proven track record of transformative leadership. She has a fundamental understanding of both the importance of being member-focused
and what it takes to be a relevant 21st
century association.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President and CEO of The David and Lucile Packard Foundation & Board Chair of the Council on Foundations
From a press release anouncing Vikki Spruill, president & CEO of Ocean Conservancy as incoming president & CEO of the Council on Foundations effective July 1, 2012.
People today are bullying in a very
different way. I want to make sure there
are no loopholes.
- Nora Campos, Class XV,
California State Assemblymember
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.17.12) on the passage of Assembly Bill 1732 that would give California schools a higher level of authority in dealing with students engaged in cyberbullying via
social media.
It would be a huge step in building trust between the San Jose Police Department and the community.
- LaDoris Cordell, Class VIII,
Independent Police Auditor,
City of San Jose
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.13.12) re: concern about number of minorities being asked to sit on the curb during minor traffic stops. The IPA is suggesting that police officers wear cameras to document incidents.
It'll help us get the scope of the problem and move the discussion forward. We'll have something objective and quantitative for the city to work with.
- Raj Jayadev, Class XXII,
Executive Director, Silicon Valley De-Bug
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.13.12) re: concern about number of minorities being asked to sit on the curb during minor traffic stops. The IPA is suggesting that police officers wear cameras to document incidents.
Any time you have these cross-connections that appear to create conflicts of interest, you can get into trouble. You need a certain distance that will allow you to do what you are supposed to do — be an impartial gatherer of the facts, assess the facts without bias, and make a recommendation to the governing body. Less than that, you are getting into a danger zone.
- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University
From an article in the Los Angeles Times (4.9.12) re: the Chair of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.
We are a county that is healthy, wealthy
and wise.
- Marty Fenstersheib, MD, MPH,
Class XVIII,
Santa Clara County Health Officer
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.4.12) on a new study ranking CA counties by health; Santa Clara County came in at #2. Fenstersheib also notes that statistics by county mask disparities.
It was a common Silicon Valley-style transition. First, we had a machine that did it, then a PC application that did it and eventually put it in the cloud - building a library for the blind disabled where, instead of us deciding what they were going to read, we say, 'Whatever book you think is worth scanning, we think is worth sharing.'
- Jim Fruchterman, Class XXI,
CEO & founder, Benetech
From an article in Palo Alto Online (3.23.12) on the 10th anniversary of Bookshare, an intiative of Benetech that provides 190,000 disabled subscribers access to print & audio text on smart devices.
Silicon Valley has nurtured the most important social and professional networking companies in the world, including three we are using in Social Madness — Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Its importance as a critical tool for competing in the marketplace is well-known here. Now we can demonstrate the best practices we have learned here in the valley, while trying to win the competition.
- James MacGregor, Class XXI,
Publisher, Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.22.12) on the launch of "Social Madness" competition.
This important project shows the real life anguish of many teenagers in this country who are tormented, harassed, and bullied by their peers. This truth should be shared with as wide an audience as is appropriate and possible. We believe an R-rating excludes the very audience for whom this film is desperately important.
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.13.12) re: the "R" rating the film "Bully" has received from the Motion Picture of America Association (MPAA). Twenty members of Congress, led by ALF Senior Fellow Mike Honda, added their support to the petition & wrote a letter requesting that the rating be changed to "PG".
We have been leasing that facility, which is a former 1950s-era high school. The facilities there are just not the equivalent of what we can offer at the (Foothill College and De Anza College) campuses.
- Linda Thor, Class XXIII,
Chancellor, Foothill-DeAnza College District
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.2.12) on a collaboration between the Foothill-DeAnza, West Valley-Mission & San Jose-Evergreen College Districts on a $38 million center at the former Onizuka Air Force Station in Sunnyvale that will offer work force development courses.
He’s a roll-up-your-sleeves kind of guy...When Andrew says something's a good idea, people trust him.
- Michele Lew, Class XXI,
CEO, Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (3.2.12) on Class XVIII's Andrew Vu's receipt of the Community Champion Award as part of the 2012 Best Bay Area Corporate Counsel Awards. Andrew is Assistant General Counsel for SAP AG.
These Latina singers defined leadership through the innovation of musicianship – Lucha Reyes was the first woman to sing in front of a mariachi ensemble – Rocio Ducal used her Spanish roots to imbue her interpretation of Mexican music with the unique harmonic tragedy of her country’s Moorish heritage – Lola Beltran was the first singer to perform rancheras at the Grand Opera House in Mexico City.
- Marcela Davison Aviles, Class XXII,
CEO, Mexican Heritage Corporation & Executive Producer, VivaFest
From ModernLatina.com (2.26.12).
Today, we recognize a new generation of budding civil rights leaders...
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From a reflection in the Washington Post (2.19.12) on the 70th anniversary of the Japanese internment.
Normally during the holidays we're able to meet Christmas needs. But this year we raised $70,000 less than we were hoping to, and we're reaching out to folks for help and doing what we can. We're pretty well wiped out. Normally we can carry over to meet food and service needs, but now we're just trying to stay afloat.
- Poncho Guevara, Class XXIII,
Executive Director, Sacred Heart
Community Services
From an article on post-holiday donor fatigue in the San Jose Mercury News (2.21.12).
You could not devise a more unfair property tax system if you tried.
- Larry Stone, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Assessor
From an article in the Bay Citizen (2.23.12) on the significant variations in Silicon Valley commerical property valuations.
The business community is correctly trying to emphasize written Arabic, and I'm not sure our students are equipped to do that...I'd like to see us move in the direction of providing a greater understanding of the history, culture and language, so students can make good decisions about what they want to preserve and change.
- Leo Chavez, Class V,
Director, Dubai Men's College
From an article in The National (2.5.12) on proposed curriculum changes to further the use and understanding of formal classical Arabic.
It’s only seven miles south from the border of San Francisco and it's teeming with wildlife. Mountain lions are abundant. Deer. Every critter you can think of that's native to
this area.
- Audrey Rust, Class XV,
President Emeritus, POST
From KQED Quest program (2.3.12) broadcast on NPR (2.10.12) about $29 million dollar acquisition of Rancho Corral de Tierra, dubbed "the southern entryway to Golden Gate National Recreation Area".
If you take away tech, we would look like any other region. In fact, we would probably look more stressed, more depressed than any
other region.
- Russell Hancock, Class XX,
President & CEO, Joint Venture
Silicon Valley
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (2.10.12) on the release of the 2012 Silicon Valley Index.
Taxes always matter to businesses, and the most important principal here is to keep San Jose a competitive place to do business.
- Kim Walesh, Class XVIII,
Chief Strategist, City of San Jose
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.27.12) on the City of San Jose's exploratory conversations about raising its local business tax.
The genesis of the whole happiness curriculum was a real conviction that science can find out what makes people happy, and we can teach it.
- Fred Luskin, Ph.D.,
Research Associate at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, co-founder of the Stanford Forgiveness Project &
ALF faculty member
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.5.12) on Stanford University's Graduate School of Business "Designing Happiness" curriculum.
"It proves the viability of Lincoln Avenue as a retail destination. I look forward to the shoppers and the traffic this store will generate. Vacancy signs are an eyesore. It's much better to have this family-oriented, green business that fits the Wilow Glen demographic."
- Michael Mulcahy, Class XIII,
Managing Partner, SDS NexGEn Partners
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.13.12) on San Rafael-based Mike's Bikes' opening on its tenth store on Lincoln Avenue in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose.
We see this donation, with its generosity and its challenge to Silicon Valley, as most characteristic of John and Susan's approach to philanthropy.
- Chris Wilder, Class XXI,
CEO, Valley Medical Center Foundation
From announcement (1.25.12) in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal on John and Susan Sobrato's $5M donation to the Valley Medical Center Foundation - "the largest single donation to a public county hospital west of the Misssissipi" - to furnish and equip a new 370,000-square-foot building.
Nonprofits are in crisis, and we can't just go on pretending that we can do more with less and still meet the needs of our community. Whether we are talking about agencies that serve kids and seniors or arts organizations, we all need to figure out ways to do things differently and disrupt the whole system.
- Fred Ferrer, Class XI,
CEO, The Health Trust
From a column in the San Jose Mercury News (1.17.12) on The Health Trust's multi-sector summit w/Harvard professor & "The Innovator's Dilemma" author Clay Christensen to discover new ways to deliver community benefit services.
Look: Do you really want to ask us to give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down? You may not like the answer.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle (1.22.12) on California's controversial high-speed rail.
It is the single, most important thing we can do to raise the grade in California and protect our children from the deadly impacts of tobacco.
- Ken Yeager, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (1.20.12) on Santa Clara County's second consecutive grade A score for banning tobacco smoke from dining & recreation areas.
No one in Silicon Valley has done more to support our region through his contributions to education, medical services and commercial development.
- Chris Wilder, Class XXI,
CEO, Valley Medical Center Foundation
From Sal Pizarro's column in the San Jose Mercury News (1.19.12) re: Joint Venture Silicon Valley's announcement that it will honor John A. Sobrato with the David Packard Award at its annual State of the Valley conference on February 10 in San Jose.
You’re fooling yourself if you think you can wear those two hats and not have it influence the outcome.
- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow in Government Ethics with the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
From an article in the New York Times (1.5.12) on inherent conflict of elected officials who lobby.
Not only was Martin Luther King, Jr. a pioneer for civil rights, he was a pioneer for community service.
- Paul Fong, Class XVII,
California State Assemblymember
From an NBC Bay Area News report (1.16.12) on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day activities.
The foundation focuses on math and science to create the pipeline for college and for technologies to grow. These students are focusing on math and science and will help our country regain its competitive edge.
- Van Dang, Class XXII,
Vice President, Law and Deputy General Counsel, Cisco Systems
From an article on the Silicon Valley Education Foundation in the San Jose Mercury News (1.13.12).
This is a conversation about what is wrong with the American dream ... and what are some of the things we can do to restore it.
- Chris Wilder, Class XXI,
Executive Director, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Foundation
From an article on a rally on the state of democracy in America in the San Jose Mercury News (1.9.12).
With the council pursuing pension reform,
the mayor and council members should personally lead by example by eliminating defined benefit pensions for City
Council Members.
- Pete Constant, Class XXII,
San Jose City Councilmember
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (1.5.12).
The arts are a perennial second fiddle in budget discussions. That’s true even in California, where the City of San Jose is expected to eliminate program and operating grant support for the arts, and the state legislature passed AB 1330, which downgraded arts curriculum to elective status. The impact of these cuts on the Latino community is devastating – the data shows – and has for years, that arts curriculum tracks our kids to academic achievement.
- Marcela Davison Aviles, Class XXII,
President and CEO/Executive Producer, Mexican Heritage Corporation
From an article in Modern Latina (12.12.11), "Impact of AB 1330 on our Latino Community".
People are concerned accessing services because they don't want to have the label, so I think they fear the worst and so we have a lot of work to do to help decrease the stigma.
- Tiffany Ho, Class XXII,
Medical Director, Santa Clara County Mental Health Department
From a KGO ABC 7 report (12.12.11) on newly released 112-page report on health issues facing Vietnamese Americans in Santa Clara County.
It is a tremendous honor to be recognized for the work that we have done to enrich the lives of children and families in our community.
- Sharon Chatman, Class XIII,
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge & Founder of Building Peaceful Families
From a press release (11.8.11) on Building Peaceful Families' receipt of the San Francisco 49ers Foundation 2011 Perry/Yonamine Unity Award, which was presented with a $10,000 check at a pre-game ceremony on November 13, 2011.
By definition, the growing income inequality means that common purpose is harder to find.
- Joe Simitian,
Class X,
California State Senator
From an interview in Palo Alto Patch (12.1.11).
At a time when America is having a debate about the social contract, philanthropy is silent. We are silent about the depths of the problems of homelessness, joblessness, foreclosure, hunger, and people are starting to believe that philanthropy is irrelevant to the core needs of their communities.
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From an article in the New York Times (11.1.11) examining organized philanthropy.
Networked leaders believe that all members of the network are leaders, and can move in and out of leadership roles within the network as needed.
- Chris Block, Class XVI,
CEO, American Leadership Forum -
Silicon Valley
From a Christian Science Monitor blog comment on "leaderful" networks vs. "leaderlessness" (11.1.11).
We focus precious resources to where the needs are greatest and the opportunities to create positive impact are the greatest. We don't go where there is a great idea but it doesn't have enormous potential. This is straight from Jeff.
- Sally Osberg, Class I,
President and CEO, The Skoll Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.21.11) on social entrepreneur, philanthropist & eBay co-founder Jeff Skoll receiving The Tech Museum's James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award.
My concern is that you're going to attract a type of investor that is more excited about the hype that they hear for a field and not as aware of the risks that are inherent with one of these types of investment.
- Russ Hall, Class XX,
Managing Director & Founder,
Legacy Venture
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (10.21.11) on the proposed federal "Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act".
Before most serious offenders are sent to prison, they spend a ton of time in county jails...We have some capacity in minimum and limited capacity in medium security areas, but we are over capacity in maximum security. We are weighing our needs, but if we need to build additional facilities, the state will pay for 90 percent of the new construction.
- Laurie Smith, Class XII,
Santa Clara County Sheriff
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.13.11) on a newly enacted law that will keep certain non-violent prisoners in county jails rather than state prisons, and the subsequent capacity issues this raises.
The key is to help companies to get a smart start. Allow them to plug easily into the various networks and scale their operations as quickly as possible.
- Kim Walesh, Class XVIII,
Director of Economic Development and Chief Strategist, City of San Jose
From an article on Irish technology website SiliconRepublic.com (10.6.11) on the
Dublin visit of Silicon Valley professionals
with members of the Irish Technology Leadership Group.
He was not only a global technology leader, but on the community level, he was very appreciative of living in Palo Alto and wanted to support the community.
- Gary Fazzino,
Vice President, Government Affairs,
Applied Materials & former
Palo Alto Mayor
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (10.7.11) on Steve Jobs' influence in Palo Alto and the world.
It's a vehicle by which we're truly impacting one child at a time. We're getting beneath problems we were not identifying before.
- Teresa Guerrero-Daley, Class XVI,
Superior Court Judge, Santa Clara County
From a profile in the Gilroy Dispatch (9.27.11) on Teresa G-D and the innovative new Middle School Education Court she has created.
Despite our budget cuts, we cannot allow for the city's graffiti problems to spiral out of control...The taxpayers expect better, and as council member of a district that is plagued with graffiti, I intend on making sure they get the benefit of every dollar they spend.
- Xavier Campos, Class XX,
San Jose City Councilmember
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.20.11) on the recent upsurge in graffiti in San Jose.
If we had a Sister Christina on every block, the world would be a very different place. She is a visionary, and she makes it look easy. I have nothing but admiration for her.
- Rose Jacobs Gibson,
San Mateo County Supervisor
From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle (9.22.11) on the expansion of the St. Francis Center, whose only criteria is serving the poorest of the poor" in the Fair Oaks neighborhood of Redwood City.
We're doing everything we can to maintain our support of housing programs. But because of the economy, the need
is significant.
- Mark Walker, Class XIX,
Managing Director, Global Community Affairs, Applied Materials & Executive Director, Applied Materials Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.16.11) on the drop in nonprofit funding, particularly in affordable housing, per a recent Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits report.
Capital is mobile. At the point where it no longer makes sense to be here, it will go someplace else.
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
CEO & President,
Silicon Valley
Community Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.13.11) on Silicon Valley Leadership Group's annual meeting.
That would be a no-brainer, as to whether I would want to make sure it was a part of my district. However, looking at the scenarios and keeping in mind the 10 percent we have to keep in mind, it doesn't fit.
- Rose Jacobs Gibson, Class XII,
San Mateo County Supervisor
From an article in the Palo Alto Daily News (9.8.11) on how new redistricting maps will effect San Mateo County.
Hundreds of Latino students have been injected with math and algebra skills that will lead them to a successful college education.
- Ron Gonzales, Class III,
CEO, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley
From a press release issued by the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (8.29.11) on the success of this summer's “Stepping Up to Algebra/Math Acceleration Program,” that targeted underperfoming middle school students.
Capitalism's survival of the fittest only works on a level playing field.
- Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, Class XVI,
CEO, Green for All
This has been an ongoing challenge for some time. Analog design is different from digital design. It requires a lot of practice and it can't be automated extensively. It does take a lot of training and so it's a long learning curve.
- Belle Wei, Class XXIII,
Dean, San Jose State University
College of Engineering
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (8.21.11) on the ongoing need for analog engineers in Silicon Valley.
Who's against the sea otters for God's sake?!
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the OC Weekly on the roll-call vote that ensued from the Simitian-sponsored AB 971, which re-enacts the California Sea Otter Fund, a voluntarily-funded program that has raised more than $1.3 million since 2006. http://bit.ly/pOa0oB
I'm aware we don't have much money to burn. But sooner or later, there's going to be another great idea, and we need to ask ourselves what we have learned.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Councilmember
From a column in the San Jose Mercury News (8.21.11) on the requested audit of the City of San Jose's business incubator program.
http://bit.ly/nSJvbY
If you really are going to do HIV or STD prevention, you really have to think about what are the reasons why people don t use protection even after they've received education. ... If education alone solved the problem, we wouldn't have infection rates going up.
- Fred Ferrer, Class XI,
CEO, The Health Trust
From an article in The Bay Area Reporter on http://bit.ly/ntqpvS
You’ve heard it referred to as the Third Rail of California politics. It’s still a very live rail. There’s a real knee-jerk reaction to any effort to change it. This conversation is going to be a very tough sell for many people.
- Terry Christensen, Class XIV,
Professor, Department of Political Science, San Jose State University
From a Bloomberg story (8.16.11) on Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's proposal to overhaul California's Proposition 13.
In effect, voters have been holding virtual constitutional conventions all over the state. We have seen enough change emerge from the budget crisis to know that there are extraordinary possibilities for our
collective future.
- Joe Head, Class VI, &
Ann Ravel, Class XI,
President of Land, Summerhill Homes & former San Jose City Councilmember // Chair of the California Fair Political Practices Commission, former Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice & long-time Santa Clara County Counsel, respectively
It's one of the best events in Silicon Valley...Lots of people eat at our restaurants and fill the clubs and coffee shops. The hotels benefit because any bump in business on a summer weekend when the business traveler isn't around is a big help.
- Scott Knies, Class XXII,
Executive Director, Downtown
San Jose Association
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (8.12.11) on this weekend's 22nd Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest.
http://bit.ly/qjkabG
I am pretty surprised by the response from the Indian-American community at the meeting. It shows that women are trying to fill the gap between their professional and family lives.
- Deepka Lalwani,
Class XVIII,
Founder & President,
Indian Business & Professional Women
From an article in rediff news (8.10.11) on ALF Senior Fellow & U.S. State Dept. Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs Lorraine Hariton's visit to Silicon Valley.
Unless new evidence is comes to light, it suggests to me that the public is not ready to support a tax measure.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Councilmember
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.25.11) on the results of a new San Jose voter poll to "assess the feasibility of passing a ballot measure to finance essential city services".
What’s happening to them is the microcosm of what is happening to most of the institutions that are involved in providing health care services in the public sector in California.
- Bob Brownstein,
Class XII,
Policy Director, Working Partnerships USA
From an article in the New York Times (7.2.11) on how state budget cuts affect Medi-Cal patients.
How can you serve more people when you have to cut back?
- Reymundo Espinoza, Class XX,
CEO, Gardner Family
Health Network
From an article in the New York Times (7.2.11) on how state budget cuts affect Medi-Cal patients.
Having a class A headquarters like Netflix here just complements that high-quality brand statement that is Los Gatos.
- Greg Larson, Class XIII,
City Manager,
Town of Los Gatos
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.17.11) on Netflix's plans to establish a larger headquarters in Los Gatos.
These milestones speak to the vision that prompted our creation for one community foundation that could achieve greater social impact, better serve a dynamic, innovative region with a culture of giving and solve challenging social problems.
- Emmett Carson,
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley
Community Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.9.11) reporting that, as of June 30th, the SV Community Foundation had issued $1billion in grants and had assets of more than $2 billion.
It's a chance to synthesize what I've learned and a chance to do some big-picture thinking, to think about the judiciary as an institution and what it means. I've been a judge for 30 years, and this is an opportunity that rarely comes along.
- Jeremy Fogel, Class XIV,
U.S. District Judge,
United States District Court for the Northern District
of California
From an article in the Los Angeles Times (7.2.11) on Senior Fellow Jeremy Fogel's selection as the 10th director of the Federal Judicial Center in Washington.
We are very grateful to Steve for all he has done, especially for steering our association through perilous economic times and for bringing global vision to Council initiatives.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President & CEO, David and Lucile Packard Foundation & Chair of the Council on Foundation's Board of Directors
From a Council on Foundations press release (7.5.11) on the resignation of Council on Foundation's CEO Steve Gunderson.
Stations like CreaTV, and this award, provide broad access to our once in a lifetime opportunity...and the unique festival which celebrates their artistry and legacy.
- Marcela Davison Aviles, Class XXII,
President and CEO/
Executive Producer, Mexican Heritage Corporation
From a BusinessWire (6.27.11) release on CreaTV & MHC’s National Alliance for Community Media award for Linda Ronstadt and Dolores Huerta documentary.
If you look at the first set of draft maps, they followed the rules, exercised common sense and kept it as apolitlcal as it was possible to do. I give them high marks.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (6.15.11) on the first electoral redistricting maps released by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission.
In this budget year, we are facing choices ranging from awful to worse-than-awful...Nobody likes cuts, and concern is understandable. What's critical is that we adopt a Downtown 2.0 model that isn't dependent on redevelopment subsidies and government support of cultural institutions. It's a model that requires more collaboration with the private sector.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Councilmember
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (6.17.11)
We welcomed the opportunity to host President Calderon and offered insight into how organizations such as CET provide marketable skill training and supportive services, improving lives and contributing to self-sufficiency of many immigrants from Mexico.
- Hermelinda Sapien,
Class XVII,
President & CEO, Center for Employment Training
CET press release (6.11.11)
"I've learned that 'the arts' is a French word that means 'raise money all the time.'"
- Greg Jamison, Class XII,
Honorary Event Chair,
San Jose Repertory Theatre 30th Anniversary Committee
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.13.11) on San Jose Rep's 30th anniversary celebration.
Well, we want the sector to succeed. We've got 11 percent of students in these programs. We've got to create a model that is going to help them improve or eliminate their eligibility for federal aid.
- Martha Kanter, Class IX,
Under Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education
"All Things Considered" National Public Radio News report (6.7.11) on the U.S. Senate hearing re: new rules on for-profit schools & the impact of student borrowing.
You have people living in poverty literally right next door to people making a lot of money...How do you get them to recognize they are the yin and yang of one community?
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
CEO & President,
Silicon Valley
Community Foundation
From an article in The New York Times (6.4.11) on Mountain View's bifurcated economy.
Given the current budget situation, it's more important than ever for elected officials to hear from the folks they represent.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (6.2.11) on Simitian's public "education update" on Saturday, June 4, in Palo Alto.
Our multi-year partnership has been in motion for some time. 1stACT has invested a lot of resources in the Arts Council's future and I am thrilled for the opportunity to merge our shared initiatives and continue the work.
- Connie Martinez, Class X,
Managing Director & CEO, 1stACT Silicon Valley
From an article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (2.6.13) announcing the appointment of ALF Senior Fellow and former Board Chair Connie Martinez as the new Executive Director of Arts Council Silicon Valley.
This mediation program is a stereotype-buster, plain and simple.
- La Doris Cordell,
Class VIII,
San Jose Independent
Police Auditor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (5.23.11) about a new program to mediate police/citizen communication issues.
I can see the value of changing it up for the ride and ending on a climb. That's also a spectacular way to showcase San Jose.
- Scott Knies, Class XXII,
Executive Director, San Jose Downtown Association
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (5.17.11) on the course change of the Amgen Tour of California that caused the bicycle race to bypass downtown San Jose.
To wear the ao dai is to show our dignity, and by wearing it at the
Ao Dai Festival, we declare to the world that we are reclaiming
dignity for the children and women who are currently trapped in modern slavery.
- Jenny Do, Class XXII,
President, Efficio Law
Group P.C.
Ao Dai Festival Program, 5.15.11
"I'm guessing that in a couple of quarters from now people will be talking about Silicon Valley's resilience. We're always the
comeback kid."
- Russell Hancock,
President & CEO,
Joint Venture: Silicon
Valley Network
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (5.13.11)
We felt the administration really was giving credence to counties, saying we know who you are and we know the kinds of services you provide and we want to hear from you.
- Liz Kniss, Class VII,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From the Internal Affairs column in the San Jose Mercury News (5.8.11) on a last-minute White House gathering of 50 county leaders from across the country.
Leonard was the most generous, supportive and unassuming person one could ever hope to know or work with. His passion for philanthropy was both inspiring and contagious, and was an important reason why the Weekly has so strongly supported the work of nonprofits in the community.
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Publisher, Palo Alto Weekly
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (5.2.11) on the death of Silicon Valley philanthropist Leonard Ely.
This is a valley built on investment. Infrastructure and education at all levels and the safety net for the poorest, those are investments we think are important to make.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the Los Angeles Times (4.27.11).
I've been raising money for Democratic candidates for 20 years, and this is fascinating and kind of unbelievable. The level of support financially from folks who are obviously going to be taxed more than they were, myself included, is unbelievable. But it really has to do with Silicon Valley and the technology economy.
- Larry Stone, Class VI,
Assessor, Santa Clara County
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.20.11) on President Obama's April fundraising efforts in Silicon Valley while here for Facebook Live Town Hall.
The Equity Commission represents an opportunity to address our broken system of education finance and develop a plan for comprehensive school finance reform that is focused on high achievement for all students.
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.19.11) on U.S. commission on education equity hearings in San Jose.
By creating a community advisory board, Chief Moore recognizes that he can't be everywhere in San Jose to learn what the community concerns are about the SJPD. By including individuals with differing viewpoints about the police, he is sending the message that this advisory board is not his rubber stamp or a bunch of cheerleaders.
- La Doris Cordell,
Class VIII,
City of San Jose Independent Police Auditor
San Jose Mercury News (4.17.11)
In our culture deck, there’s a chapter on “context, not control,” which is using your role as manager and leader to educate people and what we’re trying to do and not guiding each specific action a person takes.
- Reed Hastings, Class XV,
Founder/CEO, Netflix
Business Insider (4.4.11)
It's a historic moment for San Jose and the Redevelopment Agency.
- Terry Christensen,
Class XIV,
Professor, Department of Political Science, San Jose State University
Fron an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.7.11) on significant layoffs at San Jose's Redevlopment Agency.
This isn't your grandmother's Audubon anymore.
- David Yarnold, Class XII,
President, National
Audubon Society
From an American Public Media Marketplace story (3.14.11) on the rebranding of the Audubon Society.
In the next decade, we will know if we can or can’t forecast earthquakes, but what we are seeing right now looks very promising. It would change the world.
- Celeste Ford, Class XIV,
CEO/Chairman,
Stellar Solutions
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.25.11)
Properly managed, partisanship is actually what gives form and purpose and shape to the great debates that we have in democracy.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From a Mercury News.com/San Jose Community Newspaper article (3.28.11) on civility in politics.
So, I started thinking about, what do human rights groups do? Well, all they do is process information. But no one writes software for them. So, could we make tools to make the human rights movement more powerful by helping them do more with the information they have about human rights abuses?
- Jim Fruchterman,
Class XXI,
Founder & CEO, Benetech
PBS NewsHour (3.25.11)
One of the reasons we are such a peaceful place is because of those relationships.
- Cindy Chavez, Class XII,
Executive Officer, South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.6.11) on the newly-formed Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC).
What we're urging (legislators) to do is make a strong deal that's true to your principles but calls for compromise and consensus. Silicon Valley knows the art of the deal. There is a deal here.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.8.11) on Governor Brown's budget plan.
It is clear that these are challenging and controversial times. I believe that Chief Moore is up to the challenge.
- LaDoris Cordell,
Class VIII,
Independent Police Auditor,
City of San Jose
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.25.11) on the swearing in of Chris Moore as San Jose's new police chief.
We need to think about how we can do things differently to market our airport and our region. The term 'Silicon Valley' has global cachet.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose Councilmember
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.24.11) on the possible addition of "Silicon Valley" to the "Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport" official name.
It is our belief that Santa Clara County's cutting-edge policies and procedures helped keep the number of domestic-violence-related deaths down this year, especially at a time when the economy is in such poor shape.
- Rolanda Pierre-Dixon, Class IX,
Assistant District Attorney, Santa Clara County
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (2.15.11) on the county's announcement that the rate of death by domestic violence decreased by more than 50 percent in 2010.
Getting recognition for the project from President Obama and his administration speaks volumes about the importance of this public works project to Bay Area residents and the local economy.
- Margaret Abe-Koga,
Class XXII,
Councilmember, City of
Mountain View
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (2.15.11) on the allocation of $130 million in the President's proposed budget for South Bay BART extension.
Silicon Valley’s economy is making slow but noticeable progress recovering from the major blow delivered by the recession, but unless we address the fundamental structural issues in our local governments we cannot sustain continued growth.
- Russell Hancock,
Class XX,
President & CEO,
Joint Venture:
Silicon Valley Network
From the 2011 Silicon Valley Index release as reported in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal.
It is critical to Silicon Valley that we continue to remain a place where there are low barriers to innovation, and this is one of those disruptive economic models.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose Councilmember
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (2.11.11) on the possibility of a new tech incubator coming to San Jose.
I found this really important thing that I should be doing with my career: using technology to help people, instead of to make money.
- Jim Fruchterman,
Class XXI,
President & CEO, Benetech
From a profile in the San Francisco Chronicle (1.30.11).
People are always surprised to hear that there are people in Los Gatos and Saratoga who need help. Due to a lot of factors--divorce, illness, the economy--more and more people in this area who seem to be middle class are hitting hard times.
- Melanie Aron, Class VIII,
Rabbi, Congregation
Shir Hadash
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.1.11) on Mitzvah Day of service.
Securing new air service is critical. We are going to communicate how much Silicon Valley businesses want new international service, given the extraordinarily global nature of our economy and the origin of many of our residents.
- Kim Walesh, Class XVIII,
Acting Director of Economic Development, City of San Jose
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.28.11) on the effort to bring Nippon Airways back to San Jose.
Is there a problem out there with distracted pedestrians? I’d be the first to acknowledge it.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the New York Times (1.25.11) on existing and proposed laws around the country to protect distracted pedestrians.
There is no power for greater change than a community discovering what it cares about.
- Margaret Wheatley,
President, The Berkana Institute
Wikipedia
If, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let us remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy — it did not — but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud.
- Barack Obama,
President,
United States of America
From “Together We Thrive: Tucson and America" speech at the University of Arizona (1.12.11).
This is a budget that's real. I don't think it's pro-anybody. He's asking us all to be adults, to say this is not going to be easy and we all have to share the burden. We have to do it together.
- Russell Hancock,
Class XX,
President & CEO,
Joint Venture:
Silicon Valley Network
From a San Jose Mercury News article (1.11.11) on the Silicon Valley Leadership Group's proposal to the Brown administration - backed by Joint Venture & TechNet - to develop a strategic plan to enhance California's competitiveness in manufacturing and technology.
Our new office puts us closer to the center of downtown San Jose and many of the companies that we cover.
- James MacGregor,
Class XXI,
Publisher, Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.10.11) on the paper's move to South Market Street after two decades on North Third.
The long recession is in the rearview mirror here in Silicon Valley.
- Phil Mahoney,
Executive Vice President, Cornish & Carey Commercial Newmark Knight Frank
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (12.24.10) on social networking company Plaxo's lease of 40,000 square feet in Sunnyvale's Moffett Towers.
Circles create soothing space, where even reticent people can realize that their voice is welcome.
- Margaret J. Wheatley ,
President,
The Berkana Institute
BrainyQuote
“As leaders, we play a crucial role in selecting the melody, setting the tempo, establishing the key, and inviting the players. But that is all we can do. The music comes from something we cannot direct, from a unified whole created among the players-a relational holism that transcends separateness. In the end, when it works, we sit back, amazed and grateful.”
- Margaret Wheatley,
President, The Berkana Institute
LeaderMesh
I believe that the 30-day impound disproportionately burdened our immigrant community, and this is a rare opportunity for a win-win.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.9.10) on the SJPD's new policy not to impound the cars of unlicensed drivers.
San Jose needs to do a better job of attracting and nurturing the workforce of tomorrow - talented young college graduates and immigrants who could provide vital skills and resources to help our community grow and prosper.
- Judy Kleinberg,
Class XIX,
Program Director
for San Jose and
Silicon Valley,
John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (11.15.10) on the release of the Knight Foundation's "Soul of the Community" report.
We have intellectual talents and treasure here. We need to activate that and then we would see a burst of charitable giving.
- Emmett Carson,
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.15.10) on the launch of the holiday giving season.
Since the Holiday Fund's inception in 1993, thousands of people have received critical and caring services, thanks to the $4 million given by generous donors. And this year, as in years past, community members have stepped up to offer matching donations that will make other donors' gifts go further.
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Palo Alto Weekly Publisher & Embarbardero Media President
Palo Alto Online News (11.11.10)
"Waiting for Superman" has done a great service by highlighting the education crisis. Now it's time for us Clark Kents to act.
- Peter Fortenbaugh,
Class XXII,
Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula
From an Op/Ed in the San Jose Mercury News (11.7.10).
The election this season has been very hyped; there's been hundreds of millions of dollars spent on trying to influence people. I think it's very important for the registrar of voters to be transparent.
- Steve Preminger,
Class VIII,
Director, Union
Community Resources
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.2.10) on problem mail ballots in Santa Clara County.
This is the epitome of civic engagement. I'm hearing that the community values the police department. Where improvement is needed is having them see more evidence that they are respected. They want to feel protected and not fear from the police department.
- Debra Figone, Class X,
San Jose City Manager
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.1.10) on community meetings regarding the selection of San Jose's next police chief.
There is something happening here that has never happened before in this city. I'm getting a sense of energy and hope that this time it's going to be different. There is something about how this process is now evolving that is giving people a sense of their ability to have some say.
- La Doris Cordell,
Class VIII,
City of San Jose Independent Police Auditor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.1.10) on community meetings regarding the selection of San Jose's next police chief.
It's a specific demographic group up there.
- Malcolm Bordelon,
Class XVIII,
Executive Vice President, Business Operations,
Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (10.15.10) on Florida-based Citrix Systems' offer to brand all 64 luxury boxes at the HP Pavilion for three years at $150K per year.
We’re honored to have received these grants to help us provide traditional arts and music education in California. This support is especially significant for us, because it celebrates and validates our work, through music education, to preserve Mexico’s traditional arts and the heritage of California’s Latino community.
- Marcela Davison Aviles, Class XXII,
President & CEO, Mexican Heritage Corporation (MHC)
From a press release (10.13.10) announcing grants from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation & the California Arts Council to help underwrite MHC’s mariachi education program in San Jose public schools.
We wanted to use this project as an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and to create a building that will be healthy and comfortable for our employees, as well as a model for future developers.
- Bill Johnson, Class III ,
Palo Alto Weekly Publisher & Embarcadero Media President
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (10.7.10) on the Palo Alto's Weekly's new headquarters on Cambridge Avenue, which received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the "greenest" building in Palo Alto.
In these times, that's a message that resonates with everyone. It doesn't matter if you're Buddhist or not.
- Gerald Sakamoto,
Class X,
Priest, San Jose Buddhist
Church Betsuin
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.9.10) on the upcoming visit of the Dalai Lama and his message of religious pluralism.
I am excited to play a part in the historic transformation of one of the world’s great companies. I have worked in the industries in which Kodak participates for many years, and I have enormous respect for the company’s technology, products, people and brand.
- Pradeep Jotwani,
Class XX,
President & Chief Marketing Officer, Kodak
Picture Business & Mobile Lifestyle, October 5, 2010
We're used to thinking of kindergarten as a year kids had to get ready for real school. Now kindergarten is real school.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.15.10) on the pending law to move the cut-off date for kindergarten from December 2nd to September 1st.
We want to be a good neighbor and make sure you understand everything that is going on at the site.
- George Shirakawa,
Class XI,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.21.10) on plans for a new medical clinic near the site of the former San Jose Medical Center.
This is a wonderful example of the tremendous generosity that our region is known for. We’re pleased that so many responded and want to join with us to help San Bruno recover. As this region’s community foundation, our role is to respond quickly and ensure that these funds help San Bruno rebuild in the days and months ahead.
- Emmett Carson
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.15.10) that the Community Foundation raised more than $200K for its San Bruno Fire Fund.
We weren't sure how the people there would react. We looked Japanese, but we spoke like Americans. And yet the response
was incredible.
- Roy Hirabayashi,
Class XVIII,
Executive Director, San Jose Taiko
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.10.10) on the transition of leadership from San Jose Taiko founders Roy & PJ Hirabayashi after 37 years at the helm.
This anniversary is a big deal because it means that they can survive this economy. Last year was the worst year we have ever seen around here... but these guys are still at it.
- Bruce Davis, Class XIV,
Executive Director, Arts Council Silicon Valley
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (9.8.10) on the 30th anniversary of San Jose Repertory Theatre.
This time that we’re in right now is so crucial, because there’s never been a better time for reform.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Governor of California
From a budget discussion with members of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce at City Summit 2010: CityRising: Economic Resurgence Conference (8.31.10).
The RDA wasn’t sure that this area could make it. For me, the Tropicana has been the chance to show that East San Jose is economically viable.
- Dennis Fong, Class VII,
Owner / CEO, Tropicana Shopping Center
From an article on the restoration of La Placita Tropicana in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (8.20.10)
There's just no reason for a government agency to track the movements of Californians, let alone maintain that information in a database forever and ever.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (8.24.10) about a bill to protect the "locational privacy" of commuters who use FasTrak.
Comerica is doing a lot in the community and a lot in response to the diversity of women. We are trying to be a bank for women and a partner for women in business.
- Michael Fulton,
Class VII,
President, Comerica Bank Western Market
From an article in the Los Gatos Weekly Times (8.16.10) on the launch of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce and Comerica Bank's IMPOWER to motivate and inspire women to make a difference in the lives of others program featuring Class XV Senior Fellow Ysabel Duron.
If we don't go forward with 33 percent renewable standard for California's energy supply, we undercut all those companies and entrepreneurs creating jobs in solar, wind, biofuels and other renewable forms of energy.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
San Jose Mercury News (8.16.10)
I worked with farmworkers because of the heritage of my father. I believed that America provided opportunities for people. I believed that everyone had the right to health care. It never occurred to me that it was a privilege. I never took no for an answer.
- Luisa Buada, Class XXII,
Executive Director, Ravenswood Family
Health Center
From a profile in the San Jose Mercury News (8.13.10).
This energy sector is a great opportunity for innovation. We know the infrastructure needs to be upgraded, and when that happens it’s a great time to make sure it’s connected to a communications fabric. There are strategic control points all over the grid, and every place we see as strategic we plan to build, invest or acquire.
- Laura Ipsen, Class XXI,
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Smart Grid, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (8.6.10)
Our region has the financial resources and the intellectual talent to help spark a philanthropic renaissance.
- Emmett Carson
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From an editorial in the San Jose Mercury News (8.6.10) on the "Giving Pledge" created by Warren Buffett and Bill & Melinda Gates.
His legacy is really a public legacy. He appreciated nature and enjoyed the way you feel and the freedom you have in the out of doors. He wanted the spectacular places of the West available to everyone.
- Audrey Rust, Class XV,
President, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST)
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (8.3.10) on the death of philanthropist and former Sunset magazine publisher Bill Lane.
When you think of Jerry Rice, you just go, 'Wow!' It's the same type of feeling you get when Steve Jobs comes up with a new product. Jerry was constantly innovative in a way similar to Jobs and Gordon Moore and Andy Grove. That's why a creative place like Northern California was so intrigued by him.
- Ronnie Lott, Class XII,
Managing Director,
Capital Dynamics
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (8.1.10) on his former teammate Jerry Rice's induction into the NFL Hall of Fame.
For me, going to Audubon is like going home. Community-based education and action that breeds broader changes has always been engaging and rewarding for me and those are the things Audubon
does best.
- David Yarnold, Class XII,
Executive Director, Environmental Defense
From a National Audobon Society press release (7.29.10) on the news that David Yarnold has been named President and CEO.
We got a commitment from Major League Baseball to partially fund an initiative and a timeline for decision making. For 16 months, we’ve been told `later.’ Now we’re being told we understand that you need to move. We expect you’ll go in the spring.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Council member
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.27.10) on the news that MLB will help pay for a special election if the city waits until spring to place the proposed ballpark measure on the ballot.
There is no surprise in MLB’s response. They have to protect their process.
- Michael Mulcahy,
Class XIII ,
Managing Partner, SDS NeGen Partners & Co-Chairman,
Pro Baseball for San Jose
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.23.10) on the announcement that San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is backing a November ballot measure on the ballpark.
There is no surprise in MLB’s response. They have to protect their process.
- Michael Mulcahy, Class XIII ,
Managing Partner, SDS NeGen Partners & Co-Chairman, Pro Baseball for San Jose
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.23.10) on the announcement that San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is backing a November ballot measure on the ballpark.
It will be a significant job generator for us.
- Neil Struthers
Class XVII,
CEO, Santa Clara & San Benito Building & Construction Trade Council
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.23.10) article on San Jose water reuse plant scheduled to break ground in October.
What Paul told you was always the truth. He didn't play games. You knew that what he said was what he believed. I don't think there is any question he will go down in history as one of the greatest presidents in Santa Clara history.
- Leon Panetta,
Director, CIA & 2004 ALF Exemplary Leader
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.12.10) on the death of Fr. Paul Locatelli, founding ALF Board member & Class II Senior Fellow.
Nonprofit organizations that experienced record levels of demand last year are seeing still more people in need of help. They simply cannot meet the region’s needs without additional support.
- Emmett Carson
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.7.10) article on SVCF's announcement of $1.3M in grants to 65 San Mateo & Santa Clara nonprofits providing food, shelter & emergency assistance.
This year's awards reflect the tremendous work of an excellent staff. We our very fortunate to have great reporters and great leadership in our editorial department.
- James MacGregor,
Class XXI,
Publisher, Silicon Valley /
San Jose Business Journal
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (6.21.10) article on Peninsula Press Club's 33rd Annual Greater Bay Area Journalism Awards competition in which the paper took 13 awards.
"What we always set out to do was make the show the star. This is a big Broadway musical, with a big book."
- Randy Adams, Class VII,
Founding Partner/Producer, Junkyard Dog Productions
GoMemphis.com
"Because there are so many projects slated for this area, we felt it was critical that a traffic plan and parking plan and infrastructure plan all be put into place."
- Greg Jamison, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.2.10) on an agreement between the San Jose Sharks and the City of San Jose for the former to build a parking structure and the latter to oversee parking and transportation improvements.
"They (unions) are a very important partner in this. Contracts are being redefined, and you see lots of innovation. We want to capitalize on those centers of change around the country."
- Martha Kanter, Class IX,
U.S. Under Secretary
of Education
Palo Alto Online News (5.28.10)
It became sort of a symbol for people who felt left out of the Silicon Valley image, and we built a community out of that diversity.
- Raj Jayadev, Class XXII,
Executive Director, Silicon Valley De-Bug
From a profile on Silicon Valley De-Bug in the New York Times (5.21.10).
Partnering with Westinghouse moves us one giant step closer to the goal we've had since I founded Akeena: installing solar panels on every sunny rooftop.
- Barry Cinnamon,
Class XX,
CEO, Akeena Solar
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (5.18.10)
I’m very excited to shift my focus to nonprofit work for children and families. I’ll be working with people who are dedicated to helping children in crisis, by keeping them safe at home, in school and out of trouble.
- Kathy Meier, Class IX,
Chief Legal Counsel, EMQ FamiliesFirst
EMQ FamiliesFirst press release (5.11.10)
This was a man with intense commitment to the community. Just a dear, dear man and you can see the turnout here of people whose lives were touched by Jim and the work he did in the community,
- Ron Gonzales, Class III,
President & CEO, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley
From a story reported by KCBS ALL News (5.8.10) on the dedication of Jim McEntee Legacy Art Project, named for the longtime Santa Clara County HR Director, who died in 2004.
Don't allow politicians to shortchange the arts.
- Larry Stone, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Assessor
From his acceptance speech for receipt of the Lifetime Achievement Award from Arts Council Silicon Valley (5.7.10).
You're going to see this more and more. We like to build things and fix broken things. And what could be a bigger and more important challenge than fixing a broken state?
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (5.4.10) on a new group of Silicon Valley entrepreneurs launching statewide political campaigns.
It's very important that we carry on our traditions. They are very rich. It is also very sad for Mexican-Americans to be caught in the middle of these immigration issues.
- Hermelinda Sapien,
Class XVII,
President & CEO, Center for Employment Training
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (5.3.10) on San Jose's Cinco de Mayo parade. Sapien served as Grand Marshall.
This is a great example of the city and Police Department listening to community concerns and making changes that appear to be working.
- Debra Figone, Class X,
San Jose City Manager
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.25.10) on the City of San Jose's new police tactics.
In Silicon Valley we are used to investing. At a typical tech company, 10 to 15 percent goes into R&D. We have to invest in our infrastructure the same way.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.22.10) on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
I can't really think of another firm of our size that has a family law department.
- Phil Hammer, Class V,
Attorney, Hoge, Fenton, Jones & Appel, Inc.
From an article in the Silicon Valley San Jose Business Journal (4.16.10) on the law firm's expansion.
What's got the best shot at attracting resources and serving the community?
- Connie Martinez, Class X,
Managing Director & CEO, 1stACT
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.12.10) on a proposed plan to transform the Mexican Heritage Plaza into a school for arts and culture serving the local community.
As we approach immigration reform, we should recognize more than ever that this is a moment involving critical decisions relating to our sense of identity and unity as a nation. Rather than finding new divides, the times require an affirmation of our origins.
- Marcela Davison Aviles, Class XXII,
President & CEO, Mexican Heritage Corporation
From a CNN Opinion (3.25.10)
They look out the window but they don't see what's in their backyard.
- Bruce Davis, Class XIV,
Executive Director,
Arts Council Silicon Valley
From a cover story in the San Jose Mercury News (3.28.10) on the state of the arts in the Bay Area.
With more and more employers hiring contractors, we suddenly have this valley of free agents who have to be responsible for their own health care. It's happening faster here than in other places, but it's the wave of the future.
- Russell Hancock,
Class XX ,
President & CEO, Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.23.10) on how new national health care legislation will effect Silicon Valley.
They want the toy and have no idea what's in the food. You can't expect a 3-year old to say there are too many calories in that hamburger...We can't just do nothing and hope that families just find another way to avoid obesity in their kids.
- Ken Yeager, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.23.10) on the potential regulation of toys given away with children's meals.
If it weren't for public works projects, the unemployment rate would be 50 percent in our industry. It isn't just the San Jose-Evergreen district, but work from other school districts and other public agencies that is keeping us working.
- Neil Struthers, Class XVII,
CEO, Santa Clara & San Benito Building & Construction Trade Council
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.12.10)
Long term, the state and the nation need to reinvigorate the private sector to strengthen our economy. But in the short term, we need government to prime the pump. Right now, no mission of the state is more critical than job creation.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
San Francisco Chronicle Opinion (3.11.10)
The PC revolution in the computer industry occurred when new technology made PCs easy to use and affordable. Likewise, with panels becoming plug-and-play appliances, the solar revolution has started.
- Barry Cinnamon,
Class XX,
CEO, Akeena Solar
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.5.10)
"We can and will restore it to be a completely safe, seismically modern building. But there's still a question of what we will do with it when it's done."
- Joe Head, Class VI,
President, SummerHill Land
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (3.5.10) on SummerHill's plans to preserve the original family home and warehouse on the historical Mirassou Winery site in the Evergreen area of southeast San Jose while creating a new, single family home development.
“Anyone is eligible. It’s a program of which we will be enormously proud, and I predict it will make a huge difference in the health care landscape.”
- Liz Kniss, Class VII,
Supervisor, Santa Clara County
From a story on KCBS ALL News (3.1.10) about Santa Clara County's health plan for companies with 2-50 employees making up to $18
per hour.
We cannot drill our way out of this problem. The science is settled, the law is settled. For us it's about the political will and the costs. It's about getting an engineering study done.
- Fred Ferrer, Class XI,
CEO, The Health Trust
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.18.10) on The Health Trust's partnership with Pew Charitable Trust and First Five Santa Clara County in the effort to fluoridate San Jose's drinking water.
If we can connect it, it can be more green.
- Laura Ipsen, Class XXI,
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Smart Grid, Cisco Systems
From Part 2 of a 3-part series in the San Jose Mercury News (2.1.10) on Silicon Valley 3.0 >>The Cleantech Revolution.
And to say that due process has been given in this case is the greatest understatement since saying that Mt. Everest is a big mountain. I mean the court has bent over backwards so many times to facilitate due process in this case that I feel like a pretzel on sale in Philadelphia.
- Jeremy Fogel, Class XIV,
U.S. Federal Judge,
U.S. District Court,
Northern District
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (2.3.10) on the multiple delays in a hearing to overturn the conviction of the Palo Alto Walgreen's arsonist.
I think he understood he was talking to all the families out there who were watching. He talked about the issues in a very honest way and tried to tell people, 'I get it.'
- Mike Honda, Class I ,
Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
From San Jose Mercury News (1.28.10) coverage of President Barack Obama's first State of the Union speech.
President Obama earned an 'A' on clean energy, K-12 and higher education, exports and export control; an 'incomplete' on immigration reform and a 'D' on not understanding that companies need jobs and facilities overseas because 95 percent for the world's markets are overseas.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
San Jose Mercury News (1.28.10)
That's the total reason you do this. I hope more people come forward and say,`I want to do that.' How many people can say they really helped make a change for the better? And that's why people should run for council. It's so rewarding.
- Kathleen King,
Class XVII,
Mayor of Saratoga, CA
San Jose Mercury News (12.30.09)
Nobody was going into the homes. You can get beer in the neighborhood. But not vegetables.
- Raul Lozano, Class XIX,
Founder, La Mesa Verde Project
From an article in the New York Times (1.16.10) on a new program that teaches San Jose residents to grow food in their backyards.
I look forward to serving the VTA as the board chair through this period of scarce resources. Silicon Valley is built on innovation. I am eager to work with this talented group of board members to find innovative solutions and continue to deliver essential transportation services to our community.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Council member
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.9.10) on the announcement that Liccardo had been named chairman of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority board of directors.
Because 42 of the 49 other states already provide this sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment, this not only finally levels the playing field, but does it in a way that we continue to be the global hub for clean and green tech, which not only saves jobs in our economy, but the planet as well.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From a KCBS ALL News report (1.12.10) on Governor Schwarzenegger's visit to Cobalt Biofuels in Mountain View to promote the proposed sales tax exemption for clean tech companies.
Unless we are willing to step out in front, we're going to be left behind.
- Linda Murray, Class VII,
Superintendent-in-Residence, Education Trust-West
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (1.6.10) on the race
to reform California's education code to meet eligiblity for federal stimulus funds.
Bob brought to POST a passion for conservation, a knowledge of his community, a deep network of friends and colleagues, and an entrepreneurial spirit, all of which set up the organization for long-term success. POST and I have benefitted greatly from Bob's vision and 'get it done' attitude.
- Audrey Rust, Class XV,
Executive Director, POST
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (1.4.10) on the death of POST co-founder Robert R. "Bob" Augsburger.
Why can't somebody teach the people in my neighborhood to grow food? Why can't that person be me?
- Raul Lozano, Class XIX,
Founder & Project Manager, La Mesa Verde
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (1.4.10) on a new program that teaches San Jose residents how to raise vegetables in their backyards.
Faith, hope and charity, the three virtues considered so important in the New Testament, would be welcome gifts for our valley this winter to people of all religious and irreligious persuasions.
- Melanie Aron, Class VIII,
Rabbi, Congregation Shir Hadash
From a feature in the San Jose Mercury News Sunday Business
section (12.20.09) on a group of Silicon Valley leaders' wish list for
the holidays.
It's potentially billions of things that will be connected. It's wind and solar and hydro and hybrid vehicles. The smart grid of the future may be bigger than the Internet.
- Laura Ipsen, Class XXI,
Executive Vice President and General Manager, Smart Grid
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (12.18.09) article on Cisco's new Smart Grid Business Unit
Hallelujah! This is a great Christmas present.
- Ken Yeager, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.18.09) on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's approval of $32M to begin rebuilding the interchange of Interstates 880 & 280 at the intersection of Highway 17.
He's proven to be a burst of fresh air in terms of leadership and his willingness to learn.
- Mike Honda, Class I, Congressman, U.S. House of Representatives
San Jose Mercury News (12.7.09) article on the election of Evan Low as mayor of Campbell. Low is he youngest Asian-American mayor and the youngest openly gay mayor in U.S. history.
These are things that we need very badly. The county can't afford them right now. VMC can't afford them. So, it's an opportunity for people to give to something very specific and know that they're going to make a difference in the lives of patients.
- Chris Wilder,
Class XXI, Executive Director, Valley Medical Center Foundation
From a KCBS All News Radio report (11.29.09) on VMC's Holiday
Wish List
I'm glad there's a study now that vindicates what we've been saying for a long time. It's a shame and needs to be corrected.
- Carmen Castellano,
Class XX,
President, Castellano
Family Foundation
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.12.09) on a new study from the Washington D.C.- based Urban Institute that shows Latinos as the least represented ethnic or racial group in nonprofit organizations across California.
These are our neighborhoods; they belong to us.
- Nora Campos, Class XV,
Councilmember, District 5, San Jose
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.11.09) on gang-related attack against two young trick or treaters on Halloween night in San Jose.
We're at the tipping point, and we see it tipping, but it just hasn't tipped all the way yet. It boils down to customer economics. The cost of producing solar panels is coming down very fast, and the installation costs are dropping as well. But there's still a great deal of paperwork and bureaucracy, from permits to inspections to filing for tax credits.
- Barry Cinnamon,
Class XX,
CEO, Akeena Solar
San Jose Mercury News (11.1.09)
We're very passionate about nature and being outside, and we really want to preserve the resources here for everybody's children.
- Becky Morgan,
Class VI,
President & Community Catalyst, Morgan Family Foundation
From a front page article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.28.09) on the launch of the Morgan's efforts to raise $100M to save Sierra lands
People reassess their situation and the world as a whole. They question the assumptions they used to make.
- Jane Williams,
Class XVII,
CEO and Co-founder of Sand Hill Advisors LLC
Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (10.30.09) Focus on Wealth Management
For too many years members of the department have worked in crowded and inappropriate space for the complex job that they do. So this new building provides a modern and professional working environment.
- Scott Seaman, Class XVI,
Chief of Police, Town of
Los Gatos
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.27.09) on the new $8.2M Los Gatos Police Operations Center
You can talk to them about sustainability, but they need a roof over their heads right now.
- Ajay Shah, Class XII,
Managing Partner,
Silver Lake Sumeru Partners
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.14.09) about a $100,000 donation to keep Emergency Housing Consortium shelter beds available through the winter.
Californians don’t feel they get what they pay for right now and that we waste their money. We rely so heavily on personal income tax, making California like a roller coaster during recessions.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
San Mateo Daily Journal (10.10.09)
People were so discouraged in the wake of climate legislation and the general malaise around D.C., and they wanted to take action into their own hands.
- David Yarnold, Class XII,
President/CEO Audubon
From an article in the New York Times (12.17.11) Sunday Review Opinion Pages on the status of the environmental movement.
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- Emmet Carson,
Class XXII, CEO and President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From an article...
You can laugh at the sunbaked barbarians, even wish them ill. But you should not fail to see in their fledgling renaissance another chapter in the American experiment, no less daring than the Golden Gate Bridge or the castle that Hearst erected at continent’s edge.
- Timothy Egan,
New York Times contributor & author
From the column, "California Beaming" (3.28.13) published in The New York Times.
Two years ago, they were writing our obituary. Well it didn't happen. California is back, its budget is balanced, and we are on the move. Let's go out and get it done.
- Jerry Brown,
California Governor
Close of CA Governor Jerry Brown's State of the State speech, January 24, 2013.
"This is new. This is a breakthrough."
- Jerry Brown,
Governor of California
From an article in the Silicon Valley Business Journal (1.10.13) announcing the Governor's
2013 budget.
The persistence and hard work of the FPPC has won a significant and lasting victory for transparency in the political process. We will continue in this matter and all others to ensure that the people of California know who is funding political activity in this state.
- Ann Ravel, Class XI ALF Senior Fellow,
Chairwoman, California Fair Political Practices Commission
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.5.12) on the CA state Supreme Court's order that an AZ group reveal the funding source of an anonymous $11 million donation - the largest anonymous contribution to a ballot measure campaign in California history.
When an outside-of-California group that has never spent any money on campaigns in California makes an anonymous $11 million contribution to a campaign in California, it raises a question.
- Ann Ravel, ALF Class XI Senior Fellow,
California Fair Political Practices Commission Chairwoman
From an editorial in the San Jose Mercury News (10.25.12), FPPC's Ann Ravel is fighting for voters' right to know.
We've had serious governance problems in the United States before...and we resolved all those not with some kind of technical fix, but by politics. At the end of the day, people have to become mobilized and energized and take on the responsibility for making change.
- Bob Brownstein, Class XII,
Policy Director, Working Partnerships USA
From a Reviving CA statewide pre-election conversation with The California Report's Rachael Myrow on fiscal and governance reform.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Skype in the past year has enabled us to not only harness Skype technology, but also Microsoft’s evolving technology platforms for civic engagement.
- Anu Natarajan,
Program Director, Reviving California
From a press release (9.13.12) on Reviving California's October 5th Community Summit: Connecting Californians for Reform.
There’s no evidence suggesting that ballot placement has anything to do with the outcome of your measure.
- Mike Madrid,
Editor and Publisher, California City News
From the California Forward Blog (7.13.12) on whether the order in which propositions are listed on the ballot matters.
These parks are precious public resources and extraordinary economic assets. They are part of our heritage as Californians. They are places that hold great meaning for all of us. While this budget proposal by no means puts an end to our effort to keep parks open, it is an encouraging start with long-term potential.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.28.12) on the passage of California's $91 billion state budget that leaves uncertain the outcome of Simitian (D-Palo Alto) & Noreen Evans' (D-Santa Rosa) joint legislation to keep state parks slated for closure open.
The secret to reforming is understanding incrementalism and not trying to be so big and so bold. You've got to align interests.
- Robert Hertzberg,
Co-Chair, Reviving California
From a column by George Skelton in the Los Angeles Times (4.12.12), Reforming government step by step.
When Proposition 13 was approved, median home prices were growing faster than most other government revenue sources. Today’s new normal is characterized by reduced home prices and drops in assessed value, which means we must either adjust to fewer public services, find new sources of revenue or a combination of both. We need to ask ourselves if it is time to consider a new approach.
- Emmett Carson, Class XXII,
CEO & President, Silicon Valley Community Foundation
From a press release (2.7.12) announcing the 2012
Silicon Valley Index.
I think the California ballot is confusing enough. Every time I vote in California, and the whole referendum process, I really have my reservations about it. Because I tell you, I think I'm an informed voter, and I sometimes have to read the measures six or seven times, and then sometimes I still don't understand them. So, I worry about the complexity of the California ballot, yes.
- Condoleezza Rice,
Former U.S. Secretary of State, Think Long Committee for California Member & Professor of Political Economy, Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy, Hoover Institution, and Professor of Political Science and FSI Senior Fellow, Stanford University
From a Capitol Alert in the Sacramento Bee (1.3.12)
.
This is one of those things where people really didn't have any interest, they were just trying to find a vision to fix California. Everyone was focused on the long term. As Washington is in gridlock, maybe California can lead the way again by showing that we know how to fix things.
- Bob Herzberg,
Former CA State Assembly Speaker, Co-Chair, CA Foward & Think Long Committee member
From a Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert (11.19.11) on the Think Long Committee's newly released recommendations on tax reform.
Today's report tracks with the troublesome pattern we have seen in the State's receipts and spending, which could mean a cash-flow problem in California’s near future.
- John Chiang,
California State Controller
From a statement in response to 11.16.11 fiscal outlook announcement; executive summary here.
Californians have been clear: They want their governments to be more accountable and perform more effectively.
- Bruce McPherson,
California Foward Leadership Council
From an opinion in the San Jose Mercury News (11.10.11) on California Forward Action Fund's proposed Government Performance and Accountability Act.
If we're going to be able to respond to the growing needs of Silicon Valley, then we need to take risks to explore new ways of meeting those needs.
- Fred Ferrer, Class XI,
CEO, Health Trust
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.28.12) on Harvard professor Clay Christensen's visit to Silicon Valley to promote a Health Trust initiative providing grants to nonprofits practicing disruptive innovation.
The investment by Google Ventures highlights DocuSign’s value as a tech disruptor across the web and mobile platforms, from consumers to global enterprises.
- Keith Krach, Class XV,
Chairman & CEO, DocuSign
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (8.10.12) on Google's investment in DocuSign.
What should cities do to manage the current crisis and set in place safeguards against future economic recessions? They must return to the basics.
- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow, Government Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University
"Outside the Box" commentary from Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch (7.27.12) re: Advice for cities in fiscal crisis.
There's a growing concern that a water bond of this size is a very tough sell.
- Joe Simitian,
Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in Reuter's (10.12.11) on a proposed California state ballot measure that would provide $11.1 billion for water projects.
In most of America, it can take days, even weeks, for a patient to see a specialist. Even then, once the appointment finally occurs, the specialist may not have all the information needed to ensure maximal quality and patient safety. In contrast, at Kaiser Permanente, our telemedicine services enable us to provide rapid specialist consultations and seamless coordination of care. Supported by our comprehensive electronic medical record, specialists can provide high-quality medical care on the spot. Patients don't have to go to sleep wondering, 'What is wrong with me?' as they wait for a consultation with a specialist. The convenience and peace of mind this kind of rapid response offers patients is invaluable and a true glimpse into the future of health care.
- Robert Pearl, MD,
Executive Director & CEO, The Permanente Medical Group
From a MarketWatch PR Newswire press release (9.22.11)
As our business has grown beyond Silicon Valley – nationally and potentially globally in the future – we wanted to choose an identity that was not centric to any one geographic location.
- Malcolm Bordelon, Class XVIII,
Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Sharks Sports & Entertainment
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (8.26.11) on Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment's rebranding.
We owe our students the chance to be prepared for what's to come.
- Jerry Ceppos, Class VIII,
Dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University
From a profile in Louisiana State University's The Daily Reveille (8.23.11).
I'm a believer that we have a unique system here and that experience will continue to show that it's the best form of government.
- George Marcus, Class III,
Chair, Marcus & Millichap
From a profile in Palo Alto Online News (6.17.11).
I’m excited to be working with the water district because it manages a unique resource that is so fundamental to our existence. I’m an environmentalist at heart and have a passion for working with communities. This makes the position a perfect fit for me because it brings together my background, experience and passion. I’m looking forward to the challenge.
- Teresa Alvarado,
Class XIX,
Santa Clara Valley Water District Communications Manager
Santa Clara Valley Water District press release (5.6.11)
Leonard Ely embodied the true spirit of giving. He was a visionary who understood our larger region and the power of collective philanthropy. He made the community foundation, our region and countless nonprofit institutions stronger.
- Emmett Carson,
Class XXII,
CEO and President,
Silicon Valley
Community Foundation
From an article in Palo Alto Online News (5.2.11) on the death of Silicon Valley philanthropist Leonard Ely.
There's a huge concern about California as a state and California's sustainability.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (4.21.11) on the SVLG's survey released in conjunction with the 4.22 Business Climate Summit with Governor Jerry Brown.
Young people in this city are ready to have a better relationship with the SJPD, and they view our office as having the credibility and the ability to build that relationship. It doesn't get any better than that.
- La Doris Cordell,
Class VIII,
City of San Jose Independent Police Auditor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (3.23.11) on the formation of the IPA Teen Leadership Council.
If we don't have a successful effort in June, bleak won't begin to describe what we're looking at.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.5.11) on a potential $5 billion shortfall in education funding.
Comerica Bank has done business in San Jose for 20 years, and we support organizations who serve our community in times of need.
- Mike Fulton, Class VII,
President, Western Market, Comerica Bank
From a column in the San Jose Mercury News (12.10.10) on Comerica's donation of $14K to Sacred Heart Community Service.
We wanted to bring forward opinions and perspective voices that usually aren't heard from. And I think they are taking it very seriously. I get the sense they aren't just here for window dressing.
- Raj Jayadev, Class XXII ,
Executive Director, Silicon Valley De-Bug
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.1.10) on community meetings regarding the selection of San Jose's next police chief.
I can think of only a handful of current politicians who have her celebrity status and star quality - just Palin, Obama and the Clintons.
- Terry Christensen,
Class XIV,
Professor, Department of Political Science, San Jose State University
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (10.15.10) on Sarah Palin's mid-October appearance in San Jose.
Each year runaways, kids experiencing abuse at home and other children with nowhere to turn walk into one of our sites and simply say, "I need a safe place." And we are called, and within 30 minutes, a counselor is there.
- Sparky Harlan, Class XII,
Executive Director/CEO, Bill Wilson Center
From a column in the San Jose Mercury News (10.5.10) on her receipt of the National Safe Place Agency Administrator of the Year award.
We thought the CEOs of Silicon Valley ought to reach out to Commissioner Selig so he clearly understands - in a respectful way - that we think the Bay Area should remain a market for two Major League Baseball teams.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
San Jose Mercury News (9.9.10)
I would never close the door on sports.
- Greg Jamison, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.3.10) on the surprise announcement that he was stepping down from day-to-day operations.
All of these places are overcrowded, inadequate and in some cases unsafe. I don’t even want to call them courthouses. As long as I’ve been on the bench, this has been a stopgap measure with the intent that we will have a courthouse someday.
- Jamie Jacobs-May,
Class XI,
Superior Court Judge, Santa Clara County
From a cover story in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.30.10) on the news that bidding on the construction phase is imminent on the new $241M Santa Clara Family Resources Court.
"...when you get called to service, you serve."
- Martha Kanter, Class IX,
U.S. Under Secretary
of Education
From a profile in Palo Alto Online News (7.23.10)
I am honored to be on the judging panel of the 2011 Collaboration Prize. By highlighting these organizations that work together in effective and creative ways, the prize shines a spotlight on innovative approaches and models for the non-profit community.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President & CEO, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
From an article in the Los Altos Town Crier (7.20.10) that Larson had been appointed to the final selection panel for the 2011 Lodestar Foundation Collaboration Prize, a national award designed to identify and showcase models of collaboration among non-profit organizations.
We’ve been privileged to contribute to the growth of this city. It’s great to be at this moment and part of this process.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President & CEO, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Los Altos Town Crier (5.18.10)
When all the renovations are complete, this will be not only a remarkable concert venue and meeting space, but it's another great activity in Downtown for locals and visitors alike.
- Dan Fenton, Class XVIII,
President & CEO,
Team San Jose
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (4.16.10) on upgrades to the San Jose Civic.
The bill's really pretty straight forward. It says let's start kindergarten at five, not four and a half, not four and three quarters, but five.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
KCBS ALL News (4.12.10)
We want to make a difference in people’s lives, and to leave a legacy that our children and grandchildren will pick up.
- Becky Morgan, Class VI,
President & Community Catalyst, Morgan Family Foundation
From a cover story in the Los Altos Town Crier (4.6.10).
We have a much tighter link between economic development and education.
- Kim Walesh, Class XVIII,
Chief Strategist, City of
San Jose
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (2.11.10) on the release of the 2010 Silicon Valley Index.
We need to take some risks. If the recession is over, nobody in my neighborhood or business district has yet received the news.
- Sam Liccardo, Class XXI,
San Jose City Council member
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (1.29.10) article on business incentives.
We're not seeing a lot of huge new lease commitments, but there's a little more traction, more tenants looking around.
- Mark Ritchie, Class XIV,
President, Ritchie Commercial
From an interview on KCBS ALL News (1.26.10) on the San Jose commercial real estate market.
I think the governor is out of answers. It's just where we are. A lot of the gimmicks have already been used up.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
Palo Alto Online News (1.25.10)
Politics will always play a role. But it's going to be more challenging than ever to get good decisions on a timely basis.
- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator
From an front-page article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.22.09) on the anticipated gridlock in 2010 as elected officials campaign for office amidst the continued budget turmoil.
Then a light bulb when on, and I said, 'This is the point,' to take all my skill sets and put them together to create something needed in this community.
- Ysabel Duron, Class XV,
Founder/CEO, Latinas Contra Cancer and News Anchor, KRON4 TV
From a Wishbook 2009 series feature article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.22.09) on Latinas Contra Cancer
That Silicon Valley's children grow up with a continuum of arts and cultural experiences that bring joy and learning to their lives. That Silicon Valley's workforce gets out of their cubes and engages in the rich and wide variety of cultural experiences right here at home, like our unique festivals and budding live music scene. And that the valley's love affair with global philanthropy extends to our social entrepreneurs and cultural organizations in Silicon Valley.
- Connie Martinez, Class X,
Managing Director & CEO, 1stACT
From a feature in the San Jose Mercury News Sunday Business
section (12.20.09) on a group of Silicon Valley leaders' wish list for
the holidays.
Silicon Valley has long been a leader in environmental protection — from our concern for clean air and water to the access to parks and open space we provide to all people. May this leadership position continue and be taken as seriously as we take our role as a leader in the high-tech economic sector. And may the valley continue to show the world that balancing nature and development is not just possible, but necessary.
- Audrey Rust, Class XV,
President, Peninsula Open Space Trust
From a feature in the San Jose Mercury News Sunday Business section (12.20.09) on a group of Silicon Valley leaders' wish list for the holidays.
San Jose isn't alone in this. There are pluses and minuses in dealing with all local cities, including Santa Clara and Sunnyvale. The same story when I travel to Boston, San Antonio, Phoenix and Austin, Texas. Officials in all those places are dealing with their own rule books.
- Michael Mulcahy, Class XIII, Managing Partner, SDS NexGen Partners, LLP
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (11.27.09) on city of San Jose business permit process.
I am very pleased with the excellent caliber of the finalists. They were selected after a nationwide search and extensive interview sessions with the search committee, which worked diligently to identify applicants to lead our district.
- Betsy Bechtel, Class V,
President, Foothill-DeAnza College Board of Trustees
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (11.6.09) on the search for a new chancellor.
If the labor movement only comes to the table when a collective bargaining agreement is at stake, it will remain a marginal movement. Weave the labor movement into the civic fabric so it isn't just a workplace institution but a community one as well. ... You really can innovate and change the direction of public life.
- Amy Dean, Class V,
Author, Activist, Social Entrepreneur
From a column in the San Jose Mercury News (10.3.09) on the Silicon Valley leg of the book tour for "The New New Deal".
Because the pandemic H1N1 virus is a new flu strain, people have little or no immunity and it has spread world-wide. Everyone should practice basic preventative measures to help limit the spread of the flu including hand washing, and staying home when sick, and get your seasonal flu vaccine now.
- Marty Fenstersheib,
Class XVIII,
Health Officer, Santa Clara County Public Health Department
Santa Clara County Public Health Department Press Release (9.29.09)
These are two of the largest square footage leases in San Jose. It's really, really encouraging.
- Mark Ritchie, Class XIV,
President, Ritchie Commercial
From a story in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.25.09) on the commercial real estate market in San Jose.
That 20 minutes was worth $1 million.
- Reed Hastings, Class XV,
Netflix CEO
From an article in the New York Times (9.21.09) on the results of the company's three-year, $1M prize contest for developing improved software for predicting preferred movies
The net economics of all this is getting better. We forsee a time, a few years from now, where we won't even need the state incentives.
- Barry Cinnamon, Class XX,
CEO, Akeena Solar
From a front page story in the San Jose Mercury News (9.15.09) on renewable energy.
"We believe the investments we're making today will accelerate the impact of these leading global social entrepreneurs, who continue to make real progress tackling the big challenges before us, from climate change to water scarcity to public health."
- Sally Osberg, Class I,
Executive Director, Skoll Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.4.09) on the Skoll Foundation's recent grants of $14M.
Many people are interested in this nationally. I suspect that also with HP’s corporate leadership, we’ll see other companies get involved.
- Carol Larson, Class XV,
President & CEO, David and Lucile Packard Foundation
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.4.09) on the Encore Fellows Program, a joint venture of HP, The Packard Foundation and Civic Ventures.
HP has been a big sponsor of Civic Ventures. And it rounds it out so beautifully because HP employees are deeply committed to volunteerism...We’re looking at how do we take people from the for-profit world to the nonprofit world to address societal needs.
- Yvonne Hunt, Class XX,
Vice President of Social Investment, Hewlett Packard
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (9.4.09) on the Encore Fellows Program, a joint venture of HP, The Packard Foundation and Civic Ventures.
"Palo Alto is full of stories, and we want to capture those stories and bring them to the public. We see the Story Project as a way to celebrate Palo Alto's history, people and community life in all its forms."
- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Palo Alto Weekly Publisher & Embarcadero Publishing Co. President
From an article in the Palo Alto Weekly (7.14.09) on Palo Alto Story Project.
We're not looking at a way to cover everyone, because there isn't one. If we're not covering everyone, we need to figure out a triage method of how to respond.
- Frederick Ferrer, Class XI,
CEO, The Health Trust
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.31.09) on Governor Schwarzenegger's additional $500 million budget cuts in health and human services.
The foundation became a very important part of our company culture. We've seen peaks and valleys in the semiconductor business because of the economy, and we wanted to have a strong consistent level of support in communities where Applied has a presence.
- Mark Walker, Class XIX,
Managing Director, Global Community Affairs, Applied Materials
From an article in the Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal (7.24.09) on Applied Materials's $1 million gift to United Way Silicon Valley.
We're trying to determine what the impact is on clients. This is truly life and death.
- Michele Lew, Class XXI,
President & CEO, Asian Americans for Community Involvement
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (7.30.09) on Governor Schwarzenegger's additional $500 million budget cuts in health and human services.
Like other nonprofits, we've had to cut some costs, but we're looking at the San Mateo County effort in a strategic way, beyond just this year...It opens up another market for us and positions us well so that when the economy turns around, we won't have lost too much ground.
- Mary Simon, Class XV,
Executive Director, RAFT
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (7.24.09) on RAFT's Redwood City expansion.
It's symbolic to recognize that the state made mistakes. These laws reverberate to this date because racism still exists.
- Paul Fong, Class XVII,
California State Assemblymember
From an article in Time magazine (7.21.09) on the passage of a bill he co-sponsored seeking apology for and recognition of the Chinese persecution in California.
Applied has shown strong government policy leadership for many years, especially in the areas of clean, renewable energy and solar power. I am pleased to join a company with Applied’s reputation and look forward to helping policy makers around the world understand the benefits of the technology Applied Materials provides and its contribution to improving the way people live.
- Gary Fazzino, Class IX,
Vice President, Government Affairs, Applied Materials
Applied Materials press release (7.7.09)
The reality is whether it's cap and trade or a carbon tax, it will fundamentally increase the economic viability of non-carbon energy solutions, making wind solar and energy conservation more attractive. And the valley is becoming a hub of those industries.
- Barry Cinnamon, Class XX,
CEO, Akeena Solar
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (7.3.09) on carbon cap and trade legislation before the U.S. Senate.
There were more than 500 entries from poets and proto-poets from across the county. Nils Peterson has woven their observations of this wonderful place where we live and work into a poem that reflects the county's vibrant beauty, as well as its industry, its people and its character.
- Liz Kniss, Class VII,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an Arts Council Silicon Valley press release (6.23.09) announcing county poet laureate Nils Peterson's first official work.
I would hate to see the park closed. It's 87,000 acres that are currently enjoyed by the public. And it would be padlocked. What a shame. We need to have more parks and open space, not less.
- Ken Yeager, Class VI,
Santa Clara County Supervisor
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.8.09) on the possible closure of Henry W. Coe State Park.
We're a nation that believes in family values, so to say this is not important to talk about means (that some politicians and activists) are talking out of both sides of their mouths.
- Mike Honda, Class I,
U.S. Congressman
From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (6.4.09) on Honda's bill to enable U.S. green card holders to bring their families into the country.
You see a stadium, but my members see jobs. Many good, hardworking people in the South Bay have been hurt by the downturn in the economy. Right now, there aren't many other companies like the 49ers willing to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into a construction project that will put thousands of people back to work.
- Neil Struthers, Class XVII,
CEO, Santa Clara & San Benito Building & Construction Trade Council
From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (6.3.09) on the potential move of the San Franciso 49ers to Santa Clara.
People come here looking for the secret sauce, but that’s a hard thing to do. But we always encourage foreign leaders to look to establish an innovation economy in your country. Learn from Silicon Valley but don’t think it can be emulated.
- Carl Guardino, Class XII,
President & CEO, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
KCBS ALL News (6.20.10)
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