By Robert Haugh
This morning, after 16 months of delays, indicted City Councilmember Anthony Becker goes to court to start his trial for leaking a Civil Grand Jury report to the 49ers (a misdemeanor) and then lying about it to the Grand Jury (a felony).
Becker’s defense team failed to get Deputy District Attorney Jason Malinsky to accept a guilty plea to two misdemeanors so he could stay out of prison if convicted.
The District Attorney’s office looks like they have a strong case. Becker could face up to four years in prison if found guilty. He would also have to step down from finishing the last few months of his City Council term.
A judge is expected to set a trial calendar and start jury selection.
Tomorrow’s Santa Clara City Council meeting should be pretty straightforward. It’s mostly routine items and a light agenda.
Here’s the agendized items:
- Closed session – Conference with Legal Counsel-Existing Litigation – Townsend, Joseph v. City of Santa Clara, Workers Compensation Appeals Board Case Number ADJ15468556
- Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 – October 15, 2024
- Proclamation of September 21 through September 27, 2024 as United Against Hate Week in Santa Clara
- Public hearing: Action on a Resolution Approving an Electric Revenue Bond Issuance estimated at $130 Million plus a 10% Contingency for a total not to exceed amount of $143 Million to finance Capital Costs of the Electric System, authorizing the Execution and Delivery of Related Documents, and other related actions; and approval of Related Budget Amendment
- Public hearing: Action on Recommendation from the Governance and Ethics Committee to Amend Council Policy 020 to update the definitions and process for issuing proclamations, commendations and certificates of recognition.
Neighbors
It’s hard for the City to move on when we are always looking over our shoulders. Let’s not forget how expensive in both time and money this has all been.
None of us asked for this, but yet here we are.
We are just 10 years into this 40 year agreement, and the last 4 have been horrific.
Ever since the 49ers took control of our City Council we have been chasing our tail so to speak. To them it’s a game, to me it’s my City. It’s where I grew up, it’s where I raised my kids.
It never had to be like this, but some folks just don’t understand the concept of “Playing nice in the sandbox”.
Register to vote, then vote early.
See if you can talk to some people and educate them on all the issues we have had to deal with.
Below are some names who are running. People way smarter than I have figured out who is really for us, and who will give our City what they need.
Bob O’Keefe City Clerk (All of us)
Cory Morgan Chief of Police (All of us)
Satish Chandra Council D1 (Near Stadium, will replace Kathy Watanabe)
Teresa O’Neil Council D4 (My District. I have to get rid of Kevin Park)
David Kertes Council D5 (Suds Jain, has got to go)
Kelly Cox. Council D6 (Across the street from me, Anthony Beaker has got to go)
Never underestimate the power of your voice. Talk to your neighbors, talk to your friends.
If you need a lawn sign, you can send me an email and I can help you get one really quickly.
Very few things are as important to me as my City.
Please do not underestimate the value of your vote. It’s also easy to register if you have not done so already. Again, let me know if you need any help in this area.
Burt Field
burt.field@gmail.com.
408.687.2622
Let me be the first to say it’s nice to see The People versus Anthony Becker instead of Anthony Becker versus The People, for a change.