By Robert Haugh
Anthony Becker was indicted 550 days ago for leaking a Grand Jury report to the 49ers and lying about it.
His trial for felony perjury starts at the end of the month. He could face up to four years in prison.
Becker defiantly refused calls from the public for him to resign. He’s on the November ballot for re-election.
Becker has collected almost $40,000 from Santa Clara taxpayers by staying in office since he was indicted.
Of course, everyone is innocent until proven guilty. But Becker should have resigned for the good of Santa Clara.
After his indictment, Becker voted on many items that helped the 49ers, including legal settlements. The team benefitted by millions of dollars because of Becker and the rest of the 49er Five.
After his indictment, Becker also was “abusive and belittling” in public meetings. That was the conclusion of a Grand Jury report.
Becker also attacked the Grand Jury and residents in numerous meetings.
In the last 550 days, Becker was not good for Santa Clara. Becker may not have helped himself either.
Shortly after Becker was indicted, Yuki Ikezi testified in front of the Council. She’s a friend of Becker’s and served with him on the Planning Commission.
“You need to save yourself. I’m speaking as a friend. I hope you can plead down to a lesser charge,” said Ikezi.
But Becker did not listen to Ikezi. He followed the advice of lawyers who may or may not have been looking out for his best interest – or maybe someone else’s best interest.
Now, it looks like Becker’s legal defense has fallen apart.
Last week, Judge Javier Alcala ruled that Becker can’t use the defense that he was planning on using. Becker’s legal team wanted to argue that Becker didn’t break the law because other people did, too.
Sources following Becker’s trial tell Santa Clara News Online (SCNO) that they’re not surprised. Alcala has a reputation of being by-the-book and no-nonsense.
It was clear to most people following the trial that there was no evidence that other people leaked the report. And there was no evidence that Becker was being selectively prosecuted.
The pro-49er media keep writing about the conspiracy theory. Maybe the Silicon Valley Voice and San Jose Spotlight were told to do it.
Becker also told other people to lie to cover up for him. And Becker tried to frame Mayor Lisa Gillmor.
Becker’s legal team attacked the Grand Jury. “A risky and dumb move,” said one legal source.
Now, Becker has to defend himself against what looks like a strong case. District Attorney Jeff Rosen sure looks like he believes it. His office rejected Becker’s deal to stay out of prison.
There’s solid evidence that Becker broke the law and lied about it. There’s no way to spin the story or the conspiracy during the trial.
SCNO has heard from lots of Mission City residents that Becker has been an embarrassment to Santa Clara.
So SCNO asked the current candidates running for City Council if they think Becker should resign. Here’s where they stand:
- In District One, Satish Chandra and Albert Gonzalez said yes. Harbir Bhatia did not respond but she is known to have a close relationship with Becker. He supported City funds for a festival she recently organized.
- In District Four, Teresa O’Neill said yes, he should have resigned 18 months ago. Councilmember Kevin Park did not respond. He and Becker are close and encouraged each other to abuse a local business leader, according to the Grand Jury.
- In District Five, David Kertes said yes. Councilmember Suds Jain did not respond. Jain made the motion to make Becker Vice Mayor earlier this year. (Yup, 9 months after Becker was indicted.)
- In District Six, Kelly Cox said yes because it’s good for the community. George Guerra did not respond. Guerra is an ally of Becker, although he lied about it. Guerra also advised Becker on the confidential firing of a City Manager.
I love this:
“Last week, Judge Javier Alcala ruled that Becker can’t use the defense that he was planning on using. Becker’s legal team wanted to argue that Becker didn’t break the law because other people did, too.”
I killed someone. But so have other people. So I shouldn’t be prosecuted for that. 🤣🤣🤣
In case anyone needs reminders as to how Becker and the other 49er 5 got into this mess, here’s an easy way to catch up:
https://grandjuryreports.com/
Hey Robert,
Just want to make sure you got your facts right. Albert Gonzalez is saying Anthony Becker should resign? Wow. He’s being like totally funded by the 49ers and they even set up his website for him. did they give him the greenlight to do that?
Yes, Albert said yes to Becker resigning.
Hey, you know politicians! They’ll say what you want them to hear and then have a lapse in memory IF they get elected! 😂. Albert is learning from the best in corruption. A good reason not to vote for him.
Good argument but Becker is a chump for letting himself be used Jed York. He’s yesterday’s story. No one cares about him. He is a dark stain on Santa Clara, but a footnote to the 49ers.