San Jose Mercury News
In December 2008 I was chosen by a panel of Friends of The Stanford Daily Corp. directors and San Jose Mercury News editors as the Mercury News's 2009 summer intern. I was assigned to eight weeks as a staff reporter in its San Jose, California, bureau.
Following is a comprehensive list of stories from June to August 2009. To view the articles online, you must have a Mercury News archive account. To obtain a copy of an article not linked below, please contact me directly.
"J-Town history on the market" - Aug. 11, 2009
'1887 structure was cultural touchstone for Japanese and Chinese in early San Jose'
Returning to San Jose from World War II, the first person Moffet Ishikawa saw when he stepped out of the taxi in 1945 was his mother. The two stood near the corner of 6th and Jackson in Japantown, and although it took a moment for his mother to recognize him, at least one thing remained familiar to them both: the Ken Yen Low building standing over them.
Read the full story
" 'All I could do was watch my mom cry' " - Aug. 8, 2009
'Immigrants' stories illustrate case for reform; Lofgren urges preparing for a difficult struggle'
When Maria Esther's father fell sick in Mexico five years ago, she found herself tangled in a twisted web of immigration policy. An undocumented immigrant, Esther knew that returning to her homeland would end her future in America and keep her from her U.S.-born daughter, Monserrat Cabrera, also suffering from a serious illness at the time.
Read the full story
"Dance Class: Plies and Politesse" - Aug. 6, 2009
'Fledgling ballerinas learn good manners as well as pirouettes'
Sally McDowell grew up in the South, where proper etiquette was the norm in her house. But she thought she left that behind when she recently moved from Virginia to the very laid-back Bay Area.
Read the full story
"Two San Jose Post Offices may close" - Aug. 4, 2009
'Losses mount for U.S. agency; customers upset over news'
With the U.S. Postal Service experiencing a steep decline in mail and nearly $7 billion in potential losses, the agency is considering closing 1,000 offices nationwide, including two in San Jose. Slated for possible closing in San Jose are the Oakridge Mall and Colonnade branches -- and customers there were none too happy about the news.
"Gilroy cops take on mayor" - Aug. 3, 2009
'Conservative activist, police union launch recall effort over cuts'
The economic crisis sweeping California and the rest of the world may be about to claim another casualty: Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro. Saying the mayor's effort to trim police spending is endangering public safety, a frustrated police union wants to recall Pinheiro -- the longtime civic leader who entered office five years ago intent on revitalizing the city's dilapidated downtown.
Read the full story
"Garlic lovers shrug off recession" - July 28, 2009
Garlic: 1, Recession: 0. Mix food and entertainment with sunny skies, and it seems you have a not-so-secret recipe to beat the downturn and raise money for charity. Last weekend's Gilroy Garlic Festival, which attracted 108,519 people -- a 1 percent increase over last year -- is expected to have raked in just over the $1.72 million raised in 2008, said festival President Kirsten Carr.
"Gilroy again makes garlic king" - July 23, 2009
'Economic downturn has organizers' eyes on charity's bottom line'
The pungent odor of garlic will claim the air over the Bay Area's southern tip this weekend, as nearly three tons of the herb-like vegetable are sliced, diced and cooked at the 31st annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. More than 100,000 people are expected to follow their noses to this year's three-day event.
"Music to Their Ears: Donations" - July 22, 2009
'All-volunteer radio station KKUP-FM (91.5) seeks help with move from Santa Clara'
They don't play Michael Jackson, but the all-volunteer staff of the KKUP-FM (91.5) radio station won't stop 'til they get enough. After 14 years in its Santa Clara location at Franklin Square, the noncommercial, listener-sponsored station has lost its lease on the intimate offices that now house 20,000 CDs, several thousand LPs and rooms full of furnishings.
Read the full story
"The Great Escape: Movies" - July 16, 2009
'When economic times get tough, ticket sales surge'
Since the silent film era, a certain trend has held true: In tough financial times, people go to the movies. That trend is now being seen during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Movie theaters in the South Bay and throughout the nation are packing them in, reporting sizable increases in ticket sales and overall attendance.
Read the full story
"Death of murder suspect in Santa Clara called a suicide" - July 10, 2009
The Santa Clara County medical examiner has preliminarily ruled that the death of a murder suspect who engaged in a shootout with officers was a suicide, Santa Clara police said Thursday. Ian Sloan York, a 21-year-old who was in the Air Force, was wounded several times by police. But the autopsy also revealed York shot himself once in the head.
"Riding his dream on trolleys in S.J." - July 9, 2009
'After a delay for his father's fight with cancer, Henry Mulvey, suffering from a neuromuscular disease, visits the Bay Area to fulfill a wish on rails'
Henry Mulvey doesn't lose any sleep over the dying American auto industry. That's because all the 11-year-old dreams about are trolleys. And a visit to the Bay Area this week certainly felt like a dream come true for him.
"S.J. Giants stepping up to the plate" - July 4, 2009
Peanuts, Cracker Jack -- and traffic jams? America's pastime will get a little crowded tonight at Municipal Stadium, when the San Jose Giants expand their traditional Fourth of July fireworks to include revelers from around the city.
"Pillars of Tradition" - July 2, 2009
The historical pillars that once served as gateways to San Jose's Hanchett Park neighborhood will return in spirit this holiday weekend, when a replica set of pillars is slated to be unveiled at the annual Rose, White and Blue Parade and Festival.
"Twelve Bay Area cities say yes to fireworks" - June 30, 2009
This year, the question of whether or not legal fireworks should be permitted on the Fourth of July again sparked considerable debate in some California cities, and on Monday the governor threw his own two cents into the flame. "My preference is that we don't see any fireworks," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at the State Capitol. "But that's maybe not, for some people, that easy."
"County's new chief gears up for job" - June 29, 2009
'Many challenges ahead for Smith'
Santa Clara County's new chief executive, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, will soon find himself at the helm of a somewhat leaky ship -- and one much larger than the vessel he has commanded in nearby Contra Costa County.
Read the full story
"Stanford students win tech award" - June 25, 2009
Two Stanford University graduate students have won the inaugural IEEE Presidents' Change the World Competition for a handheld laboratory capable of diagnosing illness in remote corners of the globe. Drew Hall, a fourth-year student in electrical engineering, and Richard Gaster, a medical and bioengineering student, will be presented with $10,000 at an award ceremony today in Los Angeles.
"Public meeting set for habitat plan" - June 23, 2009
The County of Santa Clara will hold a community meeting today to discuss development of its habitat plan, which addresses ecological diversity and endangered species in 520,000 acres of the county. "The plan is responding to both state and federal endangered species laws," said Plan Manager Ken Schreiber. "Rather than responding project by project, this is an effort to put together a coordinated plan to address endangered species."
"Bellarmine excels at speech, debate event" - June 23, 2009
You don't want to get into an argument with a member of the Bellarmine College Preparatory speech and debate team. The 19-member dialectic force returned from the National Speech and Debate tournament in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday with an impressive array of awards, including the top three teams awards: School of Excellence in Speech, School of Excellence in Debate and School of Excellence in Speech and Debate. Team members also won individual and partner awards.
"Victim in light-rail collision identified" - June 20, 2009
The 16-year-old struck and killed Thursday afternoon by a light-rail train in San Jose has been identified as Shawn Miller of Campbell.
"Parts of two cities to be sprayed for virus-bearing mosquitoes" - June 20, 2009
Parts of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale will undergo ground fogging for mosquitoes Wednesday, after the Santa Clara County Vector Control District confirmed that adult insects from the 94089 ZIP code have tested positive for West Nile virus.
"June gloom expected to return for weekend" - June 19, 2009
Bay Area residents who recall last year's scorching June temperatures can take a chill pill -- but not just yet. While this month's numbers have not climbed anywhere near the triple digits of early summer last year, temperatures may creep into the 90s today before sliding back into the 70s and 80s for the weekend and the following week, according to the National Weather Service.
" 'We want to stand in solidarity' " - June 18, 2009
'At Stanford, Bay Area Iranian-Americans show their support for the hundreds of thousands protesting the presidential election in Iran'
As tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the Iranian capital Wednesday to protest the results of last week's presidential election, Iranian-Americans in the Bay Area ensured that they, too, had their voices heard. At least 100 Iranian-Americans gathered at the heart of the Stanford University campus late Wednesday afternoon, many holding signs reading, "Where is my vote?"
Read the full story
"Glad to Be a Grad" - June 17, 2009
'Teen with bone cancer graduates with her eighth-grade class'
From her wheelchair backstage Tuesday, Leanna Tran looked over a ceremony that just three months ago she doubted she would be able to attend.
Read the full story
Following is a comprehensive list of stories from June to August 2009. To view the articles online, you must have a Mercury News archive account. To obtain a copy of an article not linked below, please contact me directly.
"J-Town history on the market" - Aug. 11, 2009
'1887 structure was cultural touchstone for Japanese and Chinese in early San Jose'
Returning to San Jose from World War II, the first person Moffet Ishikawa saw when he stepped out of the taxi in 1945 was his mother. The two stood near the corner of 6th and Jackson in Japantown, and although it took a moment for his mother to recognize him, at least one thing remained familiar to them both: the Ken Yen Low building standing over them.
Read the full story
" 'All I could do was watch my mom cry' " - Aug. 8, 2009
'Immigrants' stories illustrate case for reform; Lofgren urges preparing for a difficult struggle'
When Maria Esther's father fell sick in Mexico five years ago, she found herself tangled in a twisted web of immigration policy. An undocumented immigrant, Esther knew that returning to her homeland would end her future in America and keep her from her U.S.-born daughter, Monserrat Cabrera, also suffering from a serious illness at the time.
Read the full story
"Dance Class: Plies and Politesse" - Aug. 6, 2009
'Fledgling ballerinas learn good manners as well as pirouettes'
Sally McDowell grew up in the South, where proper etiquette was the norm in her house. But she thought she left that behind when she recently moved from Virginia to the very laid-back Bay Area.
Read the full story
"Two San Jose Post Offices may close" - Aug. 4, 2009
'Losses mount for U.S. agency; customers upset over news'
With the U.S. Postal Service experiencing a steep decline in mail and nearly $7 billion in potential losses, the agency is considering closing 1,000 offices nationwide, including two in San Jose. Slated for possible closing in San Jose are the Oakridge Mall and Colonnade branches -- and customers there were none too happy about the news.
"Gilroy cops take on mayor" - Aug. 3, 2009
'Conservative activist, police union launch recall effort over cuts'
The economic crisis sweeping California and the rest of the world may be about to claim another casualty: Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro. Saying the mayor's effort to trim police spending is endangering public safety, a frustrated police union wants to recall Pinheiro -- the longtime civic leader who entered office five years ago intent on revitalizing the city's dilapidated downtown.
Read the full story
"Garlic lovers shrug off recession" - July 28, 2009
Garlic: 1, Recession: 0. Mix food and entertainment with sunny skies, and it seems you have a not-so-secret recipe to beat the downturn and raise money for charity. Last weekend's Gilroy Garlic Festival, which attracted 108,519 people -- a 1 percent increase over last year -- is expected to have raked in just over the $1.72 million raised in 2008, said festival President Kirsten Carr.
"Gilroy again makes garlic king" - July 23, 2009
'Economic downturn has organizers' eyes on charity's bottom line'
The pungent odor of garlic will claim the air over the Bay Area's southern tip this weekend, as nearly three tons of the herb-like vegetable are sliced, diced and cooked at the 31st annual Gilroy Garlic Festival. More than 100,000 people are expected to follow their noses to this year's three-day event.
"Music to Their Ears: Donations" - July 22, 2009
'All-volunteer radio station KKUP-FM (91.5) seeks help with move from Santa Clara'
They don't play Michael Jackson, but the all-volunteer staff of the KKUP-FM (91.5) radio station won't stop 'til they get enough. After 14 years in its Santa Clara location at Franklin Square, the noncommercial, listener-sponsored station has lost its lease on the intimate offices that now house 20,000 CDs, several thousand LPs and rooms full of furnishings.
Read the full story
"The Great Escape: Movies" - July 16, 2009
'When economic times get tough, ticket sales surge'
Since the silent film era, a certain trend has held true: In tough financial times, people go to the movies. That trend is now being seen during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Movie theaters in the South Bay and throughout the nation are packing them in, reporting sizable increases in ticket sales and overall attendance.
Read the full story
"Death of murder suspect in Santa Clara called a suicide" - July 10, 2009
The Santa Clara County medical examiner has preliminarily ruled that the death of a murder suspect who engaged in a shootout with officers was a suicide, Santa Clara police said Thursday. Ian Sloan York, a 21-year-old who was in the Air Force, was wounded several times by police. But the autopsy also revealed York shot himself once in the head.
"Riding his dream on trolleys in S.J." - July 9, 2009
'After a delay for his father's fight with cancer, Henry Mulvey, suffering from a neuromuscular disease, visits the Bay Area to fulfill a wish on rails'
Henry Mulvey doesn't lose any sleep over the dying American auto industry. That's because all the 11-year-old dreams about are trolleys. And a visit to the Bay Area this week certainly felt like a dream come true for him.
"S.J. Giants stepping up to the plate" - July 4, 2009
Peanuts, Cracker Jack -- and traffic jams? America's pastime will get a little crowded tonight at Municipal Stadium, when the San Jose Giants expand their traditional Fourth of July fireworks to include revelers from around the city.
"Pillars of Tradition" - July 2, 2009
The historical pillars that once served as gateways to San Jose's Hanchett Park neighborhood will return in spirit this holiday weekend, when a replica set of pillars is slated to be unveiled at the annual Rose, White and Blue Parade and Festival.
"Twelve Bay Area cities say yes to fireworks" - June 30, 2009
This year, the question of whether or not legal fireworks should be permitted on the Fourth of July again sparked considerable debate in some California cities, and on Monday the governor threw his own two cents into the flame. "My preference is that we don't see any fireworks," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said at the State Capitol. "But that's maybe not, for some people, that easy."
"County's new chief gears up for job" - June 29, 2009
'Many challenges ahead for Smith'
Santa Clara County's new chief executive, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, will soon find himself at the helm of a somewhat leaky ship -- and one much larger than the vessel he has commanded in nearby Contra Costa County.
Read the full story
"Stanford students win tech award" - June 25, 2009
Two Stanford University graduate students have won the inaugural IEEE Presidents' Change the World Competition for a handheld laboratory capable of diagnosing illness in remote corners of the globe. Drew Hall, a fourth-year student in electrical engineering, and Richard Gaster, a medical and bioengineering student, will be presented with $10,000 at an award ceremony today in Los Angeles.
"Public meeting set for habitat plan" - June 23, 2009
The County of Santa Clara will hold a community meeting today to discuss development of its habitat plan, which addresses ecological diversity and endangered species in 520,000 acres of the county. "The plan is responding to both state and federal endangered species laws," said Plan Manager Ken Schreiber. "Rather than responding project by project, this is an effort to put together a coordinated plan to address endangered species."
"Bellarmine excels at speech, debate event" - June 23, 2009
You don't want to get into an argument with a member of the Bellarmine College Preparatory speech and debate team. The 19-member dialectic force returned from the National Speech and Debate tournament in Birmingham, Ala., on Saturday with an impressive array of awards, including the top three teams awards: School of Excellence in Speech, School of Excellence in Debate and School of Excellence in Speech and Debate. Team members also won individual and partner awards.
"Victim in light-rail collision identified" - June 20, 2009
The 16-year-old struck and killed Thursday afternoon by a light-rail train in San Jose has been identified as Shawn Miller of Campbell.
"Parts of two cities to be sprayed for virus-bearing mosquitoes" - June 20, 2009
Parts of Santa Clara and Sunnyvale will undergo ground fogging for mosquitoes Wednesday, after the Santa Clara County Vector Control District confirmed that adult insects from the 94089 ZIP code have tested positive for West Nile virus.
"June gloom expected to return for weekend" - June 19, 2009
Bay Area residents who recall last year's scorching June temperatures can take a chill pill -- but not just yet. While this month's numbers have not climbed anywhere near the triple digits of early summer last year, temperatures may creep into the 90s today before sliding back into the 70s and 80s for the weekend and the following week, according to the National Weather Service.
" 'We want to stand in solidarity' " - June 18, 2009
'At Stanford, Bay Area Iranian-Americans show their support for the hundreds of thousands protesting the presidential election in Iran'
As tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through the Iranian capital Wednesday to protest the results of last week's presidential election, Iranian-Americans in the Bay Area ensured that they, too, had their voices heard. At least 100 Iranian-Americans gathered at the heart of the Stanford University campus late Wednesday afternoon, many holding signs reading, "Where is my vote?"
Read the full story
"Glad to Be a Grad" - June 17, 2009
'Teen with bone cancer graduates with her eighth-grade class'
From her wheelchair backstage Tuesday, Leanna Tran looked over a ceremony that just three months ago she doubted she would be able to attend.
Read the full story
My desk at the San Jose Mercury News.
Disclaimer: This is a personal website. It is not a product of, nor does it represent the views of, any employer.
