Category: Economy

The term "sequester" -- referring to the federal budget cuts that went into effect in March due to the Congress failing to agree to a budget -- seemed like a distant issue to San Jose writer Cesar Flores. But those decisions in DC cost his dad his job here in San Jose, and the family is doing what they can to hold on.

Two of San Jose's most dedicated and effective economic justice advocates tells us how hundreds of San Jose residents packed a high school gym all in the name of health and community.

"Island time" is a concept in the islands that things get done whenever they get done, aka this posting about my second week in Auckland is getting posted late but all with the greatness of the Pasifika artists that have been inspiring me this last week.

Here are some tips that I have developed for myself as a way to save money. I hope they help some of you cabronas that are always broke like me. This year is all about having a savings account cause that is sexy.

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and affordable housing are fundamental human rights, and Washington DC is negotiating with corporations, says author and organizer Sandy Perry.

When De-Bug started 10 years ago, young workers discussed the injustice of being paid $8 an hour in Silicon Valley. Now, in 2012, an increase in the minimum wage may finally take place. A version of this article first appeared in the Mercury News.

This infogrpahic illustrates what people can do with an extra $2. Measure D would increase the minimum wage in San Jose from $8 to $10.

The digitization of books have been expanding at an ever-quickening pace. But is the world ready for it?

This video features CAFE-J member Elisha St. Laurant, who has helped organize to put the proposal to raise San Jose's minimum wage to 10.00 an hour on the ballot. Elisha, a single mother, makes the case as to why poverty should not be tolerated in Silicon Valley. Video produced by Cesar Flores and Earvin Villaflor. Learn more about the campaign at: raisethewagesj.com.

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