We strongly encourage the US government to implore Hamas and Israel to do all they can to work toward a cessation of hostilities, protect civilian lives, and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza residents. We also expect Hamas and Israel to release hostages and prisoners based on continued negotiations.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan now has a primary opponent, Tyrone Wade, but past elections provide strong evidence the two-year incumbent will sail to an early victory in the March 5 primary.

The vote came after six hours of interviews, comments and deliberations on the merits of five finalists who had been picked by the council last week. The process had been abruptly interrupted at 7pm by “an urgent adjournment to a closed session” to consider allegations that Candelas had been given questions in advance.