San Jose, December 30, 2025
Bay Area Host Committee CEO Faces Criticism Over ‘spunky Mother’ Label
Table of Contents
A recent profile of a prominent Bay area leader sparked debate over gendered language in professional settings.
- A letter to the editor criticized the use of the term “spunky mother of three” to describe Zaileen Janmohamed, CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee.
- The author argued that such language focuses on a woman’s parental status rather than her professional qualifications.
- The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gender bias in media coverage.
- Other letters addressed concerns about wildfire prevention strategies and data centre planning in San Jose.
- The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District earned a perfect rating across all state accountability measures.
Is it acceptable to characterize a female executive by her role as a mother? That’s the question raised by Deborah Zimmer of San Jose, who took issue with a recent article profiling Zaileen Janmohamed, CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. The article, originally published December 30, used the phrase “spunky mother of three” to describe Janmohamed, a description zimmer found deeply problematic.
“Seriously? ‘Spunky mother of three’?” Zimmer wrote. “Would you say ‘buff father of three’?” She expressed disappointment that the publication seemingly relied on “misogynistic language” that prioritized Janmohamed’s family status over her “education, experience, and leadership.”
Data Center Development Sparks Environmental Concerns
Residents are voicing concerns over the rapid expansion of data centers in South San Jose.
Margaret Stroh of San Jose expressed dismay over the conversion of a field along Santa Teresa Boulevard, once a haven for egrets, herons, and ground squirrels, into the site of Equinix data centers. She lamented the loss of natural habitat and the potential for diesel pollution. Stroh also pointed to a nearby China Mobile data center that remained unused for years, juxtaposed with 75 tiny homes, raising concerns about the city’s planning priorities.
Los Gatos-Saratoga District Earns Statewide Recognition
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union high School District has achieved a rare distinction: a perfect rating across all state accountability measures.
The district, the only one in California to earn such recognition, excelled in English and math performance, English learner progress, graduation rates, and college/career readiness. It also received the highest rating for science, a newly added indicator. Lee Fagot of Los Gatos hailed the achievement as a testament to the dedication of teachers, staff, students, and the community.
New Law Protects Outreach Workers Aiding Homeless Population
A new California law aims to improve access to healthcare for people experiencing homelessness by protecting outreach workers from legal repercussions.
Senate Bill 634 safeguards outreach workers providing medical care to individuals without housing. Jay Dalal of Sunnyvale emphasized that homelessness is a significant public health issue, often accompanied by untreated mental illness and physical injuries. Protecting outreach workers, Dalal argued, is a crucial step, but cities must also invest in accessible medical services like free clinics and street medicine initiatives.
Reflections on a Year of Democratic Erosion
As 2025 draws to a close, one resident expressed deep concern about the state of American democracy.
Lorraine D’Ambruoso of San Jose lamented what she perceives as a departure from the principles outlined in Abraham Lincoln’s gettysburg Address – a government “of the people,by the people,and for the people.” She argued that the U.S. government is increasingly focused on suppressing democratic processes and diminishing its role on the world stage. D’Ambruoso challenged the notion that a government’s moral compass is solely defined by its treatment of vulnerable populations, asserting that adherence to Lincoln’s vision is paramount.
