I don't see any cause for concern. California is the best state, everyone is moving here and nobody is fed up and looking to leave. Low taxes, low crime rates, clean streets, breathable air, a well managed forestry and an excellent climate for small business.

The key now is for all five Santa Clara County Supervisors to endorse the 3-county sales tax increase for Caltrain on the November ballot (Measure RR). Paying adults to play with empty trains is far more important that any services the county might provide. Plus, money is just paper. Right?

I hate to burst some peoples bubbles regarding that the valley is going to come out of COVID in the same state it was prior to it.

But the reality is that as Work From Home has become the Standard Operating Procedures for most workers in the valley, most of the businesses are making permanent changes making living here not necessary.

Consider the Implications,

The problem with your theory is that prior to any equilibrium, there is going to be a serious collapse. In fact Bloomberg is predicting a "tech exodus" the story is found here (Web Link

The reality is that COVID has started the ball rolling regarding the collapse of quality of life businesses in the valley. My greatest loss was Clark's Burgers. The reality is that those that are in the position to do so are leaving, and those not in the position are stuck.

And AB5, the Microsoft case (Web Link and the Dynamex case (Web Link regarding contractors is forcing tech workers to relocate out of state to avoid the tech business to reclassify them as employees.

Finally, there are companies making plans to leave the valley in secret. I remember when Symantec announces a Worker Adjustment and Reduction Notice earlier this year. Now we hear that Palantir moving out of the valley to Colorado found here (Web Link

The valley is about to get an abrupt transformation that is going to be permanent and significant. The County knows about it.

From the 2012-13 fiscal year to 2018-19, the county budget has grown by 84.3%, vastly outpacing population growth and inflation.

Interested Citizen,

Perhaps there was financial recovery from the great recession, i can only imagine the debt that had to be paid off during this time frame.

Unfortunately, this disaster is going to make that one look like a firecracker.

It may take 2 decades for the valley to recover the COVID, AB5, and the fires now.

All I can say is if you can stick it out for the county, but I know many will leave to find greener pastures.

You cannot just say that an 80% increase in budget was in effect a "wasted" budget, you have to demonstrate what was wasted and how to avoid it in the future. Please help us understand you?