Janet Gray Hayes was elected mayor 50 years ago in 1974, ushering in a wave of women to Santa Clara County government.
Janet Gray Hayes, photographed in 2001, served as San Jose mayor from 1974-82 and was the first woman elected to lead a major U.S. city. When Janet Gray Hayes was elected mayor of San Jose in 1974 — becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of a major U.S. city — it launched a feminist wave in the halls of government around Santa Clara County.
A number of colleagues, former staffers and other community leaders have been working on an appropriate tribute for Hayes, who surprisingly doesn’t have a significant landmark bearing her name in the city. Unlike many politicians, though, Hayes never sought out the spotlight. They produced a video with CreaTV San Jose that serves as a history lesson about the era Hayes ushered in during the 1970s and early ’80s featuring U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren, former Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, former Councilmember Margie Matthews and Hayes’ daughters, Lindy and Megan. They make a strong case that this is an honor long overdue.
There had been talks about honoring Hayes at the Circle of Palms, next to the San Jose Museum of Art, or renaming Columbus Park after her — a well-meaning but misplaced idea given that she and her husband, Kenneth Hayes, were very critical of airport noise when they lived in the area and the park is in Mineta San Jose’s flight path.
San Jose Stage Artistic Director Randall King, a San Jose State alum, said having students back should help make up for the work-from-home crowd not being around as much. “Downtown needs a pulse and they’ll bring a heartbeat to downtown,” he said. “Hopefully, they’ll come see some theater, too.”While everyone was celebrating the opening of Spartan Village on the Paseo, San Jose State President Cynthia Teniente-Matson made sure to give special thanks to state Sen.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cal Basketball: Bears to Face San Diego State in San Jose Tip-OffThe teams will duel for the second straight season, on Dec. 21 at the SAP Center
Read more »
San Jose officer’s police license suspended after child sex charges in San Benito CountyAnthony Parraz is currently forbidden from working in California law enforcement because of past rape allegations involving a minor, state records show.
Read more »
1st GalaxyCon launches in San Jose, bringing in thousands to cityThis weekend, thousands of people from all over are making their way to the South Bay. GalaxyCon, a popular fandom convention with stops across the country, has come to San Jose for the first time.
Read more »
San Jose is sending four of its city councilmembers to Dublin despite budget woesDespite the city’s budget woes, San Jose is sending a delegation, including four city councilmembers, to Dublin, Ireland as part of a Sister City trip.
Read more »
Man shot and killed inside San Jose bar; city's 20th homicide this year, SJPD saysSan Jose police are looking for the suspect who shot and killed a man inside a bar Sunday morning.
Read more »
Lofgren warns San Jose City Council against supporting recognition for Muwekma Ohlone tribeCongresswoman Zoe Lofgren cautioned the San Jose City Council on intervening in federal matters as it considers offering support for recognition of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe.
Read more »