Mercury News: Santa Clara – Meet the 10 candidates running for four spots on the City Council
The article covers the campaigns for four Santa Clara City Council seats (Districts 1, 4, 5, and 6). It briefly mentions criticism from the Civil Grand Jury over the council’s inability to work together. It then goes on to talk about the 49ers PACs, how much money they’ve committed, and who they are supporting and opposing. Finally, it spends a few paragraphs on each candidate’s background, policy priorities, reason for running, and endorsements.
Story Grade:
Grace Hase’s article gets a C -. It covers facts about the 49ers PACs, Anthony Becker’s legal issues, and the candidates involved. However, it focuses heavily on the 49ers’ donations and preferred candidates in the first seven paragraphs. This pattern, based on my research, reflects a recurring trend in Mercury News’ political coverage, often favoring the team and its interests. The article overlooks key findings from the last three Civil Grand Jury reports, particularly how the Council majority consistently votes in ways favorable to the 49ers. Additionally, it fails to highlight the significant spending differences, such as the 49ers PACs outspending their opponents 14-to-1 in 2022 ($4.7M vs. $270K). A more balanced analysis of the 49ers’ influence, conflicts of interest, and its impact on public trust could enhance accountability and fairness, essential in ethical journalism.