Mountain View, CA|News|
Homelessness in Silicon Valley: How Things Have Changed
Added support and resources have changed the way the homeless in the Valley receive help.

I am all about being available to my community so here are two ways you can contact me: via email at mayra.marcotteATpatch.com or on the phone at 408-623-5145
A little about myself: Mayra Flores De Marcotte is a first generation Mexican American. Both her parents were immigrants, with similar stories as many that came before and after them. Her first language is Spanish and she is still fluent.
Her parents learned English when she started school and later were naturalized to gain the right to vote.
Education has always been important in the family and a driving force growing up. Mayra became the first to attend and graduate college. She is a San Jose State University graduate with a degree in Journalism.
Mayra has worked in the field for about 10 years in various capacities and on various platforms.
She is a recipient of four California Teachers Association John Swett Awards for Media Excellence for her coverage of education and schools in the Santa Clara County as well as two San Francisco Peninsula Press Club Awards and was a Blue Ribbon Finalist for the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Mayra is married to the love of her life, has a beautiful son, two sassy cats, a sweet dog and a pair of funny chickens.
Your Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs.
So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them.
In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
My politics are simple. I am pro-civil rights for everyone and pro-equal opportunity to education and healthcare. I think everyone should have a voice and an opportunity to be heard, regardless of what they believe. I feel that if society is educated, other things will follow. I believe in accountability and transparency. I believe in hard work, which sometimes means compromise. Above all else, I believe in fairness in journalism, telling every side's story and letting the readers decide how they feel.
Religion
I was brought up Roman Catholic and went to private catholic schools growing up. I no longer practice, however I understand the importance of religion for others and respect that.
Added support and resources have changed the way the homeless in the Valley receive help.

A video mini-series on homelessness through the eyes of Gary Dunn.
Outreach workers search under bridges, near freeways and railroad tracks for Milpitas' homeless residents.
Try It Local sends daily deals for local businesses in Milpitas.
Added support and resources have changed the way the homeless in the Valley receive help.
Volunteers began surveying the homeless in Campbell, Los Gatos and parts of San Jose Monday.
Here's some virtual chatter from Campbell this week on Twitter.
Added support and resources have changed the way the homeless in the Valley receive help.
Campbell's Gary Dunn has been described by locals as the 'mayor' of downtown.
Volunteers began surveying the homeless in Campbell, Los Gatos and parts of San Jose today.
Campbell business that helps the community with programs such as Meals on Wheels and AIDS services were scammed from within.
Campbell residents responded to last week's Pic of the Day. How do you feel about this display?
Getting tested is easier than ever with 20 minute results at most clinics near Campbell.
Two frolicking butterflies are caught on video in Campbell.
Campbell's YouSendIt was attacked by its former CEO and co-founder, Khalid Shaikh.
Campbell Police is looking for 9-year-old Adrian Ralston, who ran away from his home last night.
The following arrest information was supplied by the Campbell Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
This neon lights the way between downtown Campbell and the Pruneyard.
Campbell's Subway and Stanford Hospital team up in the hopes of saving lives through a blood drive.