Former Santa Clara City Councilmember Anthony Becker has resigned from his post following a conviction on charges of perjury and violation of confidentiality, as he was found guilty of lying to the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury and leaking a confidential draft report. His resignation, submitted yesterday, ends his four-year term representing District 6, which he was elected to serve in November 2020, as stated in the City's official news release.
In his letter of resignation, Becker reflected on his tenure, citing achievements such as ending costly litigation and putting infrastructure bond initiatives on the ballot. "Santa Clara will always be known as the Center of What's Possible and it will always be at the center of my heart," Becker wrote in the letter addressed to the City Manager, a document obtained by the City of Santa Clara's website. Becker's letter also mentioned the challenges of being elected during the pandemic and his pride in the work accomplished alongside city staff and council members.
Becker's conviction stems from an October 5, 2022 incident where he leaked the grand jury's then-secret report on the unethical relationship between the council, including himself, and the San Francisco 49ers, several days before its scheduled public release. Becker denied the allegations during the grand jury proceedings, but evidence presented at trial showed otherwise, leading to his conviction. This misconduct is a felony for perjury, and he faces a maximum of four years in county jail, as reported in the District Attorney's press release. His sentencing hearing is set for January 31, 2025.
District Attorney Jeff Rosen criticized the breach of trust, stating via the City of Santa Clara news release, "Some may have grown used to public officials lying. Committing perjury to the civil grand jury is not a white lie, an exaggeration, or politics. It is a crime and a serious abuse of the public trust." The 49ers, known to have backed Becker's political endeavors, including his successful 2020 campaign and unsuccessful 2022 mayoral run, with over $3.2 million through independent expenditure committees, have not commented on a conviction.
The vacancy in District 6 will be filled when the newly elected council member is sworn in on December 17.
