No clapping, no cheering: Silicon Valley officials limit public expression during meetings

Audiences at Silicon Valley government meetings are running into an increasingly common rule: no applause.

Local governing bodies like the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors and San Jose City Council are telling people to avoid cheering or booing other speakers during public comments before major votes. The rule comes up when large crowds show up to comment on an issue and officials shorten public speaking times to stay on schedule.