Author: Carly Wipf (Carly Wipf)

How will local groups help build new San Jose landmark project?

San Jose’s new landmark is the brainchild of architects halfway across the world — but local leaders say San Jose artists and designers will still be part of it. The newly-selected landmark, The Breeze of Innovation, was designed by Fernando Jerez, the director of SMAR Architecture Studio, which has offices in Australia and Spain. It...

San Jose will draft new law to stop illegal sideshow promoters

Many residents around San Jose may know the sounds of illegal street racing all too well: cars revving, tires screeching and even worse, guns firing. On Tuesday, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved drafting a new law that seeks to put an end to the chaos before it even starts. Police data shows people...

UPDATE: San Jose leaders extend outdoor dining program

San Jose businesses can continue operating safely outdoors through December, city lawmakers decided unanimously Tuesday. The Al Fresco program has allowed many businesses such as gyms and cafes to move outdoors amid COVID-19 health restrictions. But rules that permit businesses to run on city-owned parking lots, streets and parks free of charge were set to...

San Jose launches program to help small businesses land contracts

San Jose City Hall is looking to diversify its contracts and prioritize local businesses. The city’s Public Works Department, which awards some $4 billion in public contracts each year, is hosting a free six-week seminar to help local businesses secure contracts. Participants in San Jose’s “Construction Academy” will learn how to bid on construction contracts, which include opportunities...

Charles W. Davidson dies at 90 and leaves an altruistic legacy

Lifelong Silicon Valley philanthropist and legendary housing developer Charles W. Davidson died this week at age 90, but his legacy of giving lives. Friends and colleagues say Davidson, the city’s affordable housing champion, extended his unyielding generosity until his last moments. In addition to building low-income housing projects across the city, Davidson is perhaps most...

Historic or racist? San Jose lawmakers debate new designation

An effort to create a new historic district in an affluent part of San Jose is raising concerns the city is memorializing segregation and racism. Elected leaders voted 4-1 at a City Council committee meeting this week to nominate a new historic district near downtown called The Alameda Park/Schiele Avenue Historic District. Councilmember Dev Davis championed...

Winner revealed: A look at San Jose’s new iconic landmark

A worldwide contest to create an iconic landmark in downtown San Jose is over — and a winner has been chosen. After a lengthy public process, judges selected The Breeze of Innovation from nearly 1,000 submissions. Fernando Jerez, the director of SMAR Architecture Studio, which has offices in Australia and Spain, designed Breeze of Innovation....