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As restaurants around the country struggle to stay afloat, food truck operators are finding they have the perfect recipe to succeed amid the coronavirus pandemic. “The idea of contactless purchase and delivery is standard now,” said Ryan Sebastian, principal of Moveable, which organizes food trucks and other pop-ups in the Bay Area. “We’re seeing a...
Policy to build dense housing in San Jose neighborhoods delayed
Amid public pressure, San Jose’s General Plan review committee postponed a vote on whether to study “opportunity housing,” a controversial initiative to build more homes in single-family neighborhoods. “Not all of our neighbors are on social media or can Zoom in order to be heard,” said resident Tim Clauson said during the public comment period. “Please...
San Jose residents weigh proposed closure of Reid-Hillview Airport
Planes have flown daily out of Reid-Hillview Airport in East San Jose since the mid-twentieth century. But 2020 could be the last decade in which the roar of these engines is heard, and as ideas to repurpose the airport are discussed, residents are speaking out. Santa Clara County officials just finished gathering public input about...
Study predicts mass evictions in Santa Clara County without renter protection
Tens of thousands of households in Santa Clara County could become homeless in the next year if local, state and federal policymakers don’t enact renter protections soon, according to a new study. “The Eviction Time-Bomb,” released by local policy think tank Working Partnerships USA and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, details how the COVID-19...
After years of debate, San Jose releases study on commercial development fees
For years advocates have demanded Silicon Valley charge high-tech office developers fees to fund affordable housing. And now San Jose has taken the first step by releasing its first study on commercial linkage fees. A commercial linkage fee is paid by developers of new commercial development to fund affordable housing. The fees, which are based on...
San Jose teachers don’t feel safe returning to school, district delays in-person classes
Despite pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen schools, San Jose teachers say they’re not willing to risk their lives amid a global pandemic. One of San Jose’s largest school districts — the San Jose Unified School District — announced late Thursday classes on Aug. 12 will resume online only at least until Oct. 2....
Newly-approved San Jose police union contract leaves door open for changes
Despite calls for increased accountability and defunding of the police department, the San Jose City Council extended its contract with the Police Officers’ Association for another year with no changes — at least for now. “The conversation has to continue,” said Councilmember Raul Peralez, who is himself a reserve police officer. It was not necessary...
San Jose fire station at risk of erosion from Coyote Creek
While the risk of Coyote Creek flooding is always present for San Joseans living near the creek, a more insidious threat is creeping steadily to undermine the stability of homes and properties in the area: The gradual erosion of soil along the river. Now, the city of San Jose is relocating Fire Station No. 8...
San Jose’s general plan review hindered by online meetings
As online meetings become the new norm under shelter-in-place orders, some community leaders and advocates say meeting remotely has hampered plans to revise one of San Jose’s most critical documents: its General Plan for 2040. “(The online format) puts a lot of pressure to keep the meetings at a reasonable time,” said Jason Su, executive...
While San Jose lagged on tiny homes, one man stepped up
As San Jose struggled to build tiny homes for the city’s growing homeless population, one man decided to take matters into his own hands. Hector Garcia, president of Sleeping Bags for the Homeless, grew tired of waiting for the government to help end the suffering on the streets of Silicon Valley. So he decided to...