Sometimes, compassion means taking action. And for many of our gravely disabled neighbors, that time is now. California’s families and communities are facing the devastating impacts of our mental health and addiction crises. Many of us see it every day—people suffering on our streets, in need of advocacy and treatment options. Fortunately, California legislators have...
Bramson: Cost isn’t everything when it comes to creating affordability
Findings from a recent study conducted by the city of San Jose revealed a troubling but not so surprising trend: It’s costing more than ever to develop housing in Silicon Valley. Burdened by rising land value, increasing interest rates, and a scarcity of the workers we need to build new homes, housing development has never...
Ritchie: Rebuilding downtown San Jose
Opportunity Zone Fund investor-developer Urban Catalyst closed this month on the last piece of the two-acre assemblage of land kitty corner from San Jose City Hall starting from the existing Chevron gas station up to St. John Street. This may have been the smallest piece of land ever that controlled such an important large site...
Estremera: Paving the way for a more inclusive future
In the heart of Santa Clara County, where innovation thrives, Santa Clara Valley Water District is taking a bold step towards a more equitable and inclusive future. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is brought forward through our infrastructure projects, grant and partnership programs and hiring practices. Now, with the new Valley Water Next...
Mallon: Reflecting on 50 years of public transit in Silicon Valley
Public transit started in Santa Clara County 50 years ago this year, when the first publicly-operated bus service went into operation on January 1, 1973. A lot has happened since then and it’s important to reflect on the past, present and future of transit in the county. When public transit service started half a century...
DeLorenzo: San Jose Water keeps lead out of drinking water
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Remember the crisis in Flint, Michigan? Or Newark, New Jersey? Old lead water service lines were the culprit. Millions of Americans turned on the faucet and wondered, “What’s in my water?” You may have been wondering, too. To be clear, there is no lead in...
Editorial: San Jose State may have a model for teacher housing
San Jose State University might turn into an unexpected savior in the ongoing exodus of teachers from Santa Clara County. The university envisions creating public-private partnerships with K-12 school districts and community colleges to help build affordable teacher housing. SJSU leaders want schools to consider using some of their excess land for homes so teachers...
Collins: When selling a home sensible upgrades can payoff
Even in a tough market with a very tight inventory, your house must show well to achieve the utmost value for your property. But how do you know what upgrades will get you the greatest return on your investment? According to the National Association of Realtors, 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, refinishing hardwood floors has a...
Robinson: Amid chaos, a Silicon Valley congressman reaches across the aisle
While Republican leaders dither on a new Speaker of the House, at least one Democratic congressmember is building bipartisan support to reform our politics. Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna has brought together a bipartisan group of lawmakers. This includes Rep. Ilhan Omar on the far left to extreme MAGA supporter and Speaker slayer Matt Gaetz...
LaFortune: Why we need to invest in San Jose tourism
Tourism matters. In the U.S. last year, travel accounted for $1.2 trillion in direct spending which produced an economic footprint of $2.6 trillion. This travel supported nearly 15 million workers and directly employed 8 million people. In California, travel spending grew to $134.4 billion, and the California travel industry supported more than 1 million jobs....