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Santa Clara County official scolded for mass mailers

The Santa Clara County assessor has received a warning for violating political rules about mass mailings at the public’s expense. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) sent a warning letter Sept. 7 to Assessor Larry Stone for violating the Political Reform Act when he mass mailed an annual property assessment report—exceeding the limit of 200 mailers...

‘Now is the time’: Silicon Valley transit leaders discuss future

Local transportation experts say safety and collaboration between agencies in the Bay Area are critical to pushing forward the future of Silicon Valley transit. Transportation leaders gathered on Wednesday to discuss the future of public transportation during a panel hosted by San José Spotlight. Panelist Rod Diridon Sr., a prolific transportation advocate whose namesake marks San Jose’s downtown...

Santa Clara urban farming community springs to life

A specialized urban farming community in Santa Clara offering affordable housing for low-income seniors and veterans celebrated its grand opening Wednesday. Attendees, including Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gilmor, toured Agrihood’s communal garden—the centerpiece of the housing development—and main complex with 165 apartments. One of the main goals of urban farm communities across the country is...

‘People flee bad leadership’ in Sunnyvale’s public safety department

Retired Sunnyvale officials say police officers are leaving the once highly regarded department in droves—and they’re blaming the leadership of the chief. Chief Phan Ngo took the helm of Sunnyvale’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 2017 and since then nearly 30 officers have departed, according to city data through June 2023 obtained by San José Spotlight....

San Jose builds bridge between police and lowriders

San Jose’s rocky relationship with lowriding is taking an unexpected turn—the city will have a police car converted into a cruise-ready piece of art. The San Jose City Council voted Tuesday to donate a Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor to be transformed into a lowrider, a customized car with hydraulics that allow it to bounce or...

Labor union adviser enters District 6 San Jose race

Lifelong San Jose resident Olivia Navarro was on her deathbed last year when she realized she needed to change her life. While hospitalized from COVID-19, Navarro told herself if she recovered she would fulfill her high school dream of serving the community. Navarro is attempting to do just that by running for the open District 6...

UPDATE: Concerns remain after San Jose leaders approve police watchdog reforms

San Jose leaders moved forward with recommendations on how to improve the city’s police department, despite lingering concerns and drama around the resignation and retirement of the two top police auditors. San Jose City Council today approved all five recommendations from the Office of the Independent Police Auditor: tracking when an officer points a firearm...

San Jose ex-politician won’t give up social media accounts

A former San Jose councilmember is posturing as an elected official on social media, despite multiple demands by the city to turn over these official accounts. Former Councilmember Maya Esparza is holding the District 7 social media accounts and associated websites hostage, even as the city attorney, manager, clerk and current Councilmember Bien Doan have requested she...

Senior care facility planned for West San Jose

A residential facility for seniors is coming to West San Carlos Street in San Jose’s Burbank neighborhood, following final approval of a plan in the works since 2020. Real estate investment group Oak Glen Ventures’ plans call for a seven-story, 227,617-square-foot mixed-use building that will include a 246-bed residential senior care facility known as San...