San Jose

San Jose

Former San Jose mayor must explain how he complied with records law

A superior court judge is ordering former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo to explain under penalty of perjury how he searched his private emails and texts for messages related to city business in response to a lawsuit from this news organization. In a ruling issued last week, Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Thomas Kuhnle said Liccardo must...

‘Cockroaches, mold, fraying carpets’: San Jose tenants protest living conditions

A group of San Jose tenants are organizing to call out their corporate landlord for poor conditions and spiked rents across several low-income apartment complexes. The KDF Tenants Association represents more than 1,000 residents from four different affordable complexes in San Jose, which are owned by Newport Beach-based KDF Communities. Tenants picketed outside Orchard Glen Apartments...

San Jose leaders resist state bill targeting casinos

As a bill that could open card rooms up to new legal scrutiny makes its way through the state Legislature, San Jose officials aren’t willing to accept the hand they’ve been dealt. The city is strongly opposing Senate Bill 549, a measure that would allow tribes to sue card rooms over the games they offer....

These historic San Jose buildings are at risk

Historic buildings facing redevelopment in San Jose reflect a growing divide between preservationists and city leaders, as critics say the push for development often leads to neglect of older structures. The Preservation Action Council of San Jose released its second annual list of eight endangered buildings last month. The list highlights renowned buildings such as...

The first six months: San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. She’s been called a connector, collaborator and bridge builder. In a city frequently divided by two political factions, San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei finds common ground. The West San Jose councilmember...

The first six months: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. Fresh off a contentious debate over housing funds that ended in his first big political compromise, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is still optimistic about achieving core campaign promises of...

The first six months: San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres

Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. A drive-by shooting at an elementary school can change the course of students’ lives. For San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres, it sparked a dedication to community organizing. At 14, Torres witnessed the...

San Jose worker strike looms while council goes on recess

Months of tense negotiations between city staff and union leaders have reached an impasse, with two large worker contracts expiring as the San Jose City Council enters a July recess. Contracts for the two unions—IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101—expired June 30, leaving more than 4,500 city employees in limbo with more than 1,000...