Growing up, Helen Chapman was surrounded by acres of nature in Orinda. That’s when her passion for preserving open space began. And now, as the chair of the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, Chapman is its steward and Coyote Valley is her crown jewel. Being in harmony with the land is in her blood....
In the Spotlight
Welcome to In the Spotlight.
These stories spotlight the people who make San Jose a remarkable place to call home. From unsung heroes to community leaders, we catch up with San Joseans who are doing amazing things — and we share the awe-inspiring stories behind their struggles and successes.
We are telling the unique, ever-changing, diverse story of San Jose. One person at a time.
Who should we feature next? To nominate someone for our next In the Spotlight profile, email [email protected].
Former San Jose pub owners put community first
For John McKay, owning a pub is in his Scottish blood. For Englishman Michael North, it’s his calling. Together, the two former owners of Britannia Arms of Almaden Valley built a business that focused on giving back and treating every customer like family. For North, 60, who grew up poor in England, doing things for...
One woman’s quest to transform East San Jose
Maritza Maldonado was raised in East San Jose by parents who immigrated from Mexico. They worked in the fields before her father found employment as a custodian and her mother as a cannery worker. She grew up with parents who wanted a better life for their daughter and she didn’t let them down. “Our immigrant...