After several years of destructive wildfires in California, San Jose firefighters on Saturday unveiled a new fire engine that costs close to $1 million but could travel the state to help extinguish disastrous blazes. “We build it from the ground up to make sure we get all the equipment we want and need in there,”...
VTA’s new service plan rollout hits a few speed bumps
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rolled out a massive overhaul of its service plan this week which provides a new light rail line and more frequent stops on some of its most popular routes. However, not everyone is happy with the changes and they will take some time to get used to, transit advocates say....
Kansen Chu for Assembly 2020 mailer raises eyebrows
California Assemblymember Kansen Chu surprised political insiders and voters alike when he announced earlier this year he planned to leave Sacramento to run for Santa Clara County supervisor. Despite the decision, some voters this holiday season received a one-page mailer detailing all of the legislator’s accomplishments in Sacramento — but the “paid for” disclaimer at...
San Jose church raises nearly $9K after thieves walk out with donation box
One of the South Bay’s most historic Catholic churches this week was targeted by thieves who stole thousands of dollars in donations meant to buy Christmas gifts for children. And now churchgoers at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church are asking the community to help to replace $3,000 snatched from a donation box by two thieves...
Campaign aims to raise money for man killed in accident involving City Council candidate
Tim Starkey loved Christmas, cooking a hearty meal for his family and toasting life with a glass of wine, according to his closest friends and family. Starkey, 66, was killed by a vehicle near Blossom Hill Elementary School in Los Gatos last Monday. It was later revealed that the driver was San Jose City Council...
State legislative candidate faces pushback on critical ‘ballot designation’
A Silicon Valley candidate for the California Legislature is facing criticism over the job titles he’s picked to appear on the ballot, with one hired law firm appealing to the California Secretary of State to look deeper for inaccuracies. Josh Becker, who is running for the Senate District 13 seat being vacated by Sen. Jerry...
San Jose residents can now text anonymous complaints about police
For the first time in San Jose’s history, residents can share anonymous feedback about their experience with police via text message or online and file official complaints about alleged police misconduct online. In a move toward improving police and community relationships in San Jose, the city’s Independent Police Auditor announced this month the launch of...
Santa Clara: First supportive housing project breaks ground
The first supportive housing complex in the city of Santa Clara broke ground Monday morning, the latest in a line of projects funded by a massive county tax for affordable housing. Calabazas Community Apartments – a 5-story, 145-unit building at 2904 Corvin Dr. – will reserve 80 of its studio apartments for homeless individuals, offering on-site...
Meet Peter: The robot barista at San Jose’s airport
A new barista at the Mineta San Jose International Airport is impressing travelers with quick moves, unique charm and expert multitasking over long stretches — in fact, this server never leaves its post at Cafe X. Meet Peter. Named for the company’s former director of hardware, Peter is a robot capable of serving a variety...
‘Hope Cafe’ brings fine dining experience to homeless residents
Twice a month, a large room in a warehouse-like building not far from the San Jose airport is transformed into a fine dining hall — now called Hope Cafe. Tables are dressed with tablecloths and a multi-course dinner featuring decadent entrees from grilled salmon to barbecued ribs are served on nice china. Music plays lightly...