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Easy to spot in her vibrant red dress, Rochelle Cartagena-Segura was set on hugging every person who showed up to celebrate the Sept. 16 opening of her Mama Roc’s Puerto Rican and Caribbean Cuisine at Evergreen Village Square in San Jose. “We’ve had a lot of sleepless nights,” she told the crowd. “It’s been challenging...
Immigrants put billions of dollars into Santa Clara County
Immigrants are one of Santa Clara County’s key economic drivers, bringing billions of dollars into the community. Approximately 765,800 immigrants contributed $255 billion to the county’s gross domestic product in 2021, according to a recent report that reveals the significant role immigrants play in the region’s labor force, businesses and consumer spending. New Americans in...
Silicon Valley fast-food industry finds compromise in state bill
Flipping burgers, assembling sandwiches and scooping guacamole onto salads is going to look tastier to San Jose’s fast-food workers after unions and restaurant owners reached an agreement through a state bill heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk. State legislators passed Assembly Bill 1228 last week, ending a stalemate over fast-food labor policies, which triggered a...
The Biz Beat: San Jose Italian eatery has an East Coast secret
One of the greatest compliments Jordanian-born George Keshek, owner of Ristorante da Maria in San Jose, ever received was when members of the Italian-American Heritage Foundation asked him to hold a class on how to cook his classic Bolognese. “Teaching Italians how to make Italian food,” he told San José Spotlight. “But we do it...
The Biz Beat: Discover San Jose’s gateway to world-famous falafels
Falafel’s Drive-In still serves hamburgers and hotdogs, a throwback from 56 years ago, when it was a Snow White Drive-In. But it was the homemade falafels that founder Anton Nijmeh added to the menu that gave San Jose its first taste of Middle Eastern cuisine and made the little diner world famous. “Dad just made...
Levi’s Stadium events pump millions into Santa Clara
The recent uptick in big-name performers at Levi’s Stadium is bringing fans from across the country and an economic boost to cities in Santa Clara County. Between singers Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran, the tally looks to be more than a $50 million economic impact. This comes as the city of Santa Clara grapples...
Santa Clara County official presses for more farmworker housing
Years of inadequate housing and resources have plagued local farmworkers for decades as they struggle to make ends meet. That might take a favorable turn if Santa Clara County officials prioritize their needs. Supervisor Sylvia Arenas, who represents the more rural District 1, introduced recommendations to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday...
The Biz Beat: A must try Ethiopian restaurant in San Jose
Ethiopian food is one of the oldest cuisines in the world, and one of the most communal dining experiences as well. For the last 11 years, the owners of Walia Ethiopian Cuisine in San Jose have shared their culture with customers who come from all over the Bay Area to dip their injera bread into...
Pop-up brings flea market vendors to downtown San Jose
Berryessa Flea Market vendors are popping up outside San Jose City Hall. Their booths are loaded with Mexican candy, artisanal crafts and produce, welcoming city employees, residents and councilmembers to peruse colorful stalls and ask questions. The event marks a new location for vendors to sell goods outside the flea market grounds. It’s a first-of-its-kind...
Which San Jose city employees get a taxpayer-funded ride?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has a new ride, courtesy of the city’s taxpayers. Mahan’s SUV—purchased at the start of his term—is part of his security detail, which is typical for the city’s top elected official. But it’s just one of thousands of cars city officials have at their disposal, which include vehicles to maintain...