An obscure wage formula used by San Jose is getting an update — bringing a pay bump to some of the city’s lowest paid workers following a year when their wages didn’t rise at all. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved changes to its “living wage” policy, a measure covering workers employed by companies...
Is struggling hotel a bellwether for downtown San Jose?
With the Signia by Hilton San Jose seemingly set to be put on the market, questions are swirling about the future of San Jose’s largest hotel — and what it will mean for downtown. BrightSpire Capital, the owner of the 541-room hotel at 170 S. Market St., signaled to investors in a recent sales call...
High gas prices gouge Silicon Valley
Surging gas prices will cut $1.1 billion from household income in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties this year and eliminate 2,600 jobs, according to estimates from a San Jose economic think tank. A recent report from Joint Venture Silicon Valley shows total economic output in the two counties will drop by $706 million if...
San Jose eyes reviving outdoor dining program
When COVID-19 struck in 2020 and health officials banned most indoor business activities, Doug Cookerly was among dozens of San Jose business owners who took advantage of the city’s emergency Al Fresco outdoor dining program to add outside seating. “It was a savior,” Cookerly, who owns the bar Hop & Vine located on The Alameda,...
Silicon Valley farmworkers hit by federal wage cuts
A Silicon Valley lawmaker is calling for the federal government to overturn actions that will drive down wages for seasonal agricultural workers in the region. Rep. Zoe Lofgren introduced a March 26 resolution to block the lowering of hourly wages for seasonal agricultural workers. The U.S. Department of Labor in October implemented new rules, before...
San Jose deadlocked on divesting from companies with ICE ties
Despite growing calls for San Jose to divest public funds from certain companies, the City Council has decided to hold off — for now — on making any major changes to the city’s investment portfolio. The decision Tuesday came as a setback to supporters of a proposal that would have seen the city gradually phase...
Cupertino to poll residents on potential tax increase
Cupertino officials are asking residents if they’re willing to pay more taxes, as the city faces mounting financial pressures and rising service costs. The City Council on Tuesday directed staff to poll residents on a potential increase to the city’s utility users tax, signaling that as the most likely path toward placing a measure on...
Rifts emerge in San Jose budget talks
The fault lines are beginning to show as San Jose leaders continue budget talks that must balance a $56 million deficit. After lengthy deliberations Tuesday, the City Council ultimately approved Mayor Matt Mahan’s March budget message — a document that will set the terms of the city’s budget debate in the coming months. However, the...
San Jose thrift shop funds historic preservation efforts
A new thrift shop is bringing estate furniture, vintage china, clothing and other unique finds to San Jose’s Creekside neighborhood — with all proceeds going toward preserving the city’s architectural heritage. Housed in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, the Found SJ Rummage & Reuse Hub provides a second life for items while supporting the efforts of the Preservation...
San Jose mayor issues budget plan amid projected shortfall
As San Jose officials prepare a budget proposal that’s sure to involve significant cuts, Mayor Matt Mahan has marked out his own spending priorities for the city. The mayor’s annual March budget message, released Tuesday, directs city administrators to strive for maintaining key service areas — around homelessness, neighborhood blight, public safety, housing affordability and economic...