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San Jose’s historic Calle Willow business district is facing possible redevelopment and displacement of dozens of small businesses. Vocal residents have pushed back, and a city councilmember hopes to do the same. A potential zoning change on Willow Street near downtown San Jose would allow increased building height limits and encourage residential development in the business area,...
San Jose mayor, law enforcement address recent string of retail robberies
Facing a spate of organized retail thefts and robberies over the weekend, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo and local enforcement are looking for ways to beef up security during the holidays—including use of surveillance technology. “I’m releasing a proposal with colleagues for investment in automated license plate readers and other surveillance tech that will assist...
San Jose’s downtown Willow Glen springs back to life as holidays arrive
The quaint character of downtown Willow Glen stores and eateries is re-emerging, even though the COVID-19 pandemic hit businesses hard. Last week, tree-lined Lincoln Avenue, between Minnesota Avenue and Willow Street, saw foot traffic increase as customers wandered into retail boutiques like Bella James, to paint pottery at Petroglyph or shop for gifts and lunch...
Different hiring experiences for San Jose coffee shops, eateries
The solution to the ongoing labor shortage might seem as simple as paying employees more, but “more” isn’t always available. In the restaurant industry, budgets are straining to cover the increased costs of ingredients due to widespread shortages. That doesn’t necessarily translate to passing costs onto customers. For some businesses the answer isn’t that simple. “You...
Commercial real estate investments soar in Silicon Valley
Commercial real estate sales boomed in Silicon Valley last quarter, but vacancies remain high throughout the region. A surge in investment activity between July and September brought year-to-date aggregate commercial real estate sales in the South Bay to $6.3 billion. That’s the highest sales volume for the region since 2015, according to a new report...
San Jose’s tourism arm reports zero dollars in revenue
Team San Jose, a nonprofit that manages the city’s arts and cultural centers and tourism, reported zero dollars in revenue this past year, demonstrating the COVID-19 pandemic’s tremendous impact on the local economy. “We were closed by county mandate for the majority of the year,” spokesperson Frances Wong told San José Spotlight. “With a closed convention center and closed...
San Jose’s The Alameda reawakens to sounds and tastes of Second Saturdays
A crowd sat at tables outside Hop & Vine on The Alameda enjoying tapas, craft beer and wine on a warm fall evening, while musician John Vicino played guitar and sang Prince’s “Raspberry Beret.” The Alameda, a historic three-mile stretch of road that links downtown San Jose to Santa Clara, is adding some flair and...
San Jose sidewalk construction causes pedestrian safety concerns
Prolonged construction on a busy Santana Row intersection has frustrated some locals who say it poses a threat to pedestrian safety. Resident Benjamin Reed told San José Spotlight he contacted the city months ago about construction on the corner of Winchester Boulevard and Olsen Street, as well as Santana Row and Stevens Creek Boulevard. He...
Housing might replace shuttered Denny’s in Campbell
A 45-year-old local fixture in Campbell abruptly closed last month and could become a new housing development. The Denny’s restaurant at 2060 South Bascom Avenue in Campbell operated at the location since 1976. Two weeks ago, it shuttered with little notice. “We regret to inform you that as of 10/31/21 at 2 p.m., Denny’s has...
San Jose VTA backed off promise to hire diverse firms, activists say
Civil rights groups claim VTA backpedaled on a pledge to give substantial contract work to local minority-owned businesses on a major infrastructure project. The leader of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP sent a letter to VTA CEO Carolyn Gonot on Oct. 28 complaining the agency assured the NAACP, the Asian Law Alliance and La Raza...