As San Jose’s power needs increase with electrification and climate change solutions, the city will explore creating its own power utility. The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the creation of San Jose Power, a city-run electric utility touted as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide power at lower rates and bring in more...
Report: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara has $2B economic impact
Events at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara have generated $2 billion in total economic impact for the region in the last decade, according to a report commissioned by the San Francisco 49ers. The report was prepared by Daniel Rascher, a professor of sports economics at University of San Francisco and head of consulting firm SportsEconomics....
San Jose employees spent millions on travel, entertainment and dinners
From Disney resorts to animal funeral services, San Jose City Hall employees spent millions with city credit cards this past year. About a quarter of San Jose employees have city-funded credit cards, known as purchase cards or P-cards. The cards are typically issued to specific department representatives with intent to streamline small dollar purchases—mostly office...
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...
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...
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...
‘It is devastating’: Scammers target Santa Clara County seniors
Sharon Sweeney was driving back from Home Depot when she received a call from an unknown number that would eventually end in costly consequences. The caller introduced himself as Robert. He was the first of multiple people Sweeney, 77, talked to that day who posed as government agents. They created a collection of falsified documents and...