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...
San Jose business group lacks identity as CEO quits
The San Jose Chamber of Commerce is searching for its third CEO in three years, and business leaders hope the move restores the once premier business advocacy group back to its glory days. The chamber is at an inflection point as it looks for a new top boss. Derrick Seaver, the chamber’s president and CEO...
Google primes downtown San Jose space with socials
Downtown San Jose’s resurgence has been building throughout the summer with block parties, art festivals and concerts. Those happenings have been primarily in the district’s core. That’s about to change. The west side of town near Diridon Station and the future home of Google’s Downtown West mega development is kicking into gear with Creekside Socials....
How much are the top San Jose employees paid?
As San Jose braces for budget deficits in the coming year, the city broke its record in employee compensation last year with 63 employees earning an annual salary of more than $400,000. Of the top 100 highest-paid city employees, 93 work in public safety—69 in the police department and 24 in the fire department. The only...
San Jose officials want to expedite toxic spill cleanup
Toxins from a fuel spill eight years ago at an abandoned East San Jose building continue to pollute the soil, and city leaders are pushing to expedite cleanup efforts before another environmental disaster. Councilmember Peter Ortiz is rallying support from colleagues to form an intergovernmental committee to create a timeline for removing the contamination at...
How Live Nation almost took over San Jose venue
Newly obtained information reveals how Live Nation, a large live entertainment company, attempted to take over a key entertainment venue in San Jose in 2021. Emails withheld by the city and released to San José Spotlight after a judge’s ruling show Live Nation approached Team San Jose, a nonprofit that manages the city’s arts and...