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Silicon Valley’s largest hotel is reopening under new branding this spring—a hopeful sign that San Jose’s tourism and hospitality industry are returning to normal. The Signia by Hilton San Jose—owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings—is the new operator of the 805-room property formerly known as the Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont abruptly closed in March 2021 after owner...
Silicon Valley drivers feel pressure at the pump
With gas prices at an all-time high in California and around the U.S., local residents are digging deep into their wallets. Gas prices have soared to an average of $5.69 a gallon in California as of Thursday, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two weeks ago. The nationwide average of $4.31 breaks the July 2008 record...
San Jose businesses share supply chain woes
The supply chain crisis is impacting Silicon Valley businesses, big and small. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast Thursday where business leaders discussed how inflation and COVID-19 have impacted their shops, and shared how over the last two years things have gotten more expensive—and unpredictable. Chamber President Derrick Seaver said it’s complex to pinpoint all...
San Jose libraries want funds to return to pre-pandemic service
San Jose’s budget process has begun, and libraries are hoping to get enough funding to return to pre-pandemic service levels. With an expected surplus this coming fiscal year and an easing of COVID restrictions, the San Jose Public Library Foundation sees it as an opportunity to return to normalcy—at least in terms of budget and operations....
Silicon Valley day care closures sideline working mothers
A lack of affordable day care drove women out of the workforce when COVID-19 hit. Now they are stranded and can’t get back in. About 2 million women dropped out of the workforce in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic, compared to 1.6 million men, according to an economic study by the Bay...
San Jose flea market fees frustrate vendors
The parking and entry prices at the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose are increasing—and vendors are furious. All parking and walk-in fees are set to increase today, although Wednesdays at the flea market will still be free. Friday through Sunday costs will rise. On Fridays it will cost $5 to park, but walk-ins will...
Watchdog alleges more labor violations at San Jose public project
A labor watchdog claims to have found a third company that committed labor violations on a costly San Jose public project, raising questions about what the city is doing to monitor these practices. Mauricio Velarde, compliance director for the South Bay Piping Industry, emailed city officials last week about alleged illegal labor practices at the San...
Nearly half of Silicon Valley children need supportive services to survive
Silicon Valley households with children are struggling to make ends meet, and the data is eye-opening. Joint Venture Silicon Valley recently released its 2022 Silicon Valley Index, shedding light on the stark challenges these families face. In Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, approximately 46% of children live in households that don’t earn enough money...
San Jose mall workers say new parking fees are wage theft
“Hey! Hey! Ho! Ho! Parking fees have got to go,” chanted workers protesting in front of the Westfield Valley Fair mall on Sunday. Employees of Westfield Valley Fair are fighting over newly-enacted parking fees at the high-end retail center announced by mall management in January. Employees are forced to pay $3 per day or $40...
Silicon Valley’s equity grade is below flunking
The state of Silicon Valley is grim when it comes to equity and equality. The 2022 Silicon Valley Index report found that while jobs are back to pre-pandemic levels in the region, income inequality widened, inflation skyrocketed and housing prices soared. Officials from Joint Venture Silicon Valley, a group that analyzes regional issues affecting the economy...