Changes are brewing at a downtown San Jose coffee shop as workers form a union—with the owners’ blessing. Employees at Nirvana Soul, a Black-owned coffee shop that opened in the SoFA district during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced plans to unionize Thursday during the cafe’s weekly open mic event to more than 100 people. Workers told...
Silicon Valley sees slight uptick in unemployment
The Silicon Valley unemployment rate went up in June—but experts say it’s not a cause for concern. A report by Joint Venture Silicon Valley shows unemployment rates increased by 0.4% in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties between May and June. Unemployment is currently at 2.2%, or approximately 32,300 people—9,200 in San Mateo County and 23,100 in...
San Jose pours millions into housing relief, WiFi
San Jose’s mayor took to the national stage to tout how the city used federal funds to address rampant homelessness and the digital divide. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo gathered virtually with politicians nationwide on Monday to discuss how American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds have been used in their communities. They looked at how data-driven research helped determine funding for...
Employees protest mistreatment at major San Jose food plant
Former employees of Amy’s Kitchen, a national frozen food brand, came out to protest the abrupt closure of its San Jose factory — calling it union busting. Nearly 30 workers on Tuesday gathered in front of the shuttered factory on 1885 Las Plumas Ave., to highlight alleged mistreatment they endured. They said they have been...
How many jobs does it take to pay rent in San Jose?
In the heart of Silicon Valley, an individual making minimum wage needs to work nearly four hourly jobs to pay the rent. A new report, conducted by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, finds housing costs in the nation are rising to unreachable levels for many—especially those working minimum wage jobs. Across the nation, full-time minimum wage workers...
Survey says San Jose #1 for millennials. Experts disagree.
A new survey claims San Jose is the top metropolitan area in the country for working millennials, but those in the know say that’s not the reality. Commercial Cafe’s study says San Jose’s metropolitan area, which includes Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, is the best region for millennials based on four of seven indicators. The four areas San...
San Jose Downtown Association finds new leader in Reno
After more than three decades, the San Jose Downtown Association is getting new leadership. Alex Stettinski, executive director of Downtown Reno Partnership, is set to become CEO following a six-month national search involving 46 candidates. Stettinski will replace CEO Scott Knies, who has led the business organization since 1988. Knies will remain on the job until Nov....
San Jose residents react to record-breaking inflation
San Jose residents are grappling with the highest level of inflation in 41 years, forcing many to make hard choices about food, travel and housing—furthering the disparity between the haves and have-nots. On Wednesday, the Labor Department reported consumer prices have risen 9.1% since June of last year. Rising costs have affected nearly every sector....
Will Santa Clara voters approve a headcount tax for businesses?
A business tax will reap millions for Santa Clara if residents approve a ballot measure in November. Voters will be asked whether the city should update the “headcount” tax business license fee, which has not been revised in 30 years and charges $15 to $500 annually based on the industry and number of employees. On...
San Jose State track proposed for fairgrounds
A proposed track and field at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds may return a university to former glory. Assemblymember Ash Kalra requested $25 million from the state Legislature for a San Jose State University Speed City Legacy Center and Track and Field Training Facility. The Legislature approved $4 million in the 2022-23 fiscal year budget....