Splashing and laughter coming from a neighbor’s swimming pool leaves residents wishing they had their own on a sizzling day. There’s a pool rental service for that, but not in San Jose. Swimply—like Airbnb for swimming pools—developed an app to connect homeowners with those seeking a backyard oasis. The idea has spread like wildfire, with...
San Jose dedicates dollars for flea market studies
The vendors at the San Jose Berryessa Flea Market are a step closer to reshaping their future. Last week, the San Jose City Council approved contracts to hire a consultant and adviser to help vendors who may be displaced from development at the Berryessa Flea Market. The consultant, Estolano Advisors, has a $350,000 contract to...
Touchdown: Santa Clara settles lawsuit with 49ers
Three years and millions of dollars later, the San Francisco 49ers and Santa Clara have settled a high-stakes lawsuit over management of Levi’s Stadium. Three weeks after San José Spotlight first reported the NFL team’s settlement offer, Santa Clara administrators on Wednesday accepted a deal to end the litigation, according to team officials. Before signing the...
‘A sigh of relief’: San Jose students react to federal loan plan
Brian Luu didn’t find out about President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan through Instagram or TikTok like his peers. He found out from a phone call with his mom. “This would mean a lot for me and my family,” Luu, a San Jose State University computer science major, told San José Spotlight. “There’s a...
Amid shortage, San Jose OKs major raise for veterinarians
San Jose is increasing the salary range for veterinarians by nearly 47% this year, hoping to fill monthslong vacancies for two roles in its backlogged animal shelter. While a full-time vet hired in the city before February would earn roughly $95,000 to $115,000 annually in base salary, the San Jose City Council has since sweetened the...
Los Gatos faces multi-million dollar budget shortfall
Multiple tax increases may be required in the town of Los Gatos as a budget deficit looms in the near future. While the Los Gatos Town Council voted last week to put a measure before voters in November to raise about $1 million annually by sharply increasing business license taxes, that may not be enough...
UPDATE: Google’s millions to be dished out by San Jose group
A new San Jose advisory group authorized to give out millions in grant funding from Google is now in the making. Approximately $155 million in funding from the Silicon Valley tech giant will soon be funneled into a 13-member advisory commission appointed by the San Jose City Council. Known as the Community Stabilization and Opportunity...
San Jose leaders say no to statewide gambling measures
Two statewide propositions to legalize and expand sports betting are coming to voters in November—and San Jose officials oppose both of them. The city council unanimously voted earlier this week to oppose Props. 26 and 27, viewing them as having a negative impact on San Jose casinos and reducing revenue gambling generates for the city. Prop. 26...
San Jose gets sued for ignoring its billboard rules
A billboard advertising giant is suing San Jose over a decision to allow a competitor to erect two digital billboards on airport property. Outfront Media alleges in its lawsuit filed last month that the San Jose City Council “abused their discretion” and violated city policies by authorizing billboards from Clear Channel Outdoor, according to court...
Santa Clara County to study public contract disparities
Santa Clara County wants to level the playing field for minority-owned businesses that have no skin in the public contractor game. The county plans to conduct a vendor diversity study to examine how the process can be improved. It will collect data to review how businesses are selected for county contractor jobs and analyze it...