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....
San Jose airport gets funding for disability upgrades
Traversing San Jose’s airport will get easier for people with disabilities thanks to future accessibility upgrades. The Federal Aviation Administration is allocating $10 million toward improving accessibility at Mineta San Jose International Airport, Congressmember Zoe Lofgren said in a statement last week. The funding is part of a bipartisan infrastructure package providing $25 billion in...
How much will Santa Clara lose when Great America closes?
Santa Clara expects steep losses of more than half a million dollars in revenue each year when Great America shuts its gates within the next decade. News last week of the amusement park’s $310 million sale to San Francisco-based real estate firm Prologis shocked Silicon Valley. This comes on the heels of Santa Clara already...
San Jose sees rising property values despite economic woes
The value of taxable properties in San Jose skyrocketed last year thanks to demand for luxury homes and new construction. Experts and county officials say the growth won’t last. At the heart of wealthy Silicon Valley, the assessed value of all property grew by $15 billion over the last 12 months—a jump from $215.9 billion to $231...
UPDATE: Santa Clara delays putting business tax before voters
Santa Clara leaders are holding off on putting a business tax before voters in order to allow for more input from a local business group. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to wait until July 11 to vote on placing a measure on the November ballot to increase the city’s business “headcount” tax to close...
San Jose franchisees say state bill will put them out of business
Brian Hom’s work at Vitality Bowl is a labor of love and an ode to his son. Hom, 64, bought the franchise in 2016 because he was inspired by the company’s mission to provide allergy-free food options. It’s an issue near and dear to his heart. His eldest son died after going into anaphylactic shock...
San Jose’s oldest 4th of July parade invigorates businesses
San Jose’s oldest Independence Day parade is not only a favorite among local residents, but also small businesses. The Rose, White and Blue parade and festival has been around since 1901, drawing hundreds of people every year. A decked out parade filled with lowriders, classic cars, patriotic floats and festive vehicles grace Alameda and Naglee...