The federal government has eliminated millions in potential funding meant for community projects in San Jose involving the Alum Rock business corridor, Happy Hollow Zoo and more. Sarah Zárate, director of intergovernmental relations for the city, told councilmembers Tuesday that even though Congressmembers Ro Khanna, Jimmy Panetta and Zoe Lofgren requested $5.5 million in federal...
The Biz Beat: The Happy Hound — a Los Gatos good eats landmark
For the last 54 years, The Happy Hound in Los Gatos has served a menu of classic American diner fare: assorted hamburgers, hot dogs and milkshakes, with fries and onion rings as sides. It’s a formula that works, as attested by the loyalty of longtime customers such as Gary Snyder, who said he only needs...
Santa Clara isn’t spending taxpayer money on World Cup upgrades
The world’s largest sporting event — the FIFA World Cup — is coming to the United States in 2026, and Santa Clara is one of the only cities not breaking the bank to prepare, a data analysis by San José Spotlight shows. The games will be hosted across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Nearly all...
San Jose Latino businesses say ICE reports scaring customers
Immigrant-owned businesses in East San Jose have suffered huge losses in revenue and foot traffic since reports of federal ICE officers went viral earlier this year. Fear swept through the undocumented immigrant community in San Jose after the Target store on Story Road became the location of an isolated Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation in January. While...
San Jose arts sector offers sizable economic boost
Downtown San Jose is a hub for cultural events — and with a menu of festivals on tap through spring and summer, local businesses should be able to capture some of the revenue stream. Cultural events such as Cinco de Mayo, San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and South...
San Jose Christmas event nets new contract but still needs funding
As city leaders decide to keep a popular San Jose holiday event downtown under the same management through 2027, organizers say funding remains challenging. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to sign a three-year deal with Christmas In The Park Inc. to continue running the 35-day event in Plaza de Cesar Chavez —...
West Valley street festivals need city support to stay afloat
The West Valley is known for its flagship festivals that bring multicultural food, live music and dancing to the streets. Those festivals come with a lofty price tag, and organizers are asking their cities for help keeping these beloved events afloat. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 April 15 to cover 30% of the fee costs for qualifying...
San Jose Downtown Farmers’ Market returns
The San Jose Downtown Farmers’ Market is returning after a three-year hiatus, with vendors planning to sell fresh corn, tomatoes, citrus fruit and more delights on Wednesdays near the Hammer Theatre. Paolo Obillo, manager and site operator of the Regional Farmers’ Market Association, said the original Downtown Farmers’ Market was put on pause in 2022...
Santa Clara politicians turn to ChatGPT for advice
Santa Clara officials said they’ve used ChatGPT at two public meetings, sparking concerns about the use of artificial intelligence to inform decision makers. Artificial intelligence tools have been growing in popularity as cities like San Jose use it to improve road safety or translate public meetings. But the technology is still plagued with misinformation problems,...
San Jose retail growth among slowest in U.S., report says
A recent report ranks Silicon Valley among the slowest growing retail markets, though experts say there’s hope for the region’s economic future. A report compiled by banner company Printastic compared retail growth for the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan areas. The report lists the San Jose metropolitan area as No. 45 and found there’s been a...