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Two weeks ago, San Jose approved the largest development in its existence: Downtown West, Google’s 80-acre campus near Diridon Station. Google estimates that up to 25,000 people will work at the downtown offices. Just how many of those will be local hires is still unclear. According to Google spokesperson Michael Appel, it’s too early to...
Declining unemployment buoys Silicon Valley’s economic recovery
Silicon Valley’s unemployment rate is dropping after the economic roller coaster of the COVID-19 pandemic. But some business sectors could take years to rebound. Local unemployment was below 3% prior to the pandemic, said Bige Yilmaz, economic data analyst for San Jose. After a turbulent year, it now sits at about 5.5%. “In terms of...
San Jose workers prepare for new mask rules
In a little over a week, the state will lift its mask mandate after nearly a year of requiring face coverings indoors. But in certain workplaces, employees will still have to cover their faces according to new rules adopted this week by the board of the California Division of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or Cal/OSHA....
Amid rising tensions, San Jose Flea Market owners offer $2M to vendors
The owners of the iconic San Jose Flea Market are offering to pay $2 million to a fund to support vendors who for months have protested a development plan they say pushes them out. The owners, the Bumb family, have also proposed a contribution of up to $500,000 to match donations from residents to help...
Silicon Valley business group director striking out on his own
The Silicon Valley Organization has suffered another blow. After the ousting of former CEO Matt Mahood due to a racist ad in October, the beleaguered chamber of commerce is losing Director of Government and Community Relations Eddie Truong. Truong, known for his public policy and business advocacy, is leaving to start his own lobbying firm...
Downtown San Jose bar owner resigns amid #MeToo accusations of sexual abuse
A prominent downtown San Jose restaurateur has resigned amid accusations of sexual assault, the latest in a sweeping #MeToo movement in breweries and bars. “My actions and gross misconduct in the past have hurt too many and my absolute apologies to ALL,” wrote Ryan Summers, owner of the beer bar and vegan eatery Good Karma...
Q&A: What San Jose businesses need to know about masks, COVID vaccines and social distancing
Differences between local and national COVID regulations are causing confusion and placing the burden of enforcement on businesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear masks or social distance “in any setting.” But in Santa Clara County, everyone is still required to wear masks...
San Jose-Google benefits fund could take 10 years to pay out
San Jose could approve close to $155 million in community funds from Google as early as today, but the pay out will take some time. The agreement between city administration and the tech giant on its proposed downtown campus development heads to the City Council for a vote tonight, but the money would come in at...
Will downtown San Jose recover from office vacancies?
Office vacancies in downtown San Jose increased during the pandemic, but some say it’s only a matter of time before workers return. According to Silicon Valley MarketBeat, which analyzes commercial real estate activity, downtown vacancies rose during the beginning of 2021 from 14.2% to 17%—about 1.5 million square feet—compared to the first quarter of 2020....
Santa Clara County pilots program to combat wage theft
Santa Clara County is doubling down on its efforts to eliminate wage theft following a report showing $128 million in unpaid fees. Earlier this month, the county launched a pilot program that proactively identifies contractors working with the county who have outstanding final judgments against them and determines whether to disqualify the contractor from doing...