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It has been six months since Liz Ruiz saw families skating around the floor of Aloha Roller Rink. The East San Jose-based business owner has watched other businesses reopen across the city without any idea about when she might be able to do the same, pay her employees or welcome back customers. Ruiz had occupied...
UPDATE: More San Jose small businesses to get break on license tax
In an effort to relieve small businesses suffering during the pandemic, the San Jose City Council unanimously agreed to expand a tax break even though it will cost the city $1 million. The tax, which business owners pay annually to receive a license, ranges from $203 to as high as $163,745 depending on the number...
San Jose: Black-owned cannabis businesses move to front of the shelf
As the country grapples with structural racism and ensuring equity in Black communities, a San Jose cannabis company is helping people of color — many of whom were targeted in drug wars — in a new way. Harborside this month launched an initiative to highlight Black-owned cannabis brands such as Oakland Extracts, the Congo Club,...
UPDATE: San Jose City Council approves Bay 101 casino settlement
After years of legal battles between San Jose and the Bay 101 casino, the City Council voted 10-1 Sept. 22 to approve a 2020 settlement agreement and put a series of suits to bed. Most notably, Bay 101 sued the city in 2013 for charging “unconstitutionally excessive” fees. As a compromise, the city will consider...
Why indoor dining is still not an option in Santa Clara County
In Santa Clara County, you can walk into a business and get your hair and nails done, work out and even get a tattoo. But you can’t eat. The county recently got the OK to move into the red tier of the state’s categories that allow more businesses to reopen and is taking steps toward...
The search for San Jose’s landmark narrows: Here are top three finalists
And then there were three. After years of planning, fundraising and community input, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley finally named the finalists in its international ideas competition to build an an iconic landmark in San Jose expected to draw tourists from around the world. Chosen from more than 900 entries originating in 70 countries, 13 expert...
Santa Clara County business owners push to open indoors
With smoke and ash making outdoor operations difficult, a coalition of business and community leaders are demanding Santa Clara County set guidelines to reopen indoors. Last week the county moved into the lower-risk red tier of state reopening guidelines, which paved the way for more businesses to start serving customers indoors. But in Santa Clara...
After COVID-19, artificial intelligence is next challenge facing US jobseekers, lawmakers told
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Those looking for employment in the post-coronavirus job market may face additional challenges due to the emergence of artificial intelligence, according to witnesses and lawmakers who spoke at a Thursday House Budget Committee hearing. “As the economy eventually recovers, workers may find it difficult to get their jobs back as companies replace...
Too little, too late for some as Santa Clara County allows more businesses to reopen
California health officials announced Santa Clara County is now in the red tier reopening phase, which allows more businesses to operate indoors. The county is still under a substantial risk for COVID-19 spread, according to state guidelines, and local health officials urge people to wear masks and take social distancing precautions. Here’s a quick look...
San Jose activists turn to digital media to keep public engaged
After police violence in San Jose erupted during protests over Minneapolis cops killing George Floyd, hundreds of speakers poured into online government meetings to air their grievances. In the era of Zoom and COVID-19, Mary Jessie Celestin, a 21-year-old activist, is building a connective digital platform for budding activists she says is just as important...