The powerful San Jose Downtown Association is preparing for its first leadership change in 34 years. The business group announced a nationwide search on Monday to find its next CEO. Scott Knies, who has led the organization since opening its first office in March 1988, will step down on Nov. 1. Applications for the job are...
Signia hotel to bring workers, business back to downtown San Jose
Silicon Valley’s largest hotel is reopening under new branding this spring—a hopeful sign that San Jose’s tourism and hospitality industry are returning to normal. The Signia by Hilton San Jose—owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings—is the new operator of the 805-room property formerly known as the Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont abruptly closed in March 2021 after owner...
Silicon Valley drivers feel pressure at the pump
With gas prices at an all-time high in California and around the U.S., local residents are digging deep into their wallets. Gas prices have soared to an average of $5.69 a gallon in California as of Thursday, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two weeks ago. The nationwide average of $4.31 breaks the July 2008 record...
San Jose businesses share supply chain woes
The supply chain crisis is impacting Silicon Valley businesses, big and small. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce held a breakfast Thursday where business leaders discussed how inflation and COVID-19 have impacted their shops, and shared how over the last two years things have gotten more expensive—and unpredictable. Chamber President Derrick Seaver said it’s complex to pinpoint all...
San Jose libraries want funds to return to pre-pandemic service
San Jose’s budget process has begun, and libraries are hoping to get enough funding to return to pre-pandemic service levels. With an expected surplus this coming fiscal year and an easing of COVID restrictions, the San Jose Public Library Foundation sees it as an opportunity to return to normalcy—at least in terms of budget and operations....
Silicon Valley lawmaker wants to bring dignity to digital age
There is an alarming gulf between people thriving in the digital economy and those shut out of it. That gulf grew wider during the COVID-19 pandemic as tech workers enjoyed the ability to work from home while people in service jobs struggled with layoffs and housing insecurity. Rep. Ro Khanna has watched this crisis unfold in...
The Biz Beat: Good Karma Bikes keeps San Jose moving
San Jose’s Good Karma Bikes provides free bicycles to those in need of reliable transportation, which has been a lifeline for many, including refugees. CEO James Gardner sees bicycles as tools for improving mental and physical health, environmental sustainability and transforming lives. In addition to recreation, bikes provide transit for those who can’t afford the...
Silicon Valley day care closures sideline working mothers
A lack of affordable day care drove women out of the workforce when COVID-19 hit. Now they are stranded and can’t get back in. About 2 million women dropped out of the workforce in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic, compared to 1.6 million men, according to an economic study by the Bay...
San Jose flea market fees frustrate vendors
The parking and entry prices at the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose are increasing—and vendors are furious. All parking and walk-in fees are set to increase today, although Wednesdays at the flea market will still be free. Friday through Sunday costs will rise. On Fridays it will cost $5 to park, but walk-ins will...
The Biz Beat: San Jose’s Guitar Showcase rocked with music legends
The Santa Clara County area is rich with rock music history, from the groundwork laid by early hits like “Little Girl” by The Syndicate of Sound to the chart-topping releases of 2020 Hall of Fame inductees The Doobie Brothers. Over the last 57 years, these local bands shared one thing in common: guitars and equipment...