The power of an adjective on a noun really can’t be understated when it comes to talking about socio-economic issues. For example, the “poor” is a large, undefined class of people who some way or another can’t make ends meet. The “working poor,” however, emerge as a resilient group of people fighting for survival but...
Op-ed: Plaza de Cesar Chavez is the heart of San Jose
At the heart of San Jose sits Plaza de Cesar Chavez, a site that for more than two centuries has come to shape the city that grew around it. But with the explosive growth downtown experienced over the past 20 years, and with new residential and commercial towers continually reshaping its skyline, we must move...
Mallon: How public transit benefits everyone
As a transit advocate, writer and daily rider, I often encounter people who question the importance of supporting transit and assert it doesn’t benefit them as non-users. While some transit advocates take a divisive stance and view people who drive vehicles as enemies of the cause, I don’t. The truth is transit benefits everyone, even...
Maffei: San Jose homeowners should prioritize earthquake safety with seismic retrofits
California’s towering peaks and deep valleys are a part of its remarkable scenery and help define the Golden State’s identity. These same geological features, created over millennia of seismic activity, are a prominent reminder the ground can and will abruptly shift, resulting in small tremors and immense earthquakes. Much of the Bay Area is at...
Op-ed: A victory toward reclaiming Santa Clara’s downtown
On Sept. 29, 1960, the most infamous Santa Clara City Council vote in the history of the city took place. One month before, the San Jose Mercury News reported that, “Illegal closed door Council meetings were occurring without Santa Clara citizens present.” Surveys of Santa Clara business owners showed 82.7% wanted the downtown saved. Citizens...
Editorial: San Jose primary voters could shape city government
The door for filing to run in the March 2024 primary election closed mid-December, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has just one little-known challenger. His reelection to a four-year term should be a lock, even though his political sway may not be. That’s because the mayor is only one of 11 votes on the...
Collins: A year of market challenges
The local housing market had its share of challenges this year. Mortgage rates topped 8% while inventory was at an all-time low. Shortage of inventory led to higher housing prices as local demand remained strong. These contributing factors, combined with higher mortgage rates, led to decreased affordability, making it exceedingly challenging for potential homeowners. Overall,...
Robinson: Past results, current predictions
As a political consultant, people ask me what I believe is going to happen. Mostly, I don’t know. But when I have opined on politics it has often proven true. I’ve also been wrong in the past, but I’m more than 75% correct. For instance, I predicted Donald Trump would be the Republican nominee in...
Stettinski: Protecting San Jose’s small businesses from frivolous ADA lawsuits
In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law with the intention of eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities. This law is critical to provide access to those with disabilities, a law that the San Jose Downtown Association fully supports. We also support actions taken to ensure spaces currently not compliant are made...
Rawson: Now is the time to invest in Plaza de Cesar Chavez
Cities across the country are currently investing in parks and outdoor public gathering spaces as part of economic recovery strategies for their pandemic hammered downtowns. In San Jose, we have a similar opportunity that should not be wasted. The centenary birthday of Cesar Chavez, March 31, 2027, should serve as a call to action to...