California lawmakers want to protect students and their families from deportation amid threats from the incoming federal administration. State Superintendent Tony Thurmond is sponsoring a bill from state Sen. Lena Gonzalez to protect immigrant families from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. If approved, Senate Bill 48 will establish a one-mile radius safe zone...
San Jose mayor backs deputy chief of staff for District 3
A high-ranking official in the San Jose mayor’s office has plans to run for City Council — and he’s got his boss’s backing. Mayor Matt Mahan stood in support of Matthew Quevedo, his deputy chief of staff, as he announced his candidacy for the open District 3 seat on Friday at St. James Park. A few dozen supporters...
Google gives San Jose $5M for community benefits
San Jose has received another infusion of cash from Google, adding to the community benefits pot. The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $5 million payment from the tech company as part of its community benefits agreement in the Downtown West project. About $4.25 million will be put into the Community Stabilization...
East San Jose business district gets grant to beautify area
Alum Rock business advocates are getting a $100,000 grant to not just beautify the neighborhood, but also solidify the East San Jose district’s cultural identity. Councilmember Peter Ortiz said he secured the grant during the city’s recent budgeting process to support the efforts of the Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association — an organization...
New luxury apartments could boost downtown San Jose
Business and city leaders are touting the recent opening of a 23-story apartment building as a major win in the effort to bring more people into downtown San Jose. Representatives of Boston-based developer Morro, San Jose Downtown Association leaders and Mayor Matt Mahan earlier this month celebrated the opening of The Fay at 10 E....
Affordable housing preserved for East San Jose families
An affordable housing group is celebrating its biggest win to date after San Jose officials approved the permanent preservation of 18 homes. The South Bay Community Land Trust has spent nearly two years engaging with residents, city leaders and the landlords at 1718, 1724 and 1730 Virginia Ave. in an effort to purchase the apartments...
Downtown San Jose’s Capital Club is closing
The legendary Capital Club is saying adieu to Silicon Valley. The exclusive club that drew the who’s who of San Jose to network, party and plan the city’s future will close its doors on New Year’s Eve. The 34-year-old club announced the closure on Tuesday in a letter to its members, explaining the decision “reflects...
East San Jose school district to close six campuses next year
East San Jose school leaders have made the final decision about which campuses in the financially struggling district will close. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees voted unanimously on Monday to close six schools for the 2025-26 school year, but plans to reopen one of them the following year, while closing two...
San Jose holiday tradition needs the spirit of giving to stay afloat
Dozens of people crowd around hundreds of trees wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers, hanging ornaments and laughing. San Jose’s beloved Christmas in the Park is about to enchant Plaza de Cesar Chavez. This year, the nonprofit that brings the holiday joy is asking people to pull out their wallets to fill a six-figure gap...
The Biz Beat: Still O.G. — A San Jose DJ-driven bar with an Alter Ego
Still O.G.’s bar, with its on-tap cocktails, wood paneled walls, cubby holes packed with records, DJ booth and state of the art sound system, has a warm, inviting hipster feel. But if you’re in the know, you can slip past the back-of-the-room gatekeeper and enter Alter Ego, a spot that seems miles away from downtown...