San Jose officials want to recreate the success of downtown gathering spaces like San Pedro Square and Paseo de San Antonio by permanently closing off vehicle traffic in a third location. The San Jose City Council voted on Nov. 5 to extend the closure of Post Street, which began during the pandemic when the Al...
Here’s who’s vying to be downtown San Jose’s next councilmember
San Jose officials are at a crossroads over how to fill the City Council seat left vacant by Omar Torres’ stunning Election Day arrest and resignation — and several potential contenders want to take his place. City leaders in the next several weeks will decide whether to replace Torres in a special election or appointment,...
San Jose leaders want to give developers more control
Downtown San Jose could see an economic boost if city officials adopt a potential initiative for fast tracking large developments. Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmembers Dev Davis and Pam Foley are proposing an “Innovative Project Pathway Program” aimed at creating a streamlined approach to development in the downtown core. It would apply to developers interested in...
Renovated San Jose hotel houses formerly homeless residents
A newly renovated hotel in downtown San Jose has reopened its doors to house homeless residents. The 72-room Pacific Motor Inn has already welcomed dozens of residents, and by next week it will be full. The hotel, operated by nonprofit People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), will provide temporary housing, meals and supportive services as individuals...
San Jose residents start campaign to recall Councilman Omar Torres
Downtown San Jose residents are launching a recall campaign against Councilmember Omar Torres, claiming they no longer feel represented by him as he continues to evade the public eye. Torres, who represents the downtown neighborhoods of District 3, has maintained his innocence despite dodging his council responsibilities and missing multiple meetings after police filings showed...
How embattled San Jose councilman could lose his job
San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres has been a public no-show despite refusing to step down over a child sex crime investigation. Now critics are calling on the City Council to remove him. Mayor Matt Mahan has argued with at least one person online over whether the council has that kind of power. He and other...
The Biz Beat: Paleta Planeta brings sweet treats to downtown San Jose
Paleta Planeta would not exist without the parents of Mauricio, Luis and Gabriel Salazar, who allowed their three sons to turn the family’s San Jose home into their first Mexican popsicle factory. “It is very Silicon Valley to start a company out of a garage,” Luis told San José Spotlight. “We just constantly made batches...
San Jose police program in the spotlight after officer death
Police officers across Silicon Valley are mourning San Jose’s first community service officer killed in the line of duty — a gesture to how integral these officers have become in a city that struggles to fill its police ranks. Long Pham, a community service officer with the San Jose Police Department since 2022, was killed...
UPDATE: San Jose approves tax breaks to fill empty office space
San Jose city leaders want to entice new businesses into filling empty office space in Downtown San Jose with perks that can save them money. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a policy for any new business looking for a minimum of 2,500 square feet to be exempt from paying city business taxes...
San Jose landmark status saves church from demolition
An 83-year-old church in downtown San Jose has been granted historic landmark status after years of fighting invasive development proposals that could have demolished the house of worship. Grace Baptist Church at 484 E. San Fernando St. has been designated a historic landmark for its architectural and cultural value. The San Jose City Council’s decision...