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Small businesses in East San Jose struggled more than most during the pandemic, but a new plan aims to invest in the community and support local merchants. Representatives of San Jose Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco’s office and small business leaders announced the East San Jose Rescue Plan Friday outside Infante Wireless, a family-owned smartphone business along Alum Rock Avenue. Carrasco...
East San Jose high schools get new superintendent
A new superintendent is preparing to take the reins in East San Jose and he’s all about leveling the playing field. Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Glenn Vander Zee, who was named East Side Union High School District’s new superintendent last week, shares a vision of empowering students and creating equity. Vander Zee also worked as...
East San Jose housing group looks to hold developers accountable
As a prolific housing developer unveils plans in East San Jose, a new coalition is holding it accountable for maintaining acceptable living conditions. Peter Ortiz, a community organizer and policy advisor for the Alum Rock Santa Clara Street Business Association, founded the East San Jose Tenants Coalition in early April after a San José Spotlight...
‘Nasty as hell’: Affordable housing site in East San Jose has mildew, drugs, tenants say
While the lobby of Renascent Place, a 160-unit affordable housing complex in San Jose is white-glove clean, a few steps inside residents’ living quarters the smell of mildew becomes almost overpowering. “It’s nasty as hell,” said Jina Monarch, a resident at Renascent Place. She’s lived at the complex since it opened in February 2020. By her estimate,...
City commissioner urges Liccardo to make $6.5M investment in East San Jose
Felipa Zuñiga, who owns Zuñiga’s Restaurant and Cakery in East San Jose, had to let go of all her staff because of COVID-19. For now, she’s the only employee left, and she’s had to dip into her life savings to keep her doors open. “I’m so nervous about everything that’s happening,” Zuñiga said in Spanish...
What happens to major East San Jose project after developer is charged with fraud?
When Jesús Flores first heard about the drama with SiliconSage — the upstart developer being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly defrauding investors — he said he felt dismayed. “We’re worried about what’s going to happen,” said Flores, president of Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley. “This is very sad and frustrating for...
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