San Jose’s Vietnamese Catholic Lunar New Year festival appeared to be all smiles this year. But a recently-obtained report alleges verbal abuse, property damage, safety concerns and political weight-throwing caused misery behind the scenes. The report — submitted by History San Jose to multiple City Hall officials in February — was kept hush for months...
UPDATE: San Jose District 3 special election recount is done
San Jose’s political balance rests in the hands of Santa Clara County election workers who finished recounting votes today in the special race for the District 3 City Council seat. As political strategists and observers looked on, election workers across six tables meticulously sorted and verified ballots at the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters office...
San Jose arts sector offers sizable economic boost
Downtown San Jose is a hub for cultural events — and with a menu of festivals on tap through spring and summer, local businesses should be able to capture some of the revenue stream. Cultural events such as Cinco de Mayo, San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and South...
San Jose Christmas event nets new contract but still needs funding
As city leaders decide to keep a popular San Jose holiday event downtown under the same management through 2027, organizers say funding remains challenging. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to sign a three-year deal with Christmas In The Park Inc. to continue running the 35-day event in Plaza de Cesar Chavez —...
San Jose Chicano community fights opposition to mural in park
Tempers flared at a recent community meeting when Latino residents in San Jose’s northside neighborhood advocated for design approval of a Chicano-themed mural. Critics of the proposed mural at Backesto Park, including the members of the 13th Street Neighborhood Advisory Committee, turned out Wednesday evening for a meeting arranged by City Hall officials, hosted by...
San Jose Downtown Farmers’ Market returns
The San Jose Downtown Farmers’ Market is returning after a three-year hiatus, with vendors planning to sell fresh corn, tomatoes, citrus fruit and more delights on Wednesdays near the Hammer Theatre. Paolo Obillo, manager and site operator of the Regional Farmers’ Market Association, said the original Downtown Farmers’ Market was put on pause in 2022...
San Jose Downtown Association CEO departs
The dynamic leader of a nonprofit focused on revitalizing downtown San Jose has stepped down. After three years at the helm of the San Jose Downtown Association, CEO Alex Stettinski has left “to pursue his next professional chapter,” according to the organization. The association represents more than 2,000 businesses, nonprofits and property owners. It aids...
Special interest groups back District 3 San Jose council candidates
Money is stacking up in San Jose’s special election to represent the City Council’s downtown seat, with constituents and special interest groups putting thousands of dollars behind their chosen candidates. Matthew Quevedo, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Matt Mahan, continues to lead the pool of candidates in fundraising, with recent campaign finance filings showing...
San Jose sets stricter rules for street vendors
San Jose police officials told city leaders they need more tools to impound the property of illicit street vendors in downtown, especially during events. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept Police Chief Paul Joseph’s proposal to create a new street peddler permit policy to streamline law enforcement powers and remove permitting barriers. Police...
Voter registration for San Jose special election ends today
Today is the last day to register to vote for one of seven candidates running for the District 3 San Jose City Council seat, with just more than two weeks left until the special election. Eligible residents in the downtown district can register online through the Secretary of State’s website to receive a vote by...