While San Jose and the rest of society still hasn’t achieved the flying car future depicted in “The Jetsons,” city officials are hoping to make more efficient, safe and sustainable streets by studying how curb space is used. San Jose is receiving about $2 million in federal funding to address how to best use limited curb space in...
Pop-up brings flea market vendors to downtown San Jose
Berryessa Flea Market vendors are popping up outside San Jose City Hall. Their booths are loaded with Mexican candy, artisanal crafts and produce, welcoming city employees, residents and councilmembers to peruse colorful stalls and ask questions. The event marks a new location for vendors to sell goods outside the flea market grounds. It’s a first-of-its-kind...
San Jose weighs upping fines for neglected properties
The continued neglect of a downtown San Jose landmark is prompting politicians to increase fines for delinquent property owners. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, Councilmember Omar Torres, who represents downtown San Jose, and several residents spoke this morning outside the dilapidated First Church of Christ Scientist building about a proposal to raise maximum fines levied...
San Jose’s dilapidated elevators to get much-needed upgrades
San Jose will spend millions to upgrade dirty and dilapidated elevators at three downtown parking garages. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a $4.5 million contract yesterday to refurbish 11 elevators at three city-owned parking garages. About half are more than 50 years old, with two built in 1965. The typical lifespan for elevator...
Google primes downtown San Jose space with socials
Downtown San Jose’s resurgence has been building throughout the summer with block parties, art festivals and concerts. Those happenings have been primarily in the district’s core. That’s about to change. The west side of town near Diridon Station and the future home of Google’s Downtown West mega development is kicking into gear with Creekside Socials....
Police shooting hits home for San Jose legislator
Assemblymember Evan Low, like other San Jose residents, first heard of yesterday’s officer-involved shooting on the news. Then he received a phone call from his older brother, Officer Ryan Low, 42, who’s been with the San Jose Police Department for eight years. “(He said) ‘I’m involved in an incident, I can’t tell you any more, talk...
San Jose officials want to expedite toxic spill cleanup
Toxins from a fuel spill eight years ago at an abandoned East San Jose building continue to pollute the soil, and city leaders are pushing to expedite cleanup efforts before another environmental disaster. Councilmember Peter Ortiz is rallying support from colleagues to form an intergovernmental committee to create a timeline for removing the contamination at...
When it comes to drugs, is San Jose the next San Francisco?
When it comes to drug use and dealing, San Jose is no San Francisco—though some residents and leaders are projecting that it’s heading that way. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan recently stood at a busy downtown intersection with one message: if you are caught dealing in San Jose, you will be swiftly arrested and prosecuted....
Santa Clara County preserves affordable apartments for seniors
San Jose housing advocates are praising a deal between county and federal agencies to preserve affordable housing for low-income seniors on the east side of the city. The Santa Clara County Housing Authority purchased Girasol Apartments and Jardines Paloma Blanca last week from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for $4.15 million and...
East San Jose gets early learning center
East San Jose is primed to help its youngest residents with a new center to shape their academic future. The Cesar Chavez Early Learning Center opened its doors to the community today. The early learning center will focus on providing educational opportunities and services to children up to age 5. Alum Rock Union Elementary School...