A downtown San Jose church is on the cusp of becoming a historic landmark, potentially ending a yearslong battle to shield the 1940s-era building from redevelopment. The San Jose City Council will vote in the next few weeks to designate Grace Baptist Church as a historic landmark—protecting it, ideally, indefinitely. Councilmember Omar Torres’ request for the...
San Jose brings in-person translators to all council meetings
San Jose is launching language interpreter services at some public meetings after translation mishaps earlier this year. Starting today, there will be Spanish and Vietnamese translators in person and virtually at every San Jose City Council and council committee meeting. Prior to this change, people seeking in-person interpreters needed to submit a request ahead of...
The Biz Beat: Rollati Ristorante in San Jose serves one spicy pie
After two and a half years of planning, Rollati Ristorante has already established itself as a destination restaurant in the two weeks since its mid-September opening. Offering an elegant twist on classic Italian-American cuisine in downtown San Jose, it is the newest of the Vine Hospitality Group’s restaurants, which include Santana Row mainstays Left Bank,...
San Jose ex-politician won’t give up social media accounts
A former San Jose councilmember is posturing as an elected official on social media, despite multiple demands by the city to turn over these official accounts. Former Councilmember Maya Esparza is holding the District 7 social media accounts and associated websites hostage, even as the city attorney, manager, clerk and current Councilmember Bien Doan have requested she...
Downtown San Jose pub owner plans new restaurant and bar
A successful San Jose pub owner’s plans for a new restaurant and bar in downtown are moving forward after getting approval from city officials. The as-of-yet unnamed business is slated to open in two ground floor spaces in two buildings connected by a hallway at 189 and 177 W. Santa Clara St. near the corner...
East San Jose walking trail will be expanded
Twenty years after East San Jose residents began advocating for more open spaces in their community, city leaders have completed a key step in expanding the neighborhood’s celebrated Five Wounds Trail. The San Jose City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to acquire the final parcel of land needed to complete the trail from VTA at no...
‘The time for words is done’: San Jose school shaken by violence
After numerous trespassers assaulted students and staff at an East San Jose high school, outraged teachers and parents are demanding immediate security changes. Two separate, life-threatening incidents have rocked James Lick High School in the East Side Union High School District. In response, the school community is insisting the district implement heightened security, bring police...
Raging Waters in San Jose goes under
Surf rock echoed from the gates of Raging Waters amusement park in San Jose today, but no one was around to hear it. The water park in East San Jose has shut down after 38 years. The 23-acre theme park originally opened its doors in 1985 and housed 14 water slides and a 350,000-gallon wave...
San Jose celebrates first annual Lowrider Day
San Jose City Hall was inundated with music and fanfare today as residents and visitors celebrated lowriding, a subculture centered around the customization of cars. San Jose has long been a hub for lowriding since its initial popularity in the 1940s, with roots in the city’s substantial Latino population. A cornerstone of the lowriding culture...
San Jose landmark in danger of further deterioration
A blighted downtown San Jose landmark is at risk of further deterioration after the tarps and scaffolding that have surrounded it for years were suddenly removed. Preservationists are concerned about damage to the First Church of Christ Scientist building after a local business owner took matters into his own hands by removing coverings while conducting...