As chanting filled the main hall of a local Buddhist temple Sunday afternoon, San Jose resident Trang Huynh joined with about 50 people in praying and celebrating a sand mandala dissolution ceremony. “I prayed for my family, our community and the world,” Huynh, a devoted Buddhist for the last four years, told San José Spotlight....
Santa Clara County grant will transform section of East San Jose
With a financial boost from Santa Clara County, a blighted, mostly vacant block of stores in East San Jose will be transformed into a performing arts space, cafe and sorely needed mental health clinic. On Tuesday, the county Board of Supervisors approved a $250,000 grant for the School of Arts and Culture, which wants to expand...
Election 2022: The race for San Jose City Council District 3
The race is on for the open City Council seat in downtown San Jose. With District 3 Councilmember Raul Peralez terming out and seeking higher office, five candidates with various political backgrounds and experiences are vying for votes. District 3 encompasses neighborhoods from Vendome and Naglee Park to Japantown and Spartan Keyes. It’s also home to San...
San Jose mayor makes first 2022 election endorsement
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo has made his first City Council endorsement—Joanna Rauh for District 3. “Joanna Rauh has the common sense, passion, intelligence, listening skills and collaborative temperament needed to be a great city councilmember,” Liccardo told San José Spotlight. “Nobody juggles more than a working mom and she has proven she can master...
San Jose’s Darlene Tenes makes sure farmworkers are appreciated
While efforts were made to help essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of those core groups—farmworkers—was overlooked. One woman made it her mission to change that dynamic. San Josean Darlene Tenes wanted to support those who toil in the fields. She understood their vulnerability to COVID, pesticides and smoke from wildfires. She assembled a...
San Jose council candidate denies decades-old abuse allegations
San Jose Planning Commissioner and City Council candidate Rolando Bonilla is disputing allegations that have recently resurfaced regarding domestic violence and child support. About 20 years ago, Bonilla’s ex-wife accused him of physical abuse during a custody battle for their son and claimed he failed to pay child support on different occasions, according to media...
UPDATE: Golf course leases could be a hole-in-one for San Jose
San Jose is looking to make more green off its golf courses. On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to find a third party to operate the three city-owned golf courses in an effort to maintain stable income and operations. The city hopes to open bids in the spring and award a contract by the...
San Jose Downtown Association looks for new leader
The powerful San Jose Downtown Association is preparing for its first leadership change in 34 years. The business group announced a nationwide search on Monday to find its next CEO. Scott Knies, who has led the organization since opening its first office in March 1988, will step down on Nov. 1. Applications for the job are...
Signia hotel to bring workers, business back to downtown San Jose
Silicon Valley’s largest hotel is reopening under new branding this spring—a hopeful sign that San Jose’s tourism and hospitality industry are returning to normal. The Signia by Hilton San Jose—owned by Hilton Worldwide Holdings—is the new operator of the 805-room property formerly known as the Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont abruptly closed in March 2021 after owner...
San Jose Viet Museum recounts a journey to freedom
Behind one of the world’s largest museum collections dedicated to Vietnamese refugees is a dream of one San Jose man who wishes to keep their stories alive. Tucked in a corner of San Jose History Park, a yellow historic Victorian house is home to the Museum of the Boat People & Republic of Vietnam, where founder...