Still O.G.’s bar, with its on-tap cocktails, wood paneled walls, cubby holes packed with records, DJ booth and state of the art sound system, has a warm, inviting hipster feel. But if you’re in the know, you can slip past the back-of-the-room gatekeeper and enter Alter Ego, a spot that seems miles away from downtown...
East San Jose development could add hundreds of affordable homes
East San Jose could be home to one of the city’s largest affordable housing developments in recent history under a new proposal. City leaders are hosting a Nov. 18 community meeting to discuss a proposed 100% affordable housing development at 2940 Alum Rock Ave., just across from James Lick High School. The 50,900-square-foot development would...
Downtown San Jose road could close for new pedestrian mall
San Jose officials want to recreate the success of downtown gathering spaces like San Pedro Square and Paseo de San Antonio by permanently closing off vehicle traffic in a third location. The San Jose City Council voted on Nov. 5 to extend the closure of Post Street, which began during the pandemic when the Al...
Here’s who’s vying to be downtown San Jose’s next councilmember
San Jose officials are at a crossroads over how to fill the City Council seat left vacant by Omar Torres’ stunning Election Day arrest and resignation — and several potential contenders want to take his place. City leaders in the next several weeks will decide whether to replace Torres in a special election or appointment,...
East San Jose district narrows down school closures
An East San Jose school district superintendent has recommended closing seven schools and consolidating others. On the heels of Alum Rock Union School District’s consolidation committee selection of 13 schools to close or consolidate, Superintendent Germán Cerda has narrowed his choices. He proposes closing Aptitud Community Academy at Goss, Donald J. Meyer Elementary School, Horace...
San Jose official to file complaint over stolen campaign signs
Candidates on both sides of a historic race to seat Santa Clara County’s first Vietnamese American supervisor say their campaign signs have been stolen, torn and defaced. One San Jose leader wants to investigate who’s behind it. District 7 San Jose Councilmember Bien Doan said his office is looking into the theft of campaign signs...
East San Jose district could close nearly half its schools
An East San Jose school district plans to close numerous campuses due to an enormous budget deficit. An Alum Rock Union School District committee is recommending closing 13 of its 21 schools due to declining student enrollment with families moving out of the area, lower birth rates and a steady loss of students to charter...
San Jose leaders want to give developers more control
Downtown San Jose could see an economic boost if city officials adopt a potential initiative for fast tracking large developments. Mayor Matt Mahan and Councilmembers Dev Davis and Pam Foley are proposing an “Innovative Project Pathway Program” aimed at creating a streamlined approach to development in the downtown core. It would apply to developers interested in...
Renovated San Jose hotel houses formerly homeless residents
A newly renovated hotel in downtown San Jose has reopened its doors to house homeless residents. The 72-room Pacific Motor Inn has already welcomed dozens of residents, and by next week it will be full. The hotel, operated by nonprofit People Assisting the Homeless (PATH), will provide temporary housing, meals and supportive services as individuals...
San Jose residents start campaign to recall Councilman Omar Torres
Downtown San Jose residents are launching a recall campaign against Councilmember Omar Torres, claiming they no longer feel represented by him as he continues to evade the public eye. Torres, who represents the downtown neighborhoods of District 3, has maintained his innocence despite dodging his council responsibilities and missing multiple meetings after police filings showed...