An East San Jose charter school serving immigrant families is at risk of closure. Escuela Popular, a bilingual and bicultural school, could close its doors after serving the community for almost 40 years due to a state law that requires all charter school teachers to be fully credentialed. The school, part of the East Side...
Longtime urban planner set for seat on San Jose Planning Commission
Three months after trading his role as San Jose Planning Commission chairman for a seat on the City Council, Anthony Tordillos has nominated his replacement. The District 3 representative has tapped Aimée Escobar, a veteran urban planner with an extensive background in housing policy, to fill the seat he vacated in August. Councilmembers will hold a...
San Jose officials want denser housing on former golf course
East San Jose’s longtime Duino family is ready to let go of its 115-acre former golf course. But they’re caught between clashing visions over the future of the property. City leaders want more density than developers and some neighbors had in mind. A letter obtained by San José Spotlight shows city planners earlier this year...
Downtown San Jose business group selects new CEO
The San Jose Downtown Association is getting a new CEO, bringing with him experience and a fresh perspective. Brian Kurtz, a nationally recognized leader in downtown management and urban revitalization, has been selected as chief executive officer of the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA). He starts in January and will carry out the nonprofit’s mission...
‘The King of Trash’ film showcases San Jose recycling mogul
The Bay Area’s “King of Trash” has taken fire from all directions, catching an FBI bribery case while ensnared in personal and political feuds. But that won’t stop him from walking the red carpet — and wrestling back control over his story. Cal Waste Solutions CEO David Duong — the Oakland recycling mogul and power...
Downtown San Jose councilmember back on campaign trail
Just more than four months after winning his District 3 San Jose City Council seat in a June special election, Anthony Tordillos is already launching his reelection campaign. His Wednesday campaign announcement makes him the first candidate to enter the race for District 3, which covers San Joses’s downtown neighborhoods. The announcement includes a long...
East San Jose small businesses struggle amid VTA construction
Capitol Expressway has turned into a traffic nightmare near the light rail connector expansion — and local businesses are looking to transportation officials for relief. San Jose business owners say construction from VTA’s Eastridge to BART Regional Connector has been driving customers away, with intermittent lane closures, redirected traffic, blocked driveways and construction debris along...
East San Jose councilmember runs for reelection
District 5 San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz has officially launched his reelection campaign to hold onto the seat he first won in 2022. Ortiz is making the case that during his time in office, he has demonstrated leadership that is bringing “transformational change” to a district he argues has been poorly served by its past leaders....
Santa Clara County DA looks into alleged misuse of school funds
Parents in an East San Jose school district are calling for county officials to investigate a trustee who was reimbursed thousands of dollars by the district for college courses. Andres Quintero, board vice president of the Alum Rock Union School District, is facing criticism for a $22,700 reimbursement he received from the district for taking...
San Jose politician’s rival runs for D7 seat
An alleged abuse of public resources. A mocking Facebook video. A series of unusual dramas has marked a bitter feud between the office of District 7 San Jose Councilmember Bien Doan and East Side Union High School District Trustee Van Le. Le said she will run against Doan when he’s up for reelection next year —...