A San Jose landlord has filed a complaint to evict a tenant operating an unlicensed business at her property without her knowledge. Nelson Muan signed a lease agreement with Angela To in 2013. He then, unbeknownst to her, illegally converted the property on 659 N. 13th St. into an unlicensed independent living home. Muan converted...
Santa Clara County agritourism threatened by development
Santa Clara County officials remain out of compliance with state housing laws, which could put their agricultural tourism efforts in a race against developments proposing to pave over the Valley of Heart’s Delight remaining farmland — with or without their approval. A San José Spotlight review of county builder’s remedy applications shows at least 20...
Silicon Valley homeless services provider has new leadership
HomeFirst’s new leader says the homeless support services nonprofit is looking to turn the page. René Ramirez was permanently appointed as CEO last month, after his predecessor Andrea Urton stepped down in July amid turmoil within the organization. Ramirez, who at that time was chief operating officer, became the interim CEO. After a nationwide search,...
San Jose homeless camps spark safety issues for railroad workers
Homeless residents living along train tracks pose an unsafe and dangerous problem for railroad workers across California cities, including San Jose. Recent videos shared by a San Jose-based railroad enthusiast show workers and riders passing by homeless camps close to the tracks — giving a glimpse into some of the most egregious encampment sites. While railroad officials...
Silicon Valley commercial vacancy rates pass 20%
Silicon Valley companies are adjusting their needs for in-person work spaces as employees refuse to go back to the office. Commercial vacancy rates continue to climb, even though development is making a comeback, according to a December report from Joint Venture Silicon Valley and commercial real estate firm JLL Silicon Valley. Vacancy rates are up...
Rental listing scams are up in Santa Clara County
Rental listing scams are becoming more elaborate, with local authorities warning residents to take caution. When Shereen Jarrett was searching for an affordable apartment during the months she was homeless, numerous red flags popped up. After visiting properties, she learned there were no vacancies and the person claiming to be the property owner was an...
Cupertino renters may get a reprieve from losing their homes
Cupertino residents facing displacement because of rising costs and expiring contracts may find a reprieve through new city policy. The Cupertino Housing Commission unanimously recommended implementing anti-displacement policies last month to help residents living in 114 affordable homes where rents will likely skyrocket to market-rate value by 2040. The policies include a push to prioritize...
How Santa Clara County divvied up its housing bond dollars
A $950 million affordable housing bond has helped build thousands of affordable homes across Santa Clara County, though its efforts have focused on some parts of the region more than others. Measure A, passed by voters in 2016, has helped fund the construction of 5,135 new homes and smashed the county’s goal of 4,800 in...
San Jose counts homeless people along creek ahead of sweep
San Jose officials have homed in on a stretch of waterway to clean up debris and ban homeless encampments. A 12-mile stretch along Coyote Creek is slated to be cleared of homeless people starting in January and an encampment ban will be reinforced following that. The areas include Tully Road to Capitol Expressway, O’Toole Lane...
Los Gatos resident aims to erase racist language in property deeds
Los Gatos resident Gordon Yamate remembers overhearing a conversation between his parents when he was in third grade. They had decided to move back to the West Valley from San Jose, but didn’t feel comfortable returning to his mother’s hometown of Los Gatos. The rejection by developers was subtle but clear — Asian American families...