Silicon Valley’s offices are rapidly emptying out, as the paradigm-shifting remote work culture brought on by the pandemic continues to affect the commercial real estate market. A December report from the research arms of Joint Venture Silicon Valley and commercial real estate firm JLL Silicon Valley shows demand for office space in the third quarter of...
Watch: The future of growth and development in Cupertino
In its first live community engagement event in Cupertino, San José Spotlight hosted a robust policy discussion around development in the city—including the outlook for commercial, retail and housing growth. The panel, held this month in partnership with the city, featured Community Development Director Benjamin Fu and Economic Development Manager Daniel Degu, as well as...
Santa Clara County extends homeless services contract amid controversy
Santa Clara County officials are moving ahead with a temporary contract extension for homeless support services, despite uneasiness over allegations of discrimination by the nonprofit provider. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a three-month, $2 million contract extension with homeless service provider HomeFirst to operate the Boccardo Reception Center in...
Sunnyvale fire stations are getting a face-lift
Sunnyvale plans to renovate the majority of its fire stations, starting with the one that trains future firefighters. The Sunnyvale City Council on Tuesday is slated to award a more than $2 million contract to PBK Architects to begin the process of rebuilding Fire Station 2. The city is expected to allocate about $40 million...
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San Jose resident nearly loses home from RV fire
Residents in San Jose’s Alameda neighborhood have concerns over the growing number of people living in vehicles, after an RV fire damaged property. While there are time limits for vehicles, including RVs, parking on a public street—no more than 72 hours—residents and business owners say these rules are not being enforced. The Nov. 26 RV fire that...
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San Jose residents are unhappy homeowners
San Jose is one of the worst U.S. cities for someone looking for the most bang for their buck on housing. According to a report from All Star Home, San Jose ranks second worst when it comes to homeowners’ happiness with their homes and neighborhoods, compared to the price they pay to live there. San...
Santa Clara council approves plan to revive downtown
Santa Clara is planning a major facelift of its five-acre downtown after years of neglect, thanks to a determined group of residents. The Santa Clara City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved rezoning for a new downtown plan and environmental impact report. Mayor Lisa Gillmor recused herself. The plan revitalizes the downtown grid, which can accommodate...
UPDATE: Sunnyvale council denies housing development appeal
Sunnyvale officials are allowing a housing development to move forward after denying an appeal over potential exposure to cancerous chemicals. The Sunnyvale City Council voted 5-0 on Tuesday to deny an appeal over a 5.82-acre housing development at 1150-1170 Kifer Road and approve its building permits. Vice Mayor Omar Din was absent, and Councilmember Alysa...
Vallco developer proposing major downsizing of Cupertino project
A Silicon Valley developer is scaling back its plans for a massive and controversial development of offices, housing, retail, dining and park spaces on the site of the former Vallco Mall in Cupertino. Representatives with Palo Alto-based Sand Hill Property Company said high interest rates, rising costs and project delays have forced a cut back...
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San Jose sends revised housing plan to state after setbacks
Now nearly a year late, San Jose is hoping its mandated housing plan is no longer a dollar short in the eyes of state officials. City officials submitted a revised version of San Jose’s housing element to California’s Department of Housing and Community Development for review on Nov. 29, hoping for a thus-far elusive stamp...