A model Bay Area partnership aims to fill the gap in affordable housing projects that are short capital, seeing it as a way to accelerate much needed construction. The Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund — launched by Destination: Home in partnership with the San Francisco Housing Accelerator Fund, Sobrato Philanthropies and Apple — will put...
Sunnyvale notches another affordable housing project
A 100% affordable housing project near the Lawrence Caltrain station in Sunnyvale is moving forward, with the development planning to open next year. Nonprofit developer MidPen Housing lifted the first wall of a new 176-apartment building, Ira D. Hall Square, at the end of July. Construction began on 1178 Sonora Court in January this year,...
San Jose allows sale of backyard homes as condos
With the average house in San Jose costing more than $1 million, the city has jumped at implementing a new state law that could bring more homes to market. San Jose is the first city in California to opt into a law passed by the state Legislature last year that allows residents to sell their...
Lack of West Valley homeless shelters prompts action
James, an unhoused Campbell resident, has a hard time trekking to the closest shelter in San Jose roughly 5 1/2 miles away. He avoids shelters, preferring to move around, but would go to a safe one if any were nearby. “I’m surviving right now, I’m surviving,” he told San José Spotlight. “(I’m) getting stuff I...
Potential Cupertino development irks residents
A potential multi-family housing project is creating a stir in a quiet Cupertino neighborhood, signaling an intolerance for large housing developments. The proposed project, which includes plans for 23 homes with a percentage of affordable housing at 20739 Scofield Drive, drew ire from the street’s residents at a Cupertino City Council meeting earlier this month. Some...
‘Very dirty’: Sunnyvale homeless shelter residents raise sanitation issues
Homeless residents at the North County Shelter in Sunnyvale say a shift in management has heightened sanitation problems and workers are unequipped to handle older adults living there. Two residents of the Santa Clara County-owned shelter told San José Spotlight there are numerous unhygienic issues, including pests such as rats and scabies — in addition...
Newsom says San Jose should take urgent action on homeless camps
Gov. Gavin Newsom is calling on local governments such as San Jose to use state funds for urgent action to address “dangerous” homeless encampments. Newsom’s executive order on Thursday suggests notifying homeless residents at least 48 hours before an incoming sweep. Locally, San Jose tends to give more notice, as officials want to enforce a...
Rooftop bar and restaurant envisioned for Willow Glen
Willow Glen residents are one step closer to getting a new two-story restaurant and rooftop bar in their neighborhood. A special use permit for the proposed Luke’s Rooftop Beer Garden and Restaurant was approved at a San Jose Planning Director’s hearing on Wednesday, where project representatives thanked city officials for their efforts helping move the project...
Sunnyvale wants feedback for homeless safe parking sites
Sunnyvale is looking to offer safe parking for homeless residents living in their vehicles, and city officials are working on what that entails. Sunnyvale wants feedback on a policy that would set parameters for potential safe parking programs, which the city has had on its docket since 2020. City employees want to discuss the possibility...
Silicon Valley evictions increase after pandemic protections expire
Santa Clara County evictions have shot up over the past year, prompting local groups and governments to find ways to support renters. The county recorded 3,180 evictions last year, the highest amount since 2014. Compare that to the less than 2,000 evictions between 2020 and 2022 during the pandemic. Key protections tenants won at the...