With almost 30 years of experience, a Silicon Valley property tax collector is quite protective of his elected post — especially with cash-strapped schools and public services at risk. But that doesn’t mean his reelection can’t be challenged. Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone faces an emerging political opponent in the termed-out Saratoga Mayor Yan...
New luxury apartments could boost downtown San Jose
Business and city leaders are touting the recent opening of a 23-story apartment building as a major win in the effort to bring more people into downtown San Jose. Representatives of Boston-based developer Morro, San Jose Downtown Association leaders and Mayor Matt Mahan earlier this month celebrated the opening of The Fay at 10 E....
Affordable housing preserved for East San Jose families
An affordable housing group is celebrating its biggest win to date after San Jose officials approved the permanent preservation of 18 homes. The South Bay Community Land Trust has spent nearly two years engaging with residents, city leaders and the landlords at 1718, 1724 and 1730 Virginia Ave. in an effort to purchase the apartments...
Santa Clara County to convert veterans housing for jail diversion
A former veterans housing site is set to become a Santa Clara County-run pretrial jail diversion facility for homeless residents charged with non-violent crimes. County and city officials began discussing the sale of 1072 & 1082 Vermont Street, known as the Vermont House, last year when they told housing provider Abode Services to start vacating...
San Jose mobile home park residents face illegal rent increases
Illegal rent increases at a mobile home park just outside the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds have San Jose housing department staff turning to the city attorney for help. A Nov. 7 report by Housing Director Erik L. Soliván alleges the owners of Western Trailer Park, Stockton-based Harmony Communities, told residents earlier this year rent would go up...
San Jose veterans home operator dumped over poor conditions
Formerly homeless veterans living in poor conditions at a San Jose complex hope things get better with the change in nonprofit service providers. The property at 10. Kirk Ave. is home to dozens of veterans that have lived with black mildew, fire hazards and unsafe electrical systems, among other problems — issues that have been...
San Jose landmark status saves church from demolition
An 83-year-old church in downtown San Jose has been granted historic landmark status after years of fighting invasive development proposals that could have demolished the house of worship. Grace Baptist Church at 484 E. San Fernando St. has been designated a historic landmark for its architectural and cultural value. The San Jose City Council’s decision...
San Jose could restrict use of AI tools to set rent prices
San Jose housing advocates say corporate property owners are taking advantage of the latest artificial intelligence tech to drive up rent prices — and renters are feeling the financial pain. Councilmember Peter Ortiz has proposed a policy to restrict the sale and use of “algorithmic devices” to set rents or manage home occupancy levels in the city....
UPDATE: San Jose scraps plan to sell tiny homes site to county
After angry community protests, San Jose officials are scrapping plans to sell Santa Clara County a tiny homes site to house incarcerated people with mental health issues on the south side of the city. Councilmember Arjun Batra, who has vowed to stop the sale, confirmed to San José Spotlight that the city will put the...
Campbell shields affordable housing residents from rent shock
Officials in one West Valley city are taking action to combat a statewide policy gap that leaves residents in affordable housing vulnerable to rent increases that could price them out. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 last month to cap affordable housing rent increases at 5%, plus cost of living changes or a flat 10%...