A project to build a massive school complex in San Jose is at the center of an almost $5 million dispute between the Santa Clara Unified School District and the city. At issue is $4.87 million that the school district paid the city for “traffic impact mitigation fees” related to construction at the Agnews School...
How right-wing extremism moved into mainstream America
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Proud Boys were treated with deference as they walked along the capital’s streets earlier this month during the Million MAGA March. A handful of other attendees asked the group if they would pose for photos — the members happily obliged — while others cheered when they saw the pack approaching in...
Pavement conditions, safety concerns blamed for drop in trail use in San Jose
When Liz Sewell moved to the area, she said she marveled at the number of trails San Jose has close to downtown. Sewell, the city’s trail manager, came to the South Bay from Philadelphia, a city that’s quickly transformed itself into a bike-friendly community. But she said San Jose’s push to encourage more biking across the city, particularly for commuting, interested...
‘The time is now’: Leaders urge Newsom to appoint Latino lawmaker to Senate
Across the state, Latino leaders united in urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to appoint a Latina or Latino lawmaker to the U.S. Senate, replacing Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Seeking representation and a voice in government, politicians have banded together, speaking at news conferences in Fresno, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose this month. San Jose...
San Jose invests in wind energy from New Mexico
By the end of 2021, thousands of San Jose homes will be powered by renewable wind energy — generated by a fleet of turbines 1,000 miles away in New Mexico. Since its launch in 2019, San Jose Clean Energy, the city’s electricity supplier, has invested in renewable energy such as solar and battery storage but the new...
South Bay Republican women celebrate historic victories
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Local conservatives are celebrating as a record number of Republican women prepare to head to the House of Representatives in January. “I am proud that our members reflect who we are,” said Megan Range, the executive director of the Lincoln Club of Northern California. “(Republicans are) not all old white men, contrary...
Watch: A live chat with VTA General Manager Nuria Fernandez
The need for reliable public transportation has never been greater, especially amid the pandemic. Valley Transportation Authority, the South Bay’s largest transit agency, is on the edge of transformation with several critical projects — such as BART to San Jose and a light rail extension to Eastridge — while grappling with unprecedented budget challenges. What...
VTA postpones Santa Clara County cuts to service for next year
The Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority postponed voting on its proposed service cuts for next year, bringing transit advocates a sense of cautious relief. “This isn’t over,” said public transit advocate Monica Mallon. “We’re going to be needing to fight the cuts next year.” VTA announced Nov. 17 it would delay committee and board votes...
Local lawmakers being considered for Harris’s senate seat
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) will soon be sworn in as vice president, and a handful of local legislators could be tapped to fill the seat she will leave behind. “We are working through the cattle call of considerations,” Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom said this week. “I want to make sure it’s inclusive....
San Jose considers gas ban for new commercial buildings
In its next phase toward a gas-free future, San Jose will soon consider whether to require all new commercial buildings to be powered entirely by electricity. “We need to move all of our energy to renewable energy,” said Kerrie Romanow, San Jose’s chief sustainability officer. “We want to stop the problem.” Expanding the gas prohibition...