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...
Santa Clara County sees 760 new COVID-19 cases, increases restrictions
Despite increased pleas and restrictions for people to stay home over the past two weeks, Santa Clara County’s case rate and hospitalizations are even worse after the first two days of Thanksgiving weekend. As of Nov. 28, health officials tallied 760 new COVID-19 cases within 24 hours, a new record for the county. Hospitals have...
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...
Santa Clara County sees record 512 COVID-19 cases in single day, issues 76 business fines
Santa Clara County tallied a record 512 COVID-19 cases in a 24-hour period the day before Thanksgiving, and wasted no time cracking down on businesses violating health orders. As of Nov. 27, Santa Clara County had 32,985 COVID-19 cases and 476 deaths. In addition, 222 people were hospitalized with the virus. Of these, 68 were...
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...
Alarming spike of fentanyl deaths reported in Santa Clara County
Fentanyl deaths are on the rise in Santa Clara County, striking both young and old. As of early this month, Santa Clara County has recorded more fentanyl-related deaths than there were in all of 2019. Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner Dr. Michelle Jorden said there are even more deaths under investigation that are likely to...
Businesses to face immediate fines for violating COVID-19 rules in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County businesses that violate COVID-19 safety protocols over Thanksgiving weekend will face immediate fines as health officials struggle to control the spread of COVID-19. Unlike before, businesses will have no grace period to fix the violation if they are cited Nov. 26 to Nov. 29. Individual fines range from $250 to more than...
‘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...
Court employees say COVID-19 exposure and lax rules put them at risk in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Superior Court employees say they’re not being protected from COVID-19, and they fear for their health and safety every day they go to work. Court employees are exposed to COVID-19 on an almost weekly basis. Safety concerns voiced by workers are routinely ignored. Mask wearing is not rigorously enforced. Those are some...
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...