San Jose State University leaders, along with state and local officials, have announced a suit of new initiatives to address homelessness and housing issues at the university, including a slew of grants to help with near-term needs and a plan to redevelop a nearby state office building site into 800 to 1200 new homes. “Our...
Political power struggle is the ‘elephant in the room’ at VTA board meeting
The VTA’s Board of Directors had a study session Friday to consider more than two dozen recommendations from an outside consultant to improve how the authority is governed, and newly-elected board chair Cindy Chavez closed the meeting by addressing the “elephant in the room.” The recommendations — which include setting expectations for board member attendance,...
Early education is a focus of Dewan’s ‘State of Education in Santa Clara County’
Coming to the United States from Jordan wasn’t easy for Iskander Doud. However, a Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) program ensured he didn’t fall through the cracks. “It was really hard moving here. Obviously, first of all, the language — I wasn’t able to communicate,” he said. “When I joined My Name, My...
San Jose: Panel decides two Evergreen schools will close this spring
After several weeks of discussion, an Evergreen School District committee tasked with selecting two schools to shutter before the next school year came to a decision during a meeting Wednesday. If the school district’s Board of Trustees approves the selections at its Feb. 13 board meeting, Laurelwood and Dove Hill Elementary schools will officially close after...
San Jose charter school to remain open after public outcry, board decides
A San Jose charter school accused of not catering to Latinos and disabled students will remain open after the Santa Clara County Board of Education voted to overturn a district ruling rejecting the school’s charter renewal. The board’s decision — a 5-2 vote — Wednesday came roughly three months after the Franklin-McKinley School District rejected Cornerstone Academy’s...
San Jose congresswoman will serve as a House impeachment manager
WASHINGTON. D.C. — Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced early Wednesday that San Jose congresswoman Zoe Lofgren will serve as one of the House managers in the Senate impeachment trial. Lofgren will serve along with the six other managers from the House of Representatives: Adam Schiff (CA-28), Jerry Nadler (NY-10), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-8), Val...
New transit centers bring buses and light rail to South Bay, BART service still delayed
In the hopes of boosting ridership in 2020, the Valley Transportation Authority overhauled its service plan for the first time in more than a decade — including opening two shiny new transit centers that will eventually connect South Bay commuters to BART for the first time. “The Milpitas and Berryessa transit centers, that will also...
San Jose Iranian group considers security amid tensions over U.S. attack
WASHINGTON. D.C. — On the heels of an announcement Thursday that the U.S. military had killed Qasem Soleimani, Iran’s top military leader, one Iranian advocacy group in the South Bay is preparing for heightened security risks. “Soleimani was plotting imminent and sinister attacks on American diplomats and military personnel, but we caught him in the...
VTA’s new service plan rollout hits a few speed bumps
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rolled out a massive overhaul of its service plan this week which provides a new light rail line and more frequent stops on some of its most popular routes. However, not everyone is happy with the changes and they will take some time to get used to, transit advocates say....
In a push to boost low ridership, VTA’s new service plan to debut with free rides
The Valley Transportation Authority’s service changes, which include greater frequency on its most popular routes and a new light rail line, debut Saturday. And, for the first four days, riders can try the new service for free. The new service plan was geared partly toward boosting ridership, which has decreased in recent years. From 2015...