Santa Clara County’s top education office is planning for a wave of firings amid questions over top-heavy management and executive assistants with six-figure salaries. Workers will be notified about their dismissal by March 15, according to a Thursday statement by the Santa Clara County Office of Education. It’s unclear how many jobs could be cut....
San Jose tackles lack of parking after cutting requirements
A group of San Jose leaders want the city to explore a permitted parking program that would benefit residents living in high growth areas. The Rules and Open Government Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to inform the San Jose City Council about the impacts of a residential permit parking program in fast-growing sectors designed as urban...
Sunnyvale’s lack of protected bike lanes frustrates residents
Sunnyvale residents have been waiting for the city to implement its grand plan for a bicycle safety network, but a lack of action has led to mounting frustration. The city’s plan to build more bike lanes with protective barriers remains stalled, because officials haven’t prioritized funding or a way to keep the bike lanes clear of...
San Jose residents unaware of non-police crisis services
San Jose officials are voicing concern about how to keep paying for a non-police response program for mental health emergencies. Advocates doubt the city is even trying to make it work. It’s been nearly three months since the city committed to funding 40 more hours for a mobile mental health crisis team under Santa Clara...
San Jose education leaders delay decision on school closures
The leaders of a local school district are postponing a decision to close a handful of schools. The Franklin-McKinley School District board of trustees voted 3-2 Tuesday to delay deciding which schools will close by two weeks. Board President George Sanchez and Trustees Rudy Rodriguez and Marc Cooper voted to delay the decision, while Vice...
Silicon Valley riders all in on Caltrain electrification
Caltrain’s electrification has lured people back to riding the rails. Transit advocates and officials said Caltrain’s electric fleet, which launched last September, helped drive an increase in year-over-year ridership to 39% as of December 2024 — with electric trains delivering on promises of more service and smoother rides. The agency has been touting the benefits...
Santa Clara County wants more family home care visits
Santa Clara County may be able to serve more vulnerable children through home visits by tapping into new Medi-Cal funding. The state revamped Medi-Cal in 2022 to establish more coordinated, holistic care through an initiative called California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) led by the Department of Health Care Services. As a result, providers can...
Cupertino city buildings get greener with solar
Three prominent Cupertino government buildings are set to switch to green energy as the city warms up to the idea of solar power. The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 Feb. 4 to install solar panels at the Quinlan Community Center, Cupertino Sports Center and Community Hall. Mayor Liang Chao and Councilmember R “Ray” Wang voted...
Sunnyvale traffic deaths spark safety concerns
Sunnyvale officials want to tighten traffic safety near Fair Oaks Park after multiple pedestrian deaths over the past six years. Fair Oaks Avenue has become a top safety concern for residents and cyclists. The heavily traveled road poses an immediate danger to pedestrians and bicycles, with speeds up to 40 mph and limited crosswalks. On...
San Jose tackles thousands of homeless camp fires
Fires emanating from San Jose’s homeless encampments far outnumber those coming from homes and businesses, leaving nearby residents scared for their safety and health. Over the past year thousands of non-structural fires have been sparked by homeless camps, causing toxic fumes and safety problems for people and property. Jerry May, president of the San Jose Fire...