San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is touting a new optimistic poll in his struggle to leave the back of the pack in the crowded race for California governor. An internal poll of 900 likely primary voters — 100 of whom were Republicans and 800 described by the survey as “open to Democratic candidates” — says...
San Jose starts clearing homeless camp known as ‘the Jungle’
San Jose has begun dismantling its last large homeless encampment after weeks of outreach and offers of housing. Workers on Wednesday tore down tents and makeshift homes along Coyote Creek across from Happy Hollow Park & Zoo — an area known as “the Jungle.” As the city started clearing the encampment, which had become home to...
Another lawsuit targets San Jose’s license plate cameras
A group of San Jose residents has filed a federal class action lawsuit against San Jose to challenge the city’s automated license plate reader program. The trio of residents — Tony Tan, Scott West and Colin Wolfson — is targeting a program first launched in 2022 that has grown to encompass a network of 474...
San Jose animal shelter moves back to Parks Department
San Jose is changing up which department oversees its animal shelter months after advocates threatened legal action over alleged neglect. The San Jose Animal Care Center will move from the Public Works Department to operate under Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Aug. 1. City officials said this will improve coordination and build on recent progress,...
Mountain View to replace downtown parking lot with hotel
After years of financial uncertainty, a developer is getting another chance to turn two public parking lots in downtown Mountain View into a hotel and office development. In a unanimous vote, the City Council authorized city staff last month to execute an amended lease and development agreement with RGC Mountain View, a commercial real estate company....
San Jose residents rally to save railroad trestle
A growing coalition of San Jose residents has banded together to preserve the city’s last remaining railroad trestle, after the century-old structure’s future was thrown into doubt by a trail expansion project. Supporters of the Coyote Creek Trestle — a decommissioned timber railroad bridge north of Kelley Park — launched the preservation campaign after San Jose...
Silicon Valley homeless nonprofit CEO is out
One of Silicon Valley’s most prolific homeless service providers is changing leadership, after reports of its mismanagement of a large South San Jose shelter led to a terminated contract. Nonprofit LifeMoves announced CEO Aubrey Merriman is transitioning out of his role in an April 8 email sent to workers. Chief Operating Officer Nick Hodges is replacing Merriman...
Contract dispute delays Homekey Palo Alto opening
A dispute between contractors has disrupted the construction of the transitional housing complex that Palo Alto and nonprofit organization LifeMoves are preparing to open on San Antonio Road, next to the Baylands Nature Preserve. The Homekey project at 1237 San Antonio Road has been in the works since fall 2023, when city and state leaders...
Is Matt Mahan’s campaign for California governor losing steam?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s late entry into the California governor’s race met immediate fanfare in Silicon Valley two months ago. But reports of internal tension, a top strategist’s exit, a curious fundraising scheme and persistent low polling suggest his billionaire-paved road to Sacramento may turn to gravel. Since his Jan. 29 campaign announcement, Mahan...
Medi-Cal cuts create problems for Silicon Valley immigrants
Budget cuts to Medi-Cal are threatening the fabric of Silicon Valley’s health care system — and immigrants are among the hardest hit populations. Some immigrants have experienced delays in services, medication cuts, difficulties navigating the new health care landscape and uncertainties about available services. Others have dropped coverage completely for fear of having their information...