A native of San Jose, Monisha Murray’s journey in the buy-and-sell world of vintage clothing began long before she opened her own storefront, Black & Brown. Over the last 21 years, the business has grown from a 2,000-square-foot startup to two side-by-side stores showcasing women’s and men’s classic clothing stretching back to the 1940s. “I...
Santa Clara County miffed at Newsom’s CARE Court criticism
Gov. Gavin Newsom said Santa Clara County needs to step up its game in treating people with severe mental health issues. County leaders and advocates disagree. At a news conference Monday, Newsom singled out the county as one of 10 that are not bringing enough people through the state-mandated CARE Court system — designed to...
Decision on San Jose school closures delayed
A committee tasked with recommending which campuses in San Jose’s largest school district to close has hit the brakes on making a decision. Poised to close up to nine schools due to declining enrollment, the San Jose Unified School District Schools of Tomorrow Committee on Tuesday postponed making a decision and adjusted criteria for how...
Former Valley Water CEO sexually harassed employees, report says
The head of Santa Clara County’s largest water supplier sexually harassed subordinate employees, according to independent investigators looking into allegations of misconduct. Valley Water has released the report conducted by law firm Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, which was investigating internal claims into CEO Rick Callender and his behavior with employees. The more than year-long...
Palo Alto may end ride-share program amid bleak budget outlook
It’s been a year of change and uncertainly for Palo Alto Link, the ride-share service that the city launched in March 2023 and that continues to fight for its life in the face of an increasingly skeptical City Council. Compared to private services like Uber and Lyft, Palo Alto’s nine-vehicle fleet remains a relative a...
Larger Whole Foods to open in Los Gatos
A new Whole Foods Market is about to open in Los Gatos, with amenities that include a spacious hot-food bar, indoor seating and a mural of local birds. Construction crews are busy installing interior fixtures at the 40,039-square-foot supermarket on Los Gatos Boulevard at the intersection of Los Gatos Almaden Road. The market is expected...
‘Willow Glen has lost part of its soul’ with deli owner’s death
Chris Bertucelli’s warm welcome and gracious smile made every customer feel like a friend. His sudden death last week at 47 shocked the tight-knit Willow Glen neighborhood. Bertucelli, co-owner of Bertucelli’s La Villa, a gourmet Italian delicatessen famed for its ravioli and lasagna, was known for lending a hand and never saying no. Jill Maggi,...
Mountain View streamlines zoning rules to attract small businesses
Looking to fill vacant storefronts, Mountain View is implementing a number of zoning changes to make it easier for small businesses to gain a foothold in the city. In a unanimous vote, the City Council backed a recommendation from city staff last week to update Mountain View’s zoning regulations to reduce barriers for small businesses, particularly around permitting and parking...
Out-of-state police access Silicon Valley license plate readers
The company behind a network of automated license plate reading cameras is losing its public safety contracts across Silicon Valley. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is the most recent slate of officials to join Los Altos Hills and Mountain View in severing ties with Flock Safety over concerns the company has enabled unlawful...
Advocates want San Jose to divest from companies tied to ICE
San Jose officials are weighing growing calls to divest the city from companies that critics say don’t align with local values. The City Council is set to take up the controversial divestment conversation March 24 during an annual review of the city’s investment policy. A group of local advocates has long been urging the city...