The recently opened Jun Bistro in Milpitas has its improbable origins in co-owner Amy Duan’s “Chihuo” — slang for “foodie” in Mandarin — a Chinese-language food blog that currently boasts more than 1.8 million followers and a full-time staff. “I didn’t realize it at the time,” she told San José Spotlight, “but I was using...
Milpitas denies wrongdoing in city manager lawsuit
Milpitas is denying wrongdoing in an ongoing legal dispute with its former city manager, and has started investigating claims made in a wide-ranging lawsuit. A wrongful termination lawsuit filed by former City Manager Steve McHarris in December laid out several accusations of incompetence, unethical behavior and intimidation by city officials including the mayor. In a...
Milpitas to survey residents about extending sales tax
Milpitas is hoping to hold on to a revenue stream dedicated toward city services and keep its budget from falling into the red. The Milpitas City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a resident survey to gauge support for a ballot measure this November that would extend Measure F, a citywide quarter-cent sales tax which sunsets...
Milpitas city workers threaten to strike
Milpitas employees are preparing for a potential strike after months of failed contract negotiations with the city. Two of the city’s employee unions — Pro-Tech and the Milpitas Employees Association (MEA), representing about 146 workers across multiple departments — have been negotiating a new contract since last April. The previous contract expired on July 1, 2023....
Milpitas takes note of 2023, looks ahead to 2024
This year, Milpitas banned natural gas in all new buildings, enhanced its rideshare program and looked for new ways to increase its housing. Looking ahead into the new year, the city has plans for a unique workplace housing project and an expansion to its Innovation Campus in the pipeline. Here’s what happened in 2023 and...
Former Milpitas city manager sues city
Former Milpitas City Manager Steve McHarris is suing the city for wrongful termination and breach of contract. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, calls for a jury trial and builds on past accusations of intimidation from various members of city government, including Mayor Carmen Montano, Vice Mayor Evelyn Chua, City Attorney Michael Mutalipassi and former Mayor Rich...
More cops at Milpitas mall this holiday season
Holiday crime has been on the rise at Great Mall in Milpitas over the past few years, and the city’s police want to change that trend. The Milpitas Police Department wants to deter thefts this holiday season by educating retailers on safety procedures and increasing its police presence at retail hotspots—most notably at Great Mall....
Nonprofit wants to convert Milpitas office complex into housing
Milpitas needs to increase its affordable housing, and one nonprofit may be able to assist with its plans by redeveloping some of its commercial space. The Milpitas City Council on Nov. 14 heard early plans to convert the Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits location in the city into a 244-home community with 140 affordable apartments. The...
How to participate in Milpitas City Council meetings
One of the simplest ways to engage with your local community is to keep up with your city’s public meetings. In a 2022 reader survey, San José Spotlight readers told us they wanted to be more civically engaged and involved in local policymaking. Earlier this year, we compiled a guide on how to engage with...
Milpitas moves forward with workforce housing for teachers
A Milpitas school district’s plan to help its employees live where they work is coming to fruition. The Milpitas City Council unanimously approved plans Tuesday to demolish a vacant, one-story industrial building on 6.69 acres of land at 1355 California Circle and replace it with 206 townhomes and apartments. All 75 apartments would be affordable,...