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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,...
First term Milpitas councilmember joins mayor’s race
After only one year on the Milpitas City Council, Hon Lien has jumped into the November 2024 mayor’s race because she wants to bring stronger leadership to city hall. Lien, 58, join the race knowing she will face stiff competition against former mayor Rich Tran, and the likelihood that Mayor Carmen Montano will run for...
UPDATE: Milpitas officials approve cannabis ban modifications
Milpitas is adjusting its cannabis ban on deliveries, just in time to comply with new state laws in January and establish guidelines to avoid being usurped by more lenient regulations. The Milpitas City Council voted 3-1 to amend its existing laws on how to deliver medical cannabis locally, as well as research ways to strengthen...
Former Milpitas official wants to be mayor— again
Former Milpitas Mayor Rich Tran, 38, is vying for his old office in the November 2024 election. A Milpitas native, Tran was the first mayor to be elected without holding any official city office, winning in 2016 and reelected in 2018 and 2020. He obtained a Master’s in Public Policy degree from New York University...
Milpitas’ barrier to building affordable housing is money
Milpitas needs to find ways to build more affordable housing and preserve what it already has. That’s according to housing advocates and policymakers who discussed the city’s affordable housing stock at a Thursday panel hosted by San José Spotlight. The state is requiring Milpitas to add 6,713 homes by 2031, with more than half being...
Milpitas leaders clash with property owner over proposed home
Tempers flared when Milpitas nixed a property owner’s plans to build a multi-story house on the city’s hillside. The Milpitas City Council on Tuesday voted 2-1 to deny property owner Sanjay Muppaneni’s request for an exception to the neighborhood’s zoning for 1339 Terra Vista Court, after a contentious back and forth. The property is located...
Milpitas explores commercial sites for housing
Milpitas needs to build thousands of homes in the next eight years and is eyeing old retail spaces and offices to reach its goal. The Milpitas City Council is giving input tonight on proposed zoning changes to streamline redevelopment of five identified commercial sites, referred to as Housing Opportunity Districts, which would provide more land...
Milpitas school district opens campus of the future
One Santa Clara County school district is preparing students for the future by expanding its curriculum from theoretical to a more applied learning approach. The Milpitas Unified School District Innovation Campus has opened the first phase of a project designed to provide business development and hands-on learning opportunities to students of all ages. Once completed,...
New Milpitas city manager wants to boost morale
Milpitas has a new city manager—the fourth in the past six years. The Milpitas City Council removed the word “acting” from Ned Thomas’ city manager title at Tuesday’s meeting and approved his permanent appointment through June 30, 2025, with an option to renew annually. His annual base salary is $279,000, according to his contract. Thomas previously...