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San Jose officials approved raises for some city staff—which they typically do annually—but it’s become a contentious campaign talking point. This week, the city council unanimously approved a 2.5% raise for council-appointed positions, including City Manager Jennifer Maguire, City Auditor Joe Rois, City Clerk Toni Taber, City Attorney Nora Frimann and Independent Police Auditor Shivaun Nurre....
San Jose: The most expensive major U.S. city for monthly bills
San Jose residents pay more each month for common household bills than residents of any other major U.S. city, according to a new report. Seattle-based bill management company doxoInsights analyzed the 10 most common monthly bills paid by people living in the 50 largest U.S. cities based on the number of households. San Jose is the...
Election 2022: Crowded field for Santa Clara County school boards
San Jose voters are facing a large pool of school board candidates on the November ballot, with contenders jostling for seats in crowded races. Once elected, school board candidates will juggle a host of critical issues, including COVID-19 recovery, access to early education, chronic absenteeism and staff shortages. Board members will be responsible for millions...
‘Time’s up’: Santa Clara County doctors to strike
After two years of stalled contract negotiations, Santa Clara County doctors say they’ve had enough. Valley Physicians Group, a union representing 450 county-employed doctors, has submitted a strike notice this week with the intention to hit the picket line Nov. 1. More than 100 doctors and health care workers rallied in front of Santa Clara...
What you need to know to vote in San Jose
In less than three weeks, San Jose voters will head to the polls in a consequential election that will change the face of the city’s leadership. Here’s what you need to know to cast a vote. Come January, the 18th floor at San Jose City Hall with be home to either Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez...
Ballot measure aims to make San Jose more inclusive
Changes may be coming to the composition of San Jose’s commissions, but that decision is in the hands of voters. Measure I, on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election, would amend the city charter. If passed, proponents believe it will make changes that allow the city to operate in a fair and ethical manner....
Santa Clara County sheriff failed to investigate inmate injury
An explosive new report on the severe injury of a mentally ill person in sheriff’s custody has determined department leadership purposefully undermined the investigation of the incident. In a presentation to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, a representative of the Office of Correction and Law Enforcement Monitoring (OCLEM) said it found Santa...
LGBTQ groups call out Santa Clara mayor over silence
Bay Area LGBTQ organizations are calling out Santa Clara’s mayor, after her election opponent leveled accusations she’s enabling homophobic attacks on him. Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee (BAYMEC)—one of the most prominent LGBTQ political organizations in the region—issued a letter calling on Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor to denounce a blog where homophobic comments have been made...
Polls show mixed results in San Jose mayor’s race
San Jose will pick a new mayor in less than a month, but which candidate has the edge to win depends on who you ask. Three new polls paint different pictures for the two candidates vying to replace Mayor Sam Liccardo, who terms out this year. In one poll, conducted between late August to early September, San Jose Councilmember...
Santa Clara candidates sound off on housing, economic growth
The 49ers’ political influence, a looming budget deficit and divisive politics are the hot topics this election cycle for Santa Clara. At a candidate forum hosted by San José Spotlight last week, those seeking office shared how they would address the city’s top problems. Six candidates are vying for three seats on the council. Councilmember...