The Santa Clara City Council’s effectiveness is being called into question by a county civil grand jury report, alleging city officials’ disagreements have made life worse for residents. The Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury published a Santa Clara-focused report on Wednesday, this time lambasting dysfunction and pettiness at city council meetings and detailing how...
San Jose Xfinity stores first to offer deaf customers ASL services
Xfinity is rolling out a new service in San Jose to increase accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Xfinity, the national internet service provider for parent company Comcast, launched its in-store American Sign Language (ASL) translation services to the public this week. Xfinity will be the first in the country to...
Santa Clara County supervisor could net top job in New Mexico county
Silicon Valley labor leader Cindy Chavez is still looking to leave the Bay Area — this time, she’s eyeing a role in New Mexico. Chavez is one of three finalists for Bernalillo County manager, a top administrative role that oversees its management and operations. A county commission of elected officials whittled their list of finalists...
It’s never been easier to build a backyard home in San Jose
Backyard homes are now even easier to build in San Jose after amending some conflicting rules. The San Jose City Council earlier this month unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s local building code, also known as a reach code, allowing any new home under 1,200 square feet to meet energy standards if it certifies...
San Jose lawmaker introduces bill requiring automatic recounts
After a controversial congressional recount spurred by dark money, one lawmaker is introducing a bill to mandate automatic recounts for statewide elections with tight margins. Assembly Bill 996, authored by Assemblymember Evan Low, calls for any statewide election with a margin of less than 25 votes or 0.25% of the cast ballots to be subjected...
San Jose shifts affordable housing funds to tackle waterway encampments
San Jose leaders have dealt a blow to affordable housing advocates after diverting affordable housing funds to temporarily shelter homeless residents living along city waterways. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to redirect affordable housing funds from Measure E. They also unanimously approved Mayor Matt Mahan’s June budget message, which includes proposals for...
Sunnyvale considers major changes to its city charter
Sunnyvale voters will have multiple opportunities to change the city charter in the coming years. The Sunnyvale City Council voted unanimously earlier this month to create a committee to review the city’s charter and propose potential amendments by November 2026. Councilmembers approved six topics for the committee to review, including councilmember and mayoral compensation, alternative...
Cupertino officials shrink multimillion-dollar shortfall
Cupertino has almost balanced its coffers after facing a looming multimillion-dollar deficit for months, but the city will still have to contend with anticipated revenue drops in future years. The Cupertino City Council unanimously approved the approximately $146.6 million budget for fiscal year 2024-25 Tuesday, leaving the city roughly $200,000 shy of balancing its anticipated $10.1 million...
San Jose affordable housing projects stuck in limbo without funding
Recent efforts to redirect Measure E monies meant for affordable housing in San Jose have brought to light 13 of those projects waiting for city funding to start construction. That waitlist is keeping more than 1,500 new homes off the market. Housing Department officials reviewed the affordable housing projects after inviting developers last year to submit their plans for...
San Jose spearheads nationwide AI safety group
While San Jose is getting cozy with artificial intelligence, the city is preparing safety nets for its own partnerships. The city published a set of employee guidelines on AI last July. Now, it’s nearly done with an AI policy with requirements for companies that work with San Jose. This policy was created in tandem with...