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Work on the San Jose Charter Review Commission turned frustrating for three commissioners who question if their voices are being heard. The latest round of recommendations pertaining to climate change and police reform has become contentious, as a subcommittee composed of Commissioner Magnolia Segol and fellow progressively-aligned Commissioners Veronica Amador and Maria Fuentes run into...
Campbell teachers lose trust in superintendent, board of trustees
Tensions between teachers and a local school district are boiling over as disputes over pay increases continue. Last week, teachers in the Campbell Union High School District presented the school board with a vote of no confidence in Superintendent Robert Bravo, detailing his shortcomings during his five-year tenure. The vote, signed by 380 teachers—85% of...
Electric leaf blower pilot program powers up in San Jose
Gas-powered leaf blowers could disappear from San Jose, two years before they stop being sold in California. An electric leaf blower pilot program launched on Friday aims to decrease the noise and air pollution generated by gas-powered blowers. The idea was developed in close partnership with San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan‘s office and residents of...
San Jose State University student coalition wants cops off campus
San Jose State University students are calling for the removal of university police officers from campus in the wake of last year’s Black Lives Matter protests. Several SJSU student organizations met over Zoom at the end of September to discuss the formation of a “Cops Off Campus” coalition for the purpose of “disarming, defunding and...
Only one San Jose VTA board member uses public transit
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority is dealing with tight budgets, low ridership and out-of-touch officials, even as they discuss expanding to new technologies. A San José Spotlight survey found that just one of the 18 lawmakers who oversee and govern the troubled transit agency—of those who responded—actually ride its buses and trains. San José...
Proposed mine near Gilroy a human rights issue, says commission
A Santa Clara County commission wants to halt plans to build a mine near Gilroy, calling it a critical human rights issue. The Santa Clara County Human Rights Commission voted unanimously last week to support the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band in its opposition to a proposed sand and gravel mine on land they consider sacred. The commission—a volunteer...
How one tiny home community gives San Jose families new life
Tucked behind the old San Jose City Hall, a tiny home community is lifting local families off the streets. A neighborhood of roughly 60 residents in 25 units, Casitas de Esperanza—or tiny homes of hope—is a model of how Santa Clara County can help some of the most vulnerable unhoused people, residents at the site...
San Jose schools need better tools for reporting child abuse
As children return to school, cases of reported child abuse have increased—and teachers need better ways to help their students. San Jose’s public safety committee, which includes numerous councilmembers and the county’s Children, Seniors and Families Committee, met Friday to discuss how child sexual abuse prevention measures can be handled more swiftly with cases on...
Santa Clara County sergeant steps into sheriff’s race
Sean Allen has been fighting for change in the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office for years, and he’s about to take that fight to the county’s top cop. Allen told San José Spotlight on Friday he intends to file papers to run for sheriff in 2022. Allen is a sergeant who’s worked for the department...
San Jose entrepreneur pushes city to allow cannabis events
A San Jose entrepreneur wants the city to expand its horizons and allow special events at museums, concerts and comedy clubs where adults can smoke, drink or eat cannabis products. Fernando Alvarez, founder of VaporTent Lounges, said the city is missing out on an economic policy he’s helped other California cities craft. One that allows organizers...