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Building higher in downtown San Jose might come at a cost to developers—but it’ll provide a small boost to passengers bumped from airline flights due to tall cranes. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved legislation Tuesday that will charge developers a fee if they use cranes taller than the city’s building height limit. Fees won’t be...
UPDATE: San Jose bans sale of flavored tobacco
San Jose is the largest city in California to ban flavored tobacco products in an effort to curb nicotine addiction among children. The City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-juices and menthol cigarettes. It will not make it a crime for individuals to possess such products....
San Jose gets police reform tips from neighboring cities
A San Jose commission is looking for tips from neighboring cities on how to better handle problems within the police department amid public scrutiny. The Charter Review Commission on Monday listened to presentations from four police oversight groups: the Oakland Community Police Review Agency, the Orange County Office of Independent Review, the BART independent police auditor and...
How San Jose renters can protect themselves after eviction ban ends
With just three days left, thousands of Santa Clara County renters are still waiting for eviction assistance, and those are the ones who have applied. As of Monday, 7,721 households in the county have filed for rent relief with the California Housing is Key program, which provides financial assistance to people who can’t pay rent...
Cindy Chavez is in for San Jose mayor
With one email, longtime labor ally Supervisor Cindy Chavez confirmed what every Silicon Valley politico already knows—she’s running for mayor of San Jose. Chavez, who won another term on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors last November, will announce her candidacy for mayor at an invite-only event Thursday. She filed papers with the state last...
San Jose co-living housing project still dormant
San Jose was once set to host the largest co-living building in the world. But financial struggles and a torrent of lawsuits have all but killed that plan. Housing advocates now hope the space can be used for affordable housing. The lot at 199 Bassett Street in downtown San Jose remains empty after plans to...
Mahan’s in: San Jose councilmember launches bid for mayor
Raucous cheers greeted Councilmember Matt Mahan as he stepped in front of the mic Saturday at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds with his wife and kids in tow. After months of speculation, Mahan announced his run for mayor Saturday, ending rumors that the freshman councilmember would enter the race. Mahan, who represents District 10 in...
Santa Clara County largely spared fire season devastation—for now
Santa Clara County has largely been spared some of the worst effects from California’s increasingly destructive fire season over the years. But local fire officials say that likely won’t last forever. Factors such as elevation, weather and luck have typically experienced Santa Clara County from experiencing large blazes seen elsewhere throughout the state. Though that...
Santa Clara County breakthrough COVID hospitalizations remain low
The hospitalization rate for unvaccinated Santa Clara County residents is 23 times higher than those immunized against COVID-19, new county data shows. Between July 29 and Sept. 3, 464 people were hospitalized in the county due to COVID-19. This includes both county-run and private hospitals. County officials told San José Spotlight 360 patients either were not fully...
How diverse are San Jose’s commissioners?
San Jose commissions have struggled for years to fill the ranks with new members. A closer look at demographic data shows the commissions are also struggling to keep up with the city’s changing makeup. There are 29 commissions in the city, totaling 326 seats, according to data provided by the city clerk. Fifty seats are vacant. Five commissions, which...