San Jose Aviation Director John Aitken’s bags are packed and he’s ready to go. The head of San Jose Mineta International Airport for the last six years isn’t leaving on a jet plane, though. Aitken is planning to retire in March after a 31-year career with the airport. Aitken worked his way up from airport...
San Jose apartment complex converting to affordable housing
San Jose leaders are green lighting a developer’s initiative that includes converting a market-rate apartment complex on The Alameda into affordable apartments. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a financing package Tuesday allowing Larkspur-based Catalyst Housing Group’s nonprofit arm to buy the complex. Councilmember Dev Davis was absent. The council signed off on Catalyst...
How to participate in Milpitas City Council meetings
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...
San Jose starts preparing for wet winter weather
San Jose officials are gearing up for a wave of expected atmospheric rivers this winter as the rainy season hits the region. The rain has started light, but San Jose leaders say they are preparing for another abnormally wet season. The National Weather Service indicates Wednesday’s rain will continue through the weekend, bringing in nearly...
Santa Clara County has the second most expensive U.S. housing market
Santa Clara County is the second most expensive county in the nation to buy a home, yet demand is still strong. The county’s No. 2 ranking helps secure the Bay Area as the most expensive metro area in the U.S. for the eighth consecutive year, according to PropertyShark, a blog covering real estate trends. Its latest...
San Jose leaders reject expanded powers for police auditor
One year after a consultant said San Jose should expand the powers of the city’s police watchdog, city leaders have shot down the recommendation. The San Jose City Council rejected a proposal 8-2 Tuesday to give the Independent Police Auditor’s (IPA) office increased authority, including the right to directly investigate some alleged police misconduct cases....
How to participate in Sunnyvale City Council meetings
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...
Sunnyvale considers eight homes on major thoroughfare
Sunnyvale leaders are considering opening the door for a developer to build eight, two-story homes where one currently stands. Forrest Mozart, a Palo Alto developer, wants to demolish a single-story home built in 1965 at 781 S. Wolfe Road. In its place, he plans to put up eight homes between 2,000 to 2,400 square feet each on...
Nonprofit leader tries again for Santa Clara County supervisor
Jennifer Celaya is not the typical candidate running for Santa Clara County supervisor, but has a penchant for justice and passion to fight for the underserved neighbors she hopes to represent. Celaya is the latest hopeful to hop into the contested race for the District 2 seat on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors....
San Jose chamber’s CEO pick could be controversial
A once-political powerhouse for business interests in San Jose is looking to return to its former glory—and soon it will pick a new CEO to help it get there. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce is close to selecting its next permanent CEO after former president and CEO Derrick Seaver resigned in August. Toni Mirenda,...