San Jose’s trash pickup program is a success story—so much so that it may be contributing to more illegal dumping. BeautifySJ, the city’s program tasked with tackling blight from illegal dumping, graffiti, trash and homeless encampments, saw a rise in blight eradication and volunteer participation in 2022-23, according to a report coming before the San...
Willow Glen investor seeks District 6 San Jose council seat
A prominent Willow Glen real estate investor who previously ran for mayor now wants to represent District 6 on the San Jose City Council. Michael Mulcahy, a San Jose native, is tossing his hat into the race for the District 6 seat, which encompasses Willow Glen, Santana Row, The Alameda and parts of downtown. Already...
Milpitas moves forward with workforce housing for teachers
A Milpitas school district’s plan to help its employees live where they work is coming to fruition. The Milpitas City Council unanimously approved plans Tuesday to demolish a vacant, one-story industrial building on 6.69 acres of land at 1355 California Circle and replace it with 206 townhomes and apartments. All 75 apartments would be affordable,...
South San Jose industrial warehouse projects on hot streak
A Houston-based developer is planning three massive warehouses across nearly 45 acres of land in South San Jose — adding to swath of industrial buildings already in that area. Hines Interests Limited Partnership is seeking approval for a 234,000-square-foot industrial building on nearly 16 acres of vacant land at 644-675 Piercy Road, near the corner...
San Jose’s mayoral race has no labor candidate
For the first time in San Jose’s history, the city will align its mayoral race with the presidential election — a move championed by labor leaders to boost turnout and elect a progressive mayor. Yet Silicon Valley’s powerful labor lobby has no one to run for the seat. And time is running out. Candidates have...
First term Milpitas councilmember joins mayor’s race
After only one year on the Milpitas City Council, Hon Lien has jumped into the November 2024 mayor’s race because she wants to bring stronger leadership to city hall. Lien, 58, join the race knowing she will face stiff competition against former mayor Rich Tran, and the likelihood that Mayor Carmen Montano will run for...
UPDATE: Milpitas officials approve cannabis ban modifications
Milpitas is adjusting its cannabis ban on deliveries, just in time to comply with new state laws in January and establish guidelines to avoid being usurped by more lenient regulations. The Milpitas City Council voted 3-1 to amend its existing laws on how to deliver medical cannabis locally, as well as research ways to strengthen...
Santa Clara officials may release investigation into closed-door blowup
More than a year after three Santa Clara City Councilmembers had a heated verbal altercation during a closed door meeting, city leaders will consider publicly sharing more details about the investigation into the incident. The council supported a request submitted Tuesday night by Councilmember Anthony Becker to discuss at a future meeting whether it would release the full investigation...
UPDATE: East San Jose teacher leads in crowded education race
In a crowded race to fill a vacancy on a prominent Silicon Valley education board, one contender has emerged as a clear frontrunner — and is positioned to win the seat. In a special election Tuesday, initial returns show Clay Hale, 28, leading his closest competitor to represent Area 7 on the San Jose-Evergreen...
Silicon Valley labor leaders make 2024 election endorsements
The South Bay Labor Council’s endorsements for the November 2024 election reveal notable surprises and omissions. The Labor Council, which represents more than 100 unions in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, is throwing its weight behind a number of candidates running for open seats on the San Jose City Council. Babu Prasad, president of...