Tensions are rising as a former California lawmaker seeks his old San Jose City Council seat, a position held by his close political ally. Former state Assemblymember Kansen Chu, who at one time represented District 4 in San Jose, and current D4 Councilmember David Cohen both started their political careers roughly two decades ago on...
San Jose councilmembers decry ‘racist’ politics
Two Latino leaders in San Jose want to strengthen free speech protections in the wake of recent political attacks against them. Councilmembers Omar Torres and Peter Ortiz are facing intense criticism from three local groups over comments they made related to city housing policy and unions. The groups include the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, Premier...
San Jose free food pilot feeds those in need
Residents in affordable housing across San Jose and Palo Alto have access to free food through an effort to prevent food waste and provide support to low-income families. First Community Housing, a nonprofit affordable housing developer, is offering free groceries in a pilot program at Iamesi Village in downtown San Jose and Curtner Studios near Guadalupe Parkway....
Silicon Valley town may be tied up in building rules
Hundreds of new apartments could soon spring up in Los Gatos, as town officials continue revising plans to increase housing. Regulators still haven’t approved Los Gatos’ “housing element”—the state-mandated plan that lays out how towns and cities will help accommodate the state’s affordable housing goals. But builders are still pushing ahead. The town’s initial housing...
Longtime San Jose leader first to enter District 10 race
Longtime government leader and media specialist Lenka Wright is running to represent South San Jose. Wright, a former broadcast journalist turned communications director for Mountain View, is eyeing the District 10 San Jose City Council seat to represent the Almaden and Santa Teresa area. She is the first to announce her candidacy for the 2024 election, although incumbent...
‘It’s just a matter of time’: How Santa Clara County is preparing for fires
A few embers from a fire can become catastrophic in minutes, igniting new blazes that can rip through homes, businesses and acres of land. That’s why Ali Tohidi, mechanical engineering assistant professor at San Jose State University, and his team are studying how embers, also known as firebrand showers, spread. The team at SJSU’s Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research...
The Biz Beat: Grandmother’s finest Italian dishes in San Jose
There is something remarkable about Italian food. Even in as elegant a setting as Vito’s Trattoria in San Jose, there is an honest heartiness to the cuisine that gives it comfort food status. With recipes handed down from owner George Nobile’s Sicilian grandmother and personalized touches like engraved name plaques displayed at the tables of...
San Jose mayor accused of toxic work environment
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is facing claims of a toxic work environment from ex-employees who say the office is rife with condescension, broken promises and overwork—leading to staff turnover. Since taking office in January, six people have left the mayor’s team of about 25 people, compared to other freshman policymakers who have seen a...
Tobacco ban hurting Silicon Valley early education groups
A ban on flavored tobacco is expected to drain funds for Silicon Valley organizations that serve low-income families. Last November state voters approved Prop. 31, which bars the sale of flavored tobacco. This comes on the heels of a flavored tobacco ban in San Jose. The unintended consequences of the state measure could reduce tax...
Why don’t all San Jose elected officials pay their interns?
Student interns eagerly enter San Jose City Hall year-round with dreams of launching their political careers, but only some leave with a paycheck. On the 18th floor of city hall, there are currently 66 student interns who work for councilmembers or the mayor—and about 60% are paid for their time. Just seven interns receive hourly pay...