A major affordable apartment project is set to begin construction in Santa Clara on the site of a former YMCA. San Francisco-based Maracor Development plans to build 200 apartments on a nearly two-acre lot at 80 Saratoga Ave. A two-story building that housed a YMCA of Silicon Valley office and a separate automotive repair building...
The first six months: San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. She’s been called a connector, collaborator and bridge builder. In a city frequently divided by two political factions, San Jose Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei finds common ground. The West San Jose councilmember...
San Jose candidates compete for community college seat
Candidates for a community college school board are throwing their hats in the ring for a special election in November. Three people are vying for an open seat on the board of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District: Diego Barragán, Lisanna Dominguez and Clay Hale. The seat became vacant earlier this year after Omar Torres,...
The Biz Beat: San Jose deli serves up more than just cold cuts
It’s easy to drive by Sandwich Mill Deli and Catering in San Jose without noticing its small side street location off Kooser Road—but once you find it, the odds are good that you’re going to remember it. “It is all in the taste,” co-owner Albert Rodriquez told San José Spotlight. “People who grew up eating...
The first six months: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. Fresh off a contentious debate over housing funds that ended in his first big political compromise, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is still optimistic about achieving core campaign promises of...
Santa Clara County homeless students to get guaranteed income
Karen Tanveer is a recent high school graduate, except unlike some of her peers, she has dealt with homelessness her whole life. But a new county guaranteed income program will give local students like her financial relief. Santa Clara County is set to give 50 homeless high school students $1,200 for three months, as well as peer...
Unemployment rate in Silicon Valley lower than state
Silicon Valley’s unemployment rate has inched up, but industries like hospitality and restaurants are still seeing growth despite employment fluctuating throughout the region. Local unemployment rose to 3% from April to May, nearly 1% higher than the same time last year, according to a recent report from Joint Venture Silicon Valley, which analyzes issues affecting quality...
The first six months: San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a San José Spotlight series examining the newest San Jose councilmembers and their first six months in office. A drive-by shooting at an elementary school can change the course of students’ lives. For San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres, it sparked a dedication to community organizing. At 14, Torres witnessed the...
San Jose worker strike looms while council goes on recess
Months of tense negotiations between city staff and union leaders have reached an impasse, with two large worker contracts expiring as the San Jose City Council enters a July recess. Contracts for the two unions—IFPTE Local 21 and MEF-AFSCME Local 101—expired June 30, leaving more than 4,500 city employees in limbo with more than 1,000...
San Jose officials crack down on illegal fireworks
Citing the dangers of illegal fireworks, San Jose city leaders and first responders are urging residents to leave Fourth of July fireworks to the professionals and are cracking down on violators. At a news conference last week, Mayor Matt Mahan said people caught selling fireworks will face up to a $15,000 fine and potential jail...