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Editor’s Note: San Jose Legends is a new series that tells remarkable stories of the historic and legendary people who helped shape and transform our city. Silicon Valley philanthropist John Sobrato is aware that wealth has the ability to change people. For Sobrato, 82, the son of Italian immigrants who first settled in San Francisco,...
Report: 1 in 4 San Jose police officers received a complaint
San Jose’s City Council mended fences earlier this week when it restarted a group to examine police reform. But findings in a report on police misconduct suggest the city has ways to go. The Independent Police Auditor’s report examined complaints of police misconduct in 2020 and contains key statistics that concern local activists, including those involved...
Largest San Jose school district kicks cops from campuses
After nearly a yearlong debate, San Jose education leaders are booting police officers from San Jose Unified School District campuses—at least for the next school year. The school board Thursday considered a contract between the district and the San Jose Police Department, along with a resolution to limit police officers’ involvement in student discipline and...
Social Security office closures cause headaches for San Jose residents
While California lifted most of its coronavirus restrictions in June allowing for increased capacity indoors, Social Security Administration offices remain closed for walk-ins indefinitely. In March 2020, the administration closed its offices as a preventive measure to stop the spread of COVID-19. Since then, the agency doubled down its online and phone services to support most...
San Jose leaders resurrect police reform board
Two months after seven activists quit a police reform group en masse, city officials and community members say they’re ready to bring the group back with renewed focus. The San Jose City Council voted Tuesday to reform what was originally called the Reimagining Community Safety Committee, created in September in the wake of the murder of...
San Jose councilmember proposes improvement district for Alum Rock
When Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco envisions the future of Alum Rock Avenue, she sees a vibrant corridor of people enjoying the sights and sounds, visitors stopping at small businesses and families walking to and from events at Mexican Heritage Plaza. “We want people to walk, to experience the east side,” Carrasco said. “To nurture the talent...
Former congressional candidate running for San Jose mayor
A progressive young newcomer believes he’s got what it takes to be the next mayor of America’s 10th largest city. Former congressional candidate Jonathan Royce Esteban, 26, made his political debut last year when he ran for Nevada’s 4th Congressional District as the Libertarian nominee. Esteban is now running as a Democrat in Silicon Valley...
San Jose to decide where to prioritize affordable housing
As San Jose prepares to consider new framework for where to build affordable housing, questions remain about how to increase opportunities for low-income residents and people of color. “Certain residents aren’t afforded the opportunity to live in higher-resource areas,” said Huascar Castro, associate director of housing and transportation policy at Working Partnerships USA. “The intent of the...
Full report: Silicon Valley Pain Index 2021
The Silicon Valley Pain Index, conducted by the San Jose State University Human Rights Institute, is an annual report focusing on racial discrimination and income inequality in the region. The report was inspired by an index compiled about New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The Human Rights Institute released its findings this week. Here is the...
Poll shows majority of San Jose residents support Opportunity Housing
Building higher and denser in San Jose has divided residents, affordable housing advocates and single-family homeowners. But a new poll shows a majority of residents support adding more housing units to suburban neighborhoods. A new poll released by affordable housing advocacy group Silicon Valley at Home finds that 56% of residents support changing zoning laws...