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Virtual public comment restored to all San Jose meetings

Following San Jose’s recent decision to return online public comment to City Council meetings, city officials have opted to restore such access for its various commissions and committees as well. Tuesday’s unanimous council vote means that San Jose’s 15 commissions — which play a hand in shaping policy, approving permits and adjudicating appeals to city decisions...

West Valley-Mission community colleges offer 4-year degrees

A local community college is providing bachelor’s degrees for students — for free. West Valley-Mission Community College District is offering bachelor’s degrees in land stewardship and sustainability, as well as emergency services administration. As tuition is free for students living within the district’s service areas, this means they’re able to earn a four-year degree close...

Head of San Jose’s police watchdog office is out

San Jose Independent Police Auditor Eddie Aubrey is set to retire at the end of the month, marking an abrupt end to his two-year tenure in the oversight role. The Tuesday announcement comes one week after the Mercury News reported the city had placed Aubrey on leave. City officials have not offered any explanation about Aubrey’s...

Santa Clara residents struggle with neighborhood parking

Santa Clara residents living along Calle Del Mundo and Calle De Luna say finding a place to park has become one of the neighborhood’s biggest challenges as development continues to reshape the city’s Clara District. After finishing late-night Uber shifts, 69-year-old Saiprakash Thirunagari often parks his car streets away from St. Anton Apartments because he can’t...

San Jose wants to set standards for data center development

As San Jose begins to create standards for building data centers, residents, advocates and researchers warn the city needs to develop robust safeguards for community health before approving any new projects. San Jose is kickstarting its community engagement process this month through September, gathering input on what these standards should look like. Outreach will consist...