Raul Covarrubias has sat in the Santa Clara County Main Jail awaiting trial since June 6, 2019. While his right to a speedy trial promised a decision by July 3, COVID-19 threw everything out the window. Covarrubias, who had no previous criminal history, tested positive in jail two days later. In an interview from the...
The search for San Jose’s landmark narrows: Here are top three finalists
And then there were three. After years of planning, fundraising and community input, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley finally named the finalists in its international ideas competition to build an an iconic landmark in San Jose expected to draw tourists from around the world. Chosen from more than 900 entries originating in 70 countries, 13 expert...
Steep discounts to install charging stations coming soon to San Jose
This winter, businesses, commercial property owners and multi-family residences in San Jose can apply for steep discounts on electric vehicle charging stations as a result of an energy partnership’s efforts to bolster green infrastructure in the city. San Jose Clean Energy (SJCE) and the California Energy Commission’s California Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project (CALeVIP) committed $14...
San Jose makes dent in low-income housing shortage with grants, developments
San Jose made progress this week in securing housing for low-income, senior and homeless residents. Gov. Gavin Newsom awarded $14.5 million to the city on Sept. 16 to purchase property to house the homeless. Earlier this week the San Jose City Council approved three more affordable housing projects. The city also greelit a revamp of...
San Jose City Council supports restoring voting rights to parolees
The San Jose City Council voted to endorse a measure slated for the November ballot that would restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals. The 10-0-1 vote did not include Councilmember Johnny Khamis who was absent due to illness. If Proposition 17 is passed by voters, California will follow in the footsteps of 19 other...
Proposed housing project at San Jose’s Blossom Hill station would help fund transit
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is looking to build 328 apartments at the Blossom Hill light rail station in south San Jose, with revenue from the development to be used to fund transit operations. “It’s all about generating revenue and riders in order to reinvest into our existing transit system,” said Kelly Snider,...
Update: San Jose offers amnesty for parking tickets
No one likes a parking ticket — especially during a pandemic. And if left unpaid, that pesky piece of paper can quickly double in price. People with outstanding tickets, however, are getting a break. San Jose lawmakers Sept. 15 unanimously approved temporarily forgiving late fees on citations issued on or before March 19. “While late...
Update: San Jose police can continue to use rubber bullets for violent protesters
San Jose police can continue to use rubber bullets for crowd control if people are being violent, despite Mayor Sam Liccardo’s push to ban them in crowds altogether after protesters suffered serious injuries during demonstrations against the police killing of George Floyd in May. Liccardo was the lone dissenter in the City Council’s 10-1 decision,...
Shield or target? San Jose police propose ways to ID journalists in crowds
San Jose police officials are recommending members of the press wear reflective vests or other identifying gear so they can be easily identified in crowds, an idea that drew mixed reviews from journalists. During George Floyd protests, journalists from CNN to local news organizations such as this one were detained or mishandled by police despite...
Vision of San Jose’s new LGBTQ+ district now up to the public
On Post Street in downtown San Jose, in the new Qmunity district between Market Street and North 1st Street, rainbow flags and paintings have appeared, along with new maple trees and lighting. Soon, at least three murals showcasing LGBTQ+ pride will decorate the walls of businesses. What happens next in Qmunity is up to residents...