One of the simplest ways to engage with your local community is to keep up with your city’s public meetings. In a 2022 reader survey, San José Spotlight readers told us they wanted to be more civically engaged and involved in local policymaking. Earlier this year, we compiled a guide on how to engage with...
Local
Local
Sunnyvale considers eight homes on major thoroughfare
Sunnyvale leaders are considering opening the door for a developer to build eight, two-story homes where one currently stands. Forrest Mozart, a Palo Alto developer, wants to demolish a single-story home built in 1965 at 781 S. Wolfe Road. In its place, he plans to put up eight homes between 2,000 to 2,400 square feet each on...
Nonprofit leader tries again for Santa Clara County supervisor
Jennifer Celaya is not the typical candidate running for Santa Clara County supervisor, but has a penchant for justice and passion to fight for the underserved neighbors she hopes to represent. Celaya is the latest hopeful to hop into the contested race for the District 2 seat on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors....
San Jose chamber’s CEO pick could be controversial
A once-political powerhouse for business interests in San Jose is looking to return to its former glory—and soon it will pick a new CEO to help it get there. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce is close to selecting its next permanent CEO after former president and CEO Derrick Seaver resigned in August. Toni Mirenda,...
San Jose blight program buried in trash
San Jose’s trash pickup program is a success story—so much so that it may be contributing to more illegal dumping. BeautifySJ, the city’s program tasked with tackling blight from illegal dumping, graffiti, trash and homeless encampments, saw a rise in blight eradication and volunteer participation in 2022-23, according to a report coming before the San...
Willow Glen investor seeks District 6 San Jose council seat
A prominent Willow Glen real estate investor who previously ran for mayor now wants to represent District 6 on the San Jose City Council. Michael Mulcahy, a San Jose native, is tossing his hat into the race for the District 6 seat, which encompasses Willow Glen, Santana Row, The Alameda and parts of downtown. Already...
Milpitas moves forward with workforce housing for teachers
A Milpitas school district’s plan to help its employees live where they work is coming to fruition. The Milpitas City Council unanimously approved plans Tuesday to demolish a vacant, one-story industrial building on 6.69 acres of land at 1355 California Circle and replace it with 206 townhomes and apartments. All 75 apartments would be affordable,...
South San Jose industrial warehouse projects on hot streak
A Houston-based developer is planning three massive warehouses across nearly 45 acres of land in South San Jose — adding to swath of industrial buildings already in that area. Hines Interests Limited Partnership is seeking approval for a 234,000-square-foot industrial building on nearly 16 acres of vacant land at 644-675 Piercy Road, near the corner...
San Jose’s mayoral race has no labor candidate
For the first time in San Jose’s history, the city will align its mayoral race with the presidential election — a move championed by labor leaders to boost turnout and elect a progressive mayor. Yet Silicon Valley’s powerful labor lobby has no one to run for the seat. And time is running out. Candidates have...
First term Milpitas councilmember joins mayor’s race
After only one year on the Milpitas City Council, Hon Lien has jumped into the November 2024 mayor’s race because she wants to bring stronger leadership to city hall. Lien, 58, join the race knowing she will face stiff competition against former mayor Rich Tran, and the likelihood that Mayor Carmen Montano will run for...