Flavored tobacco may soon be a thing of the past in San Jose. In September, the City Council will consider ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-juices and menthol cigarettes. The city plans to exempt hookah to align with state regulations. Dr. John Maa, board member of the American Heart Association, said...
VTA boosting security across the South Bay
The VTA is bolstering its security following an employee’s deadly rampage last week. But an expert in workplace violence says the agency may need to go deeper than physical safeguards to increase safety. “The prevention piece, if properly done, is worth millions of millions of dollars,” said Felix Nater, owner of Nater Associates Security Management...
San Jose to receive boost from sale of debt-ridden Hayes Mansion
Two years after the sale of Hayes Mansion, San Jose has finally rid itself of the property’s massive debt—and it’s actually getting some money back. San Jose bought the historic mansion in 1985 for $2.5 million and turned it into a conference center with a dining room, 214 guest rooms, a pool and a fitness...
How Santa Clara County residents can prepare for fire season
With warm temperatures, dry vegetation and little rain in the past year, parts of San Jose and Santa Clara County are at risk of wildfires. Here’s what residents can do to prepare for this year’s fire season. Buildings near the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) are most at risk, said Erica Ray, spokesperson for the San...
Where are the worst roads in San Jose?
San Joseans have a lot to say about their roads: It’s one of the most common complaints levied against the city. “There are lots of pockets in the city with bad roads that I just don’t feel safe biking,” said Bobby Gonzalez, a San Jose resident and avid cyclist. “Downtown’s roads are designed differently so...
VTA workers face fear, frustration in wake of San Jose shooting
Following the mass shooting at VTA’s light rail yard last week, some workers say they feel frightened, betrayed—and angry. And, they claim, their managers aren’t giving them time to grieve. “I am sick to my stomach,” one bus driver told San José Spotlight on condition of anonymity. “I go from crying to being angry, and just...
Santa Clara County Sheriff releases body cam footage from VTA shooting
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office released edited body camera footage Tuesday from last week’s mass shooting at a VTA light rail yard in San Jose. “We’ll never forget those innocent victims whose lives were taken by a crazed coward,” Sheriff Laurie Smith said Tuesday, adding that the investigation is still ongoing. The body cam footage...
Extra buses added after San Jose VTA shooting suspended
VTA sent out additional buses to help bridge gaps in light rail service following Wednesday’s mass shooting. But now that’s going away too. The transportation agency stopped light rail service after an employee opened fire at the agency’s rail yard near downtown San Jose, killing nine people and then himself. It’s unclear when service will resume. “Management...
WATCH: Opportunity Housing explained
It’s one of the most contentious housing policies to circulate the halls of San Jose City Hall. The plan, called Opportunity Housing, would allow developers to build up to four homes on a single parcel in neighborhoods limited to single-family homes. Supporters hail it as a fix for the South Bay’s crippling housing shortage, saying...
How will San Jose enforce its return to work law?
San Jose adopted a law this month guaranteeing laid-off workers first choice at getting their jobs back. But to enforce the law, the city will rely on those same workers to say when something is amiss. The City Council unanimously approved its so-called Return Together ordinance on May 11, which mandates San Jose employers in...