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...
Beloved San Jose comedy club reopens its doors post-pandemic
One of San Jose’s most beloved downtown venues is reopening after almost a year and a half. The San Jose Improv reopens today with comedians Sammy Obeid, Phil Griffiths, Sam Marcoux and Chai Sharma performing. D.L. Hughley headlining this weekend. The neighborhood staple, located at 62 South Second Street, survived earthquakes, fires and now the...
UPDATE: San Jose to conduct another search, release a log of emails on mayor’s advocacy group
In response to an appeal from San José Spotlight over a denial of public records, San Jose will conduct a more thorough search for Mayor Sam Liccardo’s emails related to an advocacy group and produce a log explaining why certain communications are being withheld. The decision came Wednesday after the Rules and Open Government Committee...
San Jose school district abruptly cancels home study program
Some South Bay students are scrambling to figure out what’s next after the San Jose Unified School District abruptly ended its home study program. Home-based education allowed students to go at their own pace and excel in areas of special interest. They could be completely homeschooled or have a combination of homeschooling with school classes...