Patriotism has taken on a different meaning amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ahead of Independence Day weekend, officials have made more forceful steps to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus as confirmed cases, hospitalizations and intensive care numbers have jumped in recent weeks in Santa Clara County. The Association of Bay Area Health Officials issued a...
Property assessments reach $551.5 billion, peak of Santa Clara County economic growth
The valuation of properties on Santa Clara County’s assessment roll topped $551.5 billion – likely a peak of Silicon Valley’s decade of economic growth. The net valuation of all real and business property, which determines property tax rates, increased by $35.5 billion – a 6.87 percent increase from 2019’s $516 billion valuation, with the help...
‘A new stage’: Santa Clara County issues new order asking state to reopen nail, hair salons
After nearly four months of closure, Santa Clara County gyms, spas, hair and nail salons are set to reopen later this month — if the state says yes. But things will look much differently inside those businesses than before the COVID-19 pandemic closed their doors in mid-March. Personal care businesses are among the last to reopen....
UPDATE: In a split vote, San Jose council approves drafting ‘strong mayor’ measure
San Jose councilmembers voted 6-5 to approve a November ballot measure to expand Mayor Sam Liccardo’s power, extend his term until 2024, shift mayoral elections to presidential years and enact a slew of campaign finance reforms. Liccardo, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones, Councilmembers Johnny Khamis, Pam Foley, Dev Davis and Lan Diep voted in favor of...
Santa Clara County program may help ‘defund police’ response to mental health crises
As calls to defund the police in the wake of the killing of George Floyd sweep the nation, the focus has turned to how law enforcement handles calls related to mental health crises. At its most basic level, “defund the police” is a demand for money to be moved from police budgets and reinvested into...
San Jose appoints five new planning commissioners, expanding diversity
After a lengthy effort to ensure geographic equity on San Jose’s planning commission, city leaders on Monday appointed five new members each from a different district. The commission advises San Jose lawmakers on land use decisions and under certain circumstance can approve some projects without the City Council’s review. Months of advocacy for more representation...
San Jose activist pushes for mural honoring Gilroy shooting victim
Keyla Salazar had her whole life ahead of her when she was shot in the chest at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2019 just days before her 14th birthday. Salazar loved creating art and cared deeply for the humans and animals in her life, according to her family. Almost 200 people from her San Jose...
As illegal fireworks are on the rise, San Jose hopes to crack down
While Fourth of July celebrations are canceled across the South Bay due to coronavirus restrictions – aside from Gilroy’s plans for an abnormally high display Saturday – some residents have started recreating traditions on their own – illegally. Shooting off fireworks, bottle rockets, roman candles and firecrackers is illegal in San Jose and most of...
San Jose could face legal trouble for censoring racist remarks at meetings
Emanuel Jacobo said he knew he’d be cut off at a virtual San Jose City Council meeting after quoting a lyric by 2pac using the n-word during a discussion on police reform. “Cops give a damn about a negro, pull the trigger kill a n–––– he’s a hero,” Jacobo said, quoting 2pac’s Changes right before...
San Jose commission criticized for lack of diversity now led by Latinx leaders
A year ago, one of San Jose’s most powerful city commissions had a majority of white people on it. Today, the San Jose Planning Commission is led by two Latinx commissioners — with a woman in the top spot as chair. It is believed to be the first time in the commission’s history that two...