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...
Update: Spend $3 million more to pick up San Jose trash, officials recommend
The mayor and three councilmembers are recommending San Jose dump another $3 million to help clean up the city’s trash problem. Mayor Sam Liccardo and councilmembers Lan Diep, Dev Davis and Sergio Jimenez announced the idea Sept. 14 amid mounting complaints about the city wide trash buildup. “There’s no shortage of San Jose property that...
How can San Jose improve public transportation? The city wants to know
Transportation officials in San Jose are asking residents to help craft the future of the city’s public transportation to increase accessibility, reduce greenhouse emissions and improve quality of life. A survey on the city’s website is encouraging the public to share what transportation changes would improve the city and increase options for getting around San...
Staffing shortage at San Jose fire department causes inspection backlog
San Jose’s fire department is short staffed, leading to a backlog in fire inspections for new buildings, a recent audit found. Vacancies in engineering and inspection positions, which are key to getting buildings up to fire code, have increased since 2015. According to the report, the city at one point had 20 vacant engineering positions...
San Jose police release body cam videos from protests
After pressure from the San Jose City Council, the city’s police department late Friday, released body-worn camera footage of recent protests over the police killing of George Floyd. “Body-worn camera video is an essential component in investigations and in maintaining the public trust,” Police Chief Eddie Garcia said in a statement. “Coming up with a...
New panel begins to tackle emergency needs of homeless in Santa Clara County
Even as long-term solutions for homelessness in Santa Clara County gain momentum and support, emergency measures are lacking and likely will get worse. That was the grim reality presented to the county’s Unhoused Task Force, which held its initial meeting Sept. 9. Proposed by Supervisor Dave Cortese earlier this year, the group aims to address...
Time of reflection, change as San Jose police chief nears retirement
Quoting Steve Jobs, San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia said he’s not out to please everybody. “If you want to make everyone happy, don’t be a leader — go sell ice cream,” said Garcia, 49, who announced last month he is retiring at the end of the year. Having worked in the city’s roughly 1,400-member...
Years of neglect take toll on San Jose’s declining parks, audit finds
Parks have assumed a heftier role during the pandemic, becoming food distribution sites, gathering spots and operating spaces for local businesses. But according to city staff, the quality of many San Jose parks is on the decline and has been for the past few years. A recent report released by the city auditor found 72%...
New developer fee to fund art in San Jose? District 6 candidates answer in face-off
District 6 City Council candidates took on art — specifically making it more culturally equitable and charging developers a fee to fund it — in a debate hosted by the collaborative San José Arts Advocates. The online discussion between incumbent Dev Davis and challenger Jake Tonkel took on importance given the city has seen a...