San Jose leaders on Tuesday voted 10-0 to adopt a new reach code ordinance that mandates all new buildings to become electric, a bold effort many supporters and environmental advocates praised as a response to what the City Council also unanimously declared is a “climate emergency.” Vice Mayor Chappie Jones did not vote, as he...

Growing retirement benefits and poor investment returns are at the heart of San Jose’s ballooning pension obligations — which are projected to drain an average of $340 million a year from the general fund over the next decade — according to a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury investigation the City Council discussed Tuesday. The...

On Tuesday, the San Jose City Council is expected to adopt a new privacy policy and a building ordinance that will create a more environmentally friendly set of practices for new construction. As part of a growing effort to increase technological security, the lawmakers will hear a report from city officials on the importance of...

One of California’s oldest government transparency laws is expected to get a boost if a new bill that removes the fear of a financial burden from those requesting public records is signed into law in the coming weeks. The proposed measure from a Silicon Valley lawmaker could clear the way for more open government. Sen. Bob Wieckowski,...

Months after a fierce showdown over political representation on San Jose’s Planning Commission unfolded, another commissioner announced on Wednesday that he’s resigning, opening up an extra vacancy on the powerful panel. The lengthy and drawn out battle over a seat on the 7-member commission began months ago, after some community leaders denounced the appointment of...

As climate change continues to exacerbate weather conditions and increase the scope of natural disasters worldwide, San Jose leaders are saying enough is enough, calling for the city to step in as one of the growing number of cities to declare a climate emergency. The bipartisan effort to combat against a warming planet was led by...

Less than a year after it was first launched, the San Jose City Council unanimously voted to scrap the city’s family-oriented safe parking pilot program at the Seven Trees Community Center, citing concerns about safety, a lack of participation and trash onsite. “We have the capacity to serve 17 cars or RVs each night. However, during...

San Jose lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve a slew of housing initiatives with the goal of addressing the region’s growing homeless crisis, granting nearly $5 million in funds toward multiple programs including a new motel voucher program as an alternative to overcrowded emergency shelters and a program providing personal hygiene services. Motel Voucher Program...

Despite its distance from the city’s downtown core, Almaden Valley and its residents will experience far-reaching impacts from massive plans for downtown redevelopment – both in quality of life and tax dollars. A panel of local nonprofit and development leaders met with about 50 residents of Almaden Valley on Monday to discuss the future of downtown...