Three months ago Dr. Marty Fenstersheib was pressured to reopen the economy in San Benito County. He knew COVID-19 cases would surge if he bowed to the pressure. Hours after a high-stakes confrontation with county supervisors, he quit. Now, he is the COVID-19 testing guru in Santa Clara County where he is credited for the...
San Jose hires a new innovation chief to bridge digital divide
Growing up in Texas near the border with Mexico and close to large Black and Latinx populations gave San Jose’s new Chief Innovation Officer Jordan Sun a very diverse image of America. Now he is working in one of the country’s most diverse cities — San Jose — as Mayor Sam Liccardo’s new innovation chief....
San Jose’s racial equity office could mirror other major cities
A month after San Jose approved creating an office of racial equity in the wake of civil unrest, questions remain about what the office will actually do — and how it can tackle systemic racism. Some activists have accused San Jose lawmakers of creating the office to appease protesters instead of defunding police. They claim...
A San Jose commission will decide on strong mayor, moving mayoral elections
After a month-long debate over a proposed ‘strong mayor’ measure and outrage over lack of community involvement in the decision, San Jose leaders unanimously approved putting decisions about the city’s future into the hands of community members. The Charter Revision Commission, created Tuesday, will consist of residents appointed by Mayor Sam Liccardo and the City Council....
San Jose council candidate was on prescription drugs before deadly crash
San Jose City Council candidate Jenny Higgins Bradanini tested positive for benzodiazepine, a class of medication sometimes prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, after she killed a pedestrian with her SUV in Los Gatos last year, according to documents charging her with a felony. Patients who are prescribed tranquilizers are warned not to drive because the...
San Francisco 49ers and Santa Clara feud over million-dollar losses
Years-long finger pointing between the city of Santa Clara and the San Francisco 49ers has taken a bitter turn with both sides accusing the other of owing them millions of dollars. The 49ers say the city owes $2.74 million for losses resulting from non-NFL events this past year, such as the Pac-12 Championship and Monster...
Statewide food program has fed only 1,000 people in Santa Clara County
South Bay food providers are questioning why Santa Clara County has chosen only a handful of restaurants and has served so few meals to needy residents during the unprecedented pandemic. A statewide program — Great Plates Delivered — served 66,730 meals to a little more than 1,000 residents in Santa Clara County as of July...
A first look: Silicon Valley landmark designs revealed
After more than a year of anticipation, the wait is over. The new designs for San Jose’s landmark icon have been revealed — and now the public gets to weigh in. The Urban Confluence Silicon Valley project (UCSV), hosted by the nonprofit San José Light Tower Corporation, launched a worldwide contest in July of last year...
Watch: A live chat with San Jose Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren
San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren earlier this month joined San José Spotlight for an exclusive Q&A webinar as part of the San Jose Speaks series. The congresswoman fielded questions from the community about a variety of topics including police reform, the coronavirus pandemic and the upcoming presidential election. COVID-19 When it comes to decisions related...
Santa Clara County foster youth begin receiving $1,000 a month
Paid rent, a full stomach and freedom to pursue her dreams: that’s what Santa Clara County’s new Basic Income Program means for Nayeli Grano, one of the 72 foster youth who have already started receiving funds. As a 23-year-old sociology student transitioning out of the foster care system, Granco said she can now breathe easier...