One day after San José Spotlight reported a developer funneling money through the Santa Clara police union to elect allies of Mayor Lisa Gillmor, her archnemesis — the San Francisco 49ers — threw in six figures to defeat them. The 49ers on Sept. 30 dropped $250,000 into a committee called Citizens for Efficient Government and...
Lawsuits detail claims of civil rights violations by Santa Clara council candidate
During his law enforcement career, Santa Clara City Council candidate Bob O’Keefe became the subject of two lawsuits claiming he violated people’s civil and constitutional rights, according to court documents obtained by San José Spotlight. One man arrested by O’Keefe for allegedly buying jet skis using a false identity was later found factually innocent, which...
San Jose airport getting $22 million state-of-the-art fire station
To support growth at the airport and in San Jose, plans are under way to build a $22 million state-of-the-art fire station at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport. Fire Station 20, which has operated at the airport for about 60 years, will be replaced with a new building, updated equipment and technology, and...
Lan Diep wants 4 more years to keep paying it forward on San Jose City Council
As the first-born son of Vietnamese American refugees, Lan Diep prides himself on taking advantage of the opportunity given to him by his parents. “Lan was raised with a profound sense of gratitude for his life in America. His parents reminded him … they were much more fortunate than countless other refugees whose ships never...
Election guide: Voting in Santa Clara County
With Election Day little more than a month away, it’s time to make sure you’re registered to vote, you know what will be on the Nov. 3 ballot and how to cast your ballot. To register, go to www.registertovote.ca.gov. Voters must also re-register to vote if they are changing political parties. All registered voters in...
UPDATE: San Jose sows seeds to begin public discussion on police reform
City leaders are gearing up to launch a public discussion on reforming San Jose’s police department, acknowledging it will be difficult. “We expect this to be a pretty messy process, especially if we’re bringing divergent perspectives to the table,” said Deputy City Manager Angel Rios. “We’d be lucky if we get 30% consensus. What we’re...
Former San Jose Councilmember Charlotte Powers dies at 82
Former San Jose Councilmember Charlotte Powers, remembered as a trailblazer and hero for women, died Sept. 28 at the age of 82. “She was a dedicated, honest, hard working councilmember and an inclusive person that I admired very much,” said Blanca Alvarado, a former Santa Clara County supervisor and San Jose councilmember who served alongside...
UPDATE: More San Jose small businesses to get break on license tax
In an effort to relieve small businesses suffering during the pandemic, the San Jose City Council unanimously agreed to expand a tax break even though it will cost the city $1 million. The tax, which business owners pay annually to receive a license, ranges from $203 to as high as $163,745 depending on the number...
Police union backs all-white Santa Clara City Council slate with $25K developer donation
With a hefty donation from a developer building a massive project in the city, Santa Clara’s police union is funding campaign mailers supporting a slate of City Council candidates backed by Mayor Lisa Gillmor. The Related Company has coughed up $25,000 to the Santa Clara Police Officers’ Association Political Action Committee to re-elect Councilmembers Kathy...
San Jose names new city attorney, the second woman to fill the role
Nora Frimann was named San Jose’s second female city attorney Tuesday after serving in an interim role since the retirement of former City Attorney Rick Doyle. “I am honored to have been selected to serve San Jose as City Attorney,” Frimann said in a statement. “The City Attorney’s office will do our best to continue...