The San Jose City Council voted to endorse a measure slated for the November ballot that would restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals. The 10-0-1 vote did not include Councilmember Johnny Khamis who was absent due to illness. If Proposition 17 is passed by voters, California will follow in the footsteps of 19 other...
Proposed housing project at San Jose’s Blossom Hill station would help fund transit
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is looking to build 328 apartments at the Blossom Hill light rail station in south San Jose, with revenue from the development to be used to fund transit operations. “It’s all about generating revenue and riders in order to reinvest into our existing transit system,” said Kelly Snider,...
Update: San Jose offers amnesty for parking tickets
No one likes a parking ticket — especially during a pandemic. And if left unpaid, that pesky piece of paper can quickly double in price. People with outstanding tickets, however, are getting a break. San Jose lawmakers Sept. 15 unanimously approved temporarily forgiving late fees on citations issued on or before March 19. “While late...
Update: San Jose police can continue to use rubber bullets for violent protesters
San Jose police can continue to use rubber bullets for crowd control if people are being violent, despite Mayor Sam Liccardo’s push to ban them in crowds altogether after protesters suffered serious injuries during demonstrations against the police killing of George Floyd in May. Liccardo was the lone dissenter in the City Council’s 10-1 decision,...
Shield or target? San Jose police propose ways to ID journalists in crowds
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...