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The largest planned strike in decades by San Jose city workers is over before it starts. The city’s two largest unions representing 4,500 workers – IFPTE Local 21 and AFSCME Local 101 – officially called off their strike today, avoiding what could have been a shutdown of several critical services. San Jose City Council voted...
Santa Clara County increases funding for foster youth
Three key foster youth programs in the county are receiving more money that will help kids in the classroom and even after they turn their tassels. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors extended the foster youth education services contract today, approving it without discussion. The contract provides funding for programs aimed at helping students...
San Jose strikes deal to avoid worker walk off
San Jose leaders and union officials have reached a tentative deal on wages less than a day before the city’s core workforce prepared to strike. After months of impasse and a week spent in daily mediations, the city and its two largest unions—IFPTE Local 21 and AFSCME Local 101—agreed to suspend the strike until the...
San Jose flea market sales tax revenue took major hit
Newly obtained data shows how much San Jose’s historic flea market has contributed annually to city coffers and how it has faltered over time. Emails withheld by the city and released to San José Spotlight after a judge’s ruling show the financial decline of the San Jose Berryessa Flea Market, which has seen a roughly 50%...
San Jose leaders and unions close to striking a deal
San Jose leaders are moving toward a resolution with union leaders in an attempt to stop the biggest planned strike of city workers in recent history. Two of the city’s largest unions may reach a deal by Monday morning — 24 hours before the three-day strike is set to begin on Aug. 15. Staff Up...
Data reveals disparities among children in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County children of color and those who live in low-income households face disproportionate disparities in education, poverty levels and housing, new data shows. The 2023 Santa Clara County Children’s Data Book compiles data about equity issues among children from across the county in an effort to pinpoint population needs pertaining to everyday issues. Children...
Taylor Swift boosted Silicon Valley economy by $33M
Swiftie or not, pop star Taylor Swift is undeniably a money magnet — and new financial figures show a massive boost for Silicon Valley’s economy from the artist’s two-day stop at Levi’s Stadium. Dan Rascher, president of Sports Economics, LLC, who analyzes the business of sporting events and concerts, told San José Spotlight that 60,000...
San Jose has hundreds of vacancies but barely hiring
As San Jose braces for what could be largest strike by employees in 40 years, an examination of the city’s 800 job vacancies reveals that only a fraction are open for applicants. City officials say this is intentional and strategic – prioritizing the most important positions to fill first. But union leaders say some of...
Santa Clara County leads electric car sales
Santa Clara County is leading the way in electric car purchases as sales soar across the state. More than 43% of new car purchases registered in the county this year were zero emission vehicles, the highest in the state, according to 2023 California Energy Commission data. Last year the county’s percentage was 34%. Laura Neish,...
Silicon Valley Black cultural center receives funding boost
As Silicon Valley’s Black population continues to shrink, local leaders are celebrating a decades-long effort with a new cultural center to honor the history and contributions of Black residents. The Silicon Valley African American Cultural Center is slated to open its doors in 2027, with the help of $3 million in state funds thanks to the...