One week after hundreds of Santa Clara County service workers left their jobs for a massive strike, union leaders prepared a new offer for the Board of Supervisors to consider, potentially ending the standoff that began six months ago. That development comes after a week of work stoppages, pickets and other strike actions across county...
Santa Clara County declares local emergency ahead of PG&E power outage, no impact to airport
The first streak of planned power outages swept across California on Wednesday, prompting local leaders to act fast in declaring a state of emergency as both Santa Clara County and San Jose prepare for the looming blackouts — expected to hit tonight. In a fourth news conference this week, San Jose city officials confirmed that...
Santa Clara votes again to strip 49ers of stadium duties, moves downtown revitalization effort forward
Santa Clara city officials have reaffirmed their decisions to strip the San Francisco 49ers of the ability to sign contracts at Levi’s Stadium and to remove the team as the manager of the $1.3 billion stadium during non-NFL events. The votes on the matters, held Tuesday night during the Santa Clara City Council meeting, are...
Santa Clara County lawmakers mull the future of county fairgrounds
The Board of Supervisors is one step closer to figuring out the future of the underutilized Santa Clara County fairgrounds. The supervisors Tuesday unanimously approved a recommendation for the county’s attorney to negotiate a 20-year plan with the Fairgrounds Management Corporation (FMC) to create a “grand space for public events and recreation.” Led by Supervisor Cindy...
UPDATE: Santa Clara County adopts resolution to overturn Citizens United
Money should not count as free speech, Santa Clara County lawmakers decided Tuesday. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a resolution to overturn Citizens United, a landmark 2010 Supreme Court decision which allowed unlimited election spending by corporations, labor unions and super PACs. Led by Supervisor Dave Cortese, in partnership with Santa Clara...
Santa Clara County grapples with technology and privacy concerns for inmates
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department is grappling with how to safeguard inmates’ private information when they begin to use tablets behind bars for the first time next year. According to a recent report from Sheriff Laurie Smith to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors’ Public Safety and Justice Committee, officials are struggling to protect...
San Jose: What you need to know before PG&E shuts off power
In less than 24 hours, the city of San Jose expects a massive power shutdown in its East and South side neighborhoods, both areas that are populated with a growing elderly community and people of color. After last year’s brutal wildfire season and fierce backlash, PG&E is taking extra safety measures in bracing for this...
UPDATE: San Jose lawmakers add new safety restrictions for mobile food vendors
San Jose lawmakers unanimously approved new restrictions on mobile food vendors at crowded public events on Tuesday in light of a new state law, but many expressed concern about proper enforcement mechanisms over non-permitted vendors. All vendors must now stay 500 feet away from popular public events in San Jose. For years, sidewalk peddlers weren’t allowed...
Santa Clara to discuss Levi’s Stadium management, affordable housing and Airbnb rules
When Santa Clara city leaders meet Tuesday evening, they’ll revive the controversial discussion around the San Francisco 49ers’ management of Levi’s Stadium, reaffirming earlier decisions and giving residents — and the team — a chance to comment. The council will also discuss a 65-unit affordable housing project and consider potential changes that could affect renters...
San Jose taxpayers will shell out $1.4 million to fight retirees lawsuit
Fighting a lawsuit from a group of prominent San Jose retirees who say the city started shortchanging their pensions five years ago could cost San Jose taxpayers $1.4 million — and those costs could keep rising. The San Jose City Council voted in September to spend up to $1.4 million on an existing contract with law...