For nearly ten years, San Jose’s “sunshine law” — an ordinance that promises the public greater access and information on its local government — has been a measure that the city prides itself on. But stronger local measures toward increased transparency don’t ensure that San Jose officials face serious penalties for breaking their own rules when...
Santa Clara clears way for massive residential development
Santa Clara’s City Council met for more than six hours Tuesday night, most of that time was spent weighing the merits of Gateway Crossings, a massive and controversial new residential project in the city. City officials’ sentiment about the project, which sits near the Santa Clara Caltrain Station, could be summed up effectively with a...
Dave Cortese announces big fundraising haul in Senate race
Candidates facing off in a tight state Senate race have eight months left before the primary election, setting off a full-blown dash for cash among the contenders — with Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese significantly outraising four other rivals. Cortese raised $650,000 in funds through June 30, kicking off July with more than $600,000...
San Jose: Green Party candidate to challenge Councilwoman Dev Davis
Green Party candidate Jake Tonkel has jumped into the San Jose City Council race in District 6, forcing incumbent Dev Davis to fend off two challengers in her re-election bid next fall. “I want to ensure our city is moving forward in a way that addresses income inequality,” Tonkel, 28, told San José Spotlight. “My...
8×8 will move HQ from San Jose to Campbell, expand throughout Bay Area
When searching for its new headquarters, a major San Jose-based tech company decided to go west. Cloud Communication Company 8×8 has leased nearly 178,000 square feet in Campbell and have started looking for more office space throughout the Bay Area and elsewhere, company officials said Monday. After a monthslong search for a new headquarters space,...
San Jose: 40,000 students will get library card under new program
In an unprecedented move, every student in four major San Jose school districts will receive a library card — providing tens of thousands of students access to books and other public library resources. The idea comes as an extension of the elimination of late fees on children’s materials adopted by the library system last year. Research...
‘No more cages’: Immigrants share detainment experiences at San Jose rally
Thousands of miles from detainment camps at the southern border, a row of young men and women sat in shackles on the steps of the Robert F. Peckham federal building in downtown San Jose. It was all part of a rally on Friday dubbed “No More Cages, No More Deportations” organized by Services, Immigrant Rights and...
The fight over Willow Glen Trestle goes back to court
A battle between San Jose city officials who want to see a long-delayed trail connection in Willow Glen come to life and a group devoted to preserving a historic train crossing made its way back into the courtroom this week. The bitter court battle has raged on for the past five years, with the most...
San Jose political leaders celebrate Independence Day in many ways
The Fourth of July wouldn’t live up to its name without a barbecue featuring hot dogs and burgers, a sweet sunburn after a long day by the pool or the beach, or red, white and blue everything — a stunning tribute to the country we all call home. But let’s not forget the can’t-miss event...
Republican challenger emerges in San Jose council race
San Jose Councilmember Sergio Jimenez who handily beat a Republican challenger four years ago is about to face another one — and he’s a familiar name in political circles. Mechanical engineer Jonathan Fleming, who unsuccessfully ran against one-term Councilmember Tam Nguyen in 2016, just moved into Jimenez’s district. And now he’s challenging the longtime Democrat,...