Silicon Valley’s newest assemblymember has hit the ground running in his first four months, with a hefty bill package supporting economically disadvantaged Californians. District 26 Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens was sworn into office Dec. 8, and since then he’s met with thousands of residents, community leaders and local officials. The freshman state lawmaker is carrying 17...
San Jose special election PAC spending tops $800K
Spending has skyrocketed on the eve of San Jose’s special election, which will determine who will represent downtown on the City Council. Heading into Election Day, Matthew Quevedo, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Matt Mahan, is holding on to his fundraising lead with about $271,000 raised, according to recent campaign filings. Among the seven...
San Jose congressman talks tariffs with small businesses
President Donald Trump’s tariffs have begun to hit the economy, and one congressional lawmaker heard fear, frustration and anger from local businesses during his trip to San Jose. Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who sits on the House Subcommittee on Trade, introduced legislation to ensure Congress, not the Trump administration, decides who imposes broad tariffs. In partnership...
Proposed San Jose Chick-fil-A would be first in West San Jose
The largest fast-food chicken sandwich chain in the U.S. wants its next San Jose location to be the city’s most pedestrian-friendly restaurant. Chick-fil-A is seeking approval from city officials to add another eatery in San Jose with outdoor seating and no drive-thru at 1301 West San Carlos St. A spokesperson previously told San José Spotlight they...
Housing project next to Los Gatos High raises safety issues
A 30-home project could be built across the street from Los Gatos High School, bringing student safety to the forefront. The Los Gatos Planning Commission voted 4-2 on March 26 to recommend the Town Council approve a 4-story, mixed-use housing development at 143-151 E. Main St. across the street from Los Gatos High School. Commissioners...
San Jose homeless people say police citations are harassment
San Jose police continue to issue handwritten tickets to homeless people even after the department switched to electronic citations — a practice that is raising questions. Four homeless residents encamped near Cherry Avenue along the Guadalupe River said police regularly patrol the area and give out tickets for trespassing and littering. The behavior has those...
On the Record: San Jose’s District 3 special election
In a few days, voters in San Jose’s downtown core will head to the polls to elect their next councilmember. The April 8 special election will bring new leadership to the San Jose City Council District 3 seat that’s been vacant since November. The former councilmember, Omar Torres, resigned in disgrace after he was arrested...
On the Record: San Jose District 3 Special Election candidate Gabby Chavez-Lopez
San José Spotlight asked candidates running for the San Jose City Council District 3 seat how they would tackle some of the city’s most critical challenges — from public safety to economic development and homelessness. Read all the candidates’ answers. Here are Gabby Chavez-Lopez’s full answers: If elected, what actions and policies will you prioritize...
On the Record: San Jose District 3 Special Election candidate Matthew Quevedo
San José Spotlight asked candidates running for the San Jose City Council District 3 seat how they would tackle some of the city’s most critical challenges — from public safety to economic development and homelessness. Read all the candidates’ answers. Here are Matthew Quevedo’s full answers: If elected, what actions and policies will you prioritize...
On the Record: San Jose District 3 Special Election candidate Phil Dolan
San José Spotlight asked candidates running for the San Jose City Council District 3 seat how they would tackle some of the city’s most critical challenges — from public safety to economic development and homelessness. Read all the candidates’ answers. Here are Phil Dolan’s full answers: If elected, what actions and policies will you prioritize...