About seven people gathered in a confused cluster around a notice on the windows of the Heritage Theatre in Campbell to learn their path to citizenship was no longer available there. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) canceled its longstanding contract with the theater March 12 due to a “termination for convenience of the government”...
Former San Jose motel to become permanent housing
San Jose is transferring ownership of a former motel rife with issues to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, with plans to convert it from temporary homeless housing to permanent apartments. The City Council approved finalizing the sale Tuesday for $1, with the housing authority expected to own the building by the end of June....
West Valley may build new homes in risky fire zones
California is requiring two West Valley communities to build thousands of homes, while the state is ringing alarm bells over increasing fire risk where some of these homes might be constructed. Cal Fire released updated fire hazard severity maps for the first time since 2011 last month — and Los Gatos and Cupertino are in...
Ex-Silicon Valley education leader dismisses lawsuit
Former Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan has dropped her lawsuit against the Board of Education after trustees fired her last year. The lawsuit, dropped Thursday, claimed trustees had no authority to fire her because she was a constitutional officer and therefore could only be removed by the voters, Steven Ellenberg, Dewan’s...
FAQ: How will San Jose’s first responder fee work?
San Jose officials unanimously voted to approve a “First Responder Fee Program” that will charge $427 per emergency medical service trip made by the fire department to increase its funding — but who will foot the bill? San José Spotlight dug deeper into the first responder fee program to address concerns from residents after Mayor...
Special interest groups back District 3 San Jose council candidates
Money is stacking up in San Jose’s special election to represent the City Council’s downtown seat, with constituents and special interest groups putting thousands of dollars behind their chosen candidates. Matthew Quevedo, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Matt Mahan, continues to lead the pool of candidates in fundraising, with recent campaign finance filings showing...
San Jose not on track to open safe sleeping site
San Jose’s first safe sleeping site for homeless residents was supposed to open in March, but has been delayed by months. The city is converting a vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. near Watson Park to allow up to 56 homeless people to sleep in tents without fear of being swept. Mayor Matt Mahan previously...
Santa Clara County to increase revenue by neutering pets
Santa Clara County leaders are facing their most uncertain financial crisis since the pandemic, and they’re turning every stone for ideas on wrangling extra money. That includes, for the first time, spaying and neutering pets. The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the new service Tuesday, which will open the Animal Services Center in San Martin...
Mountain View weighs options for a higher-density Moffett Boulevard
Mountain View’s plans to redevelop Moffett Boulevard are taking shape, with several proposals on the table to roll out new land use regulations that would encourage more housing and commercial activity along the busy corridor. The Environmental Planning Commission deliberated on three land use options Wednesday evening, ultimately expressing a preference for a “blended approach” to housing...
Los Gatos services could be hit by federal funding cuts
The shifting political tides in Washington, D.C. have Los Gatos officials strategizing ways to protect vital services. The Los Gatos Town Council voted 4-1 March 18 to review federal funding changes every two months to determine the effect on town services, with Councilmember Mary Badame voting no. The small West Valley town has yet to receive...