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Tom Beddingfield prides himself in being a yes man. In the funeral industry, it’s a must: With families grieving, the last thing some families want to hear is no. “In all the years I’ve been doing this, my biggest thing that I’ve always told my staff is that never tell a family no, whatever their...
San Jose school district accused of hiring allegedly shady contractor
A labor watchdog organization is accusing the San Jose Unified School District of hiring contractors and subcontractors that allegedly skirted California labor laws. The labor watchdog Foundation for Fair Contracting wrote letters to district Superintendent Nancy Albarrán in December accusing Glendora-based California Commercial Pools Inc., a contracting firm, of failing to comply with the state’s skilled and...
San Jose’s only Black administrator is breaking barriers in a male-dominated world
As a child, San Jose’s Planning Director Rosalynn Hughey was fascinated by her father’s work. He was a contractor, who built single-family homes from the ground up. She watched in envy as her brothers tagged along to help him create. This was the ’70s and Hughey was a girl — girls, at least in her...
San Jose advocates call Biden’s immigration plan unjust
As President Joe Biden was inaugurated at the nation’s Capitol, San Jose residents gathered to demand legal status for the country’s 11 million undocumented residents. “What do we want?” they shouted. “Papers! When do we want them? Now!” Local advocates since November have pressed the Biden administration to prioritize comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to...
San Jose lights up landmarks to remember COVID-19 victims
Five of San Jose’s most recognizable landmarks lit up in a warm amber light Tuesday night to honor the lives lost to COVID-19. The remembrance was part of a national movement as part of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. The sites included San Jose City Hall, Earthquakes Stadium,...
City survey: What do you want to ask San Jose’s next police chief?
San Jose is one step closer to selecting a new police chief and wants to hear from residents about what to ask the finalists. The city is hosting a forum Jan. 30 to ask the candidates questions submitted by residents. “Given the heightened scrutiny on policing this year and the need for strong leadership that...
San Jose Vice Mayor Chappie Jones reappointed as City Council evaluates process
When Chappie Jones was growing up in a redlined neighborhood in Sacramento, his role models were Black elected officials like Maynard Jackson and Harold Washington — the first Black mayors of Atlanta and Chicago, respectively. Today, he’s creating a legacy of his own by beginning his second term as vice mayor of San Jose. The...
A San Jose tobacco shop and LGBTQ center form unlikely partnership
Seated next to each other, they look like an odd couple. But two community leaders have forged an unlikely partnership — and it’s helping LGBTQ youth in unexpected ways. When the popular Crema Coffee on The Alameda closed one of stores, most San Joseans expected the space to be filled by another cafe or restaurant....
Top San Jose administrator retiring after nearly two decades
After working for the city of San Jose for 18 years, Deputy City Manager Kim Walesh announced she will retire March 30. Walesh, who previously served as the city’s economic development director, is leaving as San Jose faces significant challenges with its business climate spurred by COVID-19 and a looming transformation of its downtown core with...
San Jose cuts water in park with large homeless population, blames needles
A San Jose park that’s home to nearly 200 homeless residents was suddenly left without water — and city leaders initially suggested needles were to blame for clogging the drain. The water has since been restored by reopening one of the park’s two restrooms. It’s a critical need, advocates say, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic....
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