A South Bay lawmaker wants to help small businesses become accessible to people with disabilities by extending a program that funds inspections and building grants. Assembly Bill 2164, authored by San Jose Assemblyman Alex Lee, would allow local governments to continue collecting a $4 fee attached to permits and licenses to fund disability compliance programs....
San Jose group fights water company over rate hike
A small group wants to stop San Jose’s main water retailer from changing its rate structure, arguing this will potentially remove an incentive for conserving water. Water Rate Advocates for Transparency, Equity and Sustainability (WRATES)—a group that advocates on behalf of water customers—challenged San Jose Water Company’s proposed rate hike and is currently in litigation...
West San Jose six-story hotel approved on Winchester Boulevard
Despite fervent community opposition, a six-story hotel is coming to Winchester Boulevard in West San Jose. On Wednesday, plans for a 119-room hotel on a 0.69-acre parcel at 1212 S. Winchester Blvd. was approved at a Planning Director’s hearing. The approval includes the demolition of two single-story commercial buildings and nine trees. The proposal quietly...
San Jose mayor raises six figures before stepping down from PAC
After raising more than $420,000 in three months, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is stepping away from a political action committee he formed less than six months ago. Liccardo announced on Twitter this week he’s resigning his officer role in Common Good Silicon Valley—a PAC he created in late 2021 to support business-friendly candidates in...
San Jose mayor candidates sound off on pension reform, gun policies, homelessness
Candidates running for mayor in San Jose set themselves apart on several key policy issues during San José Spotlight’s first election forum of 2022. Five candidates joined Wednesday’s forum—Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, San Jose Councilmembers Dev Davis, Matt Mahan and Raul Peralez, and former San Jose Police Department officer Jim Spence. Most candidates agreed...
San Jose escalates efforts to clear homeless encampment
With the deadline to clear one of the Bay Area’s largest homeless camps looming, San Jose has started towing cars and RVs near Columbus Park this week—a move that has prompted concern from advocates and homeless residents. With no advance notice, the city put up towing signs throughout the 18 acres area near Columbus Park...
San Jose evictions and airport upgrades tops City Council agenda
Rent relief is about to expire and thousands could be in jeopardy of losing their homes. Upgrades at San Jose airport will help those with disabilities, and redevelopment on North 1st Street is in the works. Here’s your weekly breakdown of happened at the San Jose City Council meeting on March 22. Rental update ...
Santa Clara County cuts ties with Russia over Ukraine invasion
Santa Clara County has severed its ties with the Russian government in Moscow. In a largely symbolic act, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate its sister county/city relationship between Santa Clara County and Moscow. The vote comes nearly a month after Russia initiated an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine that has killed hundreds...
99 Ranch Market fills void at South San Jose mall
Thousands of residents flocked to Westfield Oakridge Mall on Tuesday to check out the latest store bringing an expansive variety of pan-Asian produce, baked goods and hot food to South San Jose. The 99 Ranch Market company, one of the largest Asian supermarket chains in the nation, unveiled its newest store this week at Oakridge Mall...
UPDATE: San Jose looks to limit foreign influence in elections
San Jose is moving to draft laws that limit foreign influence in elections and close some campaign contribution loopholes. On Tuesday, the City Council voted 9-1 to write an ordinance to prohibit foreign-influenced corporations or donors, with no stake in San Jose, from making contributions to local elections. It came before the council with intentions...