This may be the last mayoral election in San Jose that aligns with gubernatorial election years. On June 7, San Jose voters will decide if they want to keep mayoral elections on the off cycle or switch them to coincide with presidential election years. A yes vote on Measure B moves the mayor’s race, while...
San Jose spends federal funds on resident relief, business support
San Jose is getting ready to spend the balance of its multi-million dollar allocation of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan, giving out the last round of dollars to a variety of programs this summer. The remaining $78 million of the city’s total $212 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be...
San Jose remembers fall of Saigon through stories, volunteering
Dressed in black áo dài dresses and Vietnamese heritage flag accessories, more than 200 people gathered at San Jose City Hall Saturday to commemorate the anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Known among the Vietnamese community as “Black April,” the ceremony is a somber reminder of the more than 2 million people who died during and...
San Jose candidates raise—and spend—big ahead of primary election
With ballots going out to voters in about a week, San Jose candidates across six races have collectively raised more than $3 million in an election year set to be the most expensive in the city’s history. In the most high profile race, replacing terming-out Mayor Sam Liccardo, four frontrunning mayoral candidates have raked in more than...
San Jose considers security cameras for small businesses
To keep small businesses safe from crime, San Jose officials are considering a slew of measures to offer them assistance—including use of security cameras. On Wednesday the city’s Rules and Open Governance Committee referred a package of anti-crime proposals, including several items addressing small businesses, to the Public Safety, Finance & Strategic Support Committee for further discussion....
San Jose officials say crime is up, advocates say data is misleading
San Jose officials say early jail release policies have led to a spike in crime — and they’re searching for solutions. Violent crimes, including rape, robbery, homicide and aggravated assault, went up 10.4% from 2020 to 2021, according to San Jose Police Department data – and 2022 may be on track to beat it. Mayor...
San Jose mayor rallies for more state homeless funding
A coalition of California mayors is calling on the state to continue funding a grant for homelessness services to address what they call the state’s biggest crisis. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, joined by eight other mayors from the California Big City Mayors coalition, urged Gov. Gavin Newsom Monday to expand a program that helps local...
Election 2022: The race for San Jose mayor
Six candidates are competing to become mayor of San Jose—a coveted political position in Silicon Valley that comes with a host of complex problems. Mayor Sam Liccardo, who was elected in 2014, terms out at the end of the year, and a gaggle of councilmembers and political unknowns are fighting to replace him and lead the...
San Jose council review: Google plans microgrid, homeless to have say on housing
A homeless advocate on the housing commission. Slicing off funds for the unhoused. Digital literacy grants and plans for a Google microgrid had San Jose councilmembers talking on Tuesday. Here’s a breakdown of the April 19 City Council meeting: Housing commission expands The City Council unanimously approved adding another seat to its 13-member Housing and...
San Jose workers fleeing city, others rally for higher wages
Hundreds of job vacancies, low wages and unmanageable workloads have city workers frustrated and demanding changes. More than 80 city employees gathered in front of San Jose City Hall early Tuesday as union leaders called for a pay increase for more than 3,000 workers. The city has a workforce of roughly 6,200 employees. The coalition of unions, made...