Rather than break ties with its sister city in Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, San Jose officials are choosing to keep communication lines open. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to send a letter of peace and support to sister city Ekaterinburg, Russia, encouraging its residents to stand against President Vladimir Putin. A sister...
San Jose sees barriers to building affordable housing
In an effort to ease barriers to affordable housing construction, San Jose is exploring taking steps to incentivize developers. On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to accept recommendations based on interviews with seven developers and a detailed report highlighting three key barriers: construction costs, the permitting process and complying with development regulations such as...
Homeless, police and blight: San Jose mayor shares budget priorities
Despite a $27.7 million city surplus, San Jose’s mayor is calling for a “constrained budget” focused primarily on homelessness and affordable housing, public safety and battling blight. Mayor Sam Liccardo starts his March budget message with an optimistic tone: the city has been able to withstand two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that has ravaged certain communities and...
Santa Clara County wants to make ghost guns vanish
Elected officials are taking steps to outlaw homemade guns in Santa Clara County. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will consider creating an ordinance to prohibit the possession, manufacturing and assembly of ghost guns. Elected officials are taking steps to outlaw homemade guns in Santa Clara County. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously...
Why San Jose can’t fully audit its own police
San Jose is trying to improve policing by turning to private companies for analysis despite having its own independent auditor. Last week, the City Council heard three outsourced reports with more than 300 recommendations on how the San Jose Police Department needed to improve its tactical practices. The reports, which cost more than $230,000, had residents questioning...
San Jose flea market fees frustrate vendors
The parking and entry prices at the Berryessa Flea Market in San Jose are increasing—and vendors are furious. All parking and walk-in fees are set to increase today, although Wednesdays at the flea market will still be free. Friday through Sunday costs will rise. On Fridays it will cost $5 to park, but walk-ins will...
San Jose council review: COVID booster mandate, police reports
COVID-19 restrictions are easing. Millions in Google money is ready to be spent. The city is looking at how it can improve its police department and make parks more friendly for families. Here’s what went down at the March 1 San Jose City Council meeting. Booster mandate repealed In a 9-1 vote, the City Council repealed the...
How is San Jose spending its Google money?
San Jose is spending millions from Google on economic recovery as the tech behemoth gets ready to start expanding into the city. On Tuesday, the City Council approved how to spend the $4.5 million Google is dispersing before construction on the Downtown West mega campus begins over the next 12-18 months. Of those funds, $3.25...
Poll: Peralez slightly leads in San Jose mayor’s race
A new poll released Tuesday shows San Jose Councilmember Raul Peralez and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez are leading the mayoral race in the heart of Silicon Valley—with Peralez having a slight edge over Chavez. New polling data of likely June 2022 primary voters, conducted by polling firm Tulchin Research and paid for by Peralez’s campaign,...
San Jose could split from Russian sister city
Councilmember Sylvia Arenas is recommending San Jose break with its sister city in Russia, adding its voice to international efforts to isolate the country over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Her proposal will be heard by the City Council in the near future. “Ending our city’s formal diplomatic relationship with Russia’s municipal government in Ekaterinburg...