PG&E has parted ways with a top executive representing Silicon Valley, following this news organization’s reporting on the executive’s involvement in a City Council campaign that received money from the energy giant. Teresa Alvarado announced her separation from the Bay Area’s $40 billion investor-owned power utility on LinkedIn last month. For the past four years,...
San Jose homeless hotel gets new management
A San Jose hotel converted to homeless housing is switching operators, and residents are welcoming the change. Nonprofit service provider WeHope will take over the Arena Hotel at 817 The Alameda starting Dec. 1 and replace HomeFirst. It will provide case management and temporarily manage the property, security and food until San Jose hires another...
UPDATE: San Jose officials approve temporary tobacco shop ban
The San Jose City Council has enacted a temporary moratorium blocking the establishment of new tobacco shops throughout the city as officials draw up a long-term plan to regulate such businesses. Councilmembers voted unanimously Tuesday to halt the issuance of new licenses for local tobacco businesses, including retailers, smoke shops and smoking lounges. The 45-day...
Federal workers in San Jose get free meals during shutdown
A food service provider is stepping up to provide hot meals to federal workers at the San Jose airport during the government shutdown. The workers haven’t been paid since Oct. 1 and food insecurity is prevalent. During the shutdown, Martha’s Kitchen is providing more than 800 meals a week to 340 Transportation Security Administration (TSA)...
San José Spotlight sues city over secret messages
San José Spotlight is suing San Jose City Hall and the city’s police department after they repeatedly refused to release an inflammatory text thread involving several councilmembers. The lawsuit filed Wednesday seeks the disclosure of “Tammany Hall” — a group chat that allegedly involved Councilmembers Peter Ortiz, Domingo Candelas and former Councilmember Omar Torres, who was arrested...
Fed food cuts spur San Jose eatery to offer free meals
Bay Area restaurants are stepping up to provide meals to families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the looming loss of food stamps. Tony & Alba’s Pizza & Pasta in San Jose is offering free meals to children and a 25% discount to parents until the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded....
San Jose council approves policies to freeze ICE out
San Jose continues to strengthen protections for its immigrant communities by prohibiting federal immigration agents from hiding their identity and advancing plans to prevent ICE from using city-owned properties for enforcement. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously for both policies on Tuesday. The city attorney created an unmasking policy that prohibits all law enforcement...
San Jose homeless audit highlights failed accountability
San Jose’s homeless outreach efforts have been more concerned about volume than outcomes, and there is little accountability when homeless support nonprofits did not provide adequate services. A city audit of San Jose’s homelessness services released in October found some nonprofits did not meet performance targets or reporting requirements, and the Housing Department failed to...
San Jose hires outsider as animal shelter director
San Jose’s animal shelter has a new leader, and the animal advocacy community is cautiously optimistic she can turn the facility around. City officials recently announced Monica Wylie as deputy director of the Animal Care and Services division, which manages the San Jose Animal Care Center and the 12,000 animals it cares for annually. Wylie brings...
San Jose music venue closure is a loss for indie artists
San Jose will be losing a longstanding music venue with a reputation for giving budding local artists audience exposure. The Art Boutiki will close at the end of December after 16 years of providing an eclectic space for artists of all genres and creating a community for music lovers in San Jose. The music venue...