A San Jose entrepreneur wants the city to expand its horizons and allow special events at museums, concerts and comedy clubs where adults can smoke, drink or eat cannabis products. Fernando Alvarez, founder of VaporTent Lounges, said the city is missing out on an economic policy he’s helped other California cities craft. One that allows organizers...
San Jose nonprofit grades mayor, councilmembers on key issues
In a first of its kind report card on housing, immigration and economic justice, a South Bay nonprofit is grading local lawmakers—starting with San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. Liccardo scored a C. The report cards come from Sacred Heart Community Service, which ranked elected leaders based upon their records during the past five years. “It’s basically...
UPDATE: San Jose delays vote on COVID-related funds
Millions of dollars in federal funds for emergency housing and food services still hang in the balance for San Jose. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to delay plans to give out COVID-related funds from the federal government. Nearly $40 million from the city’s $212 million American Rescue Plan money may go to...
San Jose school districts struggle to find teachers
The lack of full-time and substitute teachers in San Jose schools remains problematic even as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes. Several San Jose school districts have elected to increase substitute teacher pay, and one created a new position to fill teaching holes left by the pandemic. Even those incentives are failing to attract educators back into...
Thousands of San Jose residents behind on water bills
The number of San Jose homes and businesses with overdue water bills spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many could see their taps run dry when the state ban on water shutoffs ends in December. At least 1,160 customers have unpaid bills totaling a combined $1.1 million with the San Jose Municipal Water System as...
San Jose high school locks bathrooms due to vaping
Some South Bay parents are enraged after a San Jose school closed several on-campus bathrooms because of vaping. Administrators at Willow Glen High School temporarily closed four restrooms citing “inappropriate use” of the facilities throughout the day. They informed parents in a letter this week that the closures will allow officials to monitor the remaining...
San Jose mayor taps local organizer to serve as Asian community liaison
Tri Nguyen started work as a community liaison in San Jose City Hall with a clear purpose: To get city services to his community. Since his family immigrated to San Jose from Vietnam more than 17 years ago, Nguyen has grown to love his second home in the South Bay. “I have built my roots here,” Nguyen told...
Domestic violence increased in San Jose during COVID pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated an already invisible problem—domestic violence. When shelter-in-place orders went into effect in early 2020, the situation for San Jose victims of domestic abuse and intimate partner violence trapped them. They were unable to reach out for help, according to YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley CEO Adriana Caldera. The shelter-in-place orders...
UPDATE: San Jose officials question statewide changes to single-family zoning
California Gov. Gavin Newsom effectively did away with single-family zoning last month with two pieces of legislation. But implementing the bills is leaving San Jose officials and elected leaders with questions as the laws come closer to taking effect. The San Jose City Council held a study session Thursday to discuss Senate Bills 9 and...
San Jose retailers won’t risk stopping shoplifters
While shopping at TJ Maxx, San Jose resident Ann Wang watched as a shoplifter walked brazenly out of the store. No one tried to stop him. “This guy walked up to a shelf with purses for sale and grabbed 4 or 5 and walked out of TJ Maxx and hopped into the car and he...