Residents aren’t happy about the prospect of San Jose turning into Times Square with flashy billboards and bright lights, according to a new citywide survey. The poll, which surveyed 2,000 residents, found 91% of respondents were either “strongly opposed” or “somewhat opposed” to new digital billboards in the city, regardless if they are built on public or...
How VTA is diversifying its contractors for BART project
With planning in the works for BART’s PHASE II Program, a $6.5 billion downtown San Jose/Santa Clara extension, one VTA official is pushing to ensure minority-owned businesses get their fair share of contracts. “It’s the right thing to do and with my position, I have the ability to make changes,” said John White, the transit...
San Jose driver shot six times sues SJPD for $5 million
A man who was shot six times by San Jose police is suing the department, along with former chief Eddie Garcia and officer Eric Mosunic – the officer who fired the bullets. The lawsuit filed by Yuridia Ochoa alleges multiple claims, including excessive force and unreasonable medical care after only four of the six bullets...
First 100 days: Has San Jose Councilmember David Cohen kept his campaign promises?
San Jose Councilmember David Cohen came out on top of a tight four-way primary in March 2020 and became the only candidate last year to unseat an incumbent. By ousting former Councilmember Lan Diep, Cohen’s victory shifted the City Council in favor of labor-aligned candidates. On the campaign trail, Cohen promised to build more affordable...
Homeless residents in San Jose cited, face arrest over tent encampments
Darlene Gladwell spent months cultivating a blooming garden of colorful plants and flowers outside the tent she calls home in San Jose’s Watson Park. A cluster of at least half a dozen other small homeless encampments surround her along Coyote Creek. But now Gladwell could go to jail, according to a citation she received, for...
Despite San Jose’s diversity, it’s only had two mayors of color
Look around San Jose, and you’ll be reminded of the groups of communities that live in the city: Places like the Mexican Heritage Plaza and Little Saigon speak to the city’s diversity. Leadership, however, depending on who you ask, hasn’t been so diverse. Since the city began electing mayors instead of appointing them in 1967, the...
Nonprofits will have an easier time renting in San Jose under revised policy
It might soon become even easier for nonprofits to find spaces to operate in the city—welcome news for community organizations with limited resources. San Jose amended its policy on nonprofits using city-owned land with a unanimous vote Tuesday. The policy will set clearer guidelines for assisting nonprofits and other public organizations, like schools, in renting...
First 100 days: Has San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan kept his campaign promises?
On the campaign trail last year, San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan pledged to make City Hall more transparent, accountable and to bring a data-driven approach to local government. After about 100 days in office, he is still striving to achieve this Mahan recently proposed the city set measurable goals when it comes to things like...
Who will lead San Jose’s chamber of commerce?
Six months after losing its CEO amid a widespread scandal, Silicon Valley’s largest chamber of commerce is close to naming its new leader. Several front runners have emerged in the hunt for the Silicon Valley Organization’s new top boss, but the business group is keeping the process under wraps. After the resignation of CEO Matt...
What’s at stake in San Jose’s annual budget?
Every year, San Jose approves its operational budget. But what does it mean in terms of the city’s day-to-day operations — and how can the average resident understand the city’s budget documents? “Most folks may not realize how much information is in these budget documents,” said San Jose Budget Director Jim Shannon. “The city tries...