Barry Swenson, the groundbreaking developer who reshaped the city’s skyline and became a household name, has died at age 85. Swenson was the third generation leader of Swenson Builders, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent construction and development firms, known for developing iconic buildings throughout San Jose. Those who knew him remember him for his...
San Jose mayor pushes housing vouchers for homeless shelters
As San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan continues to prioritize funding for temporary solutions over permanent housing, he wants the city to explore a new proposal — using monies from Section 8 housing vouchers for homeless shelters. Santa Clara County Housing Authority leaders announced the plan during the April 15 joint meeting with the City Council....
San Jose Chicano community fights opposition to mural in park
Tempers flared at a recent community meeting when Latino residents in San Jose’s northside neighborhood advocated for design approval of a Chicano-themed mural. Critics of the proposed mural at Backesto Park, including the members of the 13th Street Neighborhood Advisory Committee, turned out Wednesday evening for a meeting arranged by City Hall officials, hosted by...
San Jose District 3 special election heads to recount
Santa Clara County elections appear to be cursed — they can’t seem to avoid recounts for too-close-to-call races. The special election to replace the disgraced former District 3 San Jose councilmember Omar Torres is headed for a recount on April 24. The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters will only have four days to certify...
Data center, hundreds of homes coming to downtown San Jose
Two major housing developments in San Jose are the first to be approved as part of Mayor Matt Mahan’s latest initiative to expedite projects that provide “extraordinary benefits” to the city. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously April 8 to accept proposals from Canada-based real estate company Westbank to develop 1,492 homes across two...
San Jose officials weigh ballot measure for maintaining parks
San Jose’s most passionate parks advocates say city leaders need to create a new stream of funding to address the multimillion-dollar maintenance backlog and ongoing disparity in park quality for residents who live in areas like East San Jose. On Tuesday, the San Jose City Council revisited the idea of a 2026 ballot measure that...
UPDATE: San Jose officials approve park revitalization plans
San Jose has plans to transform a dilapidated park into a family-friendly area for sports, but will first clear the area of homeless residents. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to revitalize Columbus Park, located at Asbury and Irene streets. Once a place where youth gathered in an under-resourced area, the new 9.4-acre...
UPDATE: San Jose District 3 candidates still competing for second place
Two candidates continue to swap between second and third place nearly a week after polls closed in the special election for San Jose City Council District 3 — with ballots still being processed and a potential recount looming. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Gabby Chavez-Lopez, executive director of the Latina Coalition of Silicon Valley, still...
San Jose Downtown Association CEO departs
The dynamic leader of a nonprofit focused on revitalizing downtown San Jose has stepped down. After three years at the helm of the San Jose Downtown Association, CEO Alex Stettinski has left “to pursue his next professional chapter,” according to the organization. The association represents more than 2,000 businesses, nonprofits and property owners. It aids...
San Jose starts work on safe sleeping site
San Jose is breaking ground on its first sanctioned homeless encampment, which will allow 56 people to sleep in tents without fear of being swept this summer. The vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. will serve as a navigation center, where participants will be given three daily meals and have access to showers, laundry facilities...