Washington, D.C.—San Jose and Santa Clara County are set to receive approximately $212 and $374 million, respectively, through the American Rescue Plan to help offset the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. “I think if you talk to the residents who won’t lose their business or their homes, they’ll think this is a pretty big...
San Jose tightens grip on illegal fireworks
San Jose residents could face harsher consequences for taking part in illegal fireworks this summer. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously this month to move forward with the Social Host ordinance, which would fine tenants and property owners for fireworks launched on their property, regardless of if they set off the fireworks or not....
San Jose cannabis deliveries and pickups skyrocket during pandemic
While San Jose businesses struggled and shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic, one industry had its best year yet: cannabis. And local retailers say delivery services had a lot to do with it. According to San Jose Police Department Division Manager Wendy Sollazzi, tax revenue from cannabis sales is expected to provide the city with $17...
San Jose car thefts on the rise, beating national trends
Vehicle thefts are up across San Jose—and you might be more vulnerable if you drive an older Honda. According to the city, vehicle thefts rose by 15% between 2019 and 2020. Preliminary data shows thefts recorded in January and February of this year outstripped thefts during the same time in 2020 by a whopping 49%,...
San Jose rejects sanctioned homeless encampments
The San Jose City Council won’t be authorizing sanctioned encampments like advocates had hoped for. Councilmembers voted unanimously Tuesday to reject a sanctioned homeless encampment plan. Sanctioned encampments are designated places where homeless people could live and gather without fear of being cleared out. The city would provide sanitation and hygiene services such as portable...
San Jose man faces restraining orders, court battle after watching police
A San Jose resident faces a restraining order and a winding legal battle with police after they arrested him for legally documenting their activity during a traffic stop. The man is due in court next month to fight against a restraining order police issued against him—what his attorneys call a delay tactic by City Hall. On a...
UPDATE: San Jose approves new $10,000 fine for illegal dumping
Dumping a couch on the side of the freeway in San Jose will soon come with a $10,000 penalty — one of the highest in the nation. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to increase first-offense fines for illegal dumping to $10,000. Currently, the city has three levels for illegal dumping fines: $2,500...
San Jose Flea Market vendors demand lawmakers reject development plans
The San Jose Planning Commission’s recommendation for a development plan that dramatically shrinks the size of the flea market was not the outcome vendors and their families wanted. More than 20 vendors and advocates gathered in front of San Jose City Hall on Tuesday to demand Mayor Sam Liccardo and other councilmembers reject plans for...
San Jose lawmaker floats ‘Good Doctor’ tax
ABC medical drama “The Good Doctor” is set in San Jose, but doesn’t actually film here. One city official jokingly said City Hall should capitalize on that. The television show stars an autistic savant aspiring surgeon played by English actor Freddie Highmore who does his residency at the prestigious—but fictional—San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital. The...
Golf experiencing resurgence on San Jose courses
After draining city coffers for decades, San Jose’s three city-owned golf courses are back in full swing—bringing in more green for City Hall. The sport has experienced a resurgence during the pandemic as people seek recreation in the great outdoors. From May 2020 to April 2021, San Jose Municipal Golf Course saw a 44% increase...