As the controversial likeness of Thomas Fallon sits atop his horse northwest of Downtown San Jose, some are hoping he joins the list of toppled statues across the country. More than a dozen protesters marched Tuesday from Fallon’s historic house to the statue, at the intersection of West St. James and Julian streets. Against the...
Newly-approved San Jose police union contract leaves door open for changes
Despite calls for increased accountability and defunding of the police department, the San Jose City Council extended its contract with the Police Officers’ Association for another year with no changes — at least for now. “The conversation has to continue,” said Councilmember Raul Peralez, who is himself a reserve police officer. It was not necessary...
San Jose police killings leave taxpayers footing a ‘blank check’
For the families of more than a dozen people killed by San Jose police since 2003, the cost of losing a life is immeasurable. But the financial cost of police killings in San Jose lies on the shoulders of taxpayers. A public records request from San José Spotlight revealed police killings have cost the city’s...
San Jose mayor hires Washington consultant to boost national profile
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo hired a Washington-based public image strategist to boost his national profile in 2018, according to public records obtained by San José Spotlight, and the PR firm scored three contract extensions and a pay bump that adds up to a six-figure compensation package over several years. It started out as a...
How do you fix San Jose police’s troubles? Two former police watchdogs weigh in
Two former San Jose police watchdogs say reforms proposed in the wake of excessive force during protests and revelations of racist Facebook posts by officers won’t fix systemic racism seeped into the department. “What I heard early on from a lot of the leadership was, ‘let’s address the tactics that were used and that are available...
San Jose fire station at risk of erosion from Coyote Creek
While the risk of Coyote Creek flooding is always present for San Joseans living near the creek, a more insidious threat is creeping steadily to undermine the stability of homes and properties in the area: The gradual erosion of soil along the river. Now, the city of San Jose is relocating Fire Station No. 8...
San Jose Speaks: A conversation with IPA Shivaun Nurre
The Memorial Day police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis awakened an unprecedented movement in San Jose — and across the country — against police violence, implicit bias, systemic racism and confrontational policing. Those tensions exploded after San Jose police officers shot rubber bullets at mostly peaceful protesters in May, causing serious injuries by striking...
Parents worry about shootings after police booted from San Jose schools
Fear of another school shooting has rekindled in parents’ minds now that San Jose Police officers will no longer patrol campuses within the East Side Union High School and Alum Rock Union School Districts. The move is part of a nationwide reexamination of law enforcement’s role in society, especially as officer presence has not impacted safety...
As air travel begins slow comeback, San Jose airport gets $9.6M for new marketing plan
For years, San Jose’s Mineta International Airport has bustled with throngs of globetrotting jet-setters from around the world. Millions of travelers pass through annually — more and more each year. That was until the coronavirus and nationwide stay-at-home orders brought its exponential growth to a screeching halt this spring. But now, as travelers are cautiously...
San Jose’s general plan review hindered by online meetings
As online meetings become the new norm under shelter-in-place orders, some community leaders and advocates say meeting remotely has hampered plans to revise one of San Jose’s most critical documents: its General Plan for 2040. “(The online format) puts a lot of pressure to keep the meetings at a reasonable time,” said Jason Su, executive...