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...
San Jose: Illegal fireworks complaints more than triple amid pandemic
There was no escaping the cacophony of bangs, pops and crackles in San Jose on Saturday as cooped up residents let off steam during Independence Day by putting on their own fireworks displays. Some residents admired the amateur pyrotechnics. “East side San Jose (is) putting on a better show than professionals ever have,” one Twitter...
San Jose leader faces heat for suggestion to drop word ‘race’ from office name
San Jose Councilmember Johnny Khamis faced criticism this week for trying to remove the word “race” from the city’s new Office of Racial Equity. Khamis, who was rebuked by the City Council’s Latino members, defended his argument by saying race is a term people have used to divide each other for centuries. The dispute sparked...
Lawmakers take defunding off table, but San Jose activists and police see need for more social workers
Shifting money from San Jose’s police budget to pay for social service workers may be a fierce debate but the two sides agree on one issue. The city’s police officers respond to far too many emergencies for which they lack training such as dealing with homeless people and mental health crises. “We’ve been asking for...
UPDATE: In a split vote, San Jose council approves drafting ‘strong mayor’ measure
San Jose councilmembers voted 6-5 to approve a November ballot measure to expand Mayor Sam Liccardo’s power, extend his term until 2024, shift mayoral elections to presidential years and enact a slew of campaign finance reforms. Liccardo, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones, Councilmembers Johnny Khamis, Pam Foley, Dev Davis and Lan Diep voted in favor of...
San Jose appoints five new planning commissioners, expanding diversity
After a lengthy effort to ensure geographic equity on San Jose’s planning commission, city leaders on Monday appointed five new members each from a different district. The commission advises San Jose lawmakers on land use decisions and under certain circumstance can approve some projects without the City Council’s review. Months of advocacy for more representation...
San Jose activist pushes for mural honoring Gilroy shooting victim
Keyla Salazar had her whole life ahead of her when she was shot in the chest at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in 2019 just days before her 14th birthday. Salazar loved creating art and cared deeply for the humans and animals in her life, according to her family. Almost 200 people from her San Jose...
As illegal fireworks are on the rise, San Jose hopes to crack down
While Fourth of July celebrations are canceled across the South Bay due to coronavirus restrictions – aside from Gilroy’s plans for an abnormally high display Saturday – some residents have started recreating traditions on their own – illegally. Shooting off fireworks, bottle rockets, roman candles and firecrackers is illegal in San Jose and most of...
San Jose could face legal trouble for censoring racist remarks at meetings
Emanuel Jacobo said he knew he’d be cut off at a virtual San Jose City Council meeting after quoting a lyric by 2pac using the n-word during a discussion on police reform. “Cops give a damn about a negro, pull the trigger kill a n–––– he’s a hero,” Jacobo said, quoting 2pac’s Changes right before...