In a few days, voters in San Jose’s downtown core will head to the polls to elect their next councilmember. The April 8 special election will bring new leadership to the San Jose City Council District 3 seat that’s been vacant since November. The former councilmember, Omar Torres, resigned in disgrace after he was arrested...
San Jose homeless people struggle with clean water sources
Dozens of homeless residents living at Columbus Park in San Jose have struggled to get drinking water, as local sources in the park have been off and on for weeks. Residents encamped in RVs and vehicles said they used to get their drinking water from fountains in the park, but the city shut the water...
Mental health facility expands San Jose services
An upcoming mental health inpatient facility is set to treat dozens of teens and adults in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, though nearby residents are raising concerns. The San Jose Planning Commission unanimously approved plans March 26 for the conversion of an existing office building at 913 Willow St. to a 48-bed mental health inpatient...
San Jose to further study feasibility of airport connector
San Jose is trying to protect public dollars while still moving forward on a next generation transportation project connecting the city’s airport and downtown train station. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved plans March 25 to move forward with a more detailed ridership study, financial forecasting and initial construction plans for the airport connector,...
First-term San Jose Congressman Liccardo raises eye-popping $1.5M
San Jose Rep. Sam Liccardo raised nearly $1.5 million in his first quarter as a member of Congress, according to a source familiar with the Liccardo camp — a hefty sum for a freshman lawmaker. Additionally, Liccardo, the former mayor of San Jose, transferred $110,000 to Democratic frontline members, the source told NOTUS. The transfers...
East San Jose apartments planned for 8-story complex
A neglected East San Jose medical building will be torn down to make way for multifamily housing. City officials approved a mixed-use development at 2470 Alvin Ave. to replace an existing medical office building during a March 26 San Jose Planning Director’s Hearing. The nearly one-acre parcel will be redeveloped into an 8-story, 138-apartment and...
Former San Jose motel to become permanent housing
San Jose is transferring ownership of a former motel rife with issues to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, with plans to convert it from temporary homeless housing to permanent apartments. The City Council approved finalizing the sale Tuesday for $1, with the housing authority expected to own the building by the end of June....
FAQ: How will San Jose’s first responder fee work?
San Jose officials unanimously voted to approve a “First Responder Fee Program” that will charge $427 per emergency medical service trip made by the fire department to increase its funding — but who will foot the bill? San José Spotlight dug deeper into the first responder fee program to address concerns from residents after Mayor...
San Jose not on track to open safe sleeping site
San Jose’s first safe sleeping site for homeless residents was supposed to open in March, but has been delayed by months. The city is converting a vacant lot at 1157 E. Taylor St. near Watson Park to allow up to 56 homeless people to sleep in tents without fear of being swept. Mayor Matt Mahan previously...
San Jose sets stricter rules for street vendors
San Jose police officials told city leaders they need more tools to impound the property of illicit street vendors in downtown, especially during events. The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept Police Chief Paul Joseph’s proposal to create a new street peddler permit policy to streamline law enforcement powers and remove permitting barriers. Police...