A proposed seven-story apartment and townhome project could bring 126 homes and a new retail space to Willow Glen, but many residents in the neighborhood are not happy about the plan. Almost 200 people called in to a June 3 community meeting hosted by San Jose Planning Department officials. Callers raised concerns about the imposing presence...
San Jose unveils war monument at Vietnamese Heritage Garden
San Jose’s Vietnamese community is celebrating a long-anticipated monument symbolizing its post-war roots in the city after the project faced years of delays. The statue, unveiled Saturday at the Vietnamese Heritage Garden, features a Vietnamese soldier and an American soldier, both armed and standing beside each other atop rocky terrain in front of the flags...
San José Spotlight wins 4 first place state journalism awards
San José Spotlight brought home seven California Journalism Awards in the annual contest sponsored by the California News Publishers Association, including four first-place wins. The yearly competition showcases the best print and digital reporting and photography statewide. News organizations compete in divisions based on size and circulation and, for the first time, the awards combined...
South San Jose tiny homes project long overdue
By next fall, San Jose aims to have a long-awaited temporary housing site on the south side of the city for homeless individuals, though some are questioning why it’s taking so long. The temporary emergency housing site will be built across from the Blossom Hill Hampton Inn on land owned by Valley Water. The 2.5-acre site...
San Jose businessman says he didn’t defame embattled CEO
A feud is heating up between two businessmen with big reputations in San Jose’s Little Saigon, including David Duong — the subject of an FBI probe involving Oakland’s mayor. Duong, CEO of trash and recycling hauler Cal Waste Solutions, has hurled a defamation lawsuit against Hai Huynh, a bail bonds businessman described by some in...
San Jose Sharks remain hush over negotiations with city
The San Jose Sharks are still being tight-lipped about their closed door discussion with city officials over the team’s future at the Shark Tank. As the NHL team’s 10-year agreement at the SAP Center transitions to an annual renewal starting next year, Sharks representatives are not only eager to stay in San Jose through 2040,...
San Jose ramps up funding to enforce ‘no return zones’
San Jose is set to pay for more employees and police patrols to enforce “no return zones” for homeless camps along the Guadalupe River and those surrounding temporary shelter sites citywide. An initial plan to expel more than a dozen homeless residents off the trail between Julian Street and Woz Way earlier this year has expanded to...
San Jose official denied restraining order against business owner
San Jose Councilmember Bien Doan’s request for a restraining order against a well-connected Vietnamese American businessman has been denied — capping a trial that laid bare the political rancor within Little Saigon’s older generation. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Eric Geffon ruled on Wednesday there is insufficient evidence that Hai Huynh — a bail...
San Jose official’s restraining order hearing nets notable witnesses
What started as one San Jose councilmember taking out a restraining order against a well-connected Vietnamese American businessman is morphing into a trial that has brought some of Little Saigon’s most well-known figures out to testify. Councilmember Bien Doan has requested a restraining order against business owner Hai Huynh, which set the stage for Tuesday’s...
Advocates say San Jose is misusing opioid settlement funds
San Jose has received more than $1 million from opioid makers and distributors after major companies settled a lawsuit with cities and states wanting to hold them accountable for the opioid epidemic — but advocates are not happy with the proposed use of the funds. Criminal justice and mental health advocates said the ongoing funds...