Parents and community advocates are calling for new leadership in San Jose’s largest public school district following a county report that highlights numerous issues — which the district disputes. Community members spoke Thursday at a San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) board of trustees meeting, citing a Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report that...
San Jose LGBTQ+ center namesake embraced everyone
Not much is known about William Price, the drag queen whose name adorns the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center in San Jose. Price, an African American drag queen and activist who performed under the name “Billy DeFrank,” used his performances to fundraise for various causes, according to Gabrielle Antolovich, president of the center’s board of...
Embattled San Jose recycling hauler supported Liccardo’s interests
The web of influence wielded by the owners of San Jose’s primary recycling company — now under an FBI microscope — includes Silicon Valley’s former mayor turned congressional candidate. California Waste Solutions, the company at the center of an FBI raid last week that included company executives and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, gave $10,000 in 2022 to...
Will Supreme Court ruling change San Jose’s homeless policy?
San Jose homeless resident Antonio de Viche prefers the streets to shelter or temporary housing, where he doesn’t feel safe. But that could all change with today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision that will allow cities to ban homeless people from sleeping outside. The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that it is not unconstitutional...
Silicon Valley politicians give back donations following FBI raids
Recent FBI raids into Bay Area properties owned and run by members of the politically-connected Duong family bring to light the yearslong allegations of illegal political donations into Silicon Valley. Among those alleged to have received illegal donations are Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, whose residence was searched by federal agents last week in connection with...
San Jose coffee shop is community anchor for local artists
Nirvana Soul, a Black, women-owned business known for its vibrant pink-painted coffee shops, serves up more than unique brews — it’s a hub for local artists, poets and musicians to showcase their talents. The co-founder/sister duo, Be’Anka Ashaolu and Jeronica Macey, whose San Jose coffee shop sits on the corner of South First Street, support...
San Jose preps plan to reach zero traffic deaths
A San Jose task force aimed at finding ways to eliminate traffic deaths is folding at the end of the year — and while road safety improvements have been made, the city still has work to do in reducing fatalities. San Jose saw its highest rate of traffic fatalities in recent history in 2022 with...
San Jose has 4th highest homeless population in U.S.
San Jose has the fourth highest number of homeless people per capita in the U.S. based on a recent survey, and advocates blame it on multiple problems. An Insider Monkey report shows that for every 100,000 people per capita, San Jose has 363 residents that are homeless. New York City ranks third, Los Angeles ranks...
San Jose funds affordable housing for low-income families
San Jose leaders have approved $7.3 million in Measure E funds for a very low-income affordable housing development in South San Jose. The $45.4-million multi-family development is the latest affordable housing project to be approved under Measure E since city officials announced $50 million in funding for four projects last October. The 48-apartment project will...
San José Spotlight’s PolitiBeat tackles the future of Silicon Valley
San José Spotlight’s all-day political festival returned for its second year to tackle pressing issues facing Silicon Valley, from artificial intelligence and county elections to the region’s evolving identity. Roughly 200 attendees heard firsthand from local leaders in government, education, technology and development, converging on June 14 at the Hammer Theatre in downtown San Jose...