A long delayed monument to fallen Vietnam War fighters will finally be unveiled at San Jose’s Vietnamese Heritage Garden, a planned cultural gathering space waylaid by community divide. The life-size statue of two armed soldiers — one American and one South Vietnamese — could be ready for public viewing this month or early July. It...
San Jose named one of top U.S. cities to raise a family
San Jose ranks as one of the top cities in the country to raise a family, but lack of affordability is also pushing some people out the region. WalletHub ranked San Jose seventh as the best place to raise a family out of 182 U.S. cities surveyed. Four other California cities made the top 10, with...
Willow Glen residents oppose homeless safe sleeping site
Willow Glen residents are protesting a proposal to turn a vacant lot in their neighborhood into a city-sanctioned homeless encampment, or safe sleeping site. About 50 people rallied Saturday at the intersection of Willow and Lelong streets against the idea, citing neighborhood issues they believe stem from nearby homeless residents. City officials have revisited the...
Fourth time’s a charm: Water board OKs San Jose waterway plan
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has green lit San Jose’s plan through 2027 to tackle homeless encampment trash going into city waterways — further ensuring the city’s compliance with environmental regulations. Deputy City Manager Kip Harkness said at a Monday San Jose City Council meeting that the city is going to...
San Jose Xfinity stores first to offer deaf customers ASL services
Xfinity is rolling out a new service in San Jose to increase accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Xfinity, the national internet service provider for parent company Comcast, launched its in-store American Sign Language (ASL) translation services to the public this week. Xfinity will be the first in the country to...
It’s never been easier to build a backyard home in San Jose
Backyard homes are now even easier to build in San Jose after amending some conflicting rules. The San Jose City Council earlier this month unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s local building code, also known as a reach code, allowing any new home under 1,200 square feet to meet energy standards if it certifies...
San Jose shifts affordable housing funds to tackle waterway encampments
San Jose leaders have dealt a blow to affordable housing advocates after diverting affordable housing funds to temporarily shelter homeless residents living along city waterways. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to redirect affordable housing funds from Measure E. They also unanimously approved Mayor Matt Mahan’s June budget message, which includes proposals for...
San Jose affordable housing projects stuck in limbo without funding
Recent efforts to redirect Measure E monies meant for affordable housing in San Jose have brought to light 13 of those projects waiting for city funding to start construction. That waitlist is keeping more than 1,500 new homes off the market. Housing Department officials reviewed the affordable housing projects after inviting developers last year to submit their plans for...
San Jose spearheads nationwide AI safety group
While San Jose is getting cozy with artificial intelligence, the city is preparing safety nets for its own partnerships. The city published a set of employee guidelines on AI last July. Now, it’s nearly done with an AI policy with requirements for companies that work with San Jose. This policy was created in tandem with...
San Jose Latino leaders criticize Biden for border policy
Latino leaders across San Jose are saying President Joe Biden’s recent executive order closing the border to migrants is a step in the wrong direction for the nation’s immigration policy and immigrant communities. Those who work with asylum seekers fleeing violence such as San Jose nonprofit Amigos de Guadalupe said migrants can’t wait years for...