San Jose leaders want to make sure that money spent on local elections comes from Americans — and they have passed a landmark campaign finance policy that seeks to do just that. The San Jose City Council yesterday unanimously approved prohibiting “foreign-influenced corporations” from making political contributions in city races in hopes that election results reflect...
San Jose Police Chief Mata to retire
San Jose’s top cop is set to retire in a few months — and is moving on to lead investigations for the county. Police Chief Anthony Mata will retire in March as he steps into the role of investigations bureau chief for the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office the following month. Mata has served...
San Jose lawsuit sparks legislation to bolster government transparency
From Stockton to Anaheim and San Jose, government officials across California use personal email accounts and texts to do the public’s business—and those messages often never see the light of day because public agencies can’t access them. Now, a San Jose legislator is working to change that. State Sen. Dave Cortese on Monday introduced a...
Billboard giant wins lawsuit against San Jose
A billboard conglomerate alleged San Jose violated its own rules with an advertising contract—and a judge agreed. Outfront Media won its lawsuit against the city last month after contending that San Jose did not follow proper procedure and bid out the construction of two digital billboards south of Highway 101 on San Jose Mineta International...
Former San Jose mayor staffer sues for defamation
A former executive team member of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s office is suing the mayor, his chief of staff and the city for defamation nearly a year after she was fired. Stacey Katz Brown alleges that Mahan and his chief of staff, Jim Reed, damaged her reputation by wrongfully accusing her of leaking confidential...
‘Disgraceful’: San Jose struggles with records law years after landmark case
In the six years since San Jose made national headlines for losing a pivotal lawsuit that changed state transparency laws, the city’s been sued over public records numerous times and paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to settle. An analysis by San José Spotlight found the city faced at least six lawsuits—half from news organizations—accusing...
San Jose safe parking for homeless residents delayed
San Jose is spending nearly $2 million to lease land it has yet to use for homeless people living in their vehicles—and councilmembers, residents and advocates want things done quicker. Land at 1300 Berryessa Road has sat vacant since last July. The city agreed to lease the 6.3-acre parcel at $1.7 million annually for at least...
San Jose homeless housing expansion highlights cost concerns
San Jose is allocating millions of dollars to double the capacity of its oldest temporary housing site for homeless residents, pushing long-term operating costs into overdrive. The Rue Ferrari site, located in South San Jose, is adding 134 beds at a cost of more than $30 million. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved the...
Holiday travelers say San Jose airport is a breeze
Holiday travelers flying out of the South Bay have been treated to short security lines and few cancellations this year. While other travelers across the country have fallen victim to long check-ins, cancellations and delays amid winter weather, San Jose Mineta International Airport spokesperson Ana State said this year’s holiday travel season has been without...
Powerful PAC supports several San Jose candidates
A political action committee that supports local pro-business candidates has announced its endorsements for next year’s San Jose City Council and mayoral elections. Silicon Valley Biz PAC is putting its weight behind incumbent Mayor Matt Mahan for another term leading the city. For the council seats, the Biz PAC is endorsing Joe Lopez, a retired sheriff’s...