Vice President Kamala Harris visited San Jose today, marking the second stop on her nationwide “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” tour, where she contended with protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. During a talk at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose, Harris called for continued action to ensure reproductive freedoms are...
Former Silicon Valley pastor faces investigation for abuse
A prominent Silicon Valley leader and former pastor is under investigation after numerous families accused him of abusing their kids when he led a youth ministry at a popular South Bay church. Brett Bymaster is facing a second investigation in three years after five families at The River Church Community say a probe in 2021...
East San Jose store’s fight to sell booze takes bizarre twist
An East San Jose convenience store’s simple application for a permit to sell alcohol has spiraled into a tangled knot of controversy and accusations of foul play. The San Jose City Council on Tuesday denied a conditional use permit that would have allowed Fast Mart, a small store at 1484 S. White Road, to sell...
San Jose leaders approve new wage theft policy for builders
Construction workers could soon gain an additional layer of protection in San Jose, as city leaders supported new rules to limit wage theft violators from completing development projects. The San Jose City Council unanimously approved a “responsible construction ordinance” plan Tuesday that prevents builders from receiving a certificate of occupancy from the city for projects...
San Jose State faculty back to work as agreement ends statewide walkout
Striking San Jose State University faculty stood in the rain in front of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on Monday demanding fair wages, and by late last night a tentative deal was reached. After one day, the California State University strike across 23 campuses was over. The California Faculty Association and CSU management agreed...
San Jose makes a ‘mistake’ with overzealous citations, mayor says
San Jose resident Katie Wyatt’s house was full. With six people home for Christmas, including her mom and a cousin from Jamaica, she decided to store her exercise bike on her porch, with a dresser off to the side for shoes taken off before entering the house. She never expected a $250 fine from the...
San Jose taxpayers foot the bill for police collisions
Every year, San Jose receives hundreds of claims from residents because they tripped on a sidewalk or a sewage backup destroyed their property — but the most commonly settled claims are car accidents caused by police and other city employees. An analysis by San José Spotlight found that of the 1,122 claims filed by residents over...
San Jose mayor endorses predecessor for Congress
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is endorsing the city’s former leader in the race for the first open Silicon Valley congressional seat in two decades. Mahan is endorsing former Mayor Sam Liccardo to represent California’s 16th congressional district, a contest crowded with big names competing to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo, who announced her retirement at...
San Jose African American Community Service Agency works toward equity
In celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, the African American Community Service Agency in San Jose aims to connect residents with educational and supportive services. The agency is hosting its Martin Luther King, Jr. annual luncheon today, to highlight existing problems, celebrate successes and honor the Black community’s history and culture. Beyond the luncheon,...
San Jose revisits old goals to solve homelessness
New year, new goals — and San Jose officials are trying again to resolve the city’s homeless crisis. This week, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved its annual update of a five-year plan to end homelessness following a lengthy two- hour debate. The city will spend $50 million to subsidize affordable housing construction to bring 400...