San Jose

San Jose

San Jose to lease VTA lot for safe parking program

Unhoused people living in their RVs will soon be able to sleep safely at a sanctioned location in South San Jose. City officials told homeless advocates this week that San Jose is almost ready to sign a 5-year lease with VTA to start a new safe parking program at the Santa Teresa station’s parking lot. The...

San Jose legislator wants to extend ADA compliance program

A South Bay lawmaker wants to help small businesses become accessible to people with disabilities by extending a program that funds inspections and building grants. Assembly Bill 2164, authored by San Jose Assemblyman Alex Lee, would allow local governments to continue collecting a $4 fee attached to permits and licenses to fund disability compliance programs....

San Jose group fights water company over rate hike

A small group wants to stop San Jose’s main water retailer from changing its rate structure, arguing this will potentially remove an incentive for conserving water. Water Rate Advocates for Transparency, Equity and Sustainability (WRATES)—a group that advocates on behalf of water customers—challenged San Jose Water Company’s proposed rate hike and is currently in litigation...

West San Jose six-story hotel approved on Winchester Boulevard

Despite fervent community opposition, a six-story hotel is coming to Winchester Boulevard in West San Jose. On Wednesday, plans for a 119-room hotel on a 0.69-acre parcel at 1212 S. Winchester Blvd. was approved at a Planning Director’s hearing. The approval includes the demolition of two single-story commercial buildings and nine trees. The proposal quietly...

San Jose mayor raises six figures before stepping down from PAC

After raising more than $420,000 in three months, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is stepping away from a political action committee he formed less than six months ago. Liccardo announced on Twitter this week he’s resigning his officer role in Common Good Silicon Valley—a PAC he created in late 2021 to support business-friendly candidates in...

San Jose mayor candidates sound off on pension reform, gun policies, homelessness

Candidates running for mayor in San Jose set themselves apart on several key policy issues during San José Spotlight’s first election forum of 2022. Five candidates joined Wednesday’s forum—Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, San Jose Councilmembers Dev Davis, Matt Mahan and Raul Peralez, and former San Jose Police Department officer Jim Spence. Most candidates agreed...

San Jose escalates efforts to clear homeless encampment

With the deadline to clear one of the Bay Area’s largest homeless camps looming, San Jose has started towing cars and RVs near Columbus Park this week—a move that has prompted concern from advocates and homeless residents. With no advance notice, the city put up towing signs throughout the 18 acres area near Columbus Park...

San Jose evictions and airport upgrades tops City Council agenda

Rent relief is about to expire and thousands could be in jeopardy of losing their homes. Upgrades at San Jose airport will help those with disabilities, and redevelopment on North 1st Street is in the works. Here’s your weekly breakdown of happened at the San Jose City Council meeting on March 22. Rental update  ...

99 Ranch Market fills void at South San Jose mall

Thousands of residents flocked to Westfield Oakridge Mall on Tuesday to check out the latest store bringing an expansive variety of pan-Asian produce, baked goods and hot food to South San Jose. The 99 Ranch Market company, one of the largest Asian supermarket chains in the nation, unveiled its newest store this week at Oakridge Mall...