VTA has finally set a target date for a partial reopening of its light rail that could happen as soon as this weekend. Officials confirmed Tuesday the transit agency is beginning test runs of its light rail service, marking the first time the trains have left the Guadalupe rail yard in almost three months. VTA hopes to...
Former San Jose reporter calls out DA for alleged victim’s rights violation
Paul Gackle barely survived being stabbed 14 times in his home. Four years later, he’s broke and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, but is determined to not be victimized again. Earlier this month, an advocate launched a petition for Gackle calling on the California Victims Compensation Board to pay him for wages lost following a horrifying...
COVID strikes Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office weeks after workers return
Two employees at the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office recently tested positive for COVID-19, causing some workers to question whether they went back to work too soon. Employees who requested anonymity out of fear of retaliation told San José Spotlight the office was notified of a positive infection on Aug. 13, less than one month after...
Growing diversity in San Jose could signal rise in progressive politics
The new census data released this month paints a clear picture of the rapidly growing diversity in Santa Clara County, and those numbers could signal a rise in progressive politics. With the white population plummeting for the first time in the nation, the Asian population is now the largest ethnic group the county. Asians represent 38.9%...
Santa Clara County nixes leaded fuel at Reid-Hillview Airport, considers early closure
After a decades-long fight by activists to shutter a small airport in East San Jose, county supervisors made a historic decision to eliminate leaded fuel by any means—including closing the airport. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously early Wednesday morning to eliminate lead exposure from operations at Reid-Hillview Airport. County lawmakers want to explore prohibiting the...
Silicon Valley transit agency workers demand hazard pay
VTA’s largest union is demanding back hazard pay for bus drivers, light rail operators and other essential transit workers who have worked throughout the pandemic. “If it wasn’t a dangerous situation… then you have to ask yourself, why was the majority of VTA management working from the comforts of their home?” asked John Courtney, president...
UPDATE: Santa Clara County pursues investigation of sheriff
Facing calls to resign and numerous investigations, Sheriff Laurie Smith is pushing back against claims that her office squandered hundreds of millions of dollars by unsuccessfully trying to improve jail conditions. “That is absolutely incorrect,” Smith said, adding that she hopes County Counsel does a thorough examination of her office’s progress in meeting goals set...
East San Jose airport switches to unleaded fuel as demands for closure escalate
Amid a contentious fight to close an East San Jose airport, officials announced Monday it will switch to unleaded fuel — but the move might not quell opponents’ concerns. The announcement came Monday from the Community and Airport Partnership for Safe Operation. The organization, which has fought to keep the airport open, reportedly received the...
San Jose mayor calls for sheriff to resign
Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith is firing back after San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo called for her resignation Monday, citing severe problems in her management of the county jail. Smith told San José Spotlight exclusively that she won’t make any decisions on resigning. “When the investigations are complete and I hope they are done quickly,...
San Jose VTA records show IT supervisor had prior complaints
Complaints about the behavior of a supervisor in VTA’s information technology department started appearing just months after he began working there, according to internal records. Records obtained by San José Spotlight show that in 2019, three employees complained about a supervisor, Kenneth Blackwell, shortly after he joined the department. The complaints alleged his behavior was...