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A new strain of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Santa Clara County, but details about its transmissibility are scarce. Santa Clara County officials confirmed a strain known as BA.2 has been found in two people in the county. In a video shared with San José Spotlight, Deputy Public Health Officer Dr. George...
Parking fees at Santa Clara County mall upset shop owners, employees
Retailers and restaurant owners at Westfield Valley Fair shopping mall are circulating a petition against a new paid parking policy. The shopping center’s parking program, scheduled to start Feb. 8, would charge people working at Valley Fair $40 per month or $3 per day, which adds up for those earning a minimum wage. A petition...
Poll shows Santa Clara County district attorney, opponent in close race
An early election poll shows Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen and public defender Sajid Khan in a close race for the top county prosecutor seat. The poll, conducted by Florida-based SEA Polling & Strategic Design, surveyed 350 likely voters in the county district attorney race between Dec. 14-16. The poll, paid for by Khan’s campaign,...
UPDATE: Santa Clara County lawmakers approve new jail
Santa Clara County lawmakers are moving forward with the creation of a new jail, despite hours of testimony from residents and advocates fiercely opposed to the project. The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to construct a 500-inmate maximum security jail and develop a plan for demolishing components of the existing Elmwood Correctional Facility and all...
Candidate for Santa Clara County sheriff drops out of crowded race
One candidate vying for the Santa Clara County sheriff spot is dropping out just weeks after filing papers to run. Dave Knopf, former assistant chief of the San Jose Police Department, told San José Spotlight he’s quitting the race. Knopf said he wanted to take on the challenges of the office, but believes it would...
Santa Clara County’s VMC emergency workers stage walkout
Emergency workers at the Valley Medical Center walked off the job Tuesday to protest staffing shortages among physicians and unsafe working conditions during the biggest COVID-19 surge in the county. Roughly 30 health care workers showed up in front of the VMC emergency department in protest of a month-long issue that has driven doctors away and...
Not all Santa Clara County cities see new state housing law the same way
Cities across California are deciding if they are going to welcome or fight a statewide housing bill that could change the makeup of neighborhoods. Senate Bill 9, effective as of Jan. 1, allows property owners to build additional housing on an existing lot which they could then sell. Homeowners on lots larger than 1,200 square feet...
Where can you find at-home COVID-19 tests in Santa Clara County?
With the widespread outbreak of the omicron variant, at-home COVID-19 tests are vital but hard to locate. To help meet this need, Santa Clara County will start distributing 60,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits Saturday at four drive-through locations: Hellyer County Park, Martial Cottle Park, Vasona County Park and Foothill College. Dr. Jennifer Tong, associate...
Grants for Santa Clara County microbusinesses will leave some hanging
COVID relief for very small businesses in Santa Clara County is on the horizon, but a bevy of rules may prevent it from reaching some struggling entrepreneurs. The county is waiting to receive $2.4 million from a California program that aids microbusinesses across the state. Once in hand, the county anticipates distributing $2,500 grants to...
Coalition pushes for alternatives to new Santa Clara County jail
In a final push to oppose plans for a new Santa Clara County jail, local residents and advocates are using a new avenue to shame elected officials for wobbling on important issues—a comedy skit. Led by Race Equity and Community Safety (RECS) and Show up for Racial Justice in the South Bay (SURJ), about 30...