Santa Clara won’t get the sweeping charter overhaul city officials spent more than a year developing. Instead, city voters will weigh in on a narrower change to how the city handles public works projects. The Santa Clara City Council on July 14 declined to place a comprehensive charter amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot. Instead,...
Santa Clara celebrates more housing in former industrial park
Construction is underway on the next phase of a major housing development in Santa Clara’s growing mixed-use neighborhood near Levi’s Stadium known as the Clara District, as officials continue transforming the former industrial area. City officials, developers and residents on Thursday celebrated construction starting on Parkside, a market-rate apartment community expected to open in fall 2028....
Santa Clara approves plans for temporary homeless housing
After years of revisions, public debate and negotiations between city, Santa Clara County and nonprofit leaders, Santa Clara has taken another step toward bringing a family-focused interim housing community to a vacant, county-owned site near Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. Supporters said the project will provide temporary housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness...
Santa Clara officials get raises but no performance reviews
Several Santa Clara officials are receiving pay raises following a routine City Council vote that turned into a debate over the city’s handling of performance reviews for its top leaders. Councilmembers on July 6 voted 5-1-1 to adopt updated salary plans for the mayor and council, city clerk, city attorney and city manager to comply with state...
Local ride-share shuttle expands into North Santa Clara
Santa Clara residents and workers now have access to an on-demand shuttle service in the northern part of the city thanks to a regional effort to reduce car trips and improve transit connections. Silicon Valley Hopper has expanded its service into North Santa Clara as of July 1, allowing riders to travel throughout the city...
Former Santa Clara official again denied access to devices
A judge has once again denied an ex-Santa Clara official access to his electronic devices seized during an investigation that led to his felony perjury conviction. Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Javier Alcala denied former Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker’s motion to return the devices after a Friday hearing that centered on giving Becker...
Santa Clara’s special event zone helps businesses, not vendors
Soccer fans from around the world are expected to flood Santa Clara this weekend for the FIFA World Cup, bringing team chants, fan marches and crowds to Levi’s Stadium — but outdoor merchants and food vendors may not benefit from the event at all. Santa Clara has created a “special event zone” to temporarily restrict sidewalk...
Santa Clara shifts minor public right-of-way changes to staff
Santa Clara officials are shifting decision-making over certain public right-of-way areas from elected leaders to city staff, with some residents sharing concerns about transparency and accountability. The City Council on Tuesday voted 4-3 to have the city manager approve minor public right-of-way changes, such as fences or structures near sidewalks, without needing to hold a...
Santa Clara businesses sue over shopping center displacement
A once-busy Santa Clara shopping center home to Asian-owned businesses is now nearly empty — and multiple tenants are taking their former landlord to court as the property moves toward redevelopment. Two businesses at the Homestead Shopping Center — Tous les Jours bakery and Fuheng Herbs — have filed separate lawsuits alleging they have been...
Santa Clara adopts safety plan to reduce traffic fatalities
Santa Clara has joined a growing number of Bay Area cities pursuing policies aimed at eliminating traffic deaths. The Santa Clara City Council voted early Wednesday morning to adopt the city’s Vision Zero plan, committing to a strategy to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on local roads. City officials decided to implement the plan...