A group of Santa Clara councilmembers have filed three ethics complaints against a political organization linked to Mayor Lisa Gillmor, including a state complaint naming her. Councilmembers Anthony Becker, Suds Jain and Kevin Park are raising concerns about Stand Up for Santa Clara, claiming the 501(c)3 nonprofit is violating the city’s “dark money” rules by...
Fired Santa Clara attorney sues city
Santa Clara is being sued by its former city attorney who claims officials fired him unlawfully as part of a hushed agreement with San Francisco 49ers owners. Brian Doyle—who helped lead several city actions to control 49ers management of Levi’s Stadium—said in a lawsuit the Santa Clara City Council majority terminated him in September 2021, as...
Levi’s Stadium events pump millions into Santa Clara
The recent uptick in big-name performers at Levi’s Stadium is bringing fans from across the country and an economic boost to cities in Santa Clara County. Between singers Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran, the tally looks to be more than a $50 million economic impact. This comes as the city of Santa Clara grapples...
Santa Clara officials approve more housing near university
A decades-old blighted corner that once housed a gas station near Santa Clara University will be transformed into high-density housing. The Santa Clara City Council voted 6-1 earlier this week to approve a new housing development near the university. Councilmember Kevin Park was the sole no vote. The approval is key to breaking ground on...
Downtown Santa Clara development on hold
After a long night of loud public pushback, the Santa Clara City Council decided to hold off on greenlighting a significant housing and retail complex in the city’s downtown. City Attorney Glen Googins suggested councilmembers postpone a decision on a housing and retail development at 950 Monroe St. until the Downtown Precise Plan—a redevelopment strategy...
Santa Clara mayor sent confidential report to private email
A day after Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor received a confidential report lambasting her political enemies, she forwarded it from her city account to her personal email. One legal expert says it raises questions about her intentions and whether she leaked the secret document—a charge that has landed her political rival in court. This news...
Taylor Swift boosted Silicon Valley economy by $33M
Swiftie or not, pop star Taylor Swift is undeniably a money magnet — and new financial figures show a massive boost for Silicon Valley’s economy from the artist’s two-day stop at Levi’s Stadium. Dan Rascher, president of Sports Economics, LLC, who analyzes the business of sporting events and concerts, told San José Spotlight that 60,000...
Santa Clara residents divided over pending condo development
A developer’s plan to reshape a city block with a six-story condominium complex is stirring controversy in Santa Clara. Residents are split over whether the proposed project at the corner of Monroe and Franklin streets will destroy the character of the city’s Old Quad neighborhood, or help jumpstart a vision for a renewed downtown. Some...
Urban farming development sprouts in Santa Clara
A first-of-its kind affordable housing development where residents can grow their own food is slated to begin welcoming tenants at the end of the month, sparking excitement among Santa Clara County community leaders. The development, Agrihood, offers 160 mixed-income apartments, 165 homes for low-income seniors and veterans and 36 townhomes on 5.8 acres. The property will...
Santa Clara police chief pay raise sparks criticism
Santa Clara’s police chief is set to receive a significant raise for the first time since stepping into the job in 2020, but some city officials think the money could be better spent elsewhere. Police Chief Pat Nikolai is getting the maximum city salary increase allowed at 10%, hiking his base pay from over $313,000 to more than...