San Jose Councilmember Dev Davis’ streak of rustic campaign events continued Wednesday as the District 6 lawmaker launched her mayoral campaign at Hapa’s Brewing Company near Willow Glen. “We have to tackle homelessness, we have to recover from the pandemic economically and frankly as a city. And we need to clean up our city,” Davis told San José Spotlight. Wednesday’s...
San Jose City Hall reopens, in-person meetings resume
After almost 17 months, San Jose City Hall reopened Monday—but you’ll need a mask to step inside, even if you’re vaccinated. Also Monday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Library reopened its doors after shuttering in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All visitors to a city building, including libraries and community centers, must wear a mask regardless...
San Jose fire captain looks to unseat progressive councilmember
San Jose firefighter Bien Doan says his 21 years as a firefighter taught him to never back down from a challenge. Now he’s embarking on his biggest one: knocking Councilmember Maya Esparza off her council seat. Doan, a captain with the department, confirmed he will challenge District 7 incumbent Esparza, who is up for re-election...
San Jose vice mayor sheds stocks, keeps Palantir
After he was forced into a last-minute recusal from a San Jose City Council vote in February, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones liquidated most of his stock holdings. But he’s holding onto a handful of lucrative stocks, including a controversial one. Jones told San José Spotlight that of the 40 stocks listed on his public disclosure forms,...
San Jose leaders resurrect police reform board
Two months after seven activists quit a police reform group en masse, city officials and community members say they’re ready to bring the group back with renewed focus. The San Jose City Council voted Tuesday to reform what was originally called the Reimagining Community Safety Committee, created in September in the wake of the murder of...
UPDATE: San Jose flea market decision delayed another week
The future of the San Jose Flea Market is up in the air following two days of deliberation but no decision on a proposed mixed-use development that would shrink the market by two-thirds of its current size. The San Jose City Council met Tuesday to consider plans for the Berryessa BART Urban Village, but continued...
Flores: The right thing to do
It is hard to do the right thing. But doing the right thing is always right. San Jose—and its elected leaders—have an opportunity today to do the right thing for its people. The Google project is the largest land deal in the city’s history. From the announcement to the three years of dialogue between all...
How long will South Bay government meetings stay online?
During the pandemic, government meetings went online to allow for greater public participation and compliance with social distancing guidelines. But with COVID-19 on the decline, some are wondering when meetings might return to an in-person format. Hybrid meetings may be the answer. Both the San Jose City Council and Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors...
Racial segregation runs deep in San Jose, report says
While activists maintain that San Jose’s housing policies are inherently segregated, a study undertaken by the city shows just how deep racial disparities go. “The main takeaway is the legacy of past segregation is still very much alive,” said Kristen Clements, division manager of the policy group within the city’s housing department. “It’s still visible...
San Jose poised to ban flavored tobacco
Flavored tobacco may soon be a thing of the past in San Jose. In September, the City Council will consider ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, including flavored e-juices and menthol cigarettes. The city plans to exempt hookah to align with state regulations. Dr. John Maa, board member of the American Heart Association, said...