This past year has been highly consequential in South Bay politics, and some decisions are laying the groundwork for future changes. From new policymakers, ongoing homelessness crisis, to decadeslong debates on an East San Jose airport and a BART project, here are some major stories to watch out for 2023: Appointing two San Jose councilmembers The...
San Jose tees up massive golf course development
The San Jose City Council has opened the door for a developer who wants to build thousands of homes on a massive former golf course on the East Side. In a unanimous decision this week, the council voted to loosen traffic impact policies and pave a path for possible development on large parcels of private recreation...
Early results show Peter Ortiz leading in San Jose District 5 race
Last updated 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The next update is 5 p.m. on Wednesday. East San Jose voters appear to be supporting Santa Clara County Board of Education President Peter Ortiz for San Jose City Council in District 5. Ortiz is leading against former Assemblymember Nora Campos in early returns. Ortiz has secured 54.8% of...
Silicon Valley lawmakers want to ban leaded plane fuel
Two Silicon Valley congressmembers are vowing to take the fight to ban leaded aviation fuel to the White House. Congressmembers Ro Khanna and Zoe Lofgren renewed calls for the Federal Aviation Administration and Environmental Protection Agency to take immediate action to stop the use of leaded airplane fuel on Thursday at Reid-Hillview Airport in East San Jose. Santa Clara...
Santa Clara County to study lead levels near airport—again
Santa Clara County is planning another study of airborne lead levels around Reid-Hillview Airport after banning the sale of leaded plane fuel at the facility a year ago. Deputy County Executive David Campos told a group of East San Jose residents about the new study at a community meeting this week. This is the third study on lead levels around the the...
Where do San Jose’s mayoral candidates stand on the environment?
San Jose’s mayoral candidates might agree on the urgent need to address climate change, but they have different ideas of how to tackle the challenge. San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who are both vying to replace outgoing Mayor Sam Liccardo, have debated on a number of issues including homelessness, affordable housing,...
A San Jose airport had 11 crashes in 10 years. How does it compare statewide?
A recent plane crash at Reid-Hillview Airport is renewing calls for its closure, even though federal data shows the number of crashes at the East San Jose facility aren’t higher than other busy airports in the state. An analysis by San José Spotlight found Reid-Hillview Airport, one of the busiest non-primary airports in California that...
Chandramouli: Leaded fuel is hurting East San Jose families
As a doctor, I know that lead is poison. Its effects are especially damaging to children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put it in stark terms: “Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement.” The effect can result in a permanent...
Silicon Valley official looks to ban leaded fuel nationally
Santa Clara County’s fight to ban leaded aviation fuel might lead to changes nationwide—with one elected official poised to speak before Congress this week. Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who has led efforts to ban the fuel at county-owned airports will testify in front of the Congressional Oversight Environmental Subcommittee on Thursday. The subcommittee, chaired by Silicon...
Nora Campos leads in race for East San Jose council seat
Last updated 5 p.m. on Monday. The next update will be 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Former state Assemblymember Nora Campos is leading the contested race to represent East San Jose for City Council District 5, with Santa Clara County Board of Education President Peter Ortiz following behind. Campos is leading with 31.11% of the vote or...