Sonya Herrera

Sonya Herrera is a reporter covering economic development, environmental issues and neighborhood-level stories.

She has written about a variety of topics, including “Googie” architecture, racial segregation through redlining and San Jose’s neighboring rose gardens.

Previously, Herrera has written for the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Metro Silicon Valley and San Jose State University’s student newspaper, the Spartan Daily. She lives in Stockton with her son and can be lured with a delicious tamarindo lemonade.

Silicon Valley lawmaker says ‘missing middle’ can’t afford housing

One Silicon Valley lawmaker wants the state to get into the housing market to assist residents who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing, but don’t earn enough to afford a market-rate home. To help these residents, known as the “missing middle,” Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced Assembly Bill 309 earlier this year. If approved, AB 309 would...

State to audit Santa Clara County public transit agency

Santa Clara County’s largest public transit agency will be audited by the state as one lawmaker looks to change up how it’s run. A state committee voted Wednesday to have the California State Auditor review the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) related to concerns about the agency’s governance structure, planning and fiscal management. Assemblymember...

State to audit San Jose’s homeless spending

California is set to audit how San Jose spends its homeless funding, following a request from state Sen. Dave Cortese. The state’s Joint Legislative Audit Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the audit proposed by Cortese last year. The California State Auditor will review the success rate of various state and local programs—including Project Homekey—in...