The South Bay won’t see significant economic recovery unless small business owners and residents hardest hit by the coronavirus shutdown receive more emergency aid and large employers increase wages, according to a new report. The report, by Silicon Valley Recovery Roundtable — a consortium of leaders from tech, labor, education, government and small businesses —...
San Jose rubber bullet ban heading back to council
At the height of Black Lives Matter protests this spring, Breanna Contreras was marching among the crowds in downtown San Jose when chaos suddenly broke out. People scattered and started running past her in the opposite direction, many with eyes streaming from tear gas. A moment later, Contreras heard “Pop! Pop! Pop!” and felt something...
UPDATE: San Jose endorses measure to bring back affirmative action
The San Jose City Council unanimously endorsed California Proposition 16, the divisive ballot measure that would repeal the state’s 24-year prohibition on race- and gender-based affirmative action. Assuming voters approve it in November, supporters on the City Council say Prop. 16 will allow the city to “revitalize” its affirmative action programs from the 1990s. “Eliminating...
UPDATE: San Jose advances high-tech ideas to connect transportation hubs
Driverless vehicles zooming through underground tunnels and electric mini trains could be in San Jose’s future. City leaders voted unanimously on Aug. 25 to advance projects connecting Diridon Station, Stevens Creek Corridor and the Mineta San Jose International Airport. Councilmember Maya Esparza was absent. Many of the proposals — including one from Elon Musk’s The...
UPDATE: San Jose City Council approves steps to begin police reform
San Jose lawmakers approved a series of steps that will lead to police reforms after 1,000 people contacted the San Jose Police Department between May 28 and June 30 to complain about officer use of force. The steps, approved at the City Council meeting Aug. 18, include conducting independent, in-depth use of force reviews and...
UPDATE: Divided San Jose City Council gives whopping break to high-rise developers
Downtown high-rise developers will receive a huge discount during the pandemic but their savings will come at the expense of low-income housing. As COVID-19 worsens economic conditions for those looking to build in San Jose, city leaders voted 7-4 Aug. 18 to eliminate a fee that helps fund affordable housing. Councilmembers Sergio Jimenez, Magdalena Carrasco,...
UPDATE: San Jose City Council demands release of more police videos
After the police killing of George Floyd sparked protests nationwide filled with tear gas and rubber bullets, San Jose lawmakers demanded transparency from the police department — and, to an extent, they got it. The public can now view footage capturing police use of force at recent protests. On Tuesday, the City Council reviewed which...
A San Jose commission will decide on strong mayor, moving mayoral elections
After a month-long debate over a proposed ‘strong mayor’ measure and outrage over lack of community involvement in the decision, San Jose leaders unanimously approved putting decisions about the city’s future into the hands of community members. The Charter Revision Commission, created Tuesday, will consist of residents appointed by Mayor Sam Liccardo and the City Council....
Gonzales: ‘Strong mayor’ strong-arms people into voting on unvetted city constitutional amendments
During an unprecedented global pandemic and civil protests over police brutality and systemic racism, Mayor Sam Liccardo, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones and Councilmembers Lan Diep, Dev Davis, Pam Foley and Johnny Khamis are missing the mark and a genuine opportunity to rebuild trust, and foster collaboration and equity with their constituents. Pursuant to the Code...
Newly-approved San Jose police union contract leaves door open for changes
Despite calls for increased accountability and defunding of the police department, the San Jose City Council extended its contract with the Police Officers’ Association for another year with no changes — at least for now. “The conversation has to continue,” said Councilmember Raul Peralez, who is himself a reserve police officer. It was not necessary...