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...
UPDATE: In a split vote, San Jose council approves drafting ‘strong mayor’ measure
San Jose councilmembers voted 6-5 to approve a November ballot measure to expand Mayor Sam Liccardo’s power, extend his term until 2024, shift mayoral elections to presidential years and enact a slew of campaign finance reforms. Liccardo, Vice Mayor Chappie Jones, Councilmembers Johnny Khamis, Pam Foley, Dev Davis and Lan Diep voted in favor of...
How a seven year fight to save a San Jose trestle ended
A steel bridge stored in Colorado may soon cross over Los Gatos Creek in San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood, replacing the nearly 100-year-old railroad structure a crew began demolishing this week. “It will be connected by fall – even if it is not paved,” said Councilmember Dev Davis. A band of preservationists fought for seven...
San Jose mayor faces backlash over time limits during marathon meetings
Mitch Mankin tried twice in five days to speak to his city councilmembers about defunding the police. But the San Jose resident, who works as a policy associate at a housing nonprofit, never got a turn during two public meetings to voice his concerns about one of the biggest debates facing the city — police...
Nonprofit bike shop that helps San Jose’s homeless residents burglarized again
A nonprofit bike shop in San Jose has been targeted by burglars dozens of times over the past decade — including Tuesday morning, when thieves took merchandise worth approximately $20,000. A police report was filed and the San Jose Police Department’s burglary unit is investigating, according to city officials. But the owner says the city...
Santa Clara County health officials criticized for rollout of latest shelter-in-place order
Santa Clara County and San Jose elected leaders this month criticized local public health officials over a lack of clarity and adequate notice in their plans to ease shelter-in-place restrictions due to COVID-19. The criticism, which follows relative strong support for local measures taken to stop the coronavirus spread by health officials, began at the...
San Jose lawmaker faces heat after describing George Floyd protests as ‘race wars’
San Jose Councilmember Pam Foley came under fire this week for saying the protests around the country against George Floyd’s death highlight people’s frustration over “race wars.” She made the comment as lawmakers on Tuesday questioned Police Chief Eddie Garcia on San Jose’s curfew during the City Council meeting. “People are frustrated for a lot...
Coronavirus LIVE BLOG: May 21 to June 3
Catch up on our current Coronavirus LIVE BLOG here. 10 p.m. June 3: Santa Clara County supervisors approve child care, financial assistance On Tuesday, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a proposal to devote more than $2.5 million for child care programs in the county, drawing from the federal government’s $2.2 trillion coronavirus...