At the forefront of Tuesday’s San Jose City Council meeting, lawmakers discussed how the two interwoven crises plaguing the region — housing and homelessness — are alarmingly growing worse. In response, the councilmembers passed a smorgasbord of housing measures, which include expediting the study of a commercial linkage fee and extending a contentious tax break...
San Jose leaders adopt environmental building codes
San Jose leaders on Tuesday voted 10-0 to adopt a new reach code ordinance that mandates all new buildings to become electric, a bold effort many supporters and environmental advocates praised as a response to what the City Council also unanimously declared is a “climate emergency.” Vice Mayor Chappie Jones did not vote, as he...
New San Jose business PAC announces endorsements in council races
A San Jose business-backed political action committee announced three endorsements on Friday in the 2020 City Council races. The Business San Jose Chamber PAC, which was formed last summer after members of the PAC for the silicon valley organization (the former chamber of commerce) broke away amid division on the panel, is backing Republican Jonathan...
San Jose leaders declare a climate emergency
As climate change continues to exacerbate weather conditions and increase the scope of natural disasters worldwide, San Jose leaders are saying enough is enough, calling for the city to step in as one of the growing number of cities to declare a climate emergency. The bipartisan effort to combat against a warming planet was led by...
UPDATE: San Jose eliminates safe parking program in one location
Less than a year after it was first launched, the San Jose City Council unanimously voted to scrap the city’s family-oriented safe parking pilot program at the Seven Trees Community Center, citing concerns about safety, a lack of participation and trash onsite. “We have the capacity to serve 17 cars or RVs each night. However, during...
San Jose lawmakers approve $5 million toward homeless services
San Jose lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously voted to approve a slew of housing initiatives with the goal of addressing the region’s growing homeless crisis, granting nearly $5 million in funds toward multiple programs including a new motel voucher program as an alternative to overcrowded emergency shelters and a program providing personal hygiene services. Motel Voucher Program...
Update: San Jose lawmakers decline to rebid Catholic school contract, move ahead with Planned Parenthood funding
Amid a wave of scrutiny over awarding a six-figure public contract to a private Catholic school, Mayor Sam Liccardo suggested reopening the contract to other schools — but his council colleagues didn’t agree. On Wednesday, City Manager Dave Sykes recommended keeping the current contract with Cristo Rey intact and instead, perform better outreach to schools...
San Jose’s general plan task force announced, set to meet this fall
A task force to review San Jose’s general plan is gearing up to come back together again to assess the land-use bible, which will guide how and where the South Bay city will grow in the coming years. Mayor Sam Liccardo announced last week a group of 42 community, business, city and nonprofit leaders that will...
Downtown San Jose rally celebrates women’s history, push for equality
San Jose leaders on Monday paid homage to the suffragette movement, and more importantly, white women’s right to vote in a rally on National Women’s Equality Day. The event served as a kickoff for a year’s worth of activities celebrating women’s history and activism, to be led by the Women’s Equality 2020 Leadership Council. Nearly...
Comic Con Councilmember lets “nerd” flag fly at City Hall
To herald the arrival of Silicon Valley Comic Con this week San Jose officials gathered in front of City Hall Tuesday afternoon to raise its official flag over municipal plaza. But what’s that in the sky? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive!...