The last time Ruben Navarro ran for San Jose City Council, he was late to announce, raised a meager $3,000 and won no major endorsements. Political analysts predicted he’d finish dead last. Yet he finished fourth in a crowded race of eight viable candidates vying for the open District 6 seat. That was 2016, and...
Amid controversy over Tully Library, San Jose set to expand overnight warming centers
While most people can seek refuge from the bleak winter’s cold in the comfort of their own home, every year thousands of homeless people in San Jose shiver outside as they sleep in frigid conditions. That’s why city elected leaders on Tuesday will consider opening overnight warming locations at two city locations every night for...
San Jose City Council candidates differ on public policy, SVLG survey finds
With the California primary election just five months away, a new survey sponsored by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group highlighted the stark differences between local candidates vying for a seat on the San Jose City Council. SVLG, a trade association comprised of the region’s leading businesses and tech companies, surveyed nearly 30 candidates running for...
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After a hard battle, East San Jose wins a seat on the planning commission
A drawn-out, months long battle over racial representation on San Jose’s Planning Commission came to an end Tuesday after two new appointees were chosen by the City Council, following hours of intense debate from both sides of the political aisle. After a lengthy interview process, Rolando Bonilla and Mariel Caballero were appointed to one of...
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San Jose lawmakers approve extension of tax breaks for high-rises
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...