Some of the last naturally affordable housing in San Jose may be preserved, after officials deferred a proposed rent increase in mobile home parks. The City Council voted 10-1 Tuesday to delay a proposed 10% space rent increase whenever a mobile home is sold and engage in community meetings with residents and park owners to...
San Jose traffic deaths dropped in 2025
San Jose’s traffic fatalities declined once again in 2025, helping the city move closer toward its goal of eliminating all road deaths over the next 15 years. Last year, 41 people died in traffic accidents on the city’s roadways, a 16% drop from 2024, when 49 people died, and the lowest figure the city has seen...
2026 marks another busy election year for San Jose
With five of San Jose’s 11 City Council seats up for grabs in 2026, the city is gearing up for another busy election year. As the looming contests begin to come into focus, San José Spotlight has asked several local political observers to discuss the races and election storylines they’ll be following most closely. They...
San Jose employee enters District 9 City Council race
Lifelong District 9 resident Gordon Chester says he’s observed San Jose stagnate or even backslide on a number of fronts over his 39-year life — from road safety to public services and housing affordability. Now, the longtime city employee is stepping into the crowded race to represent his home district on the San Jose City Council,...
San Jose to study reforming historic preservation rules
San Jose has taken the first step in a likely lengthy process to revamp the city’s approach to historic preservation. Councilmembers have outlined reform proposals for city staff to study in the new year. These include measures to boost outreach to owners of historic properties, as well as reforms intended to make it easier to...
San Jose opens tiny home village on Valley Water land
A long-awaited San Jose tiny home village built on land owned by the region’s largest water supplier has opened — giving 136 homeless people a roof over their heads. The tiny homes on Cherry Avenue cost $18.3 million to build and include central laundry, private bathrooms and an outdoor picnic area. Nonprofit HomeFirst will provide...
Political newcomer enters District 9 San Jose council race
Next year’s June primary election is still seven months out, but the battle lines are already taking shape in the District 9 San Jose City Council race. A relative newcomer to San Jose politics is stepping in to a crowded field that includes a well-established City Hall staffer. Lifelong District 9 resident Genny Altwer, a...
San Jose homeless hotel faces complaints from neighbors
San Jose placed people swept from its largest homeless encampment in motels earlier this year, but neighbors near one location are raising safety concerns. Residents near the Bristol Hotel at 3341 S. Bascom Ave. on the border of San Jose and Campbell said RVs have appeared near the motel since homeless people began living there...
San Jose council approves policies to freeze ICE out
San Jose continues to strengthen protections for its immigrant communities by prohibiting federal immigration agents from hiding their identity and advancing plans to prevent ICE from using city-owned properties for enforcement. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously for both policies on Tuesday. The city attorney created an unmasking policy that prohibits all law enforcement...
San Jose approves expanded Taser, body cam contract for police
For years, police technology firm Axon Enterprises has been dogged by accusations that it’s attempting to unfairly corner the market on Tasers and body-worn cameras for law enforcement. Despite some hand wringing, the San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday, with Vice Mayor Pam Foley absent, to approve a new, expanded contract with the firm to...