San Jose councilmembers voted 7-4 on Dec. 5 to fill two vacancies through an appointment process by the end of January. We’re grateful to Councilmembers David Cohen, Sergio Jimenez, Dev Davis, Sylvia Arenas, Maya Esparza, Raul Peralez and Magdalena Carrasco for honoring their positions and doing what’s right for San Jose. Their decision ensures residents...
How San Jose’s new policymakers prepare for City Hall
The incoming San Jose mayor and councilmembers have different political leanings, but they agree on one thing: they’re only as strong as their staff. With less than a month before the newly-elected leaders fill the San Jose City Council chambers, dozens of interviews are happening to hire staff for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and...
San Jose gun owners need insurance in 2023
San Jose gun owners—get ready to comply with the city’s new gun ordinance come January. Starting next year, all San Jose gun owners will be required to have insurance that covers firearm harm or accidental firings. It’s part of the city’s new gun harm reduction ordinance—a contentious, first-of-its-kind law that seeks to reduce gun incidents by mandating liability insurance...
Reader Panel: San Jose voters surprised with election outcomes
In the final San José Spotlight reader panel of the 2022 election season, voters offered their views on what outcomes surprised them in local races, special interest spending and low voter turnout. Six of the seven voters from the panel participated in a conversation on Nov. 16. One race that drew the most interest was the...
San Jose pushes electric vehicle use in low-income areas
San Jose wants to boost electric car adoption in low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods by eliminating “charging deserts” and adding incentives to make juicing up more attractive for residents. As part of a pilot program unanimously approved by the San Jose City Council Tuesday, the city will work with vendors to install banks of electric vehicle (EV)...
East San Jose councilmember ousted by newcomer
Challenger Bien Doan has claimed victory in the San Jose City Council District 7 race, unexpectedly defeating incumbent Councilmember Maya Esparza. Doan finished the race with 53.7% of the vote, or 9,004 votes. Esparza trailed behind, finishing with 46.2% of the vote, or 7,748 votes. The challenger won by a margin of 1,256 votes, with...
Low voter turnout to determine San Jose elections
Last updated 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The next update is expected by 5 p.m. Thursday. A competitive San Jose mayoral race and an open seat for county sheriff failed to inspire strong turnout in last week’s election. Poor voter participation in East San Jose neighborhoods could potentially swing two key races. County election officials still...
San Jose councilmember is losing to challenger
Last updated 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The next update is 5 p.m. on Wednesday. In a surprising twist on election night, San Jose Councilmember Maya Esparza appears to be losing her reelection bid to challenger Bien Doan. Doan leads with 53.6% of the vote, or 8,865 votes. Esparza has 46.3% of the vote, or 7,654...
Sylvia Arenas ahead in race for District 1 Santa Clara County supervisor
Last updated 5 p.m. on Friday. The next update is expected 5 p.m. on Saturday. San Jose Councilmember Sylvia Arenas is leading the Santa Clara County Supervisor District 1 race, with former Councilmember Johnny Khamis trailing behind. With approximately 62% of ballots counted, Arenas is ahead with 53.7% of the vote, or 40,185 votes. Khamis...
Fact check: San Jose councilmember under fire for absences
San Jose Councilmember Maya Esparza’s attendance is the latest salvo fired by a realtors group backing her political opponent. The California Association of Realtors PAC sent at least two mailers claiming she missed four important votes since she took office on reducing gang crimes, affordable housing and utility hikes. The meetings, which were between June...