San Jose is creating development standards for future data center projects, but residents and advocates said they don’t go far enough to protect their health and the environment. City officials presented the draft standards for the first time Thursday in front of a packed audience at City Hall. Dozens of residents spoke during the public comment...
Mountain View adopts protections to curtail ICE detention centers
Taking a cue from other jurisdictions, Mountain View has added a new tool to its playbook to try and block the possibility of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security setting up an immigration detention center in the city. The City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved an “urgency ordinance” that puts a temporary moratorium on the filing,...
Fioretta: Prop. 4 could level playing field with public financing in Santa Clara
On Sept. 30, San José Spotlight published an op-ed by Arteaga Food Center owner Lupe Lopez. In it she complained that a political action committee (PAC) controlled by the owner of the San Francisco 49ers football team is attempting to buy a Santa Clara City Council seat by making a campaign contribution of more than $418,000 to...
100 homes planned off freeway exit in Morgan Hill
A proposed housing project that would bring more than 100 homes to Morgan Hill is inching closer to breaking ground following a recommendation from planning officials. The Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved recommending plans for a housing development just east of the U.S. Highway 101 Cochrane Road exit that would add 105 single-family homes...
San Jose self-checkout reform effort gets grocer pushback
A union-backed push to impose staffing requirements for grocery store self-checkout areas in San Jose faces fierce pushback from local retailers. Taking inspiration from a handful of Southern California cities that have already adopted such measures — including Costa Mesa, Long Beach and Santa Ana — councilmembers have asked staff to draw up regulations for...
Op-ed: Developers get the profits with Prop. 45 — we pay the price
When we read a development proposal, we look beyond the property line. What will neighbors hear at night? What will children breathe? Where will the water come from? What happens to the birds and wildlife already living there? One of us teaches environmental studies at San Jose State University, grew up in San Jose, raised...
San Jose food pantry faces opposition from neighbors
When Lighthouse Food Rescue & Distribution first started handing out groceries in San Jose’s Northside neighborhood in 2020, Robert Wright welcomed it and its mission to feed disadvantaged residents. He pitched a Lighthouse yard sign in front of his house near the food pantry, which sits at the corner of East Julian and North 17th streets in the...
San Jose State University honors legacy of track athletes
Track legend and human rights advocate John Carlos spoke at San Jose State University on Wednesday beneath a statue honoring him and alumnus Tommie Smith. The event was part of the university’s Legacy Month, which began in 2006. Since 2024, San Jose has recognized Oct. 16 as Tommie Smith and John Carlos Day, with events...
Santa Clara candidate faces complaint over campaign post
A Santa Clara City Council District 2 candidate is facing questions about campaign posts that feature the branding from the nonprofit she leads. It’s prompting the organization to establish new guidance for board members running for public office. Kimberley Williams, who became board president of the Santa Clara Schools Foundation in June, appeared in social...
San Jose school district upgrades at 49 campuses could cost $4B
San Jose’s largest public school district is looking to use bond measure funding to not only pay for workforce housing, but also to update its aging schools. The San Jose Unified School District has plans to modernize all of its 49 campuses and facilities to the tune of $4 billion. Officials are looking to pay...