Standard Blog

Ritchie: Rebuilding downtown San Jose

Opportunity Zone Fund investor-developer Urban Catalyst closed this month on the last piece of the two-acre assemblage of land kitty corner from San Jose City Hall starting from the existing Chevron gas station up to St. John Street. This may have been the smallest piece of land ever that controlled such an important large site...

Silicon Valley labor leaders make 2024 election endorsements

The South Bay Labor Council’s endorsements for the November 2024 election reveal notable surprises and omissions. The Labor Council, which represents more than 100 unions in Santa Clara and San Benito counties, is throwing its weight behind a number of candidates running for open seats on the San Jose City Council. Babu Prasad, president of...

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San Jose officials criticized for approving military weapons

San Jose officials criticized for approving military weapons

The San Jose Police Department will be getting more military grade equipment, including projectile launchers that have been at the center of costly lawsuits, following approval by city leaders. But some local community groups are strongly opposed to the purchases, and are raising concerns over whether San Jose is trying to avoid attention on the topic. Critics say the city...

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San Jose to consider paying six figures after woman crashes scooter

San Jose to consider paying six figures after woman crashes scooter

A woman who suffered serious facial and oral injuries when a scooter she was riding struck a broken lamp post base in downtown San Jose is set to receive a $337,500 payout from the city. The San Jose City Council will consider approving the tentative settlement agreement with Andrea Ortega at its Nov. 14 meeting....

Estremera: Paving the way for a more inclusive future

In the heart of Santa Clara County, where innovation thrives, Santa Clara Valley Water District is taking a bold step towards a more equitable and inclusive future. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is brought forward through our infrastructure projects, grant and partnership programs and hiring practices. Now, with the new Valley Water Next...

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A utility worker outside a truck

Former San Jose mayor turns pro labor in PG&E battle

A former San Jose mayor is switching up his political allies to take on a common adversary, the west coast’s largest power utility. Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is leading a new labor-backed coalition to oppose Pacific Gas and Electric’s proposed rate hike of 18%, or nearly $39 per month. This hike is to...

Google’s mega campus in San Jose hits a snag

Amid ongoing turbulence with office space vacancies, Google and an Australian development firm are ending their agreement to create four work and live districts in the South Bay worth $15 billion, including Downtown West in San Jose. The tech giant on Friday said its split with Sydney-based Lendlease is not the end of its master-planned...