I have a quip that I have used on occasion when found stuck on a vexing matter or facing a difficult client: “I can guide the raft down the river, but I cannot straighten out the canyon.” Obviously, this refers to the fact that certain matters of business physics are not changeable and eventually we...
Condos eyed for former historic home site in West San Jose
A plan to build 14 condominiums in West San Jose, including two inside a reconstructed replica of a historic home, is moving forward. The San Jose Planning Commission unanimously approved a proposal from Los Altos-based Edge Development Group Aug. 9 to build the “townhome-style” condos on a 0.63-acre lot at 4146 Mitzi Drive, at the...
UPDATE: San Jose plans land annex for dozens of townhomes
San Jose officials are clearing a path for a developer to build more than 40 homes near a county medical center on the west side of the city. The True Life Companies, a Denver-based developer, is proposing to demolish 14 residential buildings which contain 30 rental homes to make way for 41 townhomes and 17...
San Jose leaders woo unions back to the bargaining table
San Jose leaders have a new offer for two main labor unions in a desperate attempt to stop the largest planned strike of city workers in recent history. The union has agreed to come back to the negotiating table—but it may be too little, too late. The mediation is planned for tomorrow afternoon for IFTPE...
San Jose animal shelter, city services brace for strike threat
If a deal is not struck between San Jose and thousands of its employees this week, its services will be in jeopardy, including the care of hundreds of animals. Mayor Matt Mahan floated the possibility of shutting down the San Jose Animal Care Center, a landing spot for hundreds of household pets looking for a...
‘We aren’t waiting to act’: San Jose parents take over school safety
Parents in San Jose’s largest school district are stepping up to take responsibility for school safety, since they said administrators have taken a lackluster approach on the issue. Helmed by Trudi McCanna, San Jose Unified School District parents have formed a school safety group, the Why Wait Project, to ensure research-based, best-practice approaches to school...
Knight Foundation without San Jose director for nearly a year
Local nonprofit leaders are growing anxious as a national philanthropic organization that has given heavily in San Jose for nearly two decades has been without a program director in the city for nearly a year. The lack of a permanent program director for Knight Foundation’s efforts in San Jose is hampering the ability of groups...
San Jose officials struggle to protect street vendors
A street vendor is back selling strawberries outside of a San Jose Home Depot two and a half weeks after being harassed by private security. Jahir Hernández Reyes is one of multiple street vendors who have experienced harassment or violence this year in San Jose as city officials continue to call for policy reforms to protect...
Santa Clara County leaders get pay raise amid budget cuts
Although Santa Clara County made cuts to close a budget deficit, it didn’t prevent two top administrators from receiving raises. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed a $11.3 billion budget in June, closing a $120 million deficit, while also adding to the salaries of two top county positions. James Williams, the new county...
Thousands of San Jose workers will strike
Thousands of San Jose city workers are going on strike — and making history as the city’s largest worker walk out in recent history. As many as 4,500 city workers will strike starting Aug. 15 after months of failed salary negotiations between the city and two of its largest unions — IFPTE Local 21 and...