English
Spanish
Vietnamese
Homelessness can be extremely isolating and people experiencing it are commonly disconnected from family, friends and support systems. Their primary way of communicating may be just a sign that states an immediate need—Hungry! Cold! Anything helps! They may rest on the sidewalk or sleep somewhere out of sight from the public. Days may pass without...
San Jose receiving $212 million in federal COVID funding
Washington, D.C.—San Jose and Santa Clara County are set to receive approximately $212 and $374 million, respectively, through the American Rescue Plan to help offset the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. “I think if you talk to the residents who won’t lose their business or their homes, they’ll think this is a pretty big...
Gere: The case for investing in our water infrastructure
Infrastructure is rightly enjoying its spot in the national limelight these days, with the Biden Administration busily unveiling its plans. However, being well intentioned is as important as being pragmatic. After all, the warning signs have been there for all to see when it comes to lack of investment in infrastructure—impacting communities from Los Gatos...
San Jose tightens grip on illegal fireworks
San Jose residents could face harsher consequences for taking part in illegal fireworks this summer. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously this month to move forward with the Social Host ordinance, which would fine tenants and property owners for fireworks launched on their property, regardless of if they set off the fireworks or not....
CDC mask guidance brings confusion to Santa Clara County
Differences between federal and local mask rules are creating confusion, frustration and in some cases hostile situations. Santa Clara County residents breathed a sigh of relief this week with the move to the least-restrictive yellow tier in California’s reopening plan, an indication that life might return to “normal” after more than a year of fear...
UPDATE: San Jose transit agency selects its new leader
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has a new leader at its helm. After months of deliberation, the transit agency’s board has unanimously selected VTA veteran Carolyn Gonot to become its new CEO and general manager. The VTA Board of Directors approved an employment agreement with Gonot during a special meeting Friday. Gonot previously worked for...
Santa Clara County workers rally for safety changes
Chants of “¡Ya Basta!,” Spanish for “enough already,” rang out in downtown San Jose Friday as public employees demonstrated for safety changes in the workplace. The workers say they’ve had enough with what they believe are poor working conditions, reduced pay and poor communication from their superiors amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’m a single mother...
Peralez: Santa Clara County needs Laura’s Law
In San José’s latest homeless census, over 40% of our unhoused residents reported suffering from a form of mental illness. Within that population, those with severe mental illness are often shuffled in and out of jails and hospital beds. Our most vulnerable are criminalized or left to languish on the street, sometimes causing harm to...
San Jose cannabis deliveries and pickups skyrocket during pandemic
While San Jose businesses struggled and shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic, one industry had its best year yet: cannabis. And local retailers say delivery services had a lot to do with it. According to San Jose Police Department Division Manager Wendy Sollazzi, tax revenue from cannabis sales is expected to provide the city with $17...
Exclusive: New poll finds most San Joseans support massive Google campus
Days before San Jose lawmakers are expected to approve Google’s plan to build a massive campus downtown, a new poll shows a majority of San Joseans support it. A poll sponsored by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, a prominent tech-driven trade association, shows 70% of voters surveyed support the project overall. When asked about specific...