As we say farewell to 2019 and hello a new year (and a new decade), a slew of new laws will go into effect that could significantly impact Silicon Valley residents’ lives. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s first year in Sacramento was a momentous one: He signed 870 landmark bills, impacting everything from cannabis use to circus...
San Jose: Elizabeth Warren talks universal child care, taxing wealthy
Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren stopped in San Jose on Friday to meet with local child care workers who shared challenges with a growing workload and shrinking paychecks. The Massachusetts senator used the campaign stop to tout her plan for universal, federally-funded child care and higher wages for providers. The Silicon Valley visit, hosted by...
The Podlight: Google’s big plans for San Jose
We’re thrilled to introduce The Podlight, a new podcast collaboration by San José Spotlight and Silicon Valley Synergy. Over the next several days, we’ll release eight episodes of The Podlight featuring in-depth conversations with San José Spotlight reporters about South Bay policy, politics and government, delving into critical issues such as housing, technology, business, homelessness,...
San Jose: Shuttered Camera 12 site could soon have a new purpose
More than three years after spinning its last movie, the vacant Camera 12 site in downtown San Jose could soon be transformed into a vibrant office and retail space. Urban Catalyst, a San Jose-based real estate equity fund focused on development in opportunity zones, announced this week it has closed on the property at 201...
Talking trash: San Jose struggles to curb illegal dumping
San Jose has fought hard to curb illegal dumping, blight, litter and graffiti in recent years, aided by a city app that launched in 2017 that lets residents report such activities. But two years later, illegal dumping continues to plague the city and enforcement remains difficult. A recent report on the city’s Beautify SJ program...
The Podlight: Digging into anti-displacement policies
We’re thrilled to introduce The Podlight, a new podcast collaboration by San José Spotlight and Silicon Valley Synergy. Over the next several days, we’ll release eight episodes of The Podlight featuring in-depth conversations with San José Spotlight reporters about South Bay policy, politics and government, delving into critical issues such as housing, technology, business, homelessness,...
Kansen Chu for Assembly 2020 mailer raises eyebrows
California Assemblymember Kansen Chu surprised political insiders and voters alike when he announced earlier this year he planned to leave Sacramento to run for Santa Clara County supervisor. Despite the decision, some voters this holiday season received a one-page mailer detailing all of the legislator’s accomplishments in Sacramento — but the “paid for” disclaimer at...
How has Prop. 13 affected tax distribution in Santa Clara County?
Most Californians are aware that the way property taxes in the state are divvied out is uneven, skewed by a state law known as Proposition 13 that could be amended next year through a vote at the ballot box. But a recent report outlining property values in Santa Clara County breaks down the disparity in...
Year in review: Santa Clara County talked immigration, women’s health in 2019
It was a momentous year for Santa Clara County lawmakers as they made major decisions on a wide array of policy issues, including immigration, homelessness, women’s health and foster children’s safety. Here is a look at the top votes and policy discussions of 2019. Sanctuary and ICE notification policy Santa Clara County’s sanctuary city policy took...
The Podlight: The three Ps of housing policy
We’re thrilled to introduce The Podlight, a new podcast collaboration by San José Spotlight and Silicon Valley Synergy. Over the next several days, we’ll release eight episodes of The Podlight featuring in-depth conversations with San José Spotlight reporters about South Bay policy, politics and government, delving into critical issues such as housing, technology, business, homelessness,...