The use of illegal fireworks in San Jose has exploded in recent years primarily because of law enforcement and fire personnel shortages and a lack of enforcement across the city. But on Tuesday, fire and police officials assured local lawmakers on the city’s widespread efforts to beef up enforcement for illegal fireworks. The City Council unanimously...
San Jose congresswoman proposes farmworker immigration bill
San Jose Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren on Wednesday announced a new bill, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, that would give undocumented workers in the agricultural industry a path to legal status. Farmworkers who could prove they’ve worked in agriculture and will continue to work in agriculture could qualify for permanent legal status. In an exclusive interview...
Traffic concerns engulf San Jose neighborhoods on verge of development
A long history of reckless speeding, hit-and-runs and traffic-related deaths in San Jose’s Northside neighborhood has forced Tony Mangallanez to prohibit his kids from playing outside in the front yard. “Drivers need to act like your kids are living on the street,” Mangallanez said. “I had a car that was totaled in front of my...
San Jose votes to expand overnight warming centers for homeless
For the first time since San Jose declared a “shelter crisis” in 2015, lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously approved expanding an overnight warming location program for homeless residents to operate every night for the next six months — a major expansion considering the centers previously opened for a few months, based on inclement weather conditions. Councilmember...
On Capitol Hill, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo talks PG&E outages, clean air
WASHINGTON, D.C. — San Jose’s Mayor Sam Liccardo and former California Gov. Jerry Brown testified on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning before the judiciary committee’s energy subcommittee. The hearing was called to examine President Donald Trump’s proposal to roll back Obama era regulations to freeze greenhouse gas emissions standards at 2020 levels. But before any of...
Google announces $5.3M investment in San Jose affordable housing project
Google is investing $5.3 million to help along a 115-unit residential project that will cater to people with developmental disabilities in San Jose’s Japantown, the tech giant announced Tuesday. The loan to San Francisco-based developer, The Kelsey, will push forward the six-story, primarily affordable housing development planned to rise at 447 North First Street. The...
Charles Davidson’s contributions to Silicon Valley are unparalleled
Charles Davidson arrived in San Jose a broke 21-year-old in 1952 seeking a way out of poverty and he’s spent the last 67 years forging his own lucrative path in the world. But he’s also quietly become one of Silicon Valley’s most unsung philanthropists. Davidson sat down with San José Spotlight for a rare interview to...
Amid controversy over Tully Library, San Jose set to expand overnight warming centers
While most people can seek refuge from the bleak winter’s cold in the comfort of their own home, every year thousands of homeless people in San Jose shiver outside as they sleep in frigid conditions. That’s why city elected leaders on Tuesday will consider opening overnight warming locations at two city locations every night for...
Celaya: Why I support the Santa Clara County SEIU 521 strike
In addition to being a candidate for Santa Clara County supervisor in District 2, I have been employed with the county for more than 17 years in different capacities. I am also a small business owner and a social justice activist in San Jose. It is very interesting that when it comes to organizing workers’...
Roberts: Cheaper housing: another method or a new paradigm?
All throughout California, everyone is talking about how we need to create cheaper housing for people who are homeless. As homelessness increases throughout the state, and millions and millions of taxpayer dollars have been invested in homeless services and housing, the people who paid those taxes are losing their patience. The media has picked up...