My column published on Aug. 19 on Cristo Rey Jesuit High School focused on two public policy issues: Using public funds to underwrite the tuition at a Catholic high school and the procurement process that was used by the San Jose City Manager’s office. In all my columns, I have tried to share educational issues...
After months of dispute, Caltrans and San Jose reach agreement on tiny homes
A longstanding battle between Caltrans and San Jose has had Mayor Sam Liccardo wrought up, as he continues to fight for tiny homes on the state agency’s vacant property. Nearly a year after the City Council approved the tiny homes for homeless residents on the agency’s land, challenges with lease negotiations and legal disputes stalled the construction of the 40 tiny...
San Jose lawmakers to discuss earthquake preparations
The Bay Area, home to more than 7.5 million residents, is notorious for its predisposition to earth-rattling quakes. As a result, San Jose leaders want to ensure residents’ safety in the event that the next “Big One” hits. On Tuesday, lawmakers are slated to amend the city’s building standards code, as San Jose’s local climate,...
Good Karma Bikes keeps pedaling to help homeless after string of burglaries
Good Karma Bikes, a nonprofit bike shop in Willow Glen that refurbishes donated bicycles to give away to homeless residents in San Jose, was burglarized twice this past week, just after celebrating its tenth anniversary. In the last decade, founder and CEO Jim Gardner says Good Karma Bikes has made 200,000 bicycle repairs, helped 25,000...
San Jose: Senate candidates debate immigration, public safety and more
Five candidates vying to replace Sen. Jim Beall in Sacramento next year took the stage in San Jose this week at a neighborhood group’s forum to field questions on immigration, public safety and transportation. Hosted by the Willow Glen Neighborhood Association on Thursday night, the District 15 candidates included former Assemblywoman Nora Campos, Santa Clara...
Report: Downtown San Jose businesses move northward as tech keeps Bay Area market hot
Companies in downtown San Jose are getting pushed out as redevelopment hits the city’s center and major companies expand, causing many businesses to head north toward the city’s airport, according to a newly released report. The report, released Friday by Joint Venture Silicon Valley Institute for Regional Studies and brokerage firm JLL, shows that commercial...
Poll: San Jose Councilmember Johnny Khamis leads Senate race
A new poll obtained by San José Spotlight shows San Jose Councilmember Johnny Khamis gaining steam in the crowded Senate race to replace Jim Beall next year. The poll, which was funded by Khamis’ campaign, shows him garnering support from 22 percent of likely voters who were surveyed. A similar poll six months ago, funded...
San Jose lawmaker criticizes highway funds diverted to high-speed rail
Gov. Gavin Newsom has received backlash from both sides of the political aisle after signing an executive order last month that diverts funds away from highway repairs into high-speed rail projects — a move that has some San Jose lawmakers shaking their heads. The funds — up to $5 billion generated annually — stem from...
Santa Clara committee wraps up recommendations for future voting districts
Santa Clara has waffled for years on how to handle its City Council elections, fielding a failed ballot measure and a lawsuit in the process, but a committee formed to put those matters to rest made some critical decisions on the matter Thursday night. Santa Clara’s Charter Review Committee worked out the details of its...
Frustrations mount over VTA’s no-show buses, lack of communication
Handfuls of VTA riders have unknowingly waited for buses that were never going to arrive. Dan Rouse waited for the 181: @vtaservice why is route 181 skipping the 8:38 warm springs departure? — ???? Dan Rouse ????️???? (@dsrouse) October 10, 2019 The same happened to Enrique Camacho and the 323: @VTA Please post when there...