Santa Clara has shelved plans to explore holding City Council meetings at locations outside City Hall after staff estimated it could cost up to $260,000 to install the audiovisual equipment needed at two libraries. Councilmembers unanimously voted Tuesday to maintain its current practice of holding meetings in the council chambers. The discussion stemmed from a...
Four candidates face off for two Santa Clara council seats
Santa Clara City Council representation is about to change in Districts 2 and 3, with both councilmembers terming out in December — and the open seats each have two new challengers. Yvonne Inciarte and Kimberley Williams will be vying for the District 2 seat held by Councilmember Raj Chahal, while Eric Crutchlow and Kyle Madej...
Six candidates vie for Santa Clara mayoral seat
A seismic change is about to take place in Santa Clara politics, when Mayor Lisa Gillmor terms out at the end of December. For the first time in 10 years she will not serve in the city’s top spot come January 2027. Instead, six individuals from various sectors of industry and the community are vying...
Santa Clara celebrates more housing in former industrial park
Construction is underway on the next phase of a major housing development in Santa Clara’s growing mixed-use neighborhood near Levi’s Stadium known as the Clara District, as officials continue transforming the former industrial area. City officials, developers and residents on Thursday celebrated construction starting on Parkside, a market-rate apartment community expected to open in fall 2028....
Santa Clara approves plans for temporary homeless housing
After years of revisions, public debate and negotiations between city, Santa Clara County and nonprofit leaders, Santa Clara has taken another step toward bringing a family-focused interim housing community to a vacant, county-owned site near Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. Supporters said the project will provide temporary housing and supportive services for families experiencing homelessness...
Santa Clara officials get raises but no performance reviews
Several Santa Clara officials are receiving pay raises following a routine City Council vote that turned into a debate over the city’s handling of performance reviews for its top leaders. Councilmembers on July 6 voted 5-1-1 to adopt updated salary plans for the mayor and council, city clerk, city attorney and city manager to comply with state...
Santa Clara’s special event zone helps businesses, not vendors
Soccer fans from around the world are expected to flood Santa Clara this weekend for the FIFA World Cup, bringing team chants, fan marches and crowds to Levi’s Stadium — but outdoor merchants and food vendors may not benefit from the event at all. Santa Clara has created a “special event zone” to temporarily restrict sidewalk...
Santa Clara shifts minor public right-of-way changes to staff
Santa Clara officials are shifting decision-making over certain public right-of-way areas from elected leaders to city staff, with some residents sharing concerns about transparency and accountability. The City Council on Tuesday voted 4-3 to have the city manager approve minor public right-of-way changes, such as fences or structures near sidewalks, without needing to hold a...
Santa Clara adopts safety plan to reduce traffic fatalities
Santa Clara has joined a growing number of Bay Area cities pursuing policies aimed at eliminating traffic deaths. The Santa Clara City Council voted early Wednesday morning to adopt the city’s Vision Zero plan, committing to a strategy to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on local roads. City officials decided to implement the plan...
Santa Clara bans ICE from using city property
Santa Clara city officials have reaffirmed their support for immigrant communities ahead of Super Bowl 60 this weekend. The Santa Clara City Council unanimously approved a statement emphasizing its support for immigrants ahead of the Feb. 8 game at Levi’s Stadium, in case of increased activity from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other...