Six candidates vying to become Santa Clara’s next mayor laid out competing visions for the city at an election forum that discussed council dysfunction, data center growth, budget stability, Great America and the San Francisco 49ers’ role in local politics. Candidates include former city maintenance worker and labor representative Armando “Gary” Ferraris, David Kertes, director...
Santa Clara candidate failed to disclose AI images, complaint says
A Santa Clara mayoral candidate is facing a state-level complaint over his campaign’s undisclosed use of AI-generated images. Diana Torres, a freelance political consultant, filed the complaint against candidate Gary Ferraris to the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) on Sept. 24. The complaint alleges Ferraris’ campaign website used images created with artificial intelligence without...
Santa Clara looks to ban recreational nitrous oxide sales
Santa Clara is preparing to ban recreational sales of nitrous oxide products, also known as whippets. But smoke shops within city limits have already started moving away from selling them. The City Council on Tuesday received an update on the proposed ban, which would prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use...
Ex-Santa Clara officials’ confrontation leads to free speech lesson
A recent confrontation caught on video between two former Santa Clara councilmembers, with one running for mayor, led to the cops being called. But instead of anyone ending up in handcuffs, officers informed them of their First Amendment rights. At the city’s annual Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, Anthony Becker approached Kathy Watanabe at...
Santa Clara ditches idea to hold council meetings at libraries
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...