A group of civil rights organizations is ratcheting up the legal pressure on San Jose over longstanding complaints that too often mental health-related emergency calls receive a police response — rather than assistance from mental health professionals. In a recent letter to Mayor Matt Mahan, lawyers representing local police watchdog group Silicon Valley De-Bug allege...
Silicon Valley lawmaker secures millions for veteran housing
The redevelopment of a San Jose housing site for veterans has been bolstered with funding secured by a Silicon Valley lawmaker. Congressman Ro Khanna has secured a more than $3 million grant for the veterans shelter at 10 Kirk Ave. in East San Jose. The money will be used for site improvements that include a...
Mountain View could allow public drinking in downtown
Mountain View is looking to implement an “entertainment zone” in the downtown area ahead of the World Cup this summer, which would allow for the open consumption of alcohol on streets and sidewalks during city-designated events. A local ordinance creating the proposed zone — which would cover five blocks of Castro Street and portions of surrounding...
San Jose eyes reviving outdoor dining program
When COVID-19 struck in 2020 and health officials banned most indoor business activities, Doug Cookerly was among dozens of San Jose business owners who took advantage of the city’s emergency Al Fresco outdoor dining program to add outside seating. “It was a savior,” Cookerly, who owns the bar Hop & Vine located on The Alameda,...
State housing law could change Campbell’s small city vibe
Campbell could add 40,000 homes — more than tripling the city’s current population — under a new state law aimed at boosting housing near public transit stations. The City Council is working on plans to manage the huge surge in potential development being triggered by Senate Bill 79. The bill, effective July 1, could massively...
Sunnyvale joins other cities in approving ICE-free zones
Another South Bay city is working to keep federal immigration agents off public property, following the lead of its neighbors. The Sunnyvale City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using city-owned property for civil enforcement. The policy directs the city to provide “know your rights” resources and...