The Podlight podcast features an exclusive look at the top headlines and in-depth conversations with South Bay leaders, lawmakers and influencers about policy, politics and government, delving into critical issues such as housing, technology, business, homelessness, education and development.
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With Election Day approaching, a flurry of changes and claims about voting has left some voters wondering what to expect. Reporter Keith Menconi talks with Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Matt Moreles about how ballots will be counted, what voters need to know and why the process locally remains business as usual.
Artificial intelligence and workplace surveillance are transforming jobs across Silicon Valley, raising new concerns about displacement and worker rights. Reporter Keith Menconi explores the new People’s Tech Coalition, the South Bay labor and community groups behind it and their push to give workers more say in how technology reshapes the workplace.
From a proposed ICE facility to a surge in data center development, two of Silicon Valley’s biggest debates took center stage at San José Spotlight’s PolitiBeat 2026. The Podlight revisits the conversations about immigration, energy, economic growth and what these major developments could mean for the region.
As the AI boom fuels a wave of data center development, San Jose is promising each project will face careful scrutiny. Reporter Keith Menconi explores how city leaders plan to balance economic growth with concerns over water, energy and neighborhood impacts.
California’s primary election settled some races, set up new battles and offered clues about where local politics may be headed next. Reporter Keith Menconi breaks down the biggest results from across the South Bay, the surprises that emerged and what they mean for voters, candidates and the region’s political future.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan launched an ambitious campaign for California governor backed by millions from Silicon Valley donors. But with weeks until the June primary, he has yet to break out of single-digit polling. Reporter Keith Menconi examines the state of the race, the challenges facing Mahan’s campaign and whether there’s still a path forward.
New allegations about Cesar Chavez are prompting difficult conversations in East San Jose, where he lived and began his organizing career. Reporter Keith Menconi explores how community leaders are grappling with the revelations, the tension between legacy and accountability, and what it means for a city he once called home.
From rising costs to slowing revenues, San Jose is facing a $56 million budget shortfall. Reporter Keith Menconi talks to city leaders about what’s driving the deficit, the difficult tradeoffs ahead and what potential cuts could mean for city services.
From the Super Bowl to future global sporting events, San Jose is positioning itself for an economic surge. Reporter Keith Menconi explores the strategy, the stakes and what success would really look like for the South Bay.
With federal SNAP benefits stalling, food insecurity is rising sharply across Silicon Valley. In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, to talk about the growing demand for food assistance, the human toll of federal funding cuts and what can be done to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.
As voters consider a measure to fund public health, host Nick Preciado sits down with Santa Clara County CEO James Williams to explain the proposal and why it matters.
Just weeks after taking office, San Jose Councilmember Anthony Tordillos sits down with editor Nick Preciado to discuss his historic election, policy ideas and priorities for the downtown district.
VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez joins host Nick Preciado for a candid conversation about the historic VTA strike, his perspective on the labor negotiations and lessons learned by leadership.
A dramatic special election to elect San Jose’s next downtown councilmember was decided by a handful of votes, sending two contenders to a June runoff. Who is poised to win the San Jose City Council seat, and how will voter turnout impact the outcome? Host Nick Preciado sits down with political expert Garrick Percival to take a closer look.
Newly-elected Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga sits down with host Nick Preciado to detail her legislative priorities and how she’s tackling some of the region’s biggest challenges.
Betty Duong made history in November by becoming the first Vietnamese-American leader elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Host Nick Preciado chats with Duong about her background and vision for the future.
In this special edition of The Podlight, West Valley reporter Annalise Freimarck takes a look at how cities in the region like Campbell, Cupertino and Los Gatos are tackling a rise in homelessness.
Guest host Josh Barousse chats with longtime Milpitas leader and former elected official Bob Nunez about the city’s election results and how they’ll usher in changes at city hall.
Fresh off his re-election, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein joins us to share his plans and vision for the future of Santa Clara County’s second largest city.
West Valley reporter Annalise Friemarck examines the latest election results in Cupertino, Campbell and Los Gatos — and what they mean for voters — in an interview with guest host Josh Barousse.
Sunnyvale & Santa Clara reporter B. Sakura Cannestra sits down with host Nick Preciado to break down the races this election season in the two cities.
In less than a month, Silicon Valley voters will elect their next president, congressional representative and vote in numerous local supervisorial and city council races. Co-host Nick Preciado chats with two political experts — Larry Gerston and Garrick Percival — for their predictions and analysis.
In this edition, host Nick Preciado sits down with Los Gatos’ incoming town manager, Chris Constantin, to learn more about his background, ideas and vision for the town.
Silicon Valley Democrats celebrated the move to push Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket in November. But will the momentum behind her run for president be enough to defeat Donald Trump? Host Nick Preciado chats with Santa Clara County Democratic Party Chair Bill James.
The dysfunction of the Santa Clara City Council is the subject of a critical grand jury report, forcing politicians to acknowledge how years of infighting and bickering have hurt residents in the Mission City. Santa Clara reporter B. Sakura Cannestra discusses the report and what’s next with host Nick Preciado.
The future of the popular Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell, an anchor for the nearby shopping center, is at risk amid a dispute over its lease. West Valley reporter Annalise Freimarck talked to business leaders, moviegoers and local businesses to understand what’s next.
Despite ballooning costs and delays, BART’s much-anticipated extension in Silicon Valley is inching forward as pre-construction work begins on the transit agency’s Santa Clara stop. Editor Nick Preciado digs into the update with reporter B. Sakura Cannesta, who covers Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.
Cupertino spent more than $100,000 from a fund for low-income housing on attorneys to defend itself against housing-related lawsuits, San José Spotlight first reported. Editor Nick Preciado sits down with reporter Annalise Freimarck who broke the story to learn more.
Election Day is here in California. With Silicon Valley voters headed to the polls this week in the March primary election, co-host Nick Preciado sat down with two political observers and experts — Larry Gerston and Garrick Percival — for their predictions and analysis.
A successful lawsuit against San Jose and its former mayor brought by San José Spotlight and First Amendment Coalition has inspired a new state bill, SB 908, that would ensure compliance with California’s public records law and bolster government transparency across the state. Editor Nick Preciado learns more from Brittney Barsotti of the California News Publishers Association.
The end of an era: Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is retiring after three decades in Congress. The veteran Democrat reflects on her decision and legacy. Plus: Political analyst Larry Gerston predicts some key issues that could shape the highly-competitive race to replace her.
San Jose is seeing a significantly low return of office workers to downtown and one of the highest office vacancy rates in its history. The lack of foot traffic is hurting downtown businesses. What’s driving this trend and how can office workers be lured to come back? Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Alex Stettinski, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association.
A judge’s recent ruling that the city of San Jose and its former Mayor Sam Liccardo violated state transparency laws — in response to a lawsuit filed by San José Spotlight and First Amendment Coalition — could have far-reaching implications for public agencies across the state. Co-host Joseph Geha talks to Karl Olson and David Loy, two attorneys at the center of the case.
San Jose is exploring a controversial policy to keep homeless residents away from schools and daycare centers. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to East San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who supports the idea, and homeless advocate Todd Langton of Agape Silicon Valley.
Co-host Nick Preciado sits down with the county’s top political and administrative leaders — Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg and CEO James Williams — to discuss the state of the county’s mental health crisis.
A federal judge this month dismissed legal challenges to San Jose’s landmark gun safety measures that made national headlines. But will the policies prevent gun violence and mass shootings? Co-host Nick Preciado takes a closer look with Mothers Against Murder Executive Director Margaret Petros.
San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado speaks with managing editor Alexandria Bordas and senior reporter Joseph Geha about PolitiBeat — the organization’s inaugural political festival that featured eight panels with more than 30 speakers, including local, state and federal lawmakers.
A fight over San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s plan to divert funding from affordable housing to create more shelters and short-term solutions is heating up. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks with two housing leaders, Sandy Perry and Delma Hernandez, to understand the plan’s implications.
South Bay authorities closed 10 major highway ramps over Cinco de Mayo weekend, a year after San Jose leaders reversed a ban on lowriding. Some lawmakers called the move “racist” and demanded an investigation. Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Angela Carrillo of the women-led Dueñas Car Club about what happened.
More than 10,000 people are homeless in Santa Clara County, a sobering reality despite millions of dollars funneling into the county to address the crisis. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to Preston Prince, executive director of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, about how that agency is working to end homelessness and other solutions.
The shocking allegations of drug smuggling by a top administrator at San Jose’s police union has rocked Silicon Valley and the nation. Co-host Joseph Geha digs into the situation with William Armaline, director of the SJSU Human Rights Institute, and LaDoris Cordell, a retired judge and former San Jose independent police auditor. The police union declined to participate.
San Jose leaders will soon consider a plan years in the making to build a nearly 14,000 square foot Buddhist temple in an Evergreen neighborhood. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks with Pierluigi Oliverio, the city’s planning commission chair who supports the project, and Murali Pabbisetty, a neighbor who opposes.
Every year, research organization Joint Venture Silicon Valley releases a report showing how the region is faring economically — and this year’s report highlights massive and growing inequality in Silicon Valley. Co-host Joseph Geha discusses the stark divide with Joint Venture president and CEO Russell Hancock and Silicon Valley Community Foundation CEO Nicole Taylor.
In January, San Jose elected leaders appointed two new councilmembers in Districts 8 and 10. Co-host Nick Preciado introduces you to Arjun Batra, who will represent District 10 spanning Almaden and Blossom valleys. Batra shares more about his background, goals and policy ideas.
San Jose elected leaders just voted to appoint two new councilmembers in Districts 8 and 10. Co-host Joseph Geha introduces you to Domingo Candelas, who will represent District 8 spanning Evergreen and East San Jose. Candelas opens up about his upbringing, his policy ideas and allegations he cheated to win.
Santa Clara County is being deluged by an atmospheric river storm with more rain on the way. What does the intense rainfall mean for local reservoirs, the risk of flooding and the region’s drought restrictions? Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Valley Water director Barbara Keegan to learn more.
Minimum wage is going up in Silicon Valley next year, but San Jose still trails some neighboring cities in raising the pay floor. Will it make a difference for those struggling to make ends meet, as cost-of-living continues to soar? Host Nick Preciado sits down with SJSU sociology professor Scott Myers-Lipton to learn more,
Two seats are opening on the San Jose City Council and a fight is brewing over how to fill them. Some want to hold a special election, costing up to $10 million but giving voters the ability to choose their representative -– while others want the council to appoint a successor, a much quicker process. Co-host Joseph Geha talks to both sides.
More than a week after Election Day, host Nick Preciado chats with political expert and commentator Larry Gerston for a post election recap and analysis of San Jose’s biggest races, voter turnout and more.
With Election Day just a few days away, host Nick Preciado sits down with two of Silicon Valley’s most prominent political experts — Terry Christensen and Garrick Percival — to get their predictions and analysis on the consequential races.
Meet the two candidates vying to be Santa Clara County’s next sheriff: Former Palo Alto Police Chief Robert “Bob” Jonsen, and Kevin Jensen, a retired captain for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The contenders talk to host Nick Preciado about how they’ll restore accountability and trust in the embattled office.
Homeless deaths on the streets of Silicon Valley are on the rise — with 14 people dying in one month alone. Host Nick Preciado digs into the troubling trend with two homeless experts and advocates, Todd Langton and Shaunn Cartwright.
With less than two months before Election Day, the candidates for San Jose mayor joined San José Spotlight CEO Ramona Giwargis for a forum that highlighted their stark differences. SJSU political science professor Garrick Percival provides a post-debate analysis and breaks down how the candidates’ answers might sway voters.
Lowriding is back in San Jose after policymakers voted to repeal a decades-old policy that banned cruising. Host Nick Preciado speaks with San Francisco State professor John Ulloa and Councilman Raul Peralez about the city’s lowriding roots and what lifting the ban means for the community.
San Jose just released a housing plan that would require building tens of thousands of new homes in the next eight years. Mathew Reed of Silicon Valley at Home and Sandy Perry of the Affordable Housing Network of Silicon Valley join host Nick Preciado to discuss how the city might change its housing approach.
For decades, advocates have fought to close Reid-Hillview Airport in East San Jose while aviation experts argue it serves a critical purpose. Hear from both sides of the debate: Walt Gyger of the Community and Airport Partnership for Safe Operation, and Huascar Castro from Working Partnerships USA join host Nick Preciado to break it down.
Downtown San Jose faces a host of challenges, from homelessness to vacant storefronts and shuttered businesses. Will it ever bounce back? Two experts — Councilmember Raul Peralez and San Jose Downtown Association CEO Scott Knies — weigh in on the state of downtown.
Host Nick Preciado welcomes Will Chea, a longtime Silicon Valley realtor and president-elect of the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors, to dig into the region’s housing market. Is this the right time to buy? What is driving $9,000 monthly mortgages? And is the market cooling off amid forecasts of a recession?
Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg joins host Nick Preciado to dig into the county’s mental health crisis, how leaders are looking for solutions and new efforts to balance the need for a new jail with mental health facilities.
Host Nick Preciado chats with Michael Borja, a spokesman for the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, to answer common questions about voting processes and election security ahead of Tuesday’s primary election.
With Election Day less than three weeks away, host Nick Preciado sits down with two of Silicon Valley’s most prominent political experts — Terry Christensen and Garrick Percival — to get their predictions and analysis on key races and measures.
Host Nick Preciado is joined by San Jose Assemblymember Ash Kalra and transit leader Rod Diridon, Sr. to reflect on the legacy of the iconic Norm Mineta — a trailblazing San Jose mayor, hometown hero and national leader.
Host Nick Preciado sits down with San Jose’s Economic Development Director Nanci Klein to dig into the biggest land deal in San Jose’s history — the massive Google campus in downtown. Klein dishes on what’s next, plans to prevent displacement and how the city is mitigating traffic and parking concerns.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado chats with three members of San Jose’s Charter Review Commission about a series of recommendations that could change city policies — including a plan to switch to ranked choice voting and expand council districts.
This week, host Nick Preciado chats with reporter Tran Nguyen about a new plan to combat rising traffic deaths in San Jose. Then Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe hops on to talk about how the city hopes to reduce theft of catalytic converters.
This week, host Nick Preciado chats with reporter Tran Nguyen about COVID-19 entering the endemic phase in Santa Clara County and San Jose City Hall reporter Jana Kadah explains the barriers to affordable housing in San Jose.
This week, host Nick Preciado chats with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe about Santa Clara County lifting its indoor mask mandate. Then San Jose City Hall reporter Jana Kadah explains how the city will spend millions of dollars from Google in connection to its downtown project.
Host Nick Preciado and reporter Tran Nguyen dive into the county’s biennial homeless count this week, including Ngyuen’s experience shadowing volunteers as they scoured under bridges, along creeks and outside businesses before dawn to count homeless people living in San Jose.
This week, host Nick Preciado welcomes two guests to dive into San Jose’s new gun policies, which include requiring firearm owners to buy liability insurance and pay an annual fee to help reduce gun harm. San Jose Vice Mayor Chappie Jones explains how the policy might save lives, while activist Kirk Vartan says it’s a half-baked plan with no teeth.
This week, host Nick Preciado chats with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe about an ongoing legal battle between Valley Water and victims of a disastrous 2017 flood. Then reporter Jana Kadah explains how San Jose is clearing a massive homeless camp under the airport’s flight path.
This week, editor Nick Preciado chats with San José Spotlight co-founder and CEO Ramona Giwargis about the organization’s joint lawsuit against San Jose and Mayor Sam Liccardo for skirting public transparency laws. Then reporter Tran Nguyen explains how newly-released emails show Liccardo’s friend, Carl Guardino, helped craft an exemption to the city’s natural gas ban that his company — Bloom Energy — benefitted from.
This week, host Nick Preciado and reporter Tran Nguyen discuss why emergency workers at Valley Medical Center walked off the job amid the biggest spike in COVID-19 cases. Later, Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe dives into the county’s decision to approve a new jail — despite strong opposition from the community.
This week, host Nick Preciado chats with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe about a new plan to transform the county fairgrounds into a cricket stadium despite calls to use the site for homeless or affordable housing. Then freelance reporter Lorraine Gabbert recaps a fight to save a food pantry from closure because of a pricey city permit.
This week host Nick Preciado dug into a new proposal in San Jose to allow people who are not U.S. citizens to vote in local elections with reporter Tran Nguyen. Later, Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe explains a move by county lawmakers to declare a public mental health crisis.
This week, host Nick Preciado talks to San Jose City Hall reporter Jana Kadah about the mayor’s proposal to require city employees to get a COVID-19 booster shot. Then reporter Tran Nguyen explains why homeless deaths in Santa Clara County have soared in recent years — and how activists are honoring the lives lost.
This week, host Nick Preciado dives into new corruption accusations against Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith from the Civil Grand Jury with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe.
Then, reporter Tran Nguyen hops on to discuss the $1.6 million sale of the historic Burbank Theater.
This week host Nick Preciado speaks with reporter Tran Nguyen about her new data reporting revealing how many homeless encampments San Jose has cleared since January.
Then, reporters Lloyd Alaban and Lorraine Gabbert discuss San José Spotlight’s new documentary series highlighting the plight of essential workers during the pandemic, Backbone of Silicon Valley.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado talks to reporter Tran Nguyen about her exclusive reporting on San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo’s new PAC and its $400,000 fundraising haul. Later, Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe breaks down a controversial San Jose proposal to use license plate readers to deter crime.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado speaks to environmentalists pushing to preserve Coyote Valley and those who say private landowners have a right to develop it. The discussion, which features Green Foothills Executive Director Megan Fluke and attorney and ex-San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, follows a historic City Council decision this week to preserve the open space.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado talks to freelance reporter Lorraine Gabbert about a unanimous decision to remove a controversial Thomas Fallon statue from downtown San Jose. Reporter Eli Wolfe discusses a fight to save sacred land in South County.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado and Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe dig into the county’s redistricting process which is sparking heated debate. Then, reporter Tran Nguyen details a fight to reopen The Dragon Mountain, a treasured park that’s been shuttered for two years.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado dives into a report by reporter Tran Nguyen about a San Jose employee’s claims that lucrative contracts were given to a company because of its ties to Mayor Sam Liccardo. Then, freelance reporter Lorraine Gabbert explains how South Bay students are struggling with homelessness.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado talks to reporter Lloyd Alaban about San Jose’s redistricting process and why some new maps are angering residents and businesses. Then, Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe digs into bullying and harassment faced by the Los Gatos mayor.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado chats with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe about the city’s push to save a beloved mural near downtown San Jose. Later, reporter Tran Nguyen details the latest developments in San José Spotlight’s fight for emails related to Mayor Sam Liccardo’s lobbying group.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado digs into the abrupt resignation of San Jose State University president Mary Papazian amid a sex abuse scandal. Later, reporter Tran Nguyen examines how renters are coping with the threat of eviction after a ban on COVID-related evictions expired.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado exclusively speaks with Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith about alleged mismanagement of county jails, warehousing mentally ill people behind bars, severe understaffing issues, looming investigations into her leadership and calls for her to resign.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado and Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe dig into two state bills that abolish single-family zoning in California — and explain what that means for local San Jose policies, such as Opportunity Housing.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado chats with reporter Tran Nguyen about why San Jose’s police and fire unions are opposing a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Later, reporter Lloyd Alaban digs into a fight between city administrators and a committee working on police reform.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado chats with reporters Tran Nguyen and Eli Wolfe about a new COVID-19 vaccine mandate at San Jose City Hall and efforts to diversify a business group marred by racist political ads.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado chats with reporter Tran Nguyen about the number of COVID-19 infections at San Jose’s three largest school districts. Later, senior reporter Eli Wolfe dives into a vote of ‘no confidence’ in county Sheriff Laurie Smith.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado and reporter Lloyd Alaban break down San Jose’s newly-approved COVID-19 vaccination mandate for events with 50 or more people at city-owned facilities.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado talks to reporter Lloyd Alaban about a historic decision to begin closing the Reid-Hillview Airport and eliminating leaded fuel. Later, reporter Sonya Herrera hops on to recap Newsom’s visit to San Jose amid his recall election.
On this episode of The Podlight, editor Nick Preciado and Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe dig into a petition by VTA workers to investigate a hostile work environment and mistreatment by management. The calls come just months after a disgruntled VTA worker gunned down nine of his colleagues before taking his own life.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado digs into the county’s decision to require masks indoors with reporter Lloyd Alaban. Later, reporter Tran Nguyen explains how a San Francisco law firm and a free speech advocacy group are responding to Mayor Sam Liccardo’s attempt to skirt public records law.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado chats with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe about the VTA facing workers’ comp claims — and possible lawsuits — from families of the mass shooting victims. Later, reporter Tran Nguyen hops on to explain why plans to build a Viet Heritage Garden have stalled.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado is joined by reporter Lloyd Alaban to discuss a growing homeless encampment in San Jose — and federal demands to clear it. Later, he’s joined by reporter Vicente Vera who explains how special interests are already lining up to support candidates in the 2022 elections.
In an exclusive interview with The Podlight, Public Defender Sajid Khan, who is challenging District Attorney Jeff Rosen in 2022, tells host Nick Preciado how he will overhaul criminal justice in Silicon Valley and why the area is ready for change.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado digs into a new lawsuit filed by San Jose-based Bloom Energy against a neighboring city with reporter Sonya Herrera then breaks down a new report on housing affordability with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado chats with reporter Tran Nguyen about when commuters can expect VTA to resume light rail service after a mass shooting in May shuttered operations. Plus, reporter Eli Wolfe explains how the South Bay cracked down on illegal fireworks — and whether it worked.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado digs into Solutions San Jose, Mayor Sam Liccardo’s secretive advocacy group, with Senior Reporter Eli Wolfe who broke a story about its connection to a consulting group linked to a racist ad. Later, reporter Lloyd Alaban hops on to recap Liccardo’s new gun control measures — which are already being challenged.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Nick Preciado chats with San José Spotlight reporter Lloyd Alaban about why the City Council delayed a controversial vote to redevelop the historic San Jose Flea Market. Later, he’s joined by reporter Tran Nguyen to break down a new report that reveals racial discrimination and income inequality in Silicon Valley.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler and editor Nick Preciado dig into two major approvals that happened in San Jose this month — the city’s approval of a massive Google development and the county’s decision to opt into Laura’s Law.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler talks to reporter Vicente Vera about a May 26 mass shooting at VTA’s rail yard in downtown San Jose that left ten people dead, including the shooter. Vera was on the ground in the aftermath of the deadly rampage as city leaders, VTA employees and heartbroken families struggled to cope, find answers and honor the victims.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler and editor Nick Preciado explain why San Jose casinos are paying higher taxes under a new voter-approved measure — but can’t increase the number of table games, as the measure promised. Plus: A look at why the San Jose City Council rejected a plan for homeless encampments and how city-owned golf courses thrived during the pandemic.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler and editor Nick Preciado dive into a decision this week by San Jose planning commissioners to greenlight a plan to develop the beloved Berryessa Flea Market — and how vendors fear it will leave them behind. Plus: A look at Valley Water’s rate hikes and a backlog in San Jose’s code enforcement division.
On this episode of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler recaps the week’s top headlines with San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado. Learn more about an East San Jose school district’s plan to close two middle schools, the downtown airport’s decline in passengers and an important vote to remove the controversial Thomas Fallon statue from downtown San Jose.
On this episode of The Podlight, San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado sits down with reporter Sonya Herrera to delve into Google’s massive 80-acre campus proposed for downtown San Jose. The project, more than three years in the making, cleared a major hurdle this week.
In this edition of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler sits down with Derrick Seaver, the new CEO of the Silicon Valley Organization, to dig into how he will rebuild the business group after a racist campaign ad last fall led to widespread fallout and distrust in the community. Seaver outlines plans to rebrand the organization, focus on equity, better support small and medium-sized businesses and revamp campaign strategy.
In this edition of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler delves into an exclusive San José Spotlight investigative report about how a San Jose energy company skirted a natural gas ban after Mayor Sam Liccardo’s close friend, Carl Guardino, led a robust lobbying campaign. Staedler also discusses water rake hikes coming this summer.
In this edition of The Podlight, host Bob Staedler sits down with Urban Catalyst founder Erik Hayden to learn more about Silicon Valley’s landmark Opportunity Zone Fund which has garnered national attention for driving urban development by transforming and revitalizing downtown San Jose with six major redevelopment projects.
On the 8th and final episode of The Podlight, Bob Staedler sits down with San José Spotlight senior reporter Janice Bitters and San Jose City Hall reporter Nadia Lopez to recap some of the top stories of 2019.
On the 7th episode of The Podlight, Bob Staedler and San José Spotlight senior reporter Janice Bitters recap highlights from an exclusive fireside chat with state Sen. Scott Wiener hosted in November by this news organization. During the event, the San Francisco legislator discussed his most controversial bills, including SB 50 and SB 35, the fight for local control versus state control, fees on developers and how big tech is getting involved with tackling the housing crisis.
On the 5th episode of The Podlight, Bob Staedler welcomes San José Spotlight senior reporter Janice Bitters to delve Google’s big plans for downtown San Jose and how the tech giant’s expansion into the city could impact the neighboring community.
On the 6th episode of The Podlight, Bob Staedler and San José Spotlight senior reporter Janice Bitters share insights from Bitters’ rare and revealing interview with Chuck Davidson, a legendary San Jose entrepreneur, businessman and philanthropist. Davidson, who helped shape the city charter, shared stories from his remarkable life and career.
The 4th episode of The Podlight features the final of a three-part series focused on Silicon Valley’s crippling housing crisis. Host Bob Staedler and San José Spotlight City Hall reporter Nadia Lopez dig into preservation and anti-displacement measures, especially as Google looks to build a massive campus in downtown San Jose.
The 3rd episode of The Podlight features the second of a three-part series focused on Silicon Valley’s crippling housing crisis. Host Bob Staedler continues the conversation with San José Spotlight City Hall reporter Nadia Lopez to explore the three Ps of housing policy — production, preservation and protection.
The 2nd episode of The Podlight kicks off the first of a three-part series focused on Silicon Valley’s crippling housing crisis. Host Bob Staedler sits down with San José Spotlight City Hall reporter Nadia Lopez to delve into a new city policy that aims to prohibit discrimination against Section 8 voucher holders.
On the 1st episode of The Podlight, Bob Staedler sits down with San José Spotlight senior reporter Janice Bitters to look at the major players transforming downtown San Jose. It’s a primer for the who’s who of downtown, how we got here and who’s doing what.
