A Dallas family is pleading for justice and public help after 30-year-old Victor Rojas was killed in a suspected carjacking outside a gym. The fatal shooting occurred on March 3 near South Buckner Boulevard and Samuell Boulevard, at a QuikTrip gas station next to a Planet Fitness that Rojas regularly attended. That night, Rojas left home to work out, a routine he kept most evenings. His family says it was the last ti

San Jose officials have canceled this year’s Independence Day fireworks celebration at Almaden Lake Park, marking the first interruption of the popular event in a decade. The decision comes after serious safety concerns were raised following incidents during last year’s celebration, which drew more than 30,000 visitors to the neighborhood. For longtime resident Cathie Bacosa, the cancellation is a relief. Last July 4, she awoke around midnight to a fire raging in her b

San Jose’s independent police auditor is advocating for the authority to review every police use-of-force incident, including those that do not result in injury. This expanded oversight model, already in place at the county level, has sparked debate and resistance from the city’s police department and councilmembers, who cite budget and staffing concerns. In 2024, San Jose police reported 400 incidents involving the use of force, of which 13 led to great bodily injury.

  Efforts by the San Jose community to save a beloved local restaurant have come to an end as city officials approved a proposal to replace the longstanding Taqueria Eduardo with a new Chick-fil-A location. The decision, made by Planning Director Christopher Burton, has sparked criticism from residents and community groups who argue that the project contradicts the West San Carlos Urban Village Plan and displaces a business that has been serving the neighborhood for over two de

The Santa Clara County Democratic Party has confirmed it will not revise its dual endorsement in the upcoming June 24 runoff election for San Jose’s District 3 city council seat. This decision upholds the party's earlier support for both Gabby Chavez-Lopez and Anthony Tordillos, despite the two now facing off against each other in the final round of voting. The move reflects longstanding party practices and strategic considerations specific to the unique nature of this race.

Shoppers and home cooks in Lafayette have reason to get excited as the Assistance League Thrift Shop gears up for its highly anticipated annual Cookware and Kitchen Event beginning Tuesday, June 3. Located next to the Park Theater, the shop opens its doors at 10 a.m., but eager shoppers are encouraged to arrive by 9:45 a.m. to beat the crowd. This community-favorite event will feature an impressive lineup of gently u

A beloved local Mexican restaurant that has served San Jose for over two decades is at risk of closing its doors as plans for a new fast-food restaurant could force it out. Taqueria Eduardo, located at 255 Race Street near West San Carlos Street, is one of two locations operated by owner Luis Martinez. However, this long-standing neighborhood staple may not survive the potential arrival of a new Chick-fil-A at the same location. The San Jose Planning Director’s Hearing is scheduled for

Despite a significant investment of $350,000, a recent study funded by the city of San Jose to explore community-based alternatives for addressing domestic violence has come up short on actionable solutions. The city had initially allocated $400,000 for the research project titled “Community-Led Solutions to Domestic Violence,” which was aimed at developing methods to support survivors without involving law enforcement. The study, released on May 20, was conducted by a nonprofit o

The second and final suspect involved in a deadly street racing crash on Mother’s Day in South Dallas has turned herself in to authorities. Sharonda Clark, 47, the driver of the black Cadillac seen fleeing the crash site, surrendered on Wednesday following a police manhunt and public appeals for her arrest. The crash, which occurred on May 11, took the life of Jose Ambrocio Medina Soto, 59, after his pickup truck was struck during a high-speed race between two vehicles. The ot

San Jose is moving forward with plans to boost its local economy in anticipation of the 2026 World Cup and Super Bowl by reintroducing large-scale building advertisements known as supergraphic signs. These giant ads, attached to downtown and North San Jose buildings, are being revived to capitalize on the surge in visitors expected during these global sporting events. The city council has unanimously approved the return of these supergraphic signs, which were previously phased out

San Jose is taking steps to boost its appeal as a sports and nightlife destination by allowing public consumption of alcoholic drinks in designated downtown zones during key 2026 sporting events. City leaders unanimously approved a plan to create “entertainment zones” for open alcohol sales and consumption during major public gatherings linked to the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl 60, both expected to draw global attention and large crowds to the Bay Area. Six entertain

San Jose is taking major steps to ramp up housing development by expanding financial incentives aimed at drawing more residential builders into the city. In a unanimous vote on May 13, city leaders approved a boost to its multifamily housing incentive program, increasing the cap on eligible new homes from 1,500 to 1,800 units. Under this initiative, developers can qualify for a 50% reduction in commercial, residential, mobile home park, and building and structure taxes through the end of the yea

San Jose Mineta International Airport is undergoing a transformative shift in how it engages with travelers, by reimagining its retail experience to reflect the local culture and support small businesses. The airport has revamped its concession program to attract local vendors, giving them valuable exposure and a unique platform to showcase the best of what San Jose has to offer. This initiative is not just about food and merchandise—it’s about creating a deeper connection between

The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has selected a new operator for its paratransit shuttle program serving people with disabilities, but the decision has sparked backlash from the outgoing contractor and raised questions about the transparency of the procurement process. During a recent board meeting, the VTA board of directors unanimously approved a three-year, $110 million contract for Transdev Services to manage the VTA Access program, which could extend up to seven years with four

Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a statewide initiative to ban homeless encampments across California, aligning with San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s push to eliminate tents and makeshift shelters from public spaces. The plan would limit public camping to no more than three consecutive nights and prohibit sitting, lying, or sleeping on sidewalks and streets where it impedes movement. It would also make constructing temporary shelters like sheds on public land unlawful. This announcement was t

California Governor Gavin Newsom is reversing his stance on expanding free health care access for undocumented immigrants, a move that once underscored his push toward universal health care in the state. In a major policy shift, Newsom is proposing to halt new Medi-Cal enrollment for low-income immigrants without legal status beginning in 2026 and require monthly premium payments from current enrollees starting in 2027. The decision comes as the state grapples with a growing $6.2 bi

For the first time in a quarter century, San Jose is witnessing the return of affordable housing development on property owned by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Located just steps from Tamien Station, a key transit hub south of downtown, construction is well underway for a brand-new housing complex expected to be move-in ready by August. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the city’s effort to address the growing housing affordability crisis in the Bay Area.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is pushing forward a new proposal aimed at addressing the city’s growing homelessness crisis by aligning local policy with recent guidance from California Governor Gavin Newsom. The mayor’s “responsibility to shelter” framework is built on the principle of offering shelter or treatment to homeless individuals while also establishing legal accountability for those who repeatedly refuse help. This approach echoes the governor’s broader model

San Jose, California – Anticipation reached fever pitch in the Bay Area this week as global football icon Lionel Messi touched down ahead of Inter Miami’s clash with the San Jose Earthquakes. The midweek Major League Soccer matchup has become one of the most talked-about games in the Earthquakes' history, largely due to Messi’s massive worldwide popularity and the rarity of his appearance on the West Coast. As Inter Miami arrived in San Jose, dozens of fan

San Francisco has been named the healthiest city in the United States in a newly released national study analyzing over 180 cities across the country. The study evaluated a wide range of health-related metrics, including access to healthcare, nutritional habits, fitness levels, and the availability of public green spaces. With a total score of 68.05, San Francisco claimed the number one spot, outpacing other major cities renowned for their commitment to wellness and sustainable living.