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.

A tragic event occurred off the coast near San Diego on Monday when a suspected smuggling vessel carrying migrants overturned, resulting in at least three confirmed fatalities and several others unaccounted for. Emergency crews, including maritime rescue teams and local authorities, launched a large-scale search operation to locate any potential survivors. The incident took place off Torrey Pines State Beach, a stretch of coastline known for strong currents and rocky terrain. Auth

San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown night market will make its return on Friday, May 9, bringing back the lively community spirit, rich culture, and local food that have made it one of the city’s most anticipated recurring events. Following the success of last year’s series, which featured nine night markets that drew in thousands, organizers are expanding the event to six major nights this year, taking place on the second Friday of each month from May through October.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver her first major speech since the 2024 election loss at a San Francisco hotel on Wednesday evening. The event, marking the 20th anniversary of the Emerge program, will take place at the historic Palace Hotel. Harris, who has been somewhat out of the public eye following her loss to President Donald Trump last November, is expected to address the challenges and opportunities facing women in politics. Her speech comes just as Trump hits his firs

San Jose is preparing for a major May Day demonstration on Thursday, where thousands of people are expected to participate in a large-scale march in support of immigrant and workers' rights. Recognized globally on May 1st, May Day has long served as a day of unity and protest for laborers and immigrant communities, and this year’s event is expected to reflect heightened energy and turnout due to the ongoing national dialogue surrounding immigration policies and labor equity.

Officials in San Francisco have announced plans to restart a previously suspended electronic monitoring program for individuals awaiting trial, following a decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The move marks a significant shift in the city's criminal justice policy, focusing on improving public safety while navigating legal boundaries. The city’s sheriff confirmed that the monitoring program would resume, reversing its earlier suspension due to legal challenges surrounding w

Retail giant Kohl’s is preparing to close 27 underperforming store locations across 15 states this Saturday, March 29, as part of its strategic restructuring efforts. Among those closing are five locations in California’s Bay Area, including Fremont, Mountain View, Napa, Pleasanton, and San Rafael. These closures, initially announced in January, reflect the company's focus on optimizing operations and enhancing profitability by addressing performance issues in certain regions whi

San Jose has taken a significant step in addressing the city’s homelessness crisis with the unveiling of a new interim housing development named Via del Oro. This innovative project, the first of its kind in the city, delivers 135 housing units on private land in under a year, demonstrating a scalable and cost-efficient approach to combating homelessness. Developed by DignityMoves, the site was constructed at a fraction of the typical cost of similar housing initiatives, offering a pote

The University of the Pacific, with its main campus in Stockton, California, has become the latest academic institution to feel the impact of recent changes in federal visa enforcement. The university reported last week that two of its international students had their student visas revoked without prior notice, stirring concern among the campus community and raising questions about the broader implications for international education in the United States. While the university conf

In a growing security concern for car owners, San Jose police are reporting a troubling uptick in car thefts involving new technology that allows criminals to bypass keyless ignition systems. According to police officials, thieves are increasingly turning to high-tech tools that can access and override modern ignition systems with remote or push-to-start features, making vehicles easier to steal than ever before. What is even more alarming is that these stolen vehicles are often not just disa

Another dead gray whale has washed ashore in the San Francisco Bay, marking the fifth such incident in just a matter of weeks. The Marine Mammal Center confirmed on Monday that the deceased marine mammal appeared on the sand at South Shore Beach in Alameda, where yellow caution tape was set up to keep beachgoers at a safe distance. Onlookers stood by in silence as the massive whale’s body lay motionless near the shoreline, bringing a sobering reminder of the growing number of whale deat