San Jose city workers started clearing a homeless encampment at Columbus Park on Monday morning, but the process took a tragic turn when a man was discovered dead inside his RV. Authorities confirmed that the body was found as crews began moving through the area. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but friends of the man believe the stress of the encampment sweep and the uncertainty of losing his shelter may have played a role.

In Linden, New Jersey, concerns are mounting over the condition and management of the Edward J. Murawski Towers, an 11-story senior housing complex on Dill Avenue that has stood since the 1970s. The building, which contains 150 units, is meant to provide safe and affordable housing for seniors, yet many of those apartments are sitting empty, some for years. City officials say at least 62 units are currently uninhabitable but could be repaired immediately if a

San Jose’s newest elected representative has officially taken office, marking a new chapter for District 3 after a period of political turbulence. Anthony Tordillos was sworn in at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, joining his colleagues on the dais to the applause of supporters and community members. The moment marked the culmination of a fast-moving political journey for Tordillos, who previously served as chair of the city’s Planning Commission

As California cities increasingly pass laws banning homeless encampments and intensify sweeps, a group of state lawmakers from the San Jose area is moving in the opposite direction. They are backing legislation aimed at protecting homeless individuals and the people who help them from criminal penalties. Senate Bill 643, co-authored by State Senator Sasha Perez and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, and Matt Haney, would prohibit cities from enacting ordinances that stop organiz

In a major move aimed at alleviating housing challenges faced by students, the Foothill-De Anza Community College District has officially taken ownership of McClellan Terrace Apartments in Cupertino. The $65.6 million acquisition was finalized on July 31 in a strategic attempt to convert the existing 94-unit apartment complex into roughly 332 affordable student beds. While the project is touted as a game-changer for student housing access, it comes at a cost: dozens of current residents will

Rising housing costs in the West Valley are pushing young civic leaders out of their communities and local government roles. This growing issue adds another layer to the region’s escalating housing crisis and is quietly reshaping the face of public service. One such example is Yuyi He, who dedicated her evenings to serving on a housing commission after her day job in the tech sector. She worked to represent renters and young residents in housing policy decisions, including a

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has positioned himself as a rising political figure, drawing attention beyond city limits with a mix of controversial proposals and bold policies. However, the future of his career depends heavily on the state of San Jose at the end of his term and whether his ambitious promises translate into tangible results. His leadership has been marked by efforts to address homelessness, improve public safety, and stimulate economic growth, yet these policies have sparked both

For many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United States, investing in real estate—whether back home in India or within the US—can be an overwhelming process. From understanding the market dynamics to dealing with documentation and finding the right property, the journey involves multiple layers of decision-making. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quietly changing that by offering NRIs smarter, faster, and more reliable ways to handle their real estate needs. One

In a significant move to combat homelessness in the Austin area, Travis County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved an $11.5 million contract to help fund a new affordable housing project. The contract, awarded to the Austin Area Urban League, supports the nonprofit’s Urban Empowerment Zone I, a supportive housing development that will bring 80 new affordable units for adults along with vital on-site services.

Palo Alto is taking steps toward a significant transformation of its downtown neighborhood through a new housing plan that targets increased residential development in the city’s transit-rich areas. For years, the downtown region has seen almost no new housing, adding only seven units since 2013 while also losing dozens of apartments due to conversions. Now, with the approval of an ambitious Housing Element and funding of $800,000 from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, city le

  Santa Clara County is grappling with a severe housing shortage as the number of homeless individuals continues to rise faster than the construction of new shelters and affordable homes. Recent data reveals that there are 10,711 homeless people in the county but only 3,454 beds across 38 temporary shelters and programs. This means that for every three unhoused individuals, only one bed is available, underscoring the urgent need for expanded housing solutions. The c

In a decisive move to expand its housing stock and reshape its urban landscape, Palo Alto has approved a 368-unit apartment complex on El Camino Real, at the former location of a long-time restaurant. This development is one of the city’s most significant recent housing projects and reflects a shifting approach toward accommodating higher-density residential buildings along major corridors. The project, located at 3150 El Camino Real and led by Acclaim Companies, symbolizes

A major court ruling has secured rent refunds for more than 2,500 tenants of a large rent-controlled apartment complex in Ward 8, following years of substandard living conditions and widespread building neglect. The decision marks a significant legal and financial victory for residents who endured unsafe and unhealthy housing while ownership failed to comply with mandated repairs. The case involves a long-standing dispute over a residential complex formerly known as Marbury Plaza.

Residents of the Birchwood at Fairmount Hotel senior living complex in Jersey City are grappling with the unsettling possibility of being temporarily relocated from their homes. Ingerman Development Company, the owner of the property, has announced a major rehabilitation plan for the aging facility, slated to begin in September. While the upgrades are being lauded as necessary to ensure safe and modern living conditions, the process has sparked concerns among the elderly residents and their f

Homeowners looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Dublin now have a golden opportunity to offset construction costs. Thanks to the Senate District 7 ADU Accelerator Program, residents can qualify for rebates of up to $15,000 to encourage small-unit construction and ease the local housing crisis. How the Rebate Works The total funding pool of

An Oakland neighborhood recently witnessed a dramatic transformation as 51 volunteers joined together to remove over 21 tons of illegally dumped garbage from streets and sidewalks in the Wood Street area. The effort targeted the intersection of 24th and Wood Street, a site long plagued by trash piles, abandoned items, and public safety concerns. The cleanup marked a significant step toward reclaiming the area for residents and rebuilding community pride. Though the vibrant graffit

Downtown San Jose’s nightlife scene is under scrutiny after it emerged that certain high-profile venues have been operating past midnight without proper permits, sparking outrage among other business owners who say they have faced a long and expensive battle to comply with the city’s strict regulations. Two popular venues — San Pedro Social and Kaizen Lounge — have run large-scale nightlife operations in violation of city requirements for more than a year, raising questio

Santa Clara is advancing a comprehensive two-year plan aimed at reducing homelessness across the city by increasing shelter capacity, expanding outreach services, and supporting unsheltered residents through a range of targeted programs. The Santa Clara City Council recently reviewed a draft work plan that proposes 34 projects and initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness more effectively and sustainably. The plan includes building a new 90-bed shelter for families, piloting

Santa Clara County property values have reached a historic high, with the total net assessed value of real estate and personal property now approaching $726 billion. This rise, however, comes with a significant caveat: it reflects the county’s slowest year of growth in more than a decade. Economic uncertainty, mounting construction costs, and a steep drop in demand for commercial space have created strong headwinds for the region's development. Despite the record-setting

San Jose has taken a bold legal step to address persistent drug activity and public safety concerns in one of its most historic public spaces. Repeat drug offenders are now officially prohibited from entering or lingering near St. James Park in the downtown area, following a court-issued injunction designed to reclaim the park for broader community use. The order was granted in late April and allows authorities to arrest individuals with prior drug offenses if they are found within 100 yards of