The former director of the Santa Clara County Fair, Obdulia Banuelos-Esparza, has been convicted on charges related to a kickback scheme that defrauded a security company providing services at the fairgrounds. The conviction comes after a detailed investigation by the District Attorney's Office, which revealed how Banuelos-Esparza abused her position for personal gain over the course of more than a year. Authorities disclosed that Banuelos-Esparza had threatened to terminate the

  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 historic gesture of recognition and cultural respect, the California State Assembly has unanimously passed a bill to rename a significant stretch of Highway 101 in San Jose as the "Little Saigon Freeway." Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, the bill designates the portion of Highway 101 between the Story Road exit and the I-280/680 interchange—just under half a mile in length—for this honor. The renaming serves as a tribute to the vibrant Vietnamese American commu

A major transformation is on the horizon for the area surrounding Levi’s Stadium, as the Santa Clara City Council approved a zoning change critical to the progress of the long-planned Related Santa Clara development. The approval allows nearly 98 acres within the 240-acre project to shift from office use to light industrial, adjusting to changing market conditions and aligning with regional economic trends. In a 4-3 vote, councilmembers granted the general plan amendment

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’s expansive public hospital system, the second largest in California, is now facing a financial crisis as sweeping federal budget cuts threaten to erase over $1 billion in vital revenue over the next few years. Just months after the county celebrated the expansion of its health system with the acquisition of Regional Medical Center in East San Jose, leaders now confront a bleak future triggered by President Donald Trump’s recent signing of H.R.

Apple has made headlines with its latest real estate investment spree, spending over half a billion dollars in just one week. The tech giant finalized two major property purchases in Silicon Valley, underscoring its commitment to expanding its footprint in the region. On June 24, Apple closed a deal to acquire the 220,000-square-foot Cupertino Gateway complex for $166.9 million. Located on North Tantau Avenue in Cupe

California families who rely on food assistance and other social safety nets may soon find themselves without critical support as the federal government moves forward with sweeping cuts to key programs. A Senate-backed budget reconciliation bill now under consideration in the House would slash $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next ten years, representing the largest funding cut in the history of the program. Know

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

More than 1,000 athletes gathered in the heart of the South Bay this weekend to participate in the highly anticipated Special Olympics, a statewide celebration of athleticism, inclusion, and community spirit. Hosted at Santa Clara University, the event drew competitors from 35 counties across California, all converging to test their skills, share camaraderie, and represent the unifying power of sports. The vibrant atmosphere on Saturday was marked by the sights and sounds of fr

Intel has begun a significant round of job cuts in California, with over 100 employees at its Santa Clara office impacted by the ongoing cost-cutting and restructuring plan led by CEO Lip-Bu Tan. The layoffs are set to begin on July 15, 2025, and are part of a broader workforce reduction strategy aimed at streamlining operations and reducing bureaucracy. Intel disclosed these layoffs in a filing under California’s WARN Act, which requires notification wh

Santa Clara came alive this weekend as Metallica headlined back-to-back concerts at Levi’s Stadium, delivering two nights of high-octane performances that drew fans from across the globe. Although the iconic metal band was originally formed in Los Angeles, San Francisco has long been their spiritual home, making this Bay Area stop particularly meaningful for both the band and their loyal followers. The double-header event was part of Metallica's ongoing global tour and celebrated th

A persistent rat infestation has kept a Cupertino grocery store closed for more than two months, marking one of the most severe health enforcement cases in Santa Clara County this year. Located on Stevens Creek Boulevard, the store initially suspended operations in its deli, juice bar, and bakery in late March after health inspectors found evidence of rodent contamination in areas visible to customers. Despite multiple pest control efforts, including baiting and capturing at least one roof rat,

In a special meeting held on Monday night, the Santa Clara City Council confirmed two important appointments to its local commissions, signaling a continued effort to bring engaged community members into public service roles. The meeting focused on selecting candidates for the Historical and Landmarks Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, with each appointment lasting through June 30, 2029. Kaushal Varshney was appointed to serve a full five-year term on the Historic

The countdown has begun as the Bay Area prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is slated to host six major matches, and with exactly one year remaining until kickoff, preparations are in full swing to transform the region into a world-class destination for the global soccer community. Estimates suggest that the tournament could bring more than half a million visitors to the Bay Area, making it one of the most significant sporti

Santa Clara County supervisors have taken a major step toward adopting a $14 billion budget that attempts to preserve essential public services amid mounting state and federal funding threats. The unanimous preliminary approval followed weeks of hearings and workshops, with final adoption expected on June 17. However, the mood among county leaders was far from celebratory, as they confronted the reality of declining external support and growing local demand. Supervisors acknowledg

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.

Santa Clara city officials are evaluating the possibility of introducing paid parking at several city-owned locations, including the historic Franklin Square and the Santa Clara Convention Center. This potential change is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the city's finances as future budget projections reveal growing deficits. Although Santa Clara’s proposed 2025-26 fiscal plan currently projects a $9.3 million surplus, forecasts over the subsequent five years ind

Just steps away from Santa Clara’s bustling Santana Row and Valley Fair shopping centers lies the Agrihood Sustainable Community, a housing development originally praised for offering dignified, eco-friendly living for low-income and formerly homeless seniors. Promised as a place of healing and nourishment, the complex boasts a 1.5-acre urban farm meant to foster community through shared gardening. But nearly two years since its much-celebrated opening at 76 N. Winchester Boulevard, the