Browse a roundup of building permits issued in the last week in San Jose.

Thanks to a new round of Coronavirus aid, struggling businesses across the South Bay may soon get access to new support to stay afloat. Some business owners fear taking on more debt.

With homeless populations growing during COVID-19 and no end in sight, state and local leaders have been scrambling to find ways to get – and keep – vulnerable residents off the streets.

Polling sites and drop boxes are popping up across the state ahead of Election Day, and Santa Clara County officials are taking steps to ensure safety from things like fraud and voter intimidation with vows from law enforcement.

Measure H, also known as the Cardroom Tax, would increase the gross revenue tax for Bay 101 Casino and Casino Matrix from 15% to 16.5% while expanding the number of gaming tables.

A San Jose Church that has been slapped with repeat violations of coronavirus health orders has now been issued a court order by Santa Clara County.

The city of San Jose will expand oversight of its police department and increase gaming at its casinos, while also raising taxes on casinos, after voters resoundingly approved Measures G and H.

Move over veteran California legislators, Alex Lee, who just became California’s youngest state assemblymember to be elected in 80 years, is promising to make some pretty big changes once he starts his term.

The 49ers may not be winning on the field this season but last week marked a huge victory for the team’s owner Jed York, who basically placed a massive bet that he could shift the power of the Santa Clara City Council, and won. 

The largest South Bay business group, Silicon Valley Organization (SVO), says it's not going anywhere and plans to continue to fight calls to dissolve after the group posted a racist and disturbing political ad leading up to the November 3rd election.

The City of Palo Alto has decided to protest a sprawling plan for future Bay Area housing that was recently announced by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), which would require Palo Alto to build 10,000 new housing units in the next decade.

Santa Clara County Undersheriff Rick Sung has now been indicted in a long-running corruption scandal allegedly involving dirty campaign money in exchange for concealed-carry gun permits.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is the latest public figure to say sorry for essentially breaking his own rules. On Tuesday, Liccardo issued an apology for what he did on Thanksgiving which was in direct violation of state coronavirus guidelines.

San Jose seeks to honor Former President Barack Obama by renaming a number of streets as Barack Obama Boulevard. Not only did Santa Clara overwhelmingly choose President Obama in both of his presidential runs, but honors a man who inspired the next generation.

San Jose Unified School District unanimously votes to update the memorandum of agreement with SJPD. Protesters have been pushing the district to end relations with the police since protests in the summer for defunding the police and police reform. Advocates want more money for mental health services.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo waited until the second to last day possible to deliver his city-required, annual State of the City address. The speech happened virtually and was originally supposed to occur in the spring but was put on hold because of the pandemic.

Phil Reynolds, an elected member of the Santa Clara County Republican Central Committee, is under pressure from Democratic leaders in Santa Clara to resign after posting "The war has begun!" on Facebook while the pro-Trump rioters were breaking into the Capitol Building in Washinton, D.C. last week.

Santa Clara County representatives push to allocate COVID-19 vaccines by census tract in a bid to address disparities that disproportionately impact communities of color.

Since 2018, the city of Palo Alto has been enforcing stringent parking restrictions on people living in motorhomes and vans on El Camino Real, and this week the debate about the parking enforcement has resurfaced.

This week, Santa Cruz is dispersing several encampments located near highways while discussing city policy on camping in general, putting its homelessness problem again in the spotlight.

The toughest enforcement of COVID-19 health orders in the Bay Area was in Santa Clara County, which fined around 400 businesses a combined $6 million. Now, the county is hearing appeals from those businesses — and the process is raising serious questions among critics about the consistency and fairness of the enforcement.

Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen, a three-term incumbent, will face his first opponent in the upcoming 2022 election.

Other cities have tried it, and now the city of Mountain View is in the spotlight after the ACLU and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley launched a new class-action lawsuit over its law banning RV parking.

Two 1,000-square-foot digital billboards are set to be built along Highway 101 near Mineta San Jose International Airport, and crews will need to cut down 43 trees to make room for them.

There’s growing controversy surrounding the mayor of San Jose, Sam Liccardo, and his alleged inappropriate use of public and private email accounts.

San Jose City Hall is back open for in-person business, including City Council meetings which started up again this week inside the chambers.

A homeless encampment is growing on a property owned by Apple in North San Jose, and the site off Component Drive could soon see the arrival of even more residents if nothing is done soon. 

Six-term Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith held a press conference Tuesday in response to calls to resign from San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, and she says she will not be stepping down.

There is now a request from two Santa Clara County supervisors for a no-confidence vote over Sheriff Laurie Smith’s job performance, as she is accused of rampant mismanagement inside her jails.

Local government redistricting may not sound like the most exciting of political activities, but it actually has a direct impact on the day-to-day issues and challenges that your community faces.

District 10 Councilmember Matt Mahan has a plan that would drastically ratchet up the use of prefab tiny homes as a temporary housing solution for the homeless.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez Chavez will hold a private event Thursday where she will officially announce her run for San Jose Mayor.

Santa Clara County’s political districts are about to undergo some major changes after a key Board of Supervisors vote Tuesday.

San Jose could become the first city in California to approve a mandate that would require vaccine booster shots for visitors and workers at all city-owned venues.

The city of Sunnyvale has added a new task to its to-do list: Get rid of hundreds of noisy, messy crows, and officials will apparently use lasers to do it.

If you have court business to take care of in the South Bay you may have to put it off.

About 100 unhoused people have been living in a 40-acre encampment near San Jose’s airport, and the area has been ordered cleared by the FAA.

For 35 years, the city of San Jose had extremely strict rules banning the erection of new billboards. Now, city officials are easing up and cashing out.

The city of Santa Clara is now operating without its top two administrators after city council members voted to fire City Manager Deanna Santana.

Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith, who has held that position for 24-years, says she will not run for re-election and that she will be retiring when her term ends in January.

It’s been more than two years since cars have been able to drive down San Pedro Street in downtown San Jose and it appears that trend may last forever.

Cruising was originally banned as a way to deter crime and traffic-related infractions from gatherings of cars slowly rolling down an urban street, but the Latino community looks at the ban as highly discriminatory, since cruising lowriders on city roads has been a part of the culture since the 1940s. 

The investigation into a history book written about the Santa Clara County government, much of which was apparently plagiarized from Wikipedia and other sources, has become even more of a debacle after details about the sky-high cost of the book have been revealed.

Plans for a tiny home village for the homeless in North San Jose may get scrapped because the area where it is proposed could turn out to be land only meant for parks.

Calvary Chapel in San Jose has scored a legal victory in its battle to fend off massive fines levied during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 49ers and the city of Santa Clara have settled their lawsuits stemming from management issues at Levi’s Stadium, including fraud allegations and a disagreement about concert noise levels. But it was not without drama.

The city of San Jose is trying a new tactic to help clear out a large homeless encampment near Mineta San Jose International Airport that is filled with old RVs, trailers, and cars.

Sheriff Laurie Smith has left the building at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, having suddenly submitted her resignation Monday effective immediately. Smith remains on trial over corruption charges relating to concealed-carry gun permits that she reportedly issued in exchange for campaign donations, as well as other charges.

The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has voted to confirm a new county CEO, but the closed-door vote and the way it was announced is raising concerns — and has a lot of people upset.

After a month-long civil corruption trial, a grand jury has found Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith guilty of all six corruption and willful misconduct counts that she had been facing.

San Jose is one of several big cities in California — including Oakland and Los Angeles — voting for brand new mayors on Tuesday, with their incumbents termed out. And spending in the San Jose mayor's race is reaching record levels for the two top candidates seeking to replace Mayor Sam Liccardo.

The San Jose Mayor’s race has finally been decided, a week and change after Election Day, with rookie City Councilmember Matt Mahan barely edging out a veteran politician in the South Bay and current Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez.

In an effort to save space and reduce its dependability on cars, San Jose has become the biggest city in the U.S. to eliminate minimum parking requirements for new developments.

Santa Clara County just conducted its federally mandated "point-in-time" homeless census, which is typically conducted every two years, out of sync with every other Bay Area county.

Santa Cruz County civic leaders have been voting to appoint nominees to the California Coastal Commission behind closed doors, violating a state law that requires such proceedings be public, according to the Santa Cruz Lookout.

A partly plagiarized history book that was being written about local governments and Native Americans in Silicon Valley, the subject of a mini-scandal last year, has now been canceled.

Just over two months after becoming Mayor of San Jose, Matt Mahan has put forward his first budget plan that has a major focus on public safety, homelessness, housing, and blight.

Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who’s been entrenched in South Bay politics since the late 1990s, could soon be heading to San Diego to become that county's chief administrator.

The Thomas Fallon statue in San Jose that has been stirring up controversy for well over 30 years is now being torn down.

California's AB 886 seeks to restore local news outlets by forcing Big Tech's hand. Companies like Google and Facebook challenge the rule, as the new legislation seeks to bring compensation to news organizations and protect democracy, at their expense.

US authorities are investigating Goldman Sachs in relation to Silicon Valley Bank's (SVB) collapse. The investigations are looking into the advice Goldman Sachs provided to the bank and its potential role in the resulting public panic. The crisis has had a ripple effect throughout the regional banking system, with potential for further complications.

In an effort to remedy a $120 million deficit, Santa Clara County's proposed budget seeks to cut nearly 20% of the county's vacant positions, sparking criticism from union leaders who cite the ongoing struggle of understaffing and its impacts on the community.

A Palo Alto city employee's salary was nearly $500,000 last year. San Francisco had 30 in this range, with 10 surpassing $500k per year in total salary.

As Assembly Bill 1227 moves through the state senate, Santa Clara County could soon be one step closer to adopting ranked choice voting. See how this voting method could potentially benefit voters, as well as the potential drawbacks that come with its implementation.

A Cupertino investigation has provoked the dismissal of two councilmembers, and a referral of the former mayor to the DA's office, highlighting the ongoing dysfunction in City Council management.

The city of Los Altos is gaining attention for its growing acceptance of a four-day workweek, with many city employees soon likely to opt for a shorter schedule in exchange for concessions on their behalf.

This month, several homeless encampments across Northern California have been cleared in various cities, sparking debates around the ethical, social, and economic implications of these actions.

After Bruce Miller allegedly sent a death threat via a twitter DM to California Representative Eric Swalwell, questions have been raised about political intimidation and how to address such grievances.

Santa Clara County Special Education Teachers Protest Safety Concerns: Unions and educators demanded improved safety conditions after a series of physical assaults from students with special needs, including better staffing and training in de-escalation techniques

Defying the odds and neighboring cities' economic challenges, San Jose continues to report budget surpluses. A number of factors have contributed to the South Bay city's success.

New reports suggest Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker, indicted for allegedly leaking a grand jury report on the city council's relationship with the 49ers, may have also tried to pin the blame on Mayor Lisa Gillmor and allegedly got married so his husband wasn't required to testify against him.

Vice President Kamala Harris stops by the Bay Area to discuss semiconductor research and development as Applied Materials announces plans for a $4 billion research center in Silicon Valley.

Accusations of corruption and dishonesty continue to plague Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker, as recent developments add new dimensions to Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker's indictment unraveling deepening political drama and potential consequences on the city's turbulent relationship with the 49ers.

San Jose officials aim to close an election loophole and prevent inappropriate political involvement in a bid to tighten local election rules and restore public trust.

The district attorney has dropped the investigation into the Cupertino City Council members over alleged misconduct and interference; however, the ongoing saga involving political tensions and staff concerns continues to plague the city.

One month after The Mercury News sued San Jose over its handling of a scandal involving a stripper, the city is now advancing controversial protocols that limit public access to city records and reduce outside oversight, raising concerns for transparency advocates.

A San Jose councilmember accepts a challenge from a formerly homeless resident to spend a night in a shelter before voting on a new spending plan that could affect the future of affordable housing and homelessness solutions in the city.

San Jose reaches new labor agreements, providing above-average annual wage increases and other benefits to its building inspectors, police dispatchers, and park rangers.

San Jose Police Department (SJPD) is facing criticism for categorizing pointing a firearm at civilians as a "procedure" issue rather than a use of force, which critics argue minimizes the seriousness of such incidents.

San Jose faces a contentious debate over its $5 billion budget as Mayor Matt Mahan champions a "back-to-basics" approach for homelessness and policing, amid political divide and economic challenges.

President Biden and GOP rival Governor DeSantis are scheduled for likely coincidental visits to Northern California on June 19th, giving Juneteenth celebrations a potentially political edge.

Mike Canfield is the newly appointed Police Chief for Mountain View. He started his career in the city and rose through the ranks over two decades.

Amid ongoing legal drama and growing tension, Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker remains in his position as fellow councilmembers debate his future. The outcome of Becker's case remains uncertain, and its impact on Santa Clara's political landscape is undeniable.

A controversial new policy allows San Jose police officers facing suspension for misconduct to continue working while receiving a pay cut, raising questions about accountability and transparency.

Questions arise as a female prisoner dies shortly after being rejected by jail medical staff; the incident is now under multi-agency joint investigation

San Jose's City Council reallocates millions from affordable housing to interim solutions, drawing debate regarding the long-term impact of addressing the city's homelessness crisis.

Newsom says SF has success in its partnership with the California Highway Patrol to crack down on fentanyl. San Jose's mayor expressed interest in similar assistance, but will Mayor Mahan's tune change with concerns about controversial traffic stops?

President Joe Biden takes on Palo Alto as part of his three-day Bay Area visit, discussing climate change efforts, attending fundraisers, and causing road closures. Plan accordingly!

During a visit to Palo Alto, President Joe Biden announced an investment of more than $2.6 billion to aid in the fight against climate change and help communities become more resilient.

A significant city grant awarded to a private school in San Jose, run by the mayor's spouse, an accomplished Harvard alumna and recipient of the prestigious 40 Under 40 award, is stirring a citywide controversy. Critics allege the grant disbursement process lacked competitive transparency, benefitting the mayor's family-owned school at the expense of others.

San Jose's appointment of a former prosecutor as interim Independent Police Auditor has sparked controversy, raising concerns about the integrity of the civilian watchdog agency's role in police oversight.

A judge has ordered the City of San Jose to release investigation records relating to a controversial incident involving a scantily-clad woman and an on-duty fire truck at the Pink Poodle strip club.

Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley faces another health challenge as he recently announces his tumor diagnosis and plans for surgery in early August, while maintaining an optimistic outlook.

A federal judge dismisses challenges filed by pro-gun groups against San Jose's innovative gun insurance ordinance.

San Jose council members are introducing a resolution to strengthen free speech protections for elected officials following intense criticism and allegations of racist tactics by opposing groups.

Over 4,000 San Jose city workers could go on strike in August amid ongoing negotiations. Should they vote in favor of the strike, some city operations such as airport services, libraries, and affordable housing may face disruptions.

San Jose city workers receive strict guidelines on using the popular AI tool ChatGPT, as their interactions could become public records and hit the headlines.

Santa Clara County Superior Court is being sued by the ACLU and a Stanford legal clinic for allegedly jailing poor defendants who can't make bail, violating the U.S. and California Constitutions.

New San Jose law proposal targets homeless encampments and RVs near educational institutions, prompting a fierce debate between various interest groups.

Gift cards for sobriety? Santa Clara County hands over incentives to fight meth addiction in a new pilot program based on contingency management.

Bay Area groups march over 40 miles to advocate for immigration reform and permanent residency for millions of undocumented immigrants, urging Congress to pass the Registry Bill.

San Jose faces its largest strike in city history as up to 4,500 employees prepare for a three-day strike next week amidst tense negotiations with local government.

A judge's order forces the City of San Jose to unseal investigatory files surrounding a scandal involving firefighters and a strip club.

San Jose city employees strike suspended for 24 hours as workers and officials await a potential new deal, to be discussed in the City Council closed meeting.

Despite the recent agreement that prevented a massive city worker strike in San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan opposes the deal, citing potential repercussions such as increased taxes and reduced services for residents.

Santa Clara County steps up its Guaranteed Basic Income pilot program, targeting additional vulnerable populations.

The County of Santa Clara announces the appointment of Damion Wright as the new Director of the Department of Family and Children Services, bringing his innovative and data-driven approach to the role.

The fight against organized retail theft intensifies as Palo Alto Police Department secures a $5 million state grant to bolster their efforts and protect local retailers.

Get to know Katharine Sullivan, the new director of The Big Lift in San Mateo County, and her plans to transform education and literacy for the young generation.

Retired U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier's amazing career takes her back to San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, inspiring a wave of support and redefining political norms.

Amid the harrowing domestic violence crisis in San Mateo County, officials join hands to form a task force aimed at saving lives and delivering justice to the victims and their families.

As San José is awarded a whopping $6.6 million grant to enhance its urban canopy, the city's disadvantaged neighborhoods find hope in a greener, more resilient future.

Unclaimed money totaling $89,017 in Santa Clara County awaits its forgotten owners. Deadline to claim funds approaching.

Stanford University has agreed to pay $1.9 million to resolve allegations of failing to disclose foreign research support in federal grant proposals.

Santa Clara County seeks disabled community representation for a new advisory board, aiming to enhance policy development inclusivity.

San Jose Mayor bets on tiny homes to tackle homelessness.

San Mateo County is establishing an Office of Labor Standards Enforcement to educate and enforce wage laws and labor protections, focusing on low-wage and vulnerable workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor and Sonoma County DA's office formed a partnership to strengthen enforcement against wage theft and labor rights violations.

San Jose is looking to ban homeless encampments along a downtown stretch of the Guadalupe River in an effort to improve safety and cleanliness. The controversial proposal has received mixed reactions from the community and homeless advocates.

Redwood City's Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance to move homeless individuals from encampments to shelters, offering help and imposing penalties for non-compliance.

San Jose has permanently turned San Pedro Square into a pedestrian zone, fostering a more connected community and bolstering local businesses, boosted by the city's Al Fresco program since the pandemic.

Santa Clara County officials warn the public about increasing jury duty scams where fraudsters impersonate court staff and demand fines for missed service.

Santa Clara County, with New York City, filed a brief to the Supreme Court to reverse a lower court ruling that restricts access to the drug mifepristone, used for terminating pregnancies.

San Mateo and Foster City police expand their mental health crisis response program, sharing a full-time mental health clinician, with hopes of de-escalating emergencies and providing better support.

San Mateo County Supervisors oppose AT&T's plan to phase out landlines due to public safety concerns, highlighting the need for reliable 911 access amid frequent wildfires.

Santa Clara County supports a brief at the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain emergency access to abortions, counteracting state laws like Idaho’s near-total abortion ban.

Santa Clara's DA Office announced the fourth "Bend the Arc" grant of $60,000 to fight racial inequities, with up to $5,000 for each local organization.

A California judge rejected AT&T's request to stop providing landline service in San Mateo County, citing safety concerns, with officials stressing the importance of reliable communication.

Santa Clara County plans to explore the creation of a Latino health and wellness center after the Board of Supervisors' unanimous vote to consider community-led strategies.

The Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Francisco 49ers have reached a settlement to resolve various disputes, saving the Authority $7.5 million and generating $20 million for the city.

Advocates in East San Jose are urging California's AG to prevent the shutdown of critical services at the Regional Medical Center, fearing dire health impacts on the area's vulnerable populations.

Captain Richard Cheechov has become the new head of Half Moon Bay's Coastside Patrol Bureau and City Chief of Police Services, bringing his 24-year law enforcement experience to the role.

Sheriff Corpus of San Mateo County introduces a leadership change by replacing Undersheriff Chris Hsiung with Dan Perea, emphasizing a commitment to community engagement and operational excellence.

Elon Musk faced criticism for reposting a deepfake video of VP Kamala Harris without context, raising concerns over misinformation and policy enforcement on his social media platform.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan supports Proposition 36 to balance treatment with accountability in handling nonviolent drug and theft crimes, countering issues related to Proposition 47.

Gov. Gavin Newsom grants $13.89 million to San Mateo County for Permanent Supportive Housing by converting a South San Francisco hotel, advancing the region's homelessness strategy.

Santa Clara County intends to buy Regional Medical Center from HCA Healthcare, aiming to sustain services in East San José and integrate RMC into the county health system.

The County receives a $739,396 grant to fight wage theft, funding a new deputy DA and investigator to enhance investigations and prosecutions of unscrupulous employers.

South San Francisco prepares for the grand opening of Karyl Matsumoto Plaza on September 21, honoring the former Mayor's contributions to the city and its transit system.

Sheriff Christina Corpus of San Mateo County faces a no-confidence vote for her Chief of Staff, Victor Aenlle, by the deputies' union over new staffing policies.

Donald Trump held a fundraiser in the Bay Area, drawing support despite the region's Democratic leanings, as he and VP Harris both tap into California's fundraising potential.

Sheriff Christina Corpus accuses San Mateo County Executive Mike Callagy of sexual discrimination and undermining her role, amidst tensions with the Deputy Sheriff's Association and allegations of unfair labor practices within her administration.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus accused County Executive Mike Callagy of sexual discrimination and bullying, which he denies, prompting an investigation.

San Mateo County in California plans to increase the minimum wage to $17.46 per hour by January 1, 2025, benefiting most workers, with some exceptions.

San Mateo County establishes a specialized team to support high-risk domestic abuse survivors, after the city recorded a significant number of related homicides in 2023.

Paul Joseph confirmed as San Jose's permanent Police Chief, after serving in an acting capacity, committed to improving the department and community relations.

Ex-San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres was arrested on sexual assault charges involving a minor and resigned, with a police investigation uncovering graphic exchanges reportedly vestigial of role-play.

California voters approve Proposition 36, increasing penalties for retail theft and drug offenses, reversing some progressive criminal justice reforms from Proposition 47.

The San Mateo County Board considers demanding Sheriff Christina Corpus's resignation after an investigation reveals alleged abuses of power in her office.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has demanded Sheriff Christina Corpus's resignation following an investigation that revealed misconduct and called for the termination of an executive director.

Assistant Sheriff Matthew Fox of San Mateo County resigned amidst internal discord and after a controversial report on Sheriff's Office misconduct was released.

Amid allegations of misconduct, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus faces calls for her resignation but refuses to step down, even after a no-confidence vote by local officials.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has approved an ordinance to give local businesses preferential treatment in county contract bidding, effective July 1, 2025.

Sheriff Christina Corpus of San Mateo County is under pressure to resign following allegations of misconduct and a unanimous no-confidence vote by the County Board.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus faces calls for resignation over using homophobic slurs and directing an undersheriff improperly, while the Board of Supervisors considers a charter amendment for her removal.

San Mateo County supervisors vote on a charter amendment that could allow them to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus by a 4/5 majority amidst allegations she denies.

Anthony Becker, former Santa Clara councilmember, resigned after being convicted of perjury and confidentiality violation, having lied to the grand jury and leaked a confidential report.

Maria Öberg has been appointed as the new Director of Finance for San José, starting January 5, 2025, bringing extensive experience to maintain the city's fiscal health.

Cory Call is appointed as the new Police Chief of Foster City, succeeding Tracy Avelar, with a strong background in law enforcement and community service.

Santa Clara County Undersheriff Ken Binder is set to retire on December 30th after 27 years of service, including serving as acting sheriff in late 2022.

Manjit Sappal joins the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office as a contractor, bringing nearly three decades of police experience to support operations and special projects.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus files a $10 million claim against the county, alleging discrimination and harassment based on her gender and Latinx heritage.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors welcomed new members, with David Canepa as president and Noelia Corzo as vice president, and now boasts a female majority.

Dalia Rodriguez has been promoted to Undersheriff at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, bringing nearly three decades of experience to a role focused on modernizing law enforcement and enhancing community engagement.

Baraka Carter was appointed as Redwood City's new fire chief, bringing over 25 years of experience from roles such as Fire Chief for the CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit. He's known for collaborative leadership and community involvement.

Ezequiel Vega was appointed as Santa Clara's new budget director, overseeing a $12.5 billion budget. He brings 18 years of experience from local government.

State Sen. Aisha Wahab introduces SB 261 to strengthen enforcement against wage theft in California, backing a public list of violators and legal fee reimbursements for victims.

The SCCOE is addressing financial mismanagement of Head Start funds highlighted by a federal audit, with efforts to ensure future compliance and restore community trust.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office appoints Michelle Asban as the new Assistant Sheriff for its Custody Bureau to enhance jail operations and reforms.

San Mateo County voters approved Measure A, giving the Board of Supervisors power to remove a sheriff for cause, awaiting results certification and procedural implementations.

Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara's Health Officer, announces her retirement set for April 11, 2025, after leading the first Stay-at-Home order during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Mateo County invests $4.5 million from Measure K tax to address early childhood education staffing shortage. Funds will support tuition, textbook costs, and expand credentials for educators.

San Mateo County's Measure A, allowing the removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus, was certified with 84% voter support. Corpus faces accusations of misconduct but denies them, and now awaits a board decision on her position.

The Board of Supervisors approved Measure A, enabling them to remove a sheriff for cause after a landslide special election vote. The multi-step removal process involves notifications, conferences, and hearings.

Santa Clara County files a TRO to block new conditions on federal homelessness funds imposed by the Trump administration, alleging constitutional overreach.

The process to potentially remove San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus could take up to six months after new procedures were enacted in lieu of the previously estimated three months.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan addresses the city's homelessness crisis with plans for over 1,000 new shelters and a controversial proposal for misdemeanor charges against those refusing shelter.

San Mateo County Supervisors are set to discuss the removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus due to allegations of misconduct. A four-fifths majority vote is required for the process to proceed.

Sheriff Christina Corpus named Sergio Enriquez the new Assistant Sheriff for Operations of San Mateo County, highlighting his extensive experience and achievements in law enforcement.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's Pay for Performance proposal, linking city official pay to city goals, faces criticism and concerns for pressuring unanimity among council members.

Ex-San Jose councilman Omar Torres was convicted of child molestation from incidents beginning when the victim was four. Simultaneously, San Jose officials face allegations of using racial slurs in texts.

Santa Clara County approved a $13.7 billion budget focused on protecting essential safety-net services despite potential federal and state funding cuts.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus faces a special meeting for potential removal after allegations including neglect of duties, with a legal battle anticipated over her resistance to step down.

Matt Moreles is appointed Registrar of Voters in Santa Clara County, bringing years of experience from within the department to the role to foster effective and inclusive elections.

Larry Stone is stepping down as Santa Clara County Assessor after a 30-year tenure, with his term ending on July 6, 2025, prior to the 2026 elections.

San Mateo County supervisors vote to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus amid allegations of misconduct; however, Corpus refuses to resign, citing a desire to contest the claims legally.

The Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office clarified their policy on ICE interactions after agents arrested a detainee upon release, stressing adherence to transparency, equal access to public information, and non-compliance with ICE detainers.

Superior Court Judge denied Sheriff Corpus' request for a restraining order amid her removal battle in San Mateo County, despite widespread support for Measure A allowing such removal for cause.

Sheriff Christina Corpus of San Mateo County faces allegations of misconduct and is contesting her removal from office, with legal proceedings ongoing.

Leaked documents expose alleged misconduct by San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus, leading to her recommended removal for infractions like nepotism and use of slurs; County denies role in the release.

Ali Henry becomes the first woman to lead the Santa Clara County Parks Department as Chief Park Ranger, overseeing 28 parks and pushing for increased diversity among rangers.

Santa Clara County faces over $1 billion in federal cuts to Medicaid, threatening local health care and social services and raising concerns about the cost to public hospitals and food aid programs.

Rep. Ro Khanna is introducing an amendment to a crypto bill to release records related to Jeffrey Epstein's legal issues, calling for Attorney General action and accessible public records.

San Mateo County expects to save $2 million annually on inmate healthcare costs due to California's CalAIM healthcare reform, enhancing Medi-Cal access and financial relief for local governments.

Sheriff Christina Corpus issued a statement regarding the unexpected detainment of a released individual by persons with immigration enforcement gear outside the Maguire Correctional Facility.

Raj Vaswani is named Burlingame's new Police Chief, succeeding Michael Matteucci, and will be introduced at the City Council meeting on August 18, 2025.

Stanford University is laying off over 300 employees due to budget cuts prompted by changes in federal policies, including increased taxes on university endowments. These measures affect academic freedom and have significant local economic impacts.

Santa Clara County supervisors voted to place a five-eighth-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot to offset a $1 billion loss from federal budget cuts.

Sheriff Christina Corpus' attorneys, including Tom Perez, seek to halt her removal hearings in San Mateo County, prioritizing a civil grand jury investigation over the Measure A proceedings.

San Mateo County sues California over a $38 million funding dispute, expressing concerns that this shortfall may lead to cuts in vital local services. The county claims the state failed to honor a 2004 budget agreement.

San Mateo Sheriff Christina Corpus denies misconduct allegations during tearful testimony, as she faces claims of wrongful termination and inappropriate conduct.

San Mateo County supervisors plan to support California's Prop 50, aimed at combating partisan redistricting and allowing an independent commission to redraw district maps starting in 2031.

San Jose advances an ordinance requiring ICE agents to identify themselves during operations, advocating for transparency and accountability, with local leaders and national legislators pushing for similar mandates.

Judge Emerson issued an advisory opinion recommending Sheriff Christina Corpus' removal for abuses of power, including conflicts of interest and retaliation.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors removed Sheriff Christina Corpus after a unanimous vote, following evidence of misconduct and policy violations.

San Mateo County's Board of Supervisors voted to remove Sheriff Christina Corpus from office due to misconduct, following an independent investigation and public support for greater oversight.

San Mateo County supervisors debate appointing a sheriff or waiting for the public vote in the aftermath of Sheriff Corpus' removal over allegations of conflict of interest and retaliation.

San Jose leaders aim to restrict ICE from using city-owned properties, following Santa Clara County's lead. The proposal is part of broader local efforts to protect the immigrant population and limit ICE activities.

Trump's plan for a $300 million White House ballroom, funded by corporate sponsors like big tech firms, has sparked debate over historical integrity and potential conflicts of interest.

San José was named the greenest city in the U.S. by WalletHub for 2025, praised for renewable energy efforts and low emissions through the San José Clean Energy program and Climate Smart San José plan.

Latino voters across California are rethinking how they cast ballots amid new fears of ICE agents showing up at polling places and Trump’s immigration threats. Organizers are scrambling to keep turnout from collapsing in swing regions.

Santa Clara's engineers union says the city retaliated after placing a longtime engineer on leave, filing a PERB charge and demanding reinstatement and higher pay. The dispute comes as major projects and 2026 events put extra strain on staff.

Santa Clara County's Measure A sales tax increase is leading with 56.7% support, potentially raising $330M yearly in response to federal funding cuts.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan launches "AI for All," partnering with tech giants to offer free AI education to residents, aiming for equality and preparation for the AI-driven future.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has shortlisted three candidates for sheriff, to replace ousted Sheriff Christina Corpus, with a term expiring in 2028.

Bay Area CARE Court filings numbered in the hundreds but only a sliver turned into care agreements. Counties and advocates blame narrow rules and scarce housing.

San Mateo County held a public forum for sheriff candidates, focusing on visions for the Sheriff's Office and addressing concerns like community policing and immigration.

Silicon Valley Power will ask the Santa Clara City Council on Dec. 9 to approve a 4% electricity rate increase to fund projects and shore up reserves. If adopted, the change would take effect in January 2026.

The ACLU sued Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen, arguing his office withheld case-level racial and charging data that could reveal disparities. The complaint seeks records dating back to 2015 under California’s public records law.

A federal judge has allowed California and a dozen other states to intervene in the DOJ’s review of the HPE–Juniper settlement, a move AG Rob Bonta called a win for transparency.