Political news, Local politics and government news reporting in Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.
The biggest development in Santa Clara’s history has morphed to include light industrial use that will likely be used to host data centers. At its meeting July 8, the Santa Clara City Council narrowly accepted a proposal from Related Santa Clara, the developer of the proposed massive 240-acre mixed-use development to be located at 5155 … Read more
A slew of state laws are hamstringing Sunnyvale’s ability to ensure that retail businesses remain in the city’s village centers. At its most recent meeting on July 1, the Sunnyvale City Council adopted an urgency ordinance that set guidelines — known as the Village Center Master Plan — for development in these areas. The city … Read more
As the need for language access increases, Sunnyvale is leading the charge with the use of AI software. Last month, Wordly, an AI translation service, released its report on language access in local government. Language access, according to the report, is a growing need, with 61% of cities reporting a growing population of non-native English … Read more
Rising water costs and infrastructure improvements are largely responsible for the Sunnyvale City Council increasing utility rates. By a unanimous vote, the council upped garbage, water and wastewater rates at its most recent meeting June 17. Stephen Napier, the city’s utility billing manager, told the council that the city does rate studies every five years. … Read more
The Santa Clara City Council has approved enacting eminent domain on two properties sitting on land needed for a Silicon Valley Power (SVP) transmission line. At its most recent meeting, June 24, the council approved two resolutions of necessity to secure easements for an SVP 115 kilovolt transmission line. The 2.24-mile line will run from … Read more
Santa Clara’s financial situation is steadily improving. At its meeting Tuesday night, the Santa Clara City Council passed its two-year budget. That budget shows the city is continuing to recover from the crippling effects the pandemic saddled on the city. The item was the culmination of two prior study sessions that aimed to give the … Read more
An area neighborhood group is making waves about a 17-story behemoth apartment complex on the border of San Jose and Santa Clara. The proposed development, located at 826 N. Winchester Blvd., would require a general plan amendment. It is slated to come before the San Jose City Council later this month for early consideration. The … Read more
Santa Clara will eliminate three focus areas the city previously designated for housing. At its Tuesday night meeting, the Santa Clara City Council opted to maintain industrial and office uses in the Central Expressway, De la Cruz Boulevard and Lawrence Station regions, removing the general plan designation that earmarked them as areas for potential housing. … Read more
The City of Santa Clara is fighting back after a jury ordered it to pay the owner of David’s Restaurant and Banquet Hall more than $1.3 million. On May 16, the city filed an appeal contesting a January 2025 civil court verdict. The verdict was the culmination of several years of court battles between David’s … Read more
Santa Clara has contracted with a well-known vendor for merchandising for non-NFL events at Levi’s Stadium. At its Tuesday night meeting, the Santa Clara City Council opted to contract with Fanatics. Approval of the contract had seen pushback, most notable from Mayor Lisa Gillmor, when previously presented. Gillmor’s opposition to the approval stemmed from the … Read more