Silicon Valley Newsroom

Marijuana Tax to Appear on Ballot

Aug 04, 2010, by Silicon Valley Newsroom Politics, Business Comments (26)

At its weekly meeting Tuesday evening, the San Jose City Council voted to put a proposed marijuana business tax on the ballot this November. The tax, which could reach up to 10 percent, would encompass business that sell medical marijuana both legally and illegally in the city.

City Takes on Fire Department

Jul 30, 2010, by Silicon Valley Newsroom Politics Comments (52)

The budget blues aren’t over yet in San Jose. Mayor Chuck Reed announced that the Firefighters Union has come up $6 million short in its effort to meet the 10 percent cut on salaries and benefits, leaving the city no choice but to eliminate 81 positions. As a result, 51 firefighters will lose their jobs, one station will be closed, and other stations will have to contend with reduced staffing and equipment. It is the first time in the city’s history that firefighters have been laid off

Reed Responds to SJPD Chief Rob Davis’ Announced Retirement

Jul 26, 2010, by Silicon Valley Newsroom Politics Comments (13)

SJPD Chief Rob Davis announced today that he will retire after 30 years on the San Jose police force. Mayor Chuck Reed released a brief message thanking Davis for his service.

Tea Party’s Over

Jul 01, 2010, by Silicon Valley Newsroom Culture Comments (13)

By the time this article hits the streets, there likely won’t be a place in the valley to buy a bottle of kombucha tea. Nob Hill on Santa Teresa Boulevard had a few last Friday; Cosentino’s Market on Bascom Avenue had a couple more. Even over the hill in Santa Cruz, grocers expected to run out by the end of the weekend.

It started quietly, about two weeks ago. First, megastore Whole Foods announced it would join roughly a dozen suppliers in stopping sales of all unpasteurized kombucha tea products. The issue: concerns that the fizzy, fermented elixirs may contain more alcohol than the “trace amounts” listed on the label.

City Delays Union Wage Cuts … for Now

Jun 16, 2010, by Silicon Valley Newsroom Politics Comments (34)

It’s getting to be like a game of chicken. On Tuesday evening, City Council decided to delay its vote on the 10 percent wage cut for city employees after five unions provided a counter-offer that would be the equivalent of the proposed cut. They are now ready to study the offer, and to meet again on Thursday or Friday to decide whether to accept it.