San Jose Inside

Surprise ambulance bills can leave families deeply in debt after a medical emergency. A new state law that forces insurance companies to negotiate payments is expected to save Californians tens of millions of dollars a year.

California lawmakers made an effort in 2023 to remove red tape around building new houses.

Under a new law, employees in California are guaranteed five paid sick days a year, two days more than previously. Worker advocacy groups say the benefit is needed, but business groups warn of additional costs.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation in partnership with other Bay Area transit agencies, today announced 50% discounted fares for lower-income Bay Area residents. The “Clipper START” pilot program administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission aims to make public transportation more affordable. To participate in the “Clipper START” program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

Be a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area.

California is undertaking an ambitious effort to improve mental health, while controversy surrounds how to address the fentanyl crisis.

First-termers made the state Legislature the most diverse ever and racked up some policy wins for their constituents. But they also ran into a bill and budget process that wasn’t always transparent.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2022 budget included the latest expansion of MediCal: 700,000 undocumented immigrants between the ages of 26 and 49 will become eligible Jan. 1 although the state is now headed into a $68 billion deficit,

The first place winner was Caitlynn Sue, a student from Leland High School in San Jose, whose app “Oakli” helps people live more environmentally friendly by providing motivation, education, and resources. 

Unsettled weather is expected to continue as a series of storms aim at the California Coast. The next more significant storm may impact the region in the middle of next week.

In December, San Jose Special Operations METRO Unit Officers learned that a commercial property in the 2400 block of Autumnvale Drive housed an illegal gambling establishment that also offered illegal drugs and prostitution.

As the state shutters prisons, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to turn San Quentin into a model for rehabilitation. Attorney General Rob Bonta is trying to catch up on police shooting investigations.

While the Cal State and UC systems received more money in 2023, they still face financial challenges. And they also must address labor strife.

As extra pandemic benefits ended, California poverty rose in 2023. Pay increases in 2024 and labor activism could change the equation.

Unemployment is inching up, tech layoffs continue and IPOs are waning. Experts expect a downturn, but it’s still possible the state will avoid a recession.

The mayor's message: By getting back to basics and working together, we are beginning to see progress on some of our most challenging issues.