Local Politics
Voters in five Bay Area counties will decide on a regional sales tax measure on November 3 to fund public transit agencies facing severe financial deficits. The measure proposes a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties, plus a one-cent tax in San Francisco, starting in April 2027. If the measure fails, BART has announced that ten low-ridership stations could close as early as January 2027, and Muni may cut up to 20 bus routes. The proposed tax would raise an estimated $980 million annually for 14 years to support agencies including BART, Caltrain, and AC Transit.
Crime · San Jose, CA
San Jose police arrested three teenagers after a stolen SUV struck an officer near North 21st and Santa Clara streets early Monday. A second officer fired one round during the encounter, though no juveniles were hit. The suspects, aged 14 to 16, were booked on charges including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a stolen vehicle. Mayor Matt Mahan cited the incident in discussions about youth violence, highlighting $7 million in current city investments for at-risk youth programs.
Local Politics · Santa Clara, CA
The San Francisco 49ers have filed for arbitration to compel the Santa Clara Stadium Authority to pay $620,000 annually plus $1.24 million in backpay for off-site office rent. The team argues these costs are shared expenses under the stadium management agreement, while the Authority denies this interpretation and refuses reimbursement. Mayor Lisa Gillmor expressed concern that the dispute could result in tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer liability over the lease term.
Public Safety · Los Altos, CA
Two drivers were killed and a third person was hospitalized in a wrong-way five-car crash on southbound Interstate 280 near Foothill Expressway in Los Altos, California. The collision occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday when a driver traveling northbound crossed into southbound lanes and struck four other vehicles, according to the California Highway Patrol. Southbound lanes were closed for several hours and reopened around 9:30 p.m. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Public Safety · San Jose, CA
A carport fire reported around 2 a.m. Thursday destroyed approximately 10 vehicles at the New Horizon Apartments near West Alma Avenue in San Jose, prompting a two-alarm response from the San Jose Fire Department. Residents described hearing explosions and one woman said her window shattered as flames spread between two adjacent apartment complexes. Batt. Chief Robert Herrera confirmed damage was concentrated in vehicle storage areas between the complexes, with some vehicles on the opposite side of a fence also affected. The fire was extinguished, and the arson unit is investigating as part of standard procedure.
