Santa Clara County Business, Economy & Jobs Articles

The El Dorado County case before the state's highest court about impact fees could have huge consequences for new housing construction in California.

San Francisco provides all tenants facing eviction access to an attorney. Across the Bay, in Contra Costa County, it’s a different story. Two tenants’ stories show the difference a lawyer can make.

Disney icon Mickey Mouse is now in the public domain, meaning anyone can create their own Mickey Mouse cartoons. Here’s what that means, and how it could affect the California economy.

Even though California faces serious water shortages, the Legislature’s analysts recommend weaker outdoor conservation requirements and longer deadlines for urban water agencies.

Though California faces serious water shortages, the Legislature's analysts recommend weaker outdoor conservation requirements and longer deadlines.

State lawmakers reconvene with a lot of problems to fix, but not a lot of money to spend on solutions with a projected $68 billion budget deficit.

Gilroy City Hall. Photo: Erik Chalhoub
Water, wastewater rate increases take effect

Mobile phone with product website of American weapon producer Axon Enterprise on screen with business logo. (Shutterstock)
With no members of the public offering any comment on the item, the Los Gatos Town Council agreed to a $800,000 deal for …

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.

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.

California lawmakers made an effort in 2023 to remove red tape around new affordable houses, but obstacles such as high interest rates, sluggish local approval processes and a shortage of skilled construction workers remain.

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 …

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,.

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

Members of the California Conservation Corps help a Morgan Hill resident load sandbags into a truck outside El Toro Fire Station Jan. 10, 2023.
Photo: Michael Moore

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The Rotary Club of Morgan Hill donated a total of $45,000 worth of grants to local organizations in 2023. The sum includes $25,000 distributed by the Morgan Hill club during its December grant cycle, says a press release from …

Councilmember Rob Moore tried to steer a discussion about taxing residents towards asking large businesses to pay more in taxes. Photo: Drew Penner/Los Gatan
On Christmas Eve, Los Gatos-based Netflix was once again thrust into the national political spotlight as …