English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in San Jose, CA

San Jose Mineta International Airport is creating a sense of place, with local fare greeting travelers.

San Jose Spotlight, News Partner

San Jose Spotlight

May 19, 2025

San Jose Mineta International Airport is creating a sense of place, with local fare greeting travelers.

The airport revamped its retail program to attract hometown vendors and showcase what San Jose has to offer. Having a local site at the airport helps businesses take advantage of foot traffic, increase product awareness and boost sales. Plans are in the works for a dozen concessions to open by the end of the year ahead of the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup. SJC’s kiosk program, administered by Provenzano Resources Inc., provides opportunities for local businesses to promote their brands and jumpstart new ones with a low-capital investment.

Principal Property Manager Rebekah Bray said the airport and San Jose have a strong desire to create new opportunities for small businesses. She said the variety of vendors reflects San Jose’s diversity and uniqueness.

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“We want to make sure when people come through San Jose, there’s a sense of our destination,” Bray told San José Spotlight. “It’s a positive impact when you go through airports and see your local community represented. People want to support businesses locally and we’re giving them that extra opportunity to do so.”

Bianca Wilczoch, president of WSE Group, said a dedicated small business operator can do well at the airport. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert/San Jose Spotlight

In March, the San Jose City Council approved about $17 million to redevelop airport concessions. The city selected operating partners Hudson and Paradies Lagardere to manage the new retail program featuring 50+ local vendors, which is expected to generate $4.8 million in revenue annually. Various San Jose merchandise will be featured such as wine from J. Lohr, art by Lola x Kenneth Collaboration and culinary treats from Asian Box, Nirvana Soul, Nokki Farm and Sweetdragon Baking Company.

“Thank you to the City Council for investing in the airport,” said San Jose City Manager Jennifer Maguire in a statement. “SJC’s new retail program will create a distinctive San Jose and Silicon Valley experience by offering visually appealing and welcoming concessions that capture the region’s spirit and cultural richness.”

Gordon Biersch Brewing Company added a location at the airport in 1996. Co-founder Dan Gordon said having a presence at the airport brings brand validation and exposure and the sampling opportunity is fantastic.

“Every traveler wants to taste and experience the best of any locality,” Gordon told San José Spotlight. “The travel experience, whether for business or pleasure, begins and ends at an airport. HMSHost was one of the very first companies to partner up with local businesses to bring an authentic local partnership into play.”

Lino “Linus” Arauz, who owns two Greenlee’s Bakery kiosks at SJC, said its been successful in expanding the product’s reach. He said the airport’s efforts to emphasize small businesses is a “boots on the ground” demonstration of its intention to be inclusive.

“Their support is paramount. It’s hands-on. It is very felt,” he told San José Spotlight. “We know we’re not a money maker for the airport like the other retail outlets. The only reason they would do it is because they want to support the efforts of local businesses.”

The San Jose Socks kiosk offers patterned boxers and socks, with some featuring cats, sharks and dinosaurs. Kiosk owner Dana Arauz said owning a kiosk is financially feasible. She appreciates Provenzano Resources Inc. providing the opportunity for merchants to get into the airport and the support network the airport provides.

Mike and

Mike and Niki’s Honey Company features local honey. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert/San Jose Spotlight

Honey sourced from Cupertino, Rose Garden and Santa Clara is available at Mike & Niki’s Honey Company’s kiosk. Co-owner Niki Canotas is excited to be able to introduce the company to millions of people passing through the airport. Customers know they’re supporting a local business, she told San José Spotlight.

Bianca Wilczoch, president of WSE Group, has operated a variety of eateries at SJC for 25 years. After partnering with HMSHost, WSE received its first direct lease at SJC in 2019. Wilczoch is grateful for the opportunity to do business at the airport but said it has its challenges. Due to the opening delays of Runway Deli and Jamba, she initially lost 30% of her staff. Working at the airport requires flexibility, she said. There are airport regulations to follow. But Wilczoch said concessions receive enormous support from airport staff and a dedicated small business operator can do well.

“There’s a connection to the community,” she said. “It is a small family. We’re happy to continue to do business after all these years.”

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Southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 101 in San Jose were closed for several hours during the morning commute Monday after a man jumped from an overpass onto lanes of traffic, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Just before 5 a.m., the man jumped from the Oakland Road overpass onto the freeway and was hit by at least one vehicle, said CHP officer Ross Lee.

The man's name was not released. The driver of a vehicle that hit him stayed at the scene, Lee said.

Southbound lanes were closed for the investigation, but all lanes had reopened by 7 a.m.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.

Excitement is building on the West Coast as soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami squad faced the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night.

All week, fans have camped out at Santana Row in San Jose, where the team is staying.

In a scene reminiscent of the recent introduction of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Square, Messi emerged from his balcony Tuesday and waved to the cheering crowd below. The soccer legend received more cheers as he and his teammates boarded a bus to practice.

"He's the soccer pope. In the balcony just saying hi to all the fans below him was something incredible to see," said Favian Renkel. "This is a big deal. This is a guy who never comes to the Bay Area. He hasn't been here in 10 years almost."

Renkel is a Bay Area-based soccer writer who has been covering every step of Messi's journey to San Jose, his only stop in California this season.

"I mean, if you look at Tom Brady's following, you look at LeBron James, Steph Curry, Ohtani's - really, if you put them all together, they're still not going to touch Lionel Messi's following," he told CBS News Bay Area

America is still catching up to the world in its obsession with soccer, the most popular sport globally. But hundreds of soccer and Messi fans traveled to San Jose, some who went to great lengths just for a chance at glimpsing the soccer legend.

"Oh yeah, we're skipping psychics class to be here right now. Hopefully my teacher understands," said Arjun, a student who did not give his last name.

Lyndon, another student, said, "I'm skipping math class for this. So, Ms. Benson if you're watching this, I'm really sorry but I hope you understand."

Wednesday's highly anticipated soccer match at PayPal Park was a sign of things to come in San Jose, according to Mayor Matt Mahan.

The city hopes to take advantage of the excitement around the World Cup next year, in which Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is one of the venues.

"Downtown San Jose should be known as a destination, as Silicon Valley's urban center. A place where we can provide more housing, more jobs, more entertainment, more things to do," Mahan told CBS News Bay Area. "And it's great to see our city's on that path with this opportunity. To host one of the world's greatest legends of all time is an incredible honor and opportunity."

Renkel said, "This is like catching Halley's Comet. It's so odd that Messi even comes to the West Coast. There was a time last year, when Miami had to play Vancouver and he didn't even travel…. So him making an appearance here is something that we shouldn't take for granted and we should definitely catch a glimpse of him playing, or even if you have a chance to pass by the hotel and say hi to him."

Though the match between Inter Miami and San Jose ended in a draw, 3-3, history was made at PayPal Park as Messi was introduced in front of a sold-out crowd.

"Since 10 years old, others have recognized how good he is," said soccer fan Michael Bustamante. "He's one of the few people that really lived up to the expectation."

Michael and Karen Bustamante came all decked out in Messi gear and put on a disguise. Their friends had no idea they were coming and had been giving them grief for not having tickets to the biggest game in years.

"We planned this whole thing to come in and surprise them," said Michael Bustamante.

They wouldn't miss this game as the international superstar showed off his skills on the pitch. Soccer fans agree, Messi may be the best of all time.

"Just his technique on the ball," said Karen Bustamante. "The way he can handle it. He's not selfish, can share the ball and pass to his teammates."

State Farm can raise homeowner and other rates starting next month, becoming the first insurance company to win approval to do so on an emergency interim basis in California.

The state’s largest insurer made the unprecedented request for emergency rate hikes earlier this year, after it said it was in financial distress and expected more than $7 billion in claims because of the Los Angeles County fires in January.

The state Insurance Department staff recommended approval of the company’s request, but Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara asked the company for more information about its finances. He also asked whether the insurer could turn to its parent company, State Farm Mutual, for help. Lara then conditionally approved but punted the official decision to a judge, who oversaw a three-day public hearing last month to consider the proposed agreement between the department and the insurer.

“Taken as a whole, it represents a fundamentally fair, adequate, and necessary measure — effectively functioning as a rescue mission to stabilize State Farm’s financial condition while safeguarding policyholders,” wrote Karl-Fredric Seligman, the administrative law judge, in a 38-page decision released today.

Lara, who as commissioner has the last word, adopted the ruling today. The decision means State Farm can raise its rates an average 17% for homeowners, 15% for renters and condominiums and 38% for rental dwellings starting June 1.

“I am balancing all the facts,” Lara said in a statement. “Protecting all State Farm customers and the integrity of our insurance market is an urgent matter.” He added that the company must still justify its need for rate increases at a full rate hearing late this year.

“Today’s decision that would make consumers pay now but allow State Farm to wait months before having to show its math is a great disappointment for consumers,” said Carmen Balber, executive director of Consumer Watchdog, the advocacy group whose lawyers had argued against approval of the rate hike at the hearing, in a statement. “Voter-approved Proposition 103 says a rate hike shouldn’t come before the rate justification, but that’s what happened here,” Balber added.

The approval comes despite calls for the insurance department to investigate complaints over State Farm’s handling of claims by victims of the LA-area fires. Those survivors and the lawmakers that represent them say the company has delayed and denied claims, and urged Lara to reject the company’s request to raise its rates. But the commissioner told fire survivors in a Zoom meeting over the weekend that the rate hike and the claims complaints were separate matters.

“That’s exactly the problem,” said Joy Chen, leader of the Eaton Fire Survivors Network. “Approving this rate hike without reviewing State Farm’s conduct would send a chilling message to every Californian: You can pay your premiums — but don’t count on your insurer when disaster strikes.”

State Farm spokesperson Sevag Sarkissian said “we have the largest claims force in the industry, and they are focused on our customers and helping them recover from the largest fire event we have ever experienced in the state.”

Lara wrote a letter to State Farm Chief Executive Dan Krause last week, asking for details about the company’s handling of claims. In Krause’s response, he wrote that the company has received complaints on less than 3% of the more than 10,000 claims filed after the LA-area fires.

The CEO also said in the letter that the company would provide information requested by Lara’s department on the standards it uses to review, investigate and process smoke damage claims.

But Krause declined to increase the amount of contents coverage it provides to policyholders without requiring an inventory to 75% as requested by Lara, saying the 65% it provides already leads the industry.

In his statement today, Lara said he expects the company to pay its claims to fire survivors “fully and fairly,” and implied his department could conduct a more formal investigation into the complaints. “Nothing is off the table,” the commissioner said.

In the judge’s decision about the rate increase, he addressed the possibility that this first-of-its-kind approval could pave the way for other insurance companies to request emergency interim rate increases after other major fires. Seligman also mentioned that State Farm still will be required to further prove its case for the original rate-increase requests it submitted last year, which will be considered in a full rate hearing. That hearing had been scheduled for next month but now may not begin until October so the parties can prepare for it.

“A full rate hearing serves as a critical signal to the marketplace that emergency rate requests of the type State Farm advanced are serious (and) will undergo rigorous scrutiny,” the judge wrote.

State Farm has promised to provide refunds to policyholders if after the full rate hearing the approved rates are lower than the interim rates. As a condition of being granted the interim rate increases, State Farm agreed to obtain a $400 million surplus note from its parent company, and promised to cease non-renewals of policies through the end of the year.

State Farm wrote in its post-hearing brief that approval of its rate request was vital for its financial strength. The insurer said its financial position has led to a couple of credit downgrades and it was trying to avoid any additional downgrades, which could endanger the insurance policies of more than 1 million California homeowners.

Granting State Farm the rate increases was in the best interest of the state’s consumers because it helps keep insurance available, the Insurance Department’s post-hearing brief read.

Consumer Watchdog, the advocacy group that had objected to the interim rate hikes, wrote in its post-hearing brief that State Farm failed to prove that the increases were actuarially justified.

Levi Sumagaysay is a reporter with CalMatters.

Home prices climbed in nearly every one of America’s top-dollar housing markets—but 10 cities stood out for having the nation’s highest median sales prices.

And 8 of these 10 metros were clustered in California, confirming the Golden State’s reign as a desirable housing hot spot, according to the latest quarterly report from the National Association of Realtors®.

What’s more, many of these markets saw home price gains.

San Jose, CA, registered the highest median sales price for a single-family home in the U.S. from January to March, reaching a staggering $2.02 million, up 9.8% compared with a year ago.

Notably, San Jose made history last summer when it became the first U.S. city to cross the $2 million median price threshold since NAR began tracking data in 1979.

Anaheim, CA, had the second-highest price for a typical home, at $1.45 million, up 6.2% year over year, followed by San Francisco, at $1.32 million, which saw an annual uptick of 1.5%.

Honolulu was the only non-California housing market that made it into the top five, with the median sales price there surging 7.3% from the previous year, to $1.16 million, during the first quarter of 2025.

San Diego snagged the No. 5 spot, with its median home price climbing to $1.04, up 5.7% from a year ago.

The California cities of Salinas, San Luis Obispo, and Oxnard emerged as the sixth, seventh, and eighth most expensive housing markets, with prices just below $1 million across the board, representing annual increases ranging from 2.5% to 6.2%.

The sole East Coast entry on the list, Naples, FL, came in ninth, with its median home sales price rising 1.8% from a year ago, to $865,000.

Despite being devastated by deadly wildfires during the first weeks of the new year, Los Angeles saw the price of the typical home rise 4.8% year over year in the first quarter, reaching $862,000, and landing Tinseltown in the 10th spot on the list.

Lack of supply boosts home prices

So why are the home prices in these 10 markets so high? The short answer is that not enough new properties were being built to boost the local inventory, resulting in an upward pressure on the existing-home stock.

“Very expensive home prices partly reflect multiple years of home underproduction in those metro markets,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Another factor is the low homeownership rates in these areas, implying more unequal wealth distribution.”

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In other words, homeownership in cities like San Jose and San Francisco is out of reach for the majority of inhabitants, and homebuyers tend to belong to the affluent set.

Affordable markets, like the ones found in the Midwest, are known to have better supply and higher homeownership rates, according to Yun.

The top 10 most expensive housing markets

1. San Jose, CA

Median home sales price: $2.02 millionAnnual increase: 9.8%

2. Anaheim, CA

Median home sales price: $1.45 millionAnnual increase: 6.2%

3. San Francisco, CA

Median home sales price: $1.32 millionAnnual increase: 1.5%

4. Honolulu, HI

Median home sales price: $1.16 millionAnnual increase: 7.3%

5. San Diego, CA

Median home sales price: $1.04 millionAnnual increase: 5.7%

6. Salinas, CA

Median home sales price: $954,700Annual increase: 6.2%

7. San Luis Obispo, CA

Median home sales price: $953,400Annual increase: 4.8%

8. Oxnard, CA

Median home sales price: $931,500Annual increase: 2.5%

9. Naples, FL

Median home sales price: $865,000Annual increase: 1.8%

10. Los Angeles, CA

Median home sales price: $862,600Annual increase: 4.8%