The Podlight

From a proposed ICE facility to a surge in data center development, two of Silicon Valley’s biggest debates took center stage at San José Spotlight’s PolitiBeat 2026. The Podlight revisits the conversations about immigration, energy, economic growth and what these major developments could mean for the region.

As the AI boom fuels a wave of data center development, San Jose is promising each project will face careful scrutiny. Reporter Keith Menconi explores how city leaders plan to balance economic growth with concerns over water, energy and neighborhood impacts.

California's primary election settled some races, set up new battles and offered clues about where local politics may be headed next. Reporter Keith Menconi breaks down the biggest results from across the South Bay, the surprises that emerged and what they mean for voters, candidates and the region's political future.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan launched an ambitious campaign for California governor backed by millions from Silicon Valley donors. But with weeks until the June primary, he has yet to break out of single-digit polling. Reporter Keith Menconi examines the state of the race, the challenges facing Mahan’s campaign and whether there’s still a path forward.

New allegations about Cesar Chavez are prompting difficult conversations in East San Jose, where he lived and began his organizing career. Reporter Keith Menconi explores how community leaders are grappling with the revelations, the tension between legacy and accountability, and what it means for a city he once called home.

From rising costs to slowing revenues, San Jose is facing a $56 million budget shortfall. Reporter Keith Menconi talks to city leaders about what’s driving the deficit, the difficult tradeoffs ahead and what potential cuts could mean for city services.

From the Super Bowl to future global sporting events, San Jose is positioning itself for an economic surge. Reporter Keith Menconi explores the strategy, the stakes and what success would really look like for the South Bay.

With federal SNAP benefits stalling, food insecurity is rising sharply across Silicon Valley. In this episode, we sit down with Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, to talk about the growing demand for food assistance, the human toll of federal funding cuts and what can be done to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

As voters consider a measure to fund public health, host Nick Preciado sits down with Santa Clara County CEO James Williams to explain the proposal and why it matters.

Just weeks after taking office, San Jose Councilmember Anthony Tordillos sits down with editor Nick Preciado to discuss his historic election, policy ideas and priorities for the downtown district.

VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez joins host Nick Preciado for a candid conversation about the historic VTA strike, his perspective on the labor negotiations and lessons learned by leadership.

A dramatic special election to elect San Jose's next downtown councilmember was decided by a handful of votes, sending two contenders to a June runoff. Who is poised to win the San Jose City Council seat, and how will voter turnout impact the outcome? Host Nick Preciado sits down with political expert Garrick Percival to take a closer look.

Newly-elected Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga sits down with host Nick Preciado to detail her legislative priorities and how she's tackling some of the region's biggest challenges.

Betty Duong made history in November by becoming the first Vietnamese-American leader elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Host Nick Preciado chats with Duong about her background and vision for the future.

In this special edition of The Podlight, West Valley reporter Annalise Freimarck takes a look at how cities in the region like Campbell, Cupertino and Los Gatos are tackling a rise in homelessness.

Guest host Josh Barousse chats with longtime Milpitas leader and former elected official Bob Nunez about the city's election results and how they'll usher in changes at city hall.

Fresh off his re-election, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein joins us to share his plans and vision for the future of Santa Clara County's second largest city.

West Valley reporter Annalise Friemarck examines the latest election results in Cupertino, Campbell and Los Gatos -- and what they mean for voters -- in an interview with guest host Josh Barousse.

Sunnyvale & Santa Clara reporter B. Sakura Cannestra sits down with host Nick Preciado to break down the races this election season in the two cities.

In less than a month, Silicon Valley voters will elect their next president, congressional representative and vote in numerous local supervisorial and city council races. Co-host Nick Preciado chats with two political experts -- Larry Gerston and Garrick Percival -- for their predictions and analysis.

In this edition, host Nick Preciado sits down with Los Gatos' incoming town manager, Chris Constantin, to learn more about his background, ideas and vision for the town.

Silicon Valley Democrats celebrated the move to push Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket in November. But will the momentum behind her run for president be enough to defeat Donald Trump? Host Nick Preciado chats with Santa Clara County Democratic Party Chair Bill James.

The dysfunction of the Santa Clara City Council is the subject of a critical grand jury report, forcing politicians to acknowledge how years of infighting and bickering have hurt residents in the Mission City. Santa Clara reporter B. Sakura Cannestra discusses the report and what's next with host Nick Preciado.

The future of the popular Pruneyard Cinemas in Campbell, an anchor for the nearby shopping center, is at risk amid a dispute over its lease. West Valley reporter Annalise Freimarck talked to business leaders, moviegoers and local businesses to understand what's next.

Despite ballooning costs and delays, BART's much-anticipated extension in Silicon Valley is inching forward as pre-construction work begins on the transit agency's Santa Clara stop. Editor Nick Preciado digs into the update with reporter B. Sakura Cannesta, who covers Santa Clara and Sunnyvale.

Cupertino spent more than $100,000 from a fund for low-income housing on attorneys to defend itself against housing-related lawsuits, San José Spotlight first reported. Editor Nick Preciado sits down with reporter Annalise Freimarck who broke the story to learn more.

Election Day is here in California. With Silicon Valley voters headed to the polls this week in the March primary election, co-host Nick Preciado sat down with two political observers and experts -- Larry Gerston and Garrick Percival -- for their predictions and analysis.

A successful lawsuit against San Jose and its former mayor brought by San José Spotlight and First Amendment Coalition has inspired a new state bill, SB 908, that would ensure compliance with California's public records law and bolster government transparency across the state. Editor Nick Preciado learns more from Brittney Barsotti of the California News Publishers Association.

The end of an era: Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is retiring after three decades in Congress. The veteran Democrat reflects on her decision and legacy. Plus: Political analyst Larry Gerston predicts some key issues that could shape the highly-competitive race to replace her.

San Jose is seeing a significantly low return of office workers to downtown and one of the highest office vacancy rates in its history. The lack of foot traffic is hurting downtown businesses. What's driving this trend and how can office workers be lured to come back? Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Alex Stettinski, CEO of the San Jose Downtown Association.

A judge's recent ruling that the city of San Jose and its former Mayor Sam Liccardo violated state transparency laws -- in response to a lawsuit filed by San José Spotlight and First Amendment Coalition -- could have far-reaching implications for public agencies across the state. Co-host Joseph Geha talks to Karl Olson and David Loy, two attorneys at the center of the case.

San Jose is exploring a controversial policy to keep homeless residents away from schools and daycare centers. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to East San Jose Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who supports the idea, and homeless advocate Todd Langton of Agape Silicon Valley.

Co-host Nick Preciado sits down with the county's top political and administrative leaders -- Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan Ellenberg and CEO James Williams -- to discuss the state of the county's mental health crisis.

A federal judge this month dismissed legal challenges to San Jose's landmark gun safety measures that made national headlines. But will the policies prevent gun violence and mass shootings? Co-host Nick Preciado takes a closer look with Mothers Against Murder Executive Director Margaret Petros.

San José Spotlight editor Nick Preciado speaks with managing editor Alexandria Bordas and senior reporter Joseph Geha about PolitiBeat -- the organization's inaugural political festival that featured eight panels with more than 30 speakers, including local, state and federal lawmakers.

A fight over San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan's plan to divert funding from affordable housing to create more shelters and short-term solutions is heating up. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks with two housing leaders, Sandy Perry and Delma Hernandez, to understand the plan's implications.

South Bay authorities closed 10 major highway ramps over Cinco de Mayo weekend, a year after San Jose leaders reversed a ban on lowriding. Some lawmakers called the move "racist" and demanded an investigation. Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Angela Carrillo of the women-led Dueñas Car Club about what happened.

More than 10,000 people are homeless in Santa Clara County, a sobering reality despite millions of dollars funneling into the county to address the crisis. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks to Preston Prince, executive director of the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, about how that agency is working to end homelessness and other solutions.

The shocking allegations of drug smuggling by a top administrator at San Jose's police union has rocked Silicon Valley and the nation. Co-host Joseph Geha digs into the situation with William Armaline, director of the SJSU Human Rights Institute, and LaDoris Cordell, a retired judge and former San Jose independent police auditor. The police union declined to participate.

San Jose leaders will soon consider a plan years in the making to build a nearly 14,000 square foot Buddhist temple in an Evergreen neighborhood. Co-host Nick Preciado speaks with Pierluigi Oliverio, the city's planning commission chair who supports the project, and Murali Pabbisetty, a neighbor who opposes.

Every year, research organization Joint Venture Silicon Valley releases a report showing how the region is faring economically -- and this year's report highlights massive and growing inequality in Silicon Valley. Co-host Joseph Geha discusses the stark divide with Joint Venture president and CEO Russell Hancock and Silicon Valley Community Foundation CEO Nicole Taylor.

In January, San Jose elected leaders appointed two new councilmembers in Districts 8 and 10. Co-host Nick Preciado introduces you to Arjun Batra, who will represent District 10 spanning Almaden and Blossom valleys. Batra shares more about his background, goals and policy ideas.

San Jose elected leaders just voted to appoint two new councilmembers in Districts 8 and 10. Co-host Joseph Geha introduces you to Domingo Candelas, who will represent District 8 spanning Evergreen and East San Jose. Candelas opens up about his upbringing, his policy ideas and allegations he cheated to win.

Santa Clara County is being deluged by an atmospheric river storm with more rain on the way. What does the intense rainfall mean for local reservoirs, the risk of flooding and the region's drought restrictions? Co-host Nick Preciado chats with Valley Water director Barbara Keegan to learn more.

Minimum wage is going up in Silicon Valley next year, but San Jose still trails some neighboring cities in raising the pay floor. Will it make a difference for those struggling to make ends meet, as cost-of-living continues to soar? Host Nick Preciado sits down with SJSU sociology professor Scott Myers-Lipton to learn more,

Two seats are opening on the San Jose City Council and a fight is brewing over how to fill them. Some want to hold a special election, costing up to $10 million but giving voters the ability to choose their representative -– while others want the council to appoint a successor, a much quicker process. Co-host Joseph Geha talks to both sides.

More than a week after Election Day, host Nick Preciado chats with political expert and commentator Larry Gerston for a post election recap and analysis of San Jose's biggest races, voter turnout and more.

With Election Day just a few days away, host Nick Preciado sits down with two of Silicon Valley's most prominent political experts -- Terry Christensen and Garrick Percival -- to get their predictions and analysis on the consequential races.

Meet the two candidates vying to be Santa Clara County's next sheriff: Former Palo Alto Police Chief Robert “Bob” Jonsen, and Kevin Jensen, a retired captain for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The contenders talk to host Nick Preciado about how they'll restore accountability and trust in the embattled office.

Homeless deaths on the streets of Silicon Valley are on the rise -- with 14 people dying in one month alone. Host Nick Preciado digs into the troubling trend with two homeless experts and advocates, Todd Langton and Shaunn Cartwright.