Leaders in San Jose face two major problems: dirty streets filled with trash and debris, and a housing crisis that contributes to homelessness.
But there’s hope that an expansion of the existing Downtown Streets Team program will help to solve both issues.
A clean business is a thriving business, something Francisco Quintero, owner of El Maza, knows all too well.
He’s proud of his restaurant in the Luna Park District of Downtown San Jose.
But he’s still dealing with bad reviews, due to the conditions along the street outside his front door.
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“Saying that it wasn’t very safe to come here, that it was too dirty,” Quintero said. “That’s not a good sensation when you’re putting all your money into your business for someone to come and criticize that or telling other people not to come to this area.”
But now, Quintero says there’s new hope thanks to help from the city.
San Jose is expanding their Downtown Streets Team coverage area to include the Luna business district, as well as the Alum Rock, East Santa Clara Street, Calle Willow and the East Village districts.