Helping East San Jose Businesses with Tech: A New Camera Program

Small business owners in East San Jose have been struggling with crime, but they're about to get some help. The city has started a new program with mobile cameras at Lion Plaza on Tully Road. Mayor Matt Mahan and other officials hope this will make the area safer as the police deal with staffing issues. The cameras aren't watched 24/7, but the police and local businesses can see what they record. Councilmember Domingo Candelas pushed for this $50, 000 project. He says businesses feel unsafe and have even had to change their hours due to crime. Business leaders are also working on their own solutions, like creating a business improvement district. This would collect money from local businesses to pay for more cameras and other safety measures. Mayor Mahan thinks San Jose, being the heart of Silicon Valley, should use technology to improve safety. The city already has nearly 500 automated license plate readers and plans to add speed cameras next year. They're even considering using drones as first responders. The mobile cameras are just a start, and the city might expand the program. Mayor Mahan says they'll keep adding new tech tools and listen to the community to make the best decisions.