Volleyball: ETBU women open NCAA tourney with Allegheny sweepWASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members, a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members, a key part of the Democratic base but gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success - Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice Friday night. For decades, labor unions have sided with Democrats and been greeted largely with hostility by Republicans. But with Trump's populist appeal, his working-class base saw a decent share of union rank-and-file voting for Republicans this year, even as major unions, including the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers , endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the White House race. Trump sat down with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union leadership and members this year, and when he emerged from that meeting, he boasted that a significant chunk of union voters were backing him. Of a possible Teamsters endorsement, he said, “Stranger things have happened.” The Teamsters ultimately declined to endorse either Trump, the former president, or Harris, the vice president, though leader Sean O’Brien had a prominent speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, told the Associated Press that O’Brien met with more than a dozen House Republicans this past week to lobby on behalf of Chavez-DeRemer. “Chavez-DeRemer would be an excellent choice for labor secretary and has his backing,” Deniz said. The work of the Labor Department affects workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employers' rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. On Election Day, Trump deepened his support among voters without a college degree after running just slightly ahead of Democrat Joe Biden with noncollege voters in 2020. Trump made modest gains, earning a clear majority of this group, while only about 4 in 10 supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a sweeping survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. Roughly 18% of voters in this year's election were from union households, with Harris winning a majority of the group. But Trump's performance among union members kept him competitive and helped him win key states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Chavez-DeRemer was one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act, which would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The measure would weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Trump's first term saw firmly pro-business policies from his appointees across government, including those on the National Labor Relations Board. Trump, a real estate developer and businessman before winning the presidency, generally has backed policies that would make it harder for workers to unionize. During his recent campaign, Trump criticized union bosses, and at one point suggested that UAW members should not pay their dues. His first administration did expand overtime eligibility rules, but not nearly as much as Democrats wanted, and a Trump-appointed judge has since struck down the Biden administration’s more generous overtime rules. He has stacked his incoming administration with officials who worked on the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” blueprint, which includes a sharp swing away from Biden’s pro-union policies. “Chavez-DeRemer’s record suggests she understands the value of policies that strengthen workers’ rights and economic security,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of National Employment Law Project, which is backed my many of the country’s major labor unions. “But the Trump administration’s agenda is fundamentally at odds with these principles, threatening to roll back workplace protections, undermine collective bargaining, and prioritize corporate profits over the needs of working people. This is where her true commitment to workers will be tested.” Other union leaders also issued praise, but also sounded a note of caution. “Educators and working families across the nation will be watching ... as she moves through the confirmation process,” the president of the National Education Association, Becky Pringle, said in a statement, “and hope to hear a pledge from her to continue to stand up for workers and students as her record suggests, not blind loyalty to the Project 2025 agenda.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler welcomed the choice while taking care to note Trump's history of opposing polices that support unions. "It remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as secretary of labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda,” Shuler said.Principal Financial Group Inc. Sells 70,645 Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV)
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Love, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... Late billionaire Richard Pratt's daughter at war with ex-husband Heloise Pratt suing Alex Waislitz over alleged business dealings Heiress dating Jodhi Meares' former fiancé, rock star Jon Stevens Also locked in legal tussle with her father's lovechild, Paula Hitchcock Waislitz engaged to pop singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani Couple being sued by Behbahani's Real Housewives sister Venus All comes in the midst of an unrelated sordid nude photo extortion scandal By STEVE JACKSON FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 21:40, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 21:40, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments The dirty laundry of one of Australia's richest dynasties is set to be exposed in a series of explosive court cases after a vicious feud erupted between billionaire divorcees Héloise Pratt and Alex Waislitz. The former couple have begun trading barbs in the Supreme Court of Victoria, with the legal action threatening to expose all their juicy romantic and financial secrets. The sensational tussle centres around control of the $1.3bn stock investment empire run by Mr Waislitz which is co-owned by Ms Pratt. But the estranged lovers now also find themselves engaged in fierce legal battles on multiple fronts. And it comes in the midst of a sordid nude photo 'sextortion' scandal involving one of their new lovers. Ms Pratt is the eldest daughter of late billionaire cardboard king Richard Pratt, chair of the philanthropic Pratt Foundation and, according to the 2024 Forbes Rich List, the country's 29th richest person with a personal net worth of $1.93b. She is also the sister of Donald Trump-confidante Anthony Pratt, who recently donated $15million to the president-elect's campaign earlier this year. Ms Pratt, 62, married Mr Waislitz in 1994, with the businessman turning $1.15m lent to him by his Rich List father-in-law into a billion-dollar funds management company and a personal net worth of $1.48b. Although the couple officially separated in 2015, they initially maintained amicable relations over joint ownership of Thorney Investments, and their shared custody of their three children, Jake, Milly and Joseph. They both moved on romantically following their split, with Ms Pratt coupling up with newly-single rock star Jon Stevens, who had just broken up with fiancée Jodhi Meares. Billionaire socialite Heloise Pratt is now in a relationship with rock star Jon Stevens Billionaire businessman Alex Waislitz is engaged to singer Rebekah Behbahani The former Noiseworks singer's 18-month engagement to James Packer 's first wife ended in a torrid row at their mansion in Sydney 's eastern suburbs in February 2015. Meares, now 53, had Stevens, 63, charged with common assault and domestic-related assault, and slapped with an apprehended violence order, following the argument, with the allegations effectively confirming the end of their relationship. Police eventually dropped the charges, which Stevens described as 'ridiculous', two months later - but by then the singer had been booted out of his new band, the Dead Daisies, and had more than 30 appearances cancelled as a result of the accusations. Around the same time, Mr Waislitz was spotted in Ibiza with UK nightclub singer Vanessa Von Tain but, despite calling the Melbourne investor her 'loved one' on social media during the trip, the romance soon fizzled out. Mr Waislitz, 66, has now found a new partner in the arms of 34-year-old singer and actress Rebekah Behbahani. The couple moved in together in February 2019 and welcomed a daughter, Storm, later that year before briefly breaking up. They are now being sued by Ms Behbahani's sister, former Real Housewives of Melbourne star Venus Behbahani in Victoria's Supreme Court. The 40-year-old lawyer and mother-of-four claims her younger sibling promised to gift her a townhouse in Melbourne's exclusive Toorak in exchange for helping her launch her pop career and caring for her and her daughter throughout her brief estrangement with Mr Waislitz. Heloise, with brother Anthony, is the eldest child of late cardboard king Richard Pratt Jon Stevens was engaged to Jodhi Meares until their acrimonious split in 2015 Meares is the first wife of billionaire James Packer Stevens rocking with his band the Dead Daisies According to court documents, Venus Behbahani claims Mr Waislitz agreed to give Rebekah two townhouses and $2.5m as part of a separation agreement after they broke up in October 2019. She alleges her sister agreed to then give her one of the homes as part of a Deed of Gift and Confidentiality agreement they drew up that December. However, Mr Waislitz and Rebekah ended up reconciling a couple of months later in February 2020 and their separation agreement was never enforced. They instead went on to announce their engagement in November that year. Despite the couple's reconciliation, Venus maintained her sister's promise to gift her the Toorak townhouse still stood and commenced legal action against them last year after placing a caveat on the property. In their defence filed with the Supreme Court, Rebekah claimed she was in a distressed state when she signed the agreement with her sister while Mr Waislitz denies they have any obligation to give Venus anything. In a counterclaim, Mr Waislitz accused his soon-to-be sister-in-law of living in the home with her family without permission since November 15, 2022 and sought orders to force her out and have the caveat she placed on the property removed. That case has been listed for trial on May 27 and is expected to run for 15 days. In the meantime, Ms Pratt has also launched legal proceedings against her ex-husband, filing her own explosive claim in the Victoria's Supreme Court last month. She has accused Mr Waislitz of 'acting 'dishonestly' by paying himself and his charitable foundation $1.147m without her knowledge or approval. Sisters Venus Behbahani and Rebekah Behanhani are fighting over a Toorak townhouse Venus Behbahani starred in season four of The Real Housewives of Melbourne Read More Ex-Real Housewives of Melbourne star is dragged into messy court battle with her sister over luxury house in one of Australia's wealthiest suburbs Ms Pratt also accused him of withholding board documents and financial information from her in relation to Thorney Investments, which Mr Waislitz runs and she co-owns, and their other related companies. The heiress commenced the action following a breakdown in their one-time friendly relationship after finalising their divorce and spending much of the past two years trying to divide their financial interests through lawyers. Mr Waislitz hit back at his ex-wife on Christmas Eve when he filed his defence with the Supreme Court furiously rejecting her allegations. In it, he described her case against him as 'embarrassing' and insisted she had failed to involve herself with their business and that her claims against him were liable to be struck out. Like Mr Waislitz and his fiancé, Ms Pratt is also fighting a separate legal battle with a sibling. The socialite's half-sister, Paula Hitchcock, won a small legal battle in her separate fight to claim a slice of the Pratt family's vast multi-billion-dollar fortune in October The 27-year-old love child of Ms Pratt's late father and his mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings, Ms Pratt, her brother Anthony Pratt and sister Fiona Geminder, after being cut out of the Pratt Family Trust. Ms Hitchcock has asked the NSW Supreme Court to nullify a deed of exclusion that prevented her from claiming inheritance as a Pratt child under the terms of the Trust. She argued she was always acknowledged and accepted as a full family member by both her late father and his wife, Jeanne. Paula Hitchcock is suing her half-siblings for a share of the vast Pratt family fortune Ms Hitchcock is the love child of late billionaire Richard Pratt and mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock Richard Pratt and wife Jeanne both acknowledged Ms Hitchcock as his daughter Jeanne Pratt with her three children, Anthony, Heloise and Fiona She claimed Mrs Pratt assigned a bedroom to her at the couple's family homes, regularly invited her to attend the weekly family Shabbat and that the couple had listed her as their financial dependent in 2007. Her half-siblings argued Ms Hitchcock's case should be dismissed because she was not a child of both their parents as required under the Trust and insisted their mother's acceptance of Ms Hitchcock didn't 'convert' her into Mrs Pratt's child. However, Justice Michael Meek rejected their argument and granted Ms Hitchcock time to amend her claim that she fits the criteria of a 'child' of the Pratt family. 'I reject the siblings' submission that there is no rational basis to conclude that (Ms Hitchcock) being acknowledged by Mr Pratt as a member of his family implies that she could be considered as a 'child' of Mrs Pratt,' he determined. 'What seems to be relatively clear is that the definition of 'child' ... is cast in broad terms that may include a child who is not the biological child of both Mr Pratt and Mrs Pratt'. Meanwhile, on yet another unrelated legal front, Rebekah Behbahani was forced to call in police earlier this year after a trove of 'intimate images' of her were posted online on June 20 by an anonymous social media account without her permission. A second cache was uploaded by the account the following day before the profile disappeared, with Ms Behbahani telling police she was the victim of an 'extortion' attempt. There is no suggestion that any members of the Pratt family, Ms Behbahani's sister or Mr Waislitz were responsible for posting the images. 'I am deeply distressed by this malicious invasion of my privacy. No one deserves to be subjected to such appalling acts,' Ms Behbahani said in a statement at the time. 'This unlawful conduct is part of a long running and escalating campaign which is now the subject of investigation by the police. 'It has been a living nightmare. We will not give in to the extortion. I trust that the perpetrators will face the full force of the law.' Share or comment on this article: Love, lust and billion-dollar trust funds: How one of Australia's richest dynasties is about to have its dirty laundry aired for all to see - and then there is bombshell nude pics row... e-mail Add commentA Saudi Arabian delegate has been accused of directly making changes to an official Cop29 negotiating text, it can be revealed. Cop presidencies usually circulate negotiating texts as non-editable PDF documents to all countries simultaneously, which are then discussed. Giving one party editing access “risks placing this entire Cop in jeopardy”, said one expert. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia is regarded by many as a persistent obstructor of action to cut the burning of fossil fuels at UN climate summits and has been described as a “ wrecking ball ” at Cop29. Earlier on Saturday, a document was circulated by the Azerbaijani presidency with updates to the negotiating text on the Just Transition Work Program (JTWP). This aims to help countries move to a cleaner and more resilient future, while reducing inequalities. The document was sent with “tracked changes” from the previously circulated version. In two cases, the document showed edits were made directly by Basel Alsubaity , at the Saudi Ministry of Energy, and the lead on the JTWP. It was not sent to other countries to edit, the Guardian was told. One of the changes deletes a section of text reading “encourages parties to consider just transition pathways in developing and implementing NDCs, NAPs and LT-LEDSs that are aligned with the outcome of the first global stock take and relevant provisions of the Paris agreement”. Catherine Abreu, director at the International Climate Politics Hub and Cop veteran, said: “All parties need to see presidency texts during this process as the negotiations proceed and this is generally done by circulating non-editable PDF documents to all parties simultaneously. “Giving one party editing access to these documents, and a party known for its objective of rolling back the historic global agreement made last year to transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy and energy efficiency, suggests a worrying lack of independence and objectivity and clearly contravenes both the spirit and the rules of this process,” she said. “This kind of behaviour from a presidency risks placing this entire Cop in jeopardy.” Two groups – the Alliance of Small Island States and the Least Developed Countries walked out of key meeting on Saturday, saying they were not being consulted by the presidency. German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, speaking on Saturday before the editing revelation, said: “We are in the midst of a geopolitical power play by a few fossil fuel states. We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the few rich fossil fuel emitters who have the backing, unfortunately, at this moment of the president [of Cop29].” A 2023 report from the Climate Social Science Network concluded: “One nation has had an outsized role in undermining progress at global climate negotiations, year after year: Saudi Arabia. The fossil fuel giant has a 30-year record of obstruction and delay, protecting its national oil and gas sector and seeking to ensure UN climate talks achieve as little as possible, as slowly as possible. “Riyadh’s envoys are among the most active across all tracks of UN climate talks, frequently pushing back on efforts to curb fossil fuels”, it said. “Despite increased temperatures across Saudi Arabia and falling groundwater supplies, Riyadh has shown little sign of shifting strategy.” The Cop29 presidency, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Saudi delegation have been contacted for comment.
TU Senate holds informal meeting initiated by chancellor
DUNNES Stores bosses have slashed the price of the ultimate cosy winter essential that's an ideal last-minute gift. The Duvet Slippers, from the store's Francis Brennan The Collection range, have been reduced from €40 to just €20. The luxurious white slippers are packaged in clear wrapping with Dunnes bosses recommending them as "ideal for gifting". The slippers rise to half way up the calf and cover the foot in a boot style. This will help to keep both your feet and ankles warm in the chilly winter temperatures. And there are special grippers on the sole of the slipper that will help ensure you don't slip while lounging around the house. The slippers have a bright white colour and a duvet-like puffiness that adds to the comfort. Describing the slippers on their website Dunnes Stores said: "Treat your feet to the ultimate in cosiness with these duvet slippers from Francis Brennan. "With grippers on the sole to ensure you don't slip, they are presented in a clear package making them ideal for gifting. "Francis Brennan the Collection is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores." The winter must have comes in sizes S-M and M-L and are available online and potentially in certain stores across the country. All sizes are in stock making this the perfect last minute gift for a loved one this Christmas. And Dunnes Stores have another cosy winter find perfect for Christmas gifting in stores now. The Carolyn Donnelly pyjama sets are in sale both on line and in store. The striking new PJ sets are the perfect solution for last minute gifts. The fashion giant took to Facebook to show off the must-have night wear. They said: “The new collection of exclusively printed pyjama sets from Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic is the perfect choice for gifting this season. "Choose from a selection of stunning prints in distinctive gift boxes that are all designed to pamper. You might almost be tempted to gift yourself.” The Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Floral Boxed Pyjamas have a gorgeous blue and pink mix. Dunnes said: “Boasting an all-over floral print, these silky soft pyjamas from Carolyn Donnelly's Eclectic collection are a perfect way to add some luxury to lounging at home. “The top features a button through front and a revere collar, while the bottoms are finished in a wide leg design. Presented in a lovely box, these pyjamas are the ideal gift.” DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people. And the Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Geo Boxed Pyjamas have a pink top and blue bottoms. All the sets, retailing at €40, are available in sizes XS to XL.
"We see the potential, we see it's happening and the government wants it to happen as well," said Yu-Jiu Wang, Tron Future's founder and chief executive officer. He said "there's a lot of business happening between Taiwanese and U.S. companies." Taiwan is already a critical technology hub, producing 95 percent of the world's most advanced microchips. Its local drone industry is working to match Chinese manufacturing to help the United States and other Western allies reduce their reliance on China. "Russia's war against Ukraine has only underlined the importance of ensuring that... Antoaneta RoussiWASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members, a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members, a key part of the Democratic base but gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. “Lori’s strong support from both the Business and Labor communities will ensure that the Labor Department can unite Americans of all backgrounds behind our Agenda for unprecedented National Success - Making America Richer, Wealthier, Stronger and more Prosperous than ever before!” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice Friday night. For decades, labor unions have sided with Democrats and been greeted largely with hostility by Republicans. But with Trump's populist appeal, his working-class base saw a decent share of union rank-and-file voting for Republicans this year, even as major unions, including the AFL-CIO and the United Auto Workers , endorsed Democrat Kamala Harris in the White House race. Trump sat down with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union leadership and members this year, and when he emerged from that meeting, he boasted that a significant chunk of union voters were backing him. Of a possible Teamsters endorsement, he said, “Stranger things have happened.” The Teamsters ultimately declined to endorse either Trump, the former president, or Harris, the vice president, though leader Sean O’Brien had a prominent speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, told the Associated Press that O’Brien met with more than a dozen House Republicans this past week to lobby on behalf of Chavez-DeRemer. “Chavez-DeRemer would be an excellent choice for labor secretary and has his backing,” Deniz said. The work of the Labor Department affects workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employers' rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. On Election Day, Trump deepened his support among voters without a college degree after running just slightly ahead of Democrat Joe Biden with noncollege voters in 2020. Trump made modest gains, earning a clear majority of this group, while only about 4 in 10 supported Harris, according to AP VoteCast, a sweeping survey of more than 120,000 voters nationwide. Roughly 18% of voters in this year's election were from union households, with Harris winning a majority of the group. But Trump's performance among union members kept him competitive and helped him win key states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Chavez-DeRemer was one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act, which would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The measure would weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Trump's first term saw firmly pro-business policies from his appointees across government, including those on the National Labor Relations Board. Trump, a real estate developer and businessman before winning the presidency, generally has backed policies that would make it harder for workers to unionize. During his recent campaign, Trump criticized union bosses, and at one point suggested that UAW members should not pay their dues. His first administration did expand overtime eligibility rules, but not nearly as much as Democrats wanted, and a Trump-appointed judge has since struck down the Biden administration’s more generous overtime rules. He has stacked his incoming administration with officials who worked on the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” blueprint, which includes a sharp swing away from Biden’s pro-union policies. “Chavez-DeRemer’s record suggests she understands the value of policies that strengthen workers’ rights and economic security,” said Rebecca Dixon, president and CEO of National Employment Law Project, which is backed my many of the country’s major labor unions. “But the Trump administration’s agenda is fundamentally at odds with these principles, threatening to roll back workplace protections, undermine collective bargaining, and prioritize corporate profits over the needs of working people. This is where her true commitment to workers will be tested.” Other union leaders also issued praise, but also sounded a note of caution. “Educators and working families across the nation will be watching ... as she moves through the confirmation process,” the president of the National Education Association, Becky Pringle, said in a statement, “and hope to hear a pledge from her to continue to stand up for workers and students as her record suggests, not blind loyalty to the Project 2025 agenda.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler welcomed the choice while taking care to note Trump's history of opposing polices that support unions. "It remains to be seen what she will be permitted to do as secretary of labor in an administration with a dramatically anti-worker agenda,” Shuler said.SAN JOSE — A blighted site in downtown San Jose poses an immediate danger to the public due to toxic contamination discovered on the property, according to a city notice posted next to the parcels. Multiple fires, homeless encampments, and a shooting assault have all previously plagued the property at the corner of North Fourth Street and East St. John Street. According to a notice that was dated Nov. 26 and posted by San Jose’s code enforcement unit, “an accumulation of debris contaminated with lead and asbestos” is present on the site. “The property is hereby declared a public nuisance,” the notice stated. City officials have scheduled a hearing this month to discuss the status of the blighted property and take further action if necessary. San Jose filed a lawsuit against South Bay business executive Brent Lee and two affiliates he heads up – RPRO152N3 LLC and Le Garden House LLC – to remove the torched wood, debris, garbage and other materials on the parcels Lee owns through an affiliate, and then to eliminate the blight. Three blazes, the fiery destruction of two Victorian-era homes, a shooting, a dog attack, the accumulation of garbage and the discovery of hazardous materials have coalesced to alarm San Jose officials who hope a court-appointed receiver will finally get the property cleaned up. The receiver is poised to seize full control of the property , which could result in a sale to a new owner once the site is fully cleaned up. A Santa Clara County judge would have to determine the property’s fate. The final removal of the debris and hazardous materials is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month, according to San Jose City Attorney Nora Frimann. The fire-scorched properties are at 100, 120, 146 and 152 North Fourth St., and 117 North Fifth St. For decades, the 146 and 152 North Fourth buildings were Victorian-era homes until they burned down this year. Court papers show that problems and concerns began to surface more than a half-decade ago. Neighbors started to raise warning flags in early 2018, according to an amended lawsuit on file with Santa Clara County Superior Court. “In February 2018, the city’s Code Enforcement Division began investigating the 146 North Fourth property for blight as well as health and safety violations,” court papers state. “At the time of the initial inspection, the 146 North Fourth site was vacant with piles of solid waste and debris on the driveway and around the property.” In 2021 and 2022, city inspectors found that individuals were using the two Victorian homes at 146 and 152 North Fourth as temporary shelters on multiple occasions. The city boarded up the residences, hoping to prevent entry. The Lee-controlled affiliate had collected the parcels to accommodate a proposed 23-story housing tower with 298 units and ground-floor retail. The city approved that project, but construction never began. Three fires have since broken out at the abandoned site, destroying the old Victorians in the process.
