Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score moving companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.

When arranging a move in or out of San Jose, California, your first step should be confirming that your mover is properly licensed and has positive reviews. For a local move, you need a mover that is registered within California, and for a long-distance or interstate move, confirm the movers have federal licensing and registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

We recommend thoroughly reviewing customer feedback to analyze potential moving services. Comb through Google Reviews and social media sites, and notice both positive and negative patterns, as this will provide the clearest view of what you can expect when hiring a certain business.

Most local moving services do not offer binding estimates. Their pricing is based on an hourly rate instead, and how long your move takes will determine your final bill. Consider this when comparing quotes and selecting a company.

Featured4.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

GET ESTIMATEmoving4.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

GET ESTIMATEmoving3.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

GET ESTIMATE

Find the best local movers for you in San Jose

Leading local San Jose movers should have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews or other customer rating sites, plus good Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. A few negative reviews among mostly positive feedback shouldn’t necessarily eliminate an otherwise dependable company from consideration.

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Pure Moving Company San Jose Movers Local & Long distance

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyPackagingPianosResidential MovingOfficesWhole HomeShort DistanceLong DistanceAppliancesFine ArtCarsFurniture CoveringsStorageTrees

111 N Market St #302, San Jose, CA 95113

(800) 816-5121

www.puremovers.com/locations/san-fran…

Tbs movers Inc. D.O.T # 3534259

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyResidential MovingLong DistanceWhole HomeOfficesShort Distance

464 N 15th St, San Jose, CA 95112

(669) 946-6271

tbsmoving.com

All in Moving Systems | Moving & Storage Company

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyOfficesResidential MovingInterstatePackagingStorageWhole HomeShort DistanceFurniture CoveringsLong DistanceTreesCars

2081 Bering Dr, San Jose, CA 95131

(888) 259-0707

allinmovingsystems.com

Make The Move, LLC

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyOfficesFurniture CoveringsShort DistanceCarsWhole Home

2010 El Camino Real #2323, Santa Clara, CA 95050

(650) 444-4678

makethemovellc.com

Clutch Moving Company San Jose

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyLong DistanceAppliancesWhole HomeStorageShort DistanceResidential MovingCars

1999 S Bascom Ave Suite 700, Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 882-9294

clutchmovingcompany.com/service-areas…

Roadway Moving – San Francisco Moving Company

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyInterstateFurniture CoveringsCratesFull-serviceCarsInternationalStoragePianosShort DistanceWhole HomeFine ArtAppliancesTreesPackagingOfficesLong Distance

401 Nelo St Suite 3A, Santa Clara, CA 95054

(510) 990-9323

www.roadwaymoving.com/locations/calif…

Nevarez moving company

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

NearbyOfficesPackagingStorageWhole Home

71 Gilman Ave Suite B, Campbell, CA 95008

(408) 859-1106

nevarezmovingco.com

A2B Movers San Jose

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

This provider is within 5 miles of San Jose.

Nearby

4320 Stevens Creek Blvd Suite 174, San Jose, CA 95129

(415) 417-1891

a2bmoversinc.com

Fair Price Movers – Santa Clara

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

PianosFine ArtStorageShort DistancePackagingResidential MovingOfficesWhole HomeCarsLong Distance

895 Bing Dr #2, Santa Clara, CA 95051

(408) 883-5863

fairpricemovers.com/santa-clara-mover…

Arnoni Moving Services

We rank local service providers based on their average customer rating and number of ratings in order to surface the best pros in your area.

Better than 89% of companies

Furniture CoveringsWhole HomeStorageCarsResidential MovingHeavy FurnitureFull-serviceLong DistanceShort Distance

343 Otono Ct, San Jose, CA 95111

(408) 680-9172

www.arnonimoving.com

Top companies for moving out of California

Movers that provide interstate moving services must have federal licensing, including up-to-date United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can verify a company’s licensing status through the FMCSA’s database by searching for its name or license number.

Interstate moving companies that are based in the state of California must carry both state and federal licensing. In California, local movers also must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

Featured4.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

GET ESTIMATEmoving4.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

GET ESTIMATEmoving3.7Our RatingWe aggregate reviews from various sources to offer a comprehensive and balanced score.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

GET ESTIMATE

What factors affect the cost of moving in San Jose?

Local and long-distance moving costs are calculated with different pricing models. Nearby moves are usually billed at an hourly rate, and you likely won’t get a binding estimate. Instead, your cost will depend on the amount of time your move takes in total.

The billing method for long-distance moves is an all-inclusive rate based on weight and miles traveled. These companies will give you binding estimates, meaning your quoted price won’t change unless you modify your inventory or service requests between getting a quote and the final move date.

The average cost of moving in San Jose

For moves within the same area, or to one close-by, expect to pay an hourly rate. San Jose’s cost of living is higher than 100% of the rest of the country, which means that you can expect increased prices compared to the national average.

Moving companies should calculate your expected total hours during quoting, which you can use to add up your total cost by multiplying the amount of hours by the hourly rate. Also look for minimum charges or additional fees.

Tipping your mover

Tipping isn’t required when you hire movers, but think about adding gratuity as a gesture of thanks if the movers pack and transport your belongings professionally, or helped decrease your overall moving stress.

Budget a tip of around $5 per mover for each hour worked on same-day moves or plan on $40–$50 per mover per day for multiple-day moving jobs.

Prepare for other moving costs

When budgeting, account for costs going above mover estimates by 25%. The extra money leaves room in your budget if you need to pay for additional moving services, a storage unit or packing supplies from stores before or during your relocation.

Best Moving For You

Experts Ready to Help

Things to consider when moving in San Jose

We encourage using professional moving companies instead of moving yourself when relocating to or within a metropolitan location. In San Jose particularly, movers who know the area well can reduce the frustration you may feel trying to steer a rental truck down tight roads yourself. Also examine the following key aspects when choosing a mover or planning any move.

Is my mover properly licensed and insured?

All legitimate moving businesses will show proof of registration on their fleet vehicles, as well as on paperwork like estimates and agreements. If you’re planning an interstate move, check the company’s USDOT and MC numbers on the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in California are also required to have a license from the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the most suitable insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound, per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you’re transporting expensive goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When should I start forwarding my mail?

Mark your calendar to file a change of address request with the postal service four weeks before you move, and set a future date for your mail to begin forwarding to your new address. This ensures mail is forwarded to your new residence by moving day without any delays. Also be sure to update your banks, subscriptions and any other services that need your address.

Do I need to change my driver’s license if I move out of California?

Each California resident has to update their ID cards upon an official residence change. The transition helps keep state records up to date. Schedule an appointment with the local department of motor vehicles soon after you move.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most popular moving months nationwide fall throughout May and September, creating increased demand and heightened rates for moves of all scopes. The lofty prices could deter you from making a move in the summer. Furthermore, San Jose’s extreme summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose even more challenges. We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

Load up your car with anything too important to lose – photos, financial records, identification documents, computers or anything similar.

A lot of moving companies cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you’re concerned about potential loss or damage, you should keep those priceless or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials that movers aren’t allowed to move. These include:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Batteries
• Perishable foods and produce
• Fertilizers
• Aerosols
• Plants
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.

Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top

Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.

The post 10 Finest Transferring Firms in San Jose, CA appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

PRESS RELEASE

Published July 14, 2023

“Engaging the services of a local plumbing company, such as Allstar Plumbing, ensures that you receive expert advice and solutions tailored to your area’s specific needs.”

To shed light on effective plumbing maintenance, we reached out to Allstar Plumbing, a trusted plumbing company in San Jose, CA. With their years of experience and expertise, they shared valuable insights and expert tips for keeping your plumbing system in optimal condition.

A properly functioning plumbing system is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable home. From leaky pipes to clogged drains, plumbing issues can disrupt your daily routine and lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. To shed light on effective plumbing maintenance, we reached out to Allstar Plumbing, a trusted plumbing company in San Jose, CA. With their years of experience and expertise, they shared valuable insights and expert tips for keeping your plumbing system in optimal condition. In this article, we will explore some of their recommendations and highlight the importance of regular maintenance to prevent common plumbing problems.

Understanding the Significance of Plumbing Maintenance:

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system goes beyond fixing leaky pipes and unclogging drains. It involves proactive measures to prevent potential issues, saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and adopting good habits can significantly contribute to the longevity of your plumbing system.

Identifying and Addressing Leak Pipes:

Leaky pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. Not only do they waste water, but they can also cause structural damage and encourage the growth of mold and mildew. To tackle leaky pipes effectively, Allstar Plumbing recommends the following steps:

Inspect and locate leaks: Regularly check visible pipes, faucets, and fixtures for any signs of leaks. Keep an eye out for damp spots, water stains, or unusual odors.

Promptly repair leaks: Even minor leaks should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage. Depending on the severity of the leak, you may need professional assistance from a trusted plumber like Allstar Plumbing.

Insulate exposed pipes: During colder months, insulating exposed pipes can prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting, leading to costly repairs.

The Importance of Plumbing San Jose Services:

Living in San Jose, CA, brings its own set of challenges when it comes to plumbing. Allstar Plumbing emphasizes the importance of availing professional plumbing services specific to the region. San Jose experiences unique weather patterns and geological factors that can impact your plumbing system. Engaging the services of a local plumbing company, such as Allstar Plumbing, ensures that you receive expert advice and solutions tailored to your area’s specific needs.

Regular Drain Maintenance:

Clogged drains are another common plumbing issue that can disrupt your daily routine. Allstar Plumbing recommends the following tips for maintaining healthy drains:

Avoid pouring grease down the drain: Grease solidifies in pipes and can cause blockages. Dispose of cooking grease in a separate container and dispose of it properly.

Use drain covers: Install drain covers in sinks, showers, and tubs to prevent hair, soap residue, and other debris from entering and clogging the pipes.

Flush drains with hot water: Regularly flush your drains with hot water to help clear away accumulated debris and prevent clogs.

Regular Water Heater Maintenance:

Water heaters are essential for a comfortable home, but they require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Allstar Plumbing suggests the following tips to maintain your water heater:

Flush the tank: Sediment buildup can affect the efficiency of your water heater. Periodically flushing the tank helps remove sediment and prolongs the lifespan of your unit.

Insulate the tank: Insulating the water heater tank can minimize heat loss, reducing energy consumption and saving you money on utility bills.

Check the pressure relief valve: Ensure that the pressure relief valve is functioning correctly to prevent excessive pressure buildup and potential safety hazards.

Conclusion:

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is vital for the smooth functioning of your home. By following expert tips from Allstar Plumbing, such as identifying and addressing leaky pipes, availing local plumbing services, and performing regular drain and water heater maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of plumbing problems and save yourself from costly repairs. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your plumbing system. So, adopt good habits, stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when needed. Your plumbing system will thank you with years of trouble-free operation.

Remember, whenever you face any plumbing issues in the San Jose area, you can count on Allstar Plumbing to provide reliable and professional services to keep your plumbing system in top condition.

Media Contact
Company Name: Allstar Plumbing
Contact Person: Lior Manelis
Email: Send Email
Phone: (408)282-7020
Address:326 Phelan Ave # A
City: San Jose
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: https://www.goallstar.com/

The post Insights from Allstar Plumbing in San Jose, CA appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

The historic First Church of Christ Scientist building at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, Aug. 29, 2023. Arturo Alvarez and Andres Ramirez of BrandSafway work on the building.

SAN JOSE — James Salata, head of Garden City Construction, decided that enough was enough when it came to an abandoned historic church in downtown San Jose covered with a tattered tarp.

“This is really gnawing at me,” Salata said Tuesday as he watched his construction crew finish up a wide-ranging job this week to transform the blighted church property into a little less of an eyesore in downtown San Jose.

The historic structure on Salata’s mind is the First Church of Christ, Scientist at 43 East St. James Street. A growing number of observers, activists and neighbors have begun to complain about the church’s disrepair under its years-long ownership by a China-based real estate firm and the nebulous oversight by city staffers and code enforcement officers.

BrandSafway workers operate next to the ionic columns of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, Aug. 29, 2023. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

The church’s exterior has been exposed for years to fierce winter storms and blazing summer sunshine. Winds have steadily shredded the makeshift tarp.

This week, alarmed by the looming prospect of the fall and winter months, Salata took matters into his own hands and dispatched construction workers from subcontractor BrandSafway to undertake considerable work at the church.

First Church of Christ, Scientist is on a site owned by Z&L Properties, a China-based real estate company whose principal executive is Zhang Li, a key figure in a bribery scandal involving a top former San Francisco official.

Salata was able to gain access to the site because he had prior permission from Z&L to undertake some work on the inside of the church. BrandSafway owned the scaffolds and was reclaiming its equipment because Z&L didn’t come through with payments for that work. In the process, the tarp was removed.

Salata realizes the cost of some or much of this week’s work will come out of his pocket.

• The Ionic columns of the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist building in San Jose, Calif., are once again visible, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, as Arturo Alvarez and Andres Ramirez of BrandSafway Scaffolding remove the protective covering that has obscured the historic 1905-era building for nearly five years. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

• (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

  The historic First Church of Christ Scientist building at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, Aug. 29, 2023. Arturo Alvarez and Andres Ramirez of BrandSafway work on the building.

• The Ionic columns of the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist building in San Jose, Calif., are once again visible, Tuesday, August 29, 2023, as Arturo Alvarez and Andres Ramirez of BrandSafway Scaffolding remove the protective covering that has obscured the historic 1905-era building for nearly five years. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

• (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

  BrandSafway workers operate next to the ionic columns of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, Aug. 29, 2023.

• Crews from Garden City Construction sweep up the plastic littering Saint James Street from the degraded protective covering at the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist building in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, August 29, 2023. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

• Shredded plastic from the degraded covering protecting the historic First Church of Christ, Scientist building litters E. Saint James Street in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, August 29, 2023. BrandSafway Scaffolding workers were removing the shredded wrap that has obscured the historic 1905-era building for nearly five years. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

• San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, left, speaks, as Councilmember Omar Torre looks on, in front of the partially covered First Church of Christ, Scientist building during a press conference, where he announced plans to up the maximum amount of fines for negligent property owners, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in downtown San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

• The partially covered First Church of Christ, Scientist building is seen before a press conference, where San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced plans to up the maximum amount of fines for negligent property owners, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in downtown San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

• The partially covered First Church of Christ, Scientist building is seen during a press conference, where San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced plans to up the maximum amount of fines for negligent property owners, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in downtown San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

• The partially covered First Church of Christ, Scientist building is seen during a press conference, where San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan announced plans to up the maximum amount of fines for negligent property owners, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in downtown San Jose, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group)

• First Church of Christ Scientist at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, February 2023. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

• (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

  First Church of Christ Scientist, located at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose.

  6-1-2023, San Jose CA

  (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

• (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

  First Church of Christ Scientist, located at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose.

  6-1-2023, San Jose CA

  (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

• (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

  A roofline and the structure of First Church of Christ Scientist, located at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, are exposed to the elements, February 2023.

  2-27-23

  (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

• (HMdb.org, Historical Marker Database, Syd Whittle)

  First Church of Christ Scientist, a historic building located at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, constructed in 1905. The building as it appeared in 2010.

  (HMdb.org, Historical Marker Database, Syd Whittle)

• (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

  First Church of Christ Scientist, located at 43 East St. James Street in downtown San Jose, is partly covered by tarps, January 2023.

  (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group)

  01-24-2023

“I just decided to take the risk,” Salata said. “I couldn’t take it any longer, seeing that eyesore out there every day.”

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan hopes the building can be saved.

“It’s great to see some progress just a week after we announced stricter accountability measures for blighted properties,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said.

But Bob Staedler, principal executive with land-use consultancy Silicon Valley Synergy, and a long-time critic of the city staff’s inaction on the property, praised Salata’s efforts.

“Jim Salata is a true steward of San Jose,” Staedler said. “He really stepped up. All credit to him. The city of San Jose should have started this work years ago. Jim Salata is doing the city a favor.”

Z&L Properties had agreed to renovate and restore the church and make it a key component of a project of two housing towers next to St. James Park. Z&L never built the housing high-rises and did not renovate the church.

The church site is one of several failed or faltering projects that Z&L had proposed or launched in downtown San Jose.

Federal prosecutors reached a settlement in a criminal case against Zhang. The deal allowed Zhang to return home to China after paying a fine.

For months, city officials have pondered — but have yet to approve — a stopgap $200,000 plan to remove the tarp and protect the church from the elements. The city is paying for it out of its own coffers because it has yet to coax an agreement from Zhang to finance the work.

Salata said he also attempted to convince Z&L to pay him to do badly needed work on the property that would fully protect the church.

“I tried to negotiate with Z&L, but ‘we have no money’ was their answer,” Salata said. “I made them a sweetheart deal to get this fixed up. They said they had no money for the work.”

Now, the contractors have patched up the distinctive dome on the roof, removed the tarp, cleaned up small bits of plastic that could become a pollution risk during the rainy season, and done some shoring up work as well as improved the drainage on the site.

“Hallelujah! this is what we were hoping for,” said Ben Leech, executive director of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose. “The church is still standing and in remarkably good condition because it’s been left to rot for several years. Everyone can see this is an important piece of architecture we are trying to save.”

On Tuesday, several workers were busy removing scaffolds that had clung to the side of the church for years.

More work needs to be done, however, Salata warned.

“The handoff for this now goes to Z&L and the city staff,” Salata said.

Among the immediate tasks that are needed to fully protect the church: the completion of some weatherproofing on a long upright section that is closest to the intersection of East St. James Street and North Second Street, Salata said.

“Z&L needs to follow through on their responsibility for protecting this historical landmark in the heart of our city,” Mahan said.

While more work needs to be done, for now, the old church is no longer obscured by a steadily crumbling tarp.

“People can see how beautiful this building is,” Salata said.

The post Historic San Jose church comes into view after eyesore tarp is eliminated appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

It was the bathrooms that convinced Darlene Pizarro to accept an offer of shelter at a lot of “tiny homes” in San Jose last month.

The 67-year-old has been homeless five years and did not trust traditional shelters, where she said “you have to sleep with one eye open” to evade theft. With a stable place to sleep, Pizarro says she plans to look for retail work and apply for a housing voucher to get her own permanent place.

“I’m very hyper and active, and I like to work because I know if I sit around, I’m going to fade away and I’m not ready for that yet,” she said.

RELATED: Building Tiny Homes a Gigantic Task in Broken San Francisco

Pizarro’s new place is one of 94 city-funded units for the homeless at that lot. The site of Pizarro’s tiny home, on Guadalupe Parkway in the city’s downtown, opened in May as the newest of San Jose’s six sites that aim to fill the steps between traditional, congregate homeless shelters—think “room full of bunk beds and cubicles”—and an apartment of one’s own. 

Pizarro, who last lived as a squatter in an abandoned house, was relieved to be there with her dog, Angel. 

“Tiny home” describes a specific type of housing more permanent than a tent or disaster shelter, but less than a single-family home, townhouse, apartment, or something else thought of as permanent housing. The structures—smaller than 400 square feet, often lacking either a kitchen or private bathroom—have become increasingly common in California’s response to homelessness over the past five years, though opinions are split on how much to rely on them in years to come. 

Pizarro’s unit boasts all the fixings of what homeless advocates say are best practices for temporary housing: 

• Individualized case management allowing residents to stay as long as they need to get permanent housing 
• Laundry and kitchen facilities 
• The privacy of individual rooms that lock, with personal bathrooms   
• Other elements that emphasize residents’ dignity, like dog runs and weekly community events. 

Tiny homes are sometimes called modular homes or, in the case of San Jose, “emergency interim housing.” The city is all in, operating more than 600 such beds across six sites and building more. Mayor Matt Mahan credits them with a recent 10% decline in the city’s unsheltered population, and notes that of the 1,500 people the city has sheltered in its tiny home sites, 48% moved to permanent housing. That’s compared to an average rate of 34% across Santa Clara County’s shelters over the past three years.  

Tiny homes are increasingly California cities’ shelter option of choice for new sites to house the homeless. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration earlier this year said it is sending out 1,200 units statewide. San Jose and Sacramento, each set to receive hundreds, recently said they had selected their sites; as of October the state is still selecting vendors to build the homes. 

“They are our single best solution to the crisis on our streets,” Mahan said.

Mia Salvaggio organizes her room at the DignityMoves tiny home village in San Francisco on Oct. 3. | Source: Loren Elliott for CalMatters

The rise of the tiny home

Mahan’s zeal to open more tiny home sites got him in hot water this year in an age-old debate over which end of the housing shortage to focus on: temporary or permanent.

Advocates of tiny homes say they’re fast, cheap ways to get people sheltered immediately. Other longtime homeless advocates applaud tiny homes as improved shelter options, but are wary about over-relying on them as a long-term solution to homelessness.

“Non-congregate tiny homes are better than congregate shelter, but people are still homeless when they live there,” said Jennifer Loving, CEO of the nonprofit Destination: HOME, one of the primary agencies coordinating Santa Clara County’s response to homelessness. “You may be getting some more homeless folks into temporary shelter, but what about the hordes of people dying for an affordable place to live?”

In June, San Jose officials diverted $8 million of the city’s $137 million in homelessness and housing funding from developing affordable housing to running and building more tiny homes. 

Mahan initially proposed putting 36% of the housing funds, which come from a 2020 property sales tax, toward temporary housing and 53% toward permanent housing for low- and middle-income households (the remainder would go toward rental assistance and administrative costs). He called it a one-time diversion to address the homelessness crisis on the streets, while waiting on affordable housing that can cost more than $1 million a unit in the Bay Area and take years to build.

Advocates and several city council members pushed back on what would have been a dramatic shift from past spending plans, which put three-quarters of the funds toward developing affordable housing and 15% on shelter. The city passed a compromise budget that put 68% of the funds toward permanent housing and 21% toward temporary. 

Loving said the only way to keep temporary sites successful is to keep developing permanent housing for residents to move into.  

“People are tired of seeing homelessness and they’re saying, ‘Do something, now,’” Loving said. “I think these non-congregate shelters are being positioned as the, ‘We’re doing something now.’”

A new tiny home community in San Jose on Oct. 10. | Source: Talia Herman for CalMatters

While California cities have been installing tiny homes for at least the past five years, it was the pandemic that thrust the potential solution into the spotlight. 

California has for the past decade been shifting its focus from temporary shelter towards building permanent supportive housing: affordable, long-term living options that come with social services. Permanent supportive housing units have been on the rise since 2008 in California as the number of temporary spots fell, according to an analysis of federal data by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation.

But with a global pandemic and a record number of Californians falling into homelessness faster than the state could house them, officials turned toward non-congregate but temporary options like hotel rooms and tiny homes to keep people sheltered. In 2021, interim housing spots in California again exceeded permanent supportive housing units for the first time since 2015. 

A sense of privacy

Also making the sites attractive are a host of modular housing companies springing up to offer tiny homes that are more livable. 

Compared to flimsier and less fireproof prior models that evoked disaster zones, many tiny homes now include double-pane windows that can open, individual thermostats and doorbells. In San Jose, one site where the city broke ground this year will include some tiny homes that have private kitchenettes.

Though not all cities use them, many companies build modular units with en suite bathrooms, which residents say provide significantly more privacy and dignity. 

Monica Rojo is a resident of the new tiny home community built in San Jose. | Source: Talia Herman for CalMatters

Monica Rojo, 50, moved into her room in May after having lived at a creekside encampment with about 70 others. 

As a woman camping alone, she feared violence constantly. She now feels safer, and since getting her own shower, she no longer feels the disdain of others when she walks into stores. She’s personalized her room with photos of her three adult children in Mexico—two engineers and a nurse, she beams. 

Rojo, a former janitor, said she’s recovering from leukemia and depression and working on getting her IDs after most of her documents were stolen. 

“This program opens the doors, for work, for everything,” she said. 

Advocates split on tiny homes

The more each tiny home feels like a real one, the more it costs—and the closer it inches to the “real housing” that advocates say is what actually solves homelessness. In San Jose, plumbing and utilities for the Guadalupe Parkway site drove the cost of each unit from $30,000 for the structure itself to more than $175,000. (Some of the cost was covered by philanthropy, city officials said.)

Mahan’s aware of the tradeoffs. But he said he’s striking the right balance by pushing for temporary shelter that is dignified, while folks wait for permanent housing.

“We all know the two extremes,” he said of the spectrum of housing options, from camps to permanent supportive housing. “One is kind of the perfect solution, or as close to it as you can get. The other is abject human misery and totally unacceptable. I am of the opinion that we have to spend more, we have to put more of our emphasis on the lower rungs of the ladder, the side of the spectrum that is improving on sanctioned encampments.”

Some in the tiny homes movement would take it even further.  

Jezzeille Murdock speaks with a clinical case manager at the DignityMoves tiny home village in San Francisco on Oct. 3. | Source: Loren Elliott for CalMatters

Elizabeth Funk is CEO of DignityMoves, a nonprofit advocating for tiny home shelter sites. More than two years ago, the nonprofit got San Francisco’s only tiny homes village so far set up in mere months, with donated structures on a sliver of a city parking lot. Residents can stay as long as they need, with regular access to social and health care workers at the 90 structures. Funk said the site takes advantage of a lot that’s in the yearslong wait of being developed into housing; the structures can be easily relocated when the project breaks ground.

DignityMoves pushed a bill in the state Senate this year to allow non-congregate, relocatable tiny home projects to bypass certain permitting procedures, and direct cities and counties to make available empty land for those uses. The bill initially defined such projects under the state building code as a type of housing, rather than as temporary shelter. Funk even suggested using housing vouchers to pay for them. 

She said she didn’t expect the controversy she sparked. A group of advocates pushed back on the bill, arguing that, as Alex Visotzky of the National Alliance to End Homelessness put it, “it blurred the line between housing and shelter.” Sharon Rapport of the Corporation for Supportive Housing pointed out that certain shelters already can bypass permitting restrictions.  

“It should be that that kind of expedited process is reserved for housing projects or any other kind of projects that are really promoting good policy,” Rapport said. 

Despite some amendments requiring the projects to include plans for residents to get permanent housing when the land is needed for other uses, the bill died in the Senate appropriations committee in May. Its author, San Mateo Democratic Sen. Josh Becker, said he intends to bring it back next year.

Even Pallet Shelter, an early tiny homes builder that has supplied units for 36 sites across 32 California cities, was opposed to Becker’s bill. Amy King, CEO of the Washington-based company, said she asked for the bill to be amended to prohibit such sites from charging rents to tenants. No such change was made.

“I am not a supporter of this type of housing becoming a substitute for permanent housing,” King said.

Funk said she wasn’t trying to divert resources from one end of the housing spectrum to the other, but said the lines between the two may be too rigid when permanent housing is so scarce. 

If someone needs or wants to stay in a tiny home for multiple years until they’re “ready” to move into a permanent apartment, she says, why shouldn’t it count as their housing?

The site DignityMoves opened in San Francisco illustrates both her point and her skeptics’.

Mia Salvaggio moved in two and a half years ago. She became homeless in 2020, after couchsurfing and battling a drug addiction. After bouncing around different campsites in the Bay Area, Salvaggio chose the offer of shelter space at DignityMoves because it afforded her some privacy, she said. 

Being there has allowed her to meet a caseworker who helped her get her Social Security card. In an interview, she rattled off a long list of goals to focus on next: drug treatment, getting evaluated by a mental health provider, landing a part-time job. She was waiting for news about a permanent housing placement in early October.

She said she was grateful for the stay at the site, but some aspects still make it a far cry from a home: There’s no kitchen, the communal restrooms are porta-potties and the showers are on a trailer, which staff only keep open until 2:30 p.m. each day. 

Salvaggio was also tired of living in close quarters with other residents, whom she accused of stealing her things and dirtying common areas. The rooms at that site are only 64 square feet, smaller than San Jose’s structures, and guests aren’t allowed. 

“As long as I can prepare my own food and have my own bathroom,” she’ll be satisfied, Salvaggio said. “I haven’t literally sat on a toilet seat for probably two and a half years.”

Questions, comments or concerns about this article may be sent to [email protected]

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San Jose police are looking for a missing 22-year-old man who recently graduated from Cornell University and relocated to the Bay Area after being hired by Netflix to work as a software engineer.

Yohanes S. Kidane was last seen at about 7:15pm  Aug. 14 as he entered an Uber vehicle at 28 N. 4th St., in San Jose.

Kidane was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black hoodie and black shoes.

His cell phone, wallet and backpack have been recovered near the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center in San Francisco, which is located just south of the bridge. His phone’s location was at the Golden Gate Bridge for all of the evening of Aug. 14.

Police said Kidane moved to San Jose two weeks before his disappearance to work at Netflix, where he was recently hired as a software engineer.

He is 22 years old, Black, stands 5’8″ tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Anyone who has seen Kidane or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact the San Jose Police Department.

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When it comes to drug use and dealing, San Jose is no San Francisco—though some residents and leaders are projecting that it’s heading that way.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan recently stood at a busy downtown intersection with one message: if you are caught dealing in San Jose, you will be swiftly arrested and prosecuted. Mahan has joined the growing list of Bay Area politicians determined to combat the state’s drug epidemic, using a carrot and stick approach—some placed in treatment, others arrested.

Mahan then met with downtown neighborhood leaders and worried residents to assure them the city has a plan. This includes hiring more officers to patrol the downtown area, increasing treatment programs and providing additional resources—including job training or supportive housing.

“How we respond can prevent the problem from spiraling out of control,” Mahan San José Spotlight. “And in San Jose, we are sending a clear message—our city has a zero tolerance policy for drug dealing, drug buying and drug use on our streets.”

But despite local politicians describing San Jose’s drug problem as an open air drug market—a well-defined geographical area where buyers and sellers can easily locate each other—neighborhoods aren’t overrun by dealers with drugs and guns lining their pockets, as has been described in reports of near-daily incidents in San Francisco. There seemingly aren’t corners in San Jose where addicts frequent to access drugs. Although there are some reported instances of public drug use, that is not nearly enough to inflate the problem to San Francisco levels, said Keith Humphreys, a psychiatry professor at Stanford University and former senior drug policy adviser for former President Barack Obama’s administration.

“If somebody is intoxicated on the street and they don’t have a residence, that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s any open air dealing. It could just be they don’t have anywhere else to go,” Humphreys told San José Spotlight.

Humphreys said people who live on the street may know where to access drugs, but unlike San Francisco, it’s not happening in neighborhoods or in front of businesses in downtown.

Contrasting behavior

Lighthouse Ministries Pastor Ralph Olmos, who runs a food pantry for unhoused residents in San Jose, is a recovering methamphetamine addict who works closely with that population. He said using language like ‘open air drug markets’ and ‘increased enforcement’ is code for criminalizing more homeless residents who suffer from drug addiction. He said most people buy and sell drugs at encampments or from homes and that the process is very covert—always moving because encampments are often swept.

“There are of course places where you can get drugs (in San Jose),” Olmos told San José Spotlight. “But I don’t know if there’s really pockets like San Francisco where they’re sitting out in the open selling and doing things like meth. That hasn’t happened yet, though we could certainly get there.”

Omlos said this covert drug dealing approach has been part of  San Jose for decades.

“You could say it’s gotten worse because the cartels are a big part of what’s happening with the unhoused,” Olmos said. “They’re taking advantage of that situation because they can move drugs easily through the creeks and encampments.”

It’s a stark difference to what’s plaguing San Francisco where some neighborhoods are knowingly open 24/7 for drugs, like the Tenderloin, where recent reports by the San Francisco Chronicle revealed a pipeline for drugs flooding into the city through trafficking operations with origins in Honduras. Humphreys, who volunteers in the Tenderloin, said San Jose has been able to steer clear of open air drug markets largely because of historical differences. Describing San Jose as having similar issues is not equatable to the ongoings of the wider Bay Area, he said.

Because of San Francisco’s long-history with drugs being an acceptable form of recreation, residents are not naturally as anti-drug as those in San Jose – making it hard for elected officials to muster political will to curb drug use in San Francisco. And as a result, Humphreys said drug use and dealing remained unenforced and grew to its present the state of emergency.

“If there isn’t some pressure on dealers to be covert, they will immediately move to an overt model because it allows buyers and sellers to find each other efficiently,” Humphreys said.

Zero latitude 

In contrast, tolerance for drug use is much lower in San Jose because residents are not accustomed to seeing it on the streets. Dealers also know San Jose police prioritize drug crimes, which is a deterrent for public dealing, Humphreys continued.

Just last week, the San Jose Police Department arrested two drug trafficking suspects and seized 28,000 adderall pills, 1,000 fentanyl pills, 30 pounds of marijuana, 40 grams of cocaine and 3 ounces of methamphetamine. In the last year, SJPD made more than 4,600 drug related arrests.

“This was an outstanding example of proactive police work aimed at keeping the community safe and preventing street violence,” the department said.

In Santa Clara County, drug related deaths doubled from 202 in 2016 to 432 last year, according to the county data.

Even with San Jose’s ramp up in arrests and drug seizures, the city is still challenged. The city and county law enforcement departments remain thinly staffed and resource deprived, and while Mahan has control over the city’s police department, it’s the county that determines which crimes to prosecute.

Mahan said to deter open air markets and curb the growing number of overdoses, all agencies need to work together. He also said San Jose will need to push for stronger legislation to make treatment more accessible, a new in-treatment center and rally community support, like reporting crimes, to stop the drug crisis from worsening.

“We are the safest big city in the Bay Area, and we are going to keep it that way,” Mahan said. “If you are coming to San Jose to deal drugs, you will be arrested. If you are using drugs on the street, we will do everything we can to get you into treatment and we will hold you accountable if your addiction is causing you to commit other crimes.”

Contact Jana Kadah at [email protected] or follow @Jana_Kadah on Twitter.

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DivcoWest is honing plans to convert a historic office building in Downtown San Jose into homes.

The San Francisco-based developer has updated its proposal to convert the former Bank of the West building at 2 West Santa Clara Street into either apartments, co-living units or a micro hotel, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The office-to-home conversion comes after DivcoWest revamped the 10-story, 100,000-square-foot tower, built in 1910, into “creative offices” for tech firms and business startups. A five-story mural honors the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

But demand for offices plunged after the pandemic with a shift to remote work. The office vacancy across Silicon Valley rose to 17 percent last month, with a record 7.6 million square feet of offices available for sublease.

DivcoWest has floated three options for its slate blue-and-white tower at West Santa Clara and South First Street.

An apartment option would include 65 units with work-from-home nooks, plus 1,500 square feet of ground-floor shops and restaurants. It would include a small office on the first floor and second-floor offices, plus a fitness center.

A co-living option would include 73 units with work-from-home nooks, plus the ground-floor retail and office, with offices across the second floor. Co-living set-ups can include shared facilities such as living rooms, kitchens or bathrooms. The fourth floor has a large living room and theater.

A micro hotel option would have 147 cozy rooms, with a ground-floor restaurant and bar. The first and second floor would contain unspecified features for guests; the fourth floor would have a co-working office.

In each version, an outdoor terrace would be on a lower fifth-floor roof. The potential cost of the office-to-home conversion was not disclosed.

Read more

“Conversion to new uses would require an architectural remodel as well as a structural and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems remodel,” DivcoWest said in a cover letter to the city about its plans.

In a similar move, Westbank and Urban Community have proposed converting the historic Bank of Italy at 12 South First Street in Downtown San Jose from offices into homes.

— Dana Bartholomew

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The city of Palo Alto, which enacted a ban on gas lines in new buildings last October, will nevertheless allow celebrity chef Jose Andrés’ new restaurant on the upscale Stanford Mall to be connected to gas. The decision ends a dispute over the fate of the restaurant and possible legal action against the city.

The city announced Wednesday that it had reached an agreement with SPG Center LLC, the real estate group that owns Stanford Mall, to use a gas pipeline in a new building that will house Andrés’ Zaytinya restaurant. Palo Alto Online was the first to report the settlement.

“With the exception of this one-off situation, Palo Alto’s all-electric requirement will be implemented in all new projects and major conversions,” the city’s announcement said. “Building electrification is critical to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions.”

In 2019, the city approved plans for a gas line into the building and also approved the line’s installation in 2021, ahead of the city’s building code, which went into effect Jan. 1, banning gas lines in new buildings.

However, because SPG failed to provide planning permission for the structure before the new regulations went into effect, the project was unable to utilize its gas line, city officials claimed. In April, SPG sent a letter to the city disagreeing with the employees, arguing it had the right to install and use its gas lines. On May 3, 2023, the company submitted an application for the building including the natural gas pipeline.

Lawyers for the real estate group said Andrés might have left the Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant if the project had been forced to cook in an all-electric building.

“Without gas and appliances, Zaytinya would be forced to change its signature five-star menu, which it is not prepared to do,” Anna Shimko of the law firm Burke, Williams & Sorensen, LLP previously wrote. Shimko also mentioned that the mall’s owner is willing to take legal action over the gas line if necessary.

Representatives for José Andrés did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The decision applies only to the building that will house Zaytinya, which will also house a location of popular Bay Area dim sum chain Dumpling Time. Three other mall buildings under construction must comply with the all-electrical code.

Reach Mario Cortez: mario.cortez@sfchronicle.com

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An Astros rotation already lacking significant depth and entering the year 2023 has received two major blows in the past few days.

Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy was placed on Monday’s 15-day injured list with a shoulder complaint, and Monday night brought more troubling news. Starting mate Luis Garcia left his start against San Francisco in the first inning with an elbow injury, and Astros manager Dusty Baker noted that Garcia will be out indefinitely after the game with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday.

It’s unclear how long each pitcher will be out of Houston’s rotation. But in the short term, Baker now faces a serious problem.

The two injuries further complicate a difficult dance for Baker. Starting the season with Justin Verlander, now in Queens, and Lance McCullers Jr. on the injured list, he took what is perhaps the team’s greatest strength and placed a legitimate question mark outside of Staff aces Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. Now where exactly will Baker turn to with a pair of keys out of his arms? Let’s go through some options:

Internal Candidates

This remains the most likely path for Astros right now, with exploration for access via trading likely closer to the July 31st deadline. There are some relatively attractive opportunities within the organization at the moment.

Brandon Bielak is almost guaranteed a rotation spot after a strong showing on Monday, which included six strikeouts in four innings to relieve Garcia. Bielak isn’t the strongest arm, although his experience – with eight career starts under his belt – and performance should give him the upper hand.

Twitter

– PitchingNinja Twitter

Who could take last place behind Bielak? The most likely candidate is right-hander JP France, who was protected by the Astros in the Rule 5 draft this offseason. Although there may be other possibilities at play. Right-hander Ronel Blanco dominated Spring Training competition with just one earned run in 17 innings, and Forrest Whitley has some upside potential following the hype. Given his past struggles at Triple-A Sugar Land, I’d be cautious about calling up Whitley. Although Baker could try to give Whitley a one-start trial in a pinch.

External options?

Astros CEO Dana Brown isn’t afraid to be aggressive considering he’s proposing a slew of potential contract extensions this summer, and perhaps the same logic will apply in the trading market. Where might the Astros look for guns? Let’s take a look at the bottom of the league table. Perhaps the NL East bottom-feeder in Washington — a phrase that was frankly unthinkable in October 2019 — will part ways with a low-cost veteran arm in Trevor Williams or Chad Kuhl, and a similar path could be taken in Oakland, though the A as (theoretical) divisional rival. The most appealing option could be in Kansas City, where Zack Grienke’s less-than-stellar homecoming could see him returning to a contender.

None of the above options are particularly attractive, but as May approaches, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than the league’s worst-performing teams wanting to sell. Instead, Brown will likely need to keep his proverbial prospect powder dry, hoping to get enough production through internal replacements before we really hit the dog days of summer.

The post Astros sport shaky rotation after Jose Urquidy, Luis Garcia accidents appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

An Astros rotation already lacking significant depth and entering the year 2023 has received two major blows in the past few days.

Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy was placed on Monday’s 15-day injured list with a shoulder complaint, and Monday night brought more troubling news. Starting mate Luis Garcia left his start against San Francisco in the first inning with an elbow injury, and Astros manager Dusty Baker noted that Garcia will be out indefinitely after the game with an MRI scheduled for Tuesday.

It’s unclear how long each pitcher will be out of Houston’s rotation. But in the short term, Baker now faces a serious problem.

The two injuries further complicate a difficult dance for Baker. Starting the season with Justin Verlander, now in Queens, and Lance McCullers Jr. on the injured list, he took what is perhaps the team’s greatest strength and placed a legitimate question mark outside of Staff aces Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. Now where exactly will Baker turn to with a pair of keys out of his arms? Let’s go through some options:

Internal Candidates

This remains the most likely path for Astros right now, with exploration for access via trading likely closer to the July 31st deadline. There are some relatively attractive opportunities within the organization at the moment.

Brandon Bielak is almost guaranteed a rotation spot after a strong showing on Monday, which included six strikeouts in four innings to relieve Garcia. Bielak isn’t the strongest arm, although his experience – with eight career starts under his belt – and performance should give him the upper hand.

Twitter

– PitchingNinja Twitter

Who could take last place behind Bielak? The most likely candidate is right-hander JP France, who was protected by the Astros in the Rule 5 draft this offseason. Although there may be other possibilities at play. Right-hander Ronel Blanco dominated Spring Training competition with just one earned run in 17 innings, and Forrest Whitley has some upside potential following the hype. Given his past struggles at Triple-A Sugar Land, I’d be cautious about calling up Whitley. Although Baker could try to give Whitley a one-start trial in a pinch.

External options?

Astros CEO Dana Brown isn’t afraid to be aggressive considering he’s proposing a slew of potential contract extensions this summer, and perhaps the same logic will apply in the trading market. Where might the Astros look for guns? Let’s take a look at the bottom of the league table. Perhaps the NL East bottom-feeder in Washington — a phrase that was frankly unthinkable in October 2019 — will part ways with a low-cost veteran arm in Trevor Williams or Chad Kuhl, and a similar path could be taken in Oakland, though the A as (theoretical) divisional rival. The most appealing option could be in Kansas City, where Zack Grienke’s less-than-stellar homecoming could see him returning to a contender.

None of the above options are particularly attractive, but as May approaches, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than the league’s worst-performing teams wanting to sell. Instead, Brown will likely need to keep his proverbial prospect powder dry, hoping to get enough production through internal replacements before we really hit the dog days of summer.

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