SAN JOSE-Despite objections from landowners who want more office space, San Jose city officials approved buying $3.7 million worth of property in an old Italian neighborhood to protect it from losing its character.

OAKLAND, CA-Oakland city officials are giving Cleveland-based developer Forest City 120 days to add 200,000-sf of office space and additional affordable housing into an already massive plan for its Uptown project.

HAYWARD, CA-The City Council here has adopted a plan that would transform the Hunt's Cannery facility into a community of new homes, apartments, school, open space area, offices and community center.

PALO ALTO, CA-The final environmental impact report should be presented to the East Palo Alto Redevelopment Agency this spring. Ikea officials plan to begin construction in the third quarter and open the store in early 2002.

SAN JOSE-A marketing consultant hired by city officials is recommending San Jose build a "distinct, upscale, high-tech conference center," and suggests two potential sources of funding for the 300,000-sf project.

OAKLAND, CA-The building's leasable square footage has already been locked down. Turner Construction Co. has moved into 17,000-sf on the first four floors, Ketchum Inc. has leased another 10,500 sf and Berkeley's Tom Sawyer Software is taking 8,000 sf.

BRENTWOOD, CA-Although nothing has been signed yet, Brentwood City Council members speculate that a home improvement store and popular retailer are likely to set up shop on a 70-acre parcel on the corner of Lone Tree Way and Heidorn Ranch Road.

EMERYVILLE, CA-Ask Jeeves, which has plans to move into Oakland's 180,000-sf City Center by January 2002, is opting to sublease 46,000 sf of additional space that the company once contemplated using.