San Jose Welcomes Rowan’s First California Studio to Santana Row

San Jose has welcomed Rowan to Santana Row and in doing so has secured a fresh destination that redefines ear piercing for everyone from first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts. This modern studio arrives with clinical training at its core, delivering procedures performed exclusively by licensed nurses who follow strict operational standards developed over years of nationwide growth. The result stands as a milestone experience rather than a rushed errand, complete with hypoallergenic earrings selected to minimize any discomfort long after the appointment ends.

Residents who value precision will notice the difference immediately. Rowan maintains an adverse reaction rate below one percent through its dedicated clinical protocol, a stark improvement over typical industry figures. That consistency has fueled expansion to more than one hundred studios across the country, and Santana Row now serves as the gateway for California. Families marking birthdays, teens choosing their first lobes, or anyone refreshing an existing look can step in knowing safety and style receive equal attention in a space designed for comfort from the moment of arrival.

Santana Row already draws crowds for its mix of dining, retail, lifestyle and entertainment attractions, so this just adds another option to the list. Rowan’s intentional design blends medical expertise with welcoming aesthetics, turning what could feel clinical into something celebratory and approachable.

San Jose Cat Day Returns This Weekend With Feline Fun Across Downtown

Cat enthusiasts across the South Bay will find their perfect gathering spot this Saturday in Downtown San Jose. The second annual San Jose Cat Day will take over Paseo de San Antonio and the Post Street area from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as a free celebration packed with vendors, kittens, and creative activities.

More than 55 local makers, artists, and small businesses will set up shop at the Paseo de San Antonio with cat-themed goods ranging from artwork to one-of-a-kind accessories. Early arrivals among the first 1,000 guests will pick up a special San Jose Cat Day giveaway while supplies last.

Near the MOMENT Post Street storefronts, the Kitten Lounge from Mini Cat Town will let visitors meet adoptable kittens during 15-minute sessions. Craft stations will offer hands-on experiences including friendship bracelet making and cat-themed coloring, while food vendors will serve up themed treats and desserts. Head over to experience the fun firsthand and support local businesses in Downtown San Jose.

99 Affordable Homes Will Rise on South Almaden Near Downtown San Jose

Satellite Affordable Housing Associates will build a nine-story apartment complex with 99 units at 501 South Almaden Avenue. The project will stand right next to the Arya affordable housing development the same team previously completed. SB 35 will enable a speedy approval process that moves the project forward without traditional delays.

All apartments will deliver 100 percent affordable housing. The building will contain 67 studio units, 31 one-bedroom apartments, and one two-bedroom home. This thoughtful mix will support a broad range of households seeking a central San Jose location.

Source: The Mercury News

San Francisco Bay University Prepares to Launch Neighborhood Campus Near Downtown San Jose

San Francisco Bay University has secured roughly 4,000 square feet inside the Center for Employment Training on Vine Street and aims to bring the space online later this year. This move establishes the Fremont-based school’s inaugural neighborhood campus right near Downtown San Jose. The site will eventually host undergraduate and graduate programs plus key student resources.

Local residents stand to benefit from accessible programs shaped through direct conversations with community members. Planners will prioritize stakeholder input to craft services and coursework that truly align with neighborhood aspirations for learning and growth. The approach puts community needs first every step of the way.

You will discover an inviting hub where dropping in becomes routine. Students can forge relationships, tap into mentorship networks, and feel fully integrated into the wider SFBU experience. The adaptable layout leaves ample space for expansion should it be needed.

Proximity to the main campus in Fremont was also an added bonus for the San Jose location. Success here paves the way for the next location in Oakland, advancing a model that embeds education deeply within city neighborhoods.

Source: SVBJ

Gateway Tower Will Deliver 220 Affordable Homes to Downtown San Jose

The Core Cos. secured decisive predevelopment financing that puts construction of Gateway Tower on track to start this summer. The 15-story structure at 470 South Market Street will introduce 220 apartments in the SoFA district near Downtown San Jose. Every apartment will stand as affordable housing.

Developers adjusted the original market-rate vision to serve households earning 30 to 70 percent of area median income. Housing Trust Silicon Valley contributed $1.5 million from its TECH fund to advance the entire effort. The corner location delivers immediate walkability to transit lines, exciting restaurants, and neighborhood services.

You will gain a front-row seat to this exciting development at the intersection of South Market, East William, and South First streets. The tower places future residents in the middle of Downtown San Jose’s energy with modern homes and shared community spaces. This project will open up new possibilities for families who want to stay rooted in the city core.

Gateway Tower represents meaningful progress toward a more inclusive San Jose. The rising structure will enhance the skyline while providing hundreds of families the chance to call Downtown home. Hopefully we'll see this break ground in the coming weeks. This kind of development keeps pushing Downtown San Jose closer to its full potential as a vibrant world-class destination.

Source: The Mercury News

Downtown San Jose Breakfast Just Got Much More Exciting

Downtown San Jose received a fantastic new addition earlier this month with the opening of Pretty Good Advice. This fast-casual spot from Michelin-starred chef Matt McNamara brings ingredients harvested from his own Santa Cruz Mountains farm right into the heart of the city.

The signature OG Spicy Boy sandwich has already won fans. It stacks a fried egg, crispy hash brown, roasted jalapeños, caramelized onions, and spicy aioli between slices of ciabatta. The farm-to-table focus ensures every bite tastes fresh and full of flavor.

McNamara, who spent his childhood in Cupertino, deliberately picked Downtown San Jose for the new location. He designed the menu around accessible pricing and mostly vegetarian options that still appeal broadly.

San Jose continues building momentum in its food scene. Spots like Pretty Good Advice contribute meaningfully to the goal of making this city an outstanding place to live and explore every single day.

Pretty Good Advice is open from 9am-5pm Monday through Friday at 125 Paseo de San Antonio.

Source: SFGATE

Create Lasting Easter Memories with the Easter Bunny at Santana Row

Santana Row will host a free family event featuring photos with the Easter Bunny. Mark Saturday, March 28, 2026, on the calendar for the noon to 3 p.m. appearance at Oak Tree Lounge, located just outside Blue Bottle Coffee. Everyone can drop by without reservations to capture those special moments in this prime San Jose destination.

Children will light up upon meeting the Bunny while parents collect photos full of Easter joy. The no-cost opportunity allows groups of all sizes to participate and build new traditions.

Symphony San Jose Prepares Landmark 25th Anniversary Season Filled with Historic Celebrations

Symphony San Jose will commemorate its 25th anniversary while simultaneously honoring the 100th anniversary of the California Theatre and the 150th anniversary of the first orchestral ensemble ever presented in San Jose. These converging milestones will infuse the entire 2026/2027 season with special significance.

Under Executive and Artistic Director Robert Massey entering his fifth year at the helm, the orchestra will deliver 43 performances stretching from October 2026 through June 2027. The lineup will maintain the group's signature balance of enduring classical works, bold new compositions, popular selections, and dynamic collaborations. Standout innovations will include a fresh December classics offering, an additional fully staged ballet partnership with New Ballet, the first-ever performance utilizing the California Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and the brand-new My Very First Symphony aimed at introducing families to the orchestra.

Enthusiasts can anticipate programs spanning Dvořák’s triumphant “From the New World,” Mussorgsky’s vivid “Pictures at an Exhibition,” and a spectacular live-to-picture rendition of Star Wars: A New Hope. You will savor seasonal highlights featuring The San Jose Nutcracker along with a joyful Holiday Spectacular, leading toward a stirring close with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony. Meanwhile, education outreach will expand through additional Students at the Symphony performances, ensuring the next generation connects with live music.

Subscriptions priced from $90 have become available now via www.symphonysanjose.org or by calling (408) 286-2600. Single tickets from $35 go on sale in mid-August.

Billiards and Big Games Set to Arrive in the Clara District

The Clara District has kept evolving at a rapid pace. Zoning clearance came through last month for a billiards-centered sports bar and restaurant at 2272 Calle Del Mundo. This 10,200-square-foot building has occupied a prime spot directly beside the newly opened Mainline North apartment complex in an area that once featured mostly single-story industrial structures.

Multiple billiard tables will serve as the central attraction there. You will enjoy a full food and beverage program with approachable bar-style dishes along with plenty of screens ready to broadcast major sporting events. The space will create an inviting atmosphere for both occasional players and dedicated enthusiasts.

Redevelopment has completely reshaped this part of Santa Clara in recent years. Dense housing projects have risen throughout the area while new dining spots have appeared alongside the residential buildings, including Clara’s Junction and its popular beer garden. The upcoming sports bar will join this growing collection of local destinations.

Source: SVBJ

Google Bolsters San Jose Presence Through Alviso Office Acquisition

Google has completed the purchase of a substantial office property in San Jose's Alviso neighborhood for $25.2 million. The two-story, 83,000-square-foot building at 4500 North 1st Street has joined the company's expanding collection of facilities in the area.

The acquisition has placed the new property directly beside the Meadow Point campus where Google already maintains nine buildings. Constructed in 2018, the facility came equipped with surface parking and will deliver immediate operational advantages through seamless integration with the surrounding infrastructure.

Thousands of Googlers will relocate to the Meadow Point campus this spring and bring more activity to northern San Jose. Google has restructured other real estate holdings at the same time by moving its cloud computing division to Sunnyvale and reducing subleased spaces. These steps have underscored a focused commitment to core locations here.

Anyone passionate about San Jose's future will see the benefits ripple outward as activity increases around Alviso. While it's not the 8 million SQFT Google campus we are all waiting for in Downtown San Jose, it's a step in the right direction.

Source: SVBJ