Boosting Affordable Housing in San Jose: Housing Trust Launches New Grant Program

Housing Trust Silicon Valley just rolled out an exciting initiative called the Capital for Capacity Grant Program on June 11, 2025. This program is all about empowering community-based housing developers with grants of up to $50,000. The goal? To help them grow stronger, secure more funding, and build affordable housing that makes a real difference in the Bay Area, including right here in our city.

What makes this program stand out is how it tackles the challenges developers face head-on. These grants will support improvements in financial systems, staff skills, project management, and partnerships. Over the next 12 to 18 months, Housing Trust will work hand-in-hand with grantees to set goals, track progress, and even connect them with peers to share ideas. One of the lucky recipients is a San Jose gem: the School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza. This local favorite, alongside other Bay Area groups like Black Cultural Zone in East Oakland and The Unity Council in Oakland, will get the boost they need to bring more affordable homes to life.

Affordable housing is a hot topic, and this program means more chances for people to stay and thrive in our community. With support from First Citizens Bank, The Wells Fargo Foundation, U.S. Bank, and Chinatrust Banking Corporation, Housing Trust is laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive Bay Area. 

Want to dig deeper into how Housing Trust is shaping our region’s future? Check out housingtrustsv.org for the full scoop on their efforts.

Downtown San Jose Comes Alive with the 42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

Get ready for a weekend packed with music, flavor, and fun in the heart of Downtown San Jose! The 42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is hitting Plaza de César Chavez on June 14 and 15, marking its expansion to two full days of celebration. As Northern California’s longest-running blues festival, this event brings together 16 incredible acts, 40 craft beers, 12 food vendors, and over 20 artisans. 

The music lineup promises something special. Headliners Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Walter Trout will take the stage, delivering performances that blend blues with rock and soul. With 16 acts in total, the variety keeps the energy high all weekend long. Families can also enjoy the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, where kids (and adults!) can try out different instruments. It’s a hands-on way to connect with music and make memories together.

Food and drink options add even more to the experience. Choose from 40 craft beers poured by local and regional breweries, ranging from crisp lagers to bold IPAs. Pair your pick with delicious eats from 12 food vendors serving up BBQ, tacos, burgers, and sweet treats like pies and funnel cakes. Plus, over 20 artisans will be on hand with unique crafts, perfect for browsing or picking up a keepsake while you soak in the Downtown vibe.

For 42 years, this festival has been a cornerstone of San Jose’s community spirit. It’s more than just a good time; it’s a tradition that celebrates our city’s love for music, food, and togetherness. Held in the lively setting of Downtown San Jose, it’s a chance to see why this area shines as a hub of culture and creativity.

Don’t miss out on June 14 and 15 at Plaza de César Chavez. Grab your tickets now at fountainblues.com and join us for a weekend that captures the best of San Jose.

The history of History San Jose

SJ Today has a great overview of how History San Jose came about, a wonderful museum of museums next to Kelley Park and the Japanese Friendship Garden. In addition to hosting many relics from San Jose's past, it is currently home to the Portuguese Historical Museum, the Museum of the Boat People and Republic of Vietnam, the Chinese American Museum, and the African American Heritage House. To read the article, head over here.

Savor the Flavors: Dine Downtown San Jose Returns in July!

Now in its 17th year, Dine Downtown invites both locals and visitors to explore over 40 restaurants offering special menus, exclusive food and drink pairings, and chef-created delicacies. From July 11th to July 21st, food lovers can indulge in a variety of flavors that highlight the creativity and passion of San Jose's chefs.

This year's event features a wide range of dining experiences, from upscale restaurants to casual eateries, ensuring there's something for every palate. Whether you're in the mood for a three-course prix-fixe meal or a unique food and drink pairing, Dine Downtown has it covered. The event also includes popular cafes like Nirvana Soul and Pastelaria by Adega, each offering special treats for those who prefer a lighter bite or a caffeine boost.

To plan your Dine Downtown experience, visit dinedowntownsj.com, where you'll find a complete list of participating restaurants. Their special menus should also appear within a few weeks. The website is a valuable resource for organizing your culinary adventure, whether you're dining alone, with friends, or with family.

Magical Creatures Take Over Downtown San Jose

Get ready for something extraordinary at the 35th San Jose Jazz Summer Fest this August. Alongside the soulful sounds of jazz, blues, and global rhythms, Downtown San Jose will host eight massive Alebrijes sculptures. These fantastical, 20- to 22-foot-tall creations will pop up across the festival grounds and stay on display in and around Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park through September 28. Illuminated by vibrant LED lights, they’ll transform the city into a glowing wonderland each night, blending art and magic in a way you won’t want to miss.

Alebrijes carry a rich story. They began in the 1930s with Mexico City artist Pedro Linares López, who dreamed of wild, hybrid creatures and brought them to life with papier-mâché. Later, artisans in Oaxaca carved them from copal wood, painting them in bold, intricate designs. Today, these sculptures stand as a vibrant piece of Mexican heritage, and San Jose gets to experience them up close. Each piece features a QR code, letting you uncover the tales and artists behind these towering works, from a lion-bull mashup to a winged cat.

This exhibition has already wowed crowds in France and Paris back in 2019, and after a pandemic delay, it’s hitting the U.S. with San Jose as a highlight. The timing aligns perfectly with the Jazz Summer Fest, adding a stunning visual layer to the music. Even after the festival ends, free community events will keep the Alebrijes alive in Downtown San Jose, inviting everyone to connect with this unique art form. It’s a chance to see something rare and beautiful in the heart of our city.

ARRL Field Day in San Jose

Ham radio operators are preparing to take to the airwaves for ARRL Field Day, a nationwide event happening June 28-29. This annual showcase of amateur radio has been uniting enthusiasts since 1933, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our community to witness the power of wireless communication (which was mostly invented in San Jose). The San Jose Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) will be out in full force, setting up temporary stations to demonstrate how ham radio connects people across borders and keeps communication alive when it’s needed most.

Head over to Noble Park at 3311 Noble Ave on Saturday from 11am to 7pm to see San Jose RACES in action. They’ll be showcasing their skills with portable setups, some powered by alternative energy sources like solar panels, batteries, and generators. Beyond the park, other local hams will be joining in from their homes and backyards. It’s a chance to meet operators of all ages—some as young as 9, others over 100.

With earthquakes and wildfires always a possibility here, ham radio operators stand ready to step up when cell towers and internet lines go down. These volunteers can set up a station almost anywhere in minutes, using a simple wire antenna and a power source to reach out and support the community. Events like Field Day highlight why San Jose is a place where innovation and resilience go hand in hand.

Sharks Way

San Jose has long cherished its sports teams, with the San Jose Sharks holding a special place in the city's heart since their debut in 1991. This hockey team has woven itself into the fabric of the Bay Area, delivering thrilling moments and fostering a deep sense of pride among fans. Now, the city is celebrating this legacy by renaming a prominent stretch near the SAP Center as Sharks Way, a tribute that strengthens the bond between the team and Downtown San Jose.

The timing of this change aligns with San Jose’s efforts to secure the Sharks’ future here. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan, are nearing a 25-year agreement to keep the team rooted in San Jose, pending City Council approval. This long-term commitment underscores the Sharks’ value as more than just a sports franchise; they’re a cornerstone of community spirit. Sharks Way symbolizes that dedication, promising a lasting impact on the city’s identity.

You can find Sharks Way at the corner of West St. John Street and North Almaden Boulevard.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

San Jose’s Hot Pot Scene Heats Up with Mumu’s Arrival

San Jose just gained a new reason to gather around the table with the opening of Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge. The new restaurant already started welcoming guests this week at 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515. This is Mumu’s sixth Bay Area location—joining spots in San Francisco, Foster City, Sunnyvale, Pleasanton, and Emeryville.

Mumu stands out with its hands-on approach to dining. You start by picking a soup base—maybe the fiery Sichuan, the earthy mushroom miso, or the warm tomato option—then layer in premium ingredients like Angus beef short rib, sliced lamb shoulder, or shrimp paste. Add Napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, or winter melon, and you’ve got a meal tailored to your taste. Vegetarians and halal diners aren’t left out either, with plenty of options to keep everyone satisfied. The modern space, decked out with natural materials and seating that works for solo lunches or big groups, makes it a spot worth lingering in.

Beyond the food, Mumu nails the details. An easy-to-use ordering system keeps things moving, while a drink menu with tea-based beverages, draft beer, and cocktails pairs perfectly with the bold flavors simmering in your pot. With over 200 seats, it’s ready for anything from a quiet dinner to a full-on celebration. Alex Hu, the Director of Operations, shared that San Jose’s diverse community and lively energy made it an ideal fit for Mumu’s next chapter. It’s a place designed to bring people together, and it’s landing right where it belongs.

Ready to check it out? Mumu Hot Pot at Westfield Oakridge opens daily from 11:30am–2:30pm and 5:00pm–9:30pm. Swing by 925 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 1515, and keep an eye out for launch promotions dropping soon. For more details, head to www.mumuhotpot.com.

Music in the Square Returns to Evergreen Village Square!

Summer is nearly upon us, and San Jose is gearing up for an unforgettable season with the return of the Music in the Square Summer Series at Evergreen Village Square! Kicking off on June 6, 2025, this free, family-friendly concert series will bring the community together every Friday evening through August 29 (with a brief pause on July 4th). Presented by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, the series offers a vibrant lineup of talented bands and musicians, setting the stage for a summer filled with rhythm, connection, and local pride.

The series launches with East Side Funk, a beloved local act known for their irresistible jazz-funk grooves. Led by veteran composer Bobby Valderrama, this band has a reputation for lighting up stages across Northern California, and they’re ready to get the crowd moving. On June 13, Classic Rewind steps up with their high-energy classic rock covers, ensuring the second week keeps the energy soaring. With a fresh musical experience every Friday, there’s something to delight every ear in this diverse lineup.

Evergreen Village Square businesses will join the fun with special promotions and offers, giving attendees a chance to support local while soaking in the summer vibes. Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy summer nights filled with live music and good company! 

Full Summer Lineup

6/6 - East Side Funk

6/13 - Classic Rewind

6/20 - Cadillac Jack

6/27 - Sonic Addiction

7/11 - Salsa Night

7/18 - Eastside Funk

7/25 - Latin Remix

8/1 - Classic Rewind

8/8 - Los Amigos

8/15 - Bollywood Night

8/22 - Saborsito

8/29 - Cadillac Jack

Tech Hub Rises from a Forgotten Site

At 199 Bassett Street, a location once earmarked for a sprawling affordable housing project, a fresh vision is taking shape. The original plan for 803 co-living residences fell apart in 2021 after a loan default led to foreclosure in 2022. Now, that same site is poised to become a cutting-edge tech hub—an eight-story "AI Research and Development Facility" that could redefine the area.

The new building will feature a lively ground floor with two lobbies and 2,800 square feet of retail space, while the upper levels are designed to support the heavy data demands of artificial intelligence and tech innovation. Led by Bay Area real estate executive Dennis Randall, this initiative taps into the city’s strengths and promises to draw more companies, talent, and energy to Silicon Valley’s core.

The shift from housing to high-tech reflects San Jose’s dynamic priorities. While affordable homes remain a critical need, this tech hub leans into the city’s role as a global leader in innovation, especially in AI.

Source: SiliconValley.com