San Jose Super Bowl Festivities

I'll break from my typical format for a quick blurb. Downtown San Jose was more alive today than at any point I can remember. Every street was packed, music was everywhere from the stages to the lowriders cruising the streets, and street food was abundant all throughout the area. San Pedro Square was booming, but so was SoFA, and all of Santa Clara Street. The free drone show at Discovery Meadows was also excellent.

If you have the opportunity to get to Downtown tomorrow, take it. There is so much going on that it feels like a completely different city. I hope this becomes the new normal after the Super Bowl and World Cup are over!

San Pedro Superfest Lights Up Big Game Weekend in San Jose

San Pedro Square Market will transform into a vibrant sports hub for San Pedro Superfest, a free block-party event aligned with Big Game Weekend. From February 6 to 8, the setup includes a 100-yard artificial turf area for casual play, alongside local markets and San Pedro Square eateries.

Friday kicks off from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday extends from noon to 10 p.m., offering a full day of fun, while Sunday runs from noon to 7 p.m. to wrap up the festivities. Attendees can explore the Culture Night Market for diverse vendor experiences and the Shop Local marketplace for distinctive goods.

Younger visitors and families find plenty in Kids Alley and the dedicated stage with tailored programming. Tech displays from Archer, Joby, and eBay add a forward-thinking element, reflecting San Jose's role as an innovation center. Live performances on the main stage keep the energy flowing all weekend while specialty food and drinks will further enhance the experience.

For more information: https://sjdowntown.com/event/san-pedro-superfest/?mc_cid=6ee15fbded&mc_eid=6a803b73ff

2nd Street USA Brings Japanese Resale Fashion to San Jose

The grand opening of 2nd Street USA takes place at the Strawberry Park Shopping Center on January 30. This marks the brand's first location in Silicon Valley, expanding its presence in California where it already operates 11 stores. Known for its thoughtful approach to fashion resale, 2nd Street offers a curated selection of luxury, vintage, and everyday pieces that emphasize quality and longevity.

The store at 603 Saratoga Ave occupies around 3,450 square feet and joins neighbors like Mitsuwa supermarket and Daiso Japan, creating a natural draw for customers interested in Japanese brands and culture. The company chose this spot after careful scouting, recognizing the South Bay's potential and the synergy with nearby tenants that attract similar shoppers. This opening reflects 2nd Street's steady growth since its U.S. debut in Los Angeles in 2018, now bringing its model to our community.

At the heart of 2nd Street is a commitment to sustainability through its buying program, where customers can bring in used clothing and accessories for cash or store credit. Staff aim to make offers on nearly everything, supporting a circular system that keeps textiles in use longer. Items that don't sell in stores often go to local charities via the Hand2Hand program, reducing waste while giving shoppers an easy way to refresh their wardrobes responsibly. 10 to 15 local jobs will also be created with the new location.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose's Tunnel Vision Challenge

If you could build a 1 mile subway or underground pedestrian crossing anywhere in San Jose, where would it be?  It's a tougher questions than I expected.

The Boring Company is going to build a free tunnel somewhere in the United States. They are looking for proposals up to 1 mile in length for a 12-foot diameter tunnel that can be used for pedestrians, utilities, a Loop, or any other use case. So this got me thinking, if San Jose were to submit a proposal where should it be?

At first I thought about connecting SJC with Downtown San Jose, but there is no way to do that within a mile. 1 mile isn't even enough to connect to Caltrain in Santa Clara. The only option would be connecting a Loop to a Lightrail Station on First, but that would likely not get a ton of use. Then I looked for options in various parts of Downtown to find the maximum utility you could get within 1 mile. Here was my best effort:

• Stop 1 - Diridon Station / SAP
• Stop 2 - Guadalupe River Trail / Adobe HQ
• Stop 3 - Plaza De Cesar Chavez / The Tech Interactive / Convention Center
• Stop 4 - SJSU Campus

For the ride vehicle, I could see something like the old DASH Downtown Shuttle. Even a 20-person AV that just goes back and forth between Diridon and SJSU would make it so much faster to get around Downtown and encourage more people (especially SJSU students) to take advantage of public transit. What do you think? Is there a better 1 mile option?

Source: Boring

Pick-Up Party Launches Content Magazine's Sight and Sound Issue at Hobee's

Content is hosting an engaging evening on February 26 with the Pick-Up Party for Content Magazine issue 18.2, themed Sight and Sound. Held at Hobee's Restaurant and Beer Garden on North 2nd Street, the event runs from 6 to 9 p.m., offering a blend of art, music, and community gathering. This celebration spotlights local talent and creativity, drawing attention to the city's thriving cultural landscape.

Attendees can explore a pop-up gallery exhibition in partnership with 1Culture, displaying works from featured artists like graffiti creator Akeem Raheem, photographer Buggsy Malone, painter Cooper Salmon, sound designer George Psarras, rapper Joe Fresco, muralist Karime Dawll Contreras, composer Mauricio Rodriguez, visual artist Nata Drachinskaya, SJSU photography students, and musician William Johnston Bohrer. The lineup also includes a DJ set and a live performance by Bohrer, creating an immersive atmosphere that ties into the issue's focus on visual and auditory experiences.

Hobee's provides a cash bar and menu selections, with a sneak peek at their upcoming taproom offerings set for summer 2026. Content Magazine members receive complimentary beverages and hors d'oeuvres, adding an extra incentive to join. All ages can participate, making it a family-friendly way to connect with San Jose's artistic community.

To get your free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pick-up-party-182-sight-and-sound-at-hobees-restaurant-tickets-1981244476563?aff=oddtdtcreator

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at San Jose's Lunar New Year Festival

Mark the Year of the Horse with a free Lunar New Year Festival on March 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at History Park on Phelan Avenue. Organized by History San José and the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project, the event welcomes families to immerse themselves in traditions that showcase Chinese heritage through lively demonstrations and interactive elements.

Lion dance teams take center stage, accompanied by Chinese cultural dances and music that fill the air with rhythm. Martial arts displays demonstrate skill and discipline, while participants try Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Children will find plenty of hands-on crafts and games, with story-telling sessions sparking imagination and selfies with dragons to create memorable moments.

Food trucks will serve diverse bites, O'Brien's Ice Cream Store tempts with desserts, and trolley rides will offer a relaxed way to explore. The Chinese American Historical Museum will open its doors for deeper insights into our community's past.

For more information: www.chcp.org www.historysanjose.org

San Jose Expands Housing Incentives to Drive More Homes and Vibrant Communities

The San Jose City Council took decisive steps on January 27 to expand two incentive programs designed to accelerate housing production across the city. These changes come at a critical time when developers face tough financial hurdles, making it harder to launch new residential projects. By offering tax breaks and fee waivers, the city aims to make these developments more feasible and bring thousands of new units online.

The Downtown Residential Incentive Program, previously focused on high-rise projects, now encompasses commercial-to-residential conversions in Downtown San Jose. This expansion allows eligible developments to skip certain fees and taxes, such as the structure construction tax, with even greater reductions available for those meeting elevated labor and workforce standards. Converting unused office spaces into homes presents a cost-effective way to revitalize underused properties and boost tax revenues. Projects like The Graduate, Miro, and The Fay have already advanced thanks to the original program, and the Bank of Italy redevelopment, set to deliver over 100 units, stands to gain from these updates.

In a parallel effort, the Multifamily Housing Incentive Program saw its capacity doubled from 1,800 to 3,600 eligible units for developments securing building permits by February 2027. Targeting high-density builds in strategic growth areas, this program provides similar financial relief to spur construction. Seven projects are now vying for inclusion under the expanded phase one, while five others totaling 1,444 units are already underway, representing over $20 million in waived fees and taxes. Notable examples include Hanover Company's 345-unit complex at 905 Capitol Avenue and Urban Catalyst's Aquino in Downtown San Jose.

These expansions signal a proactive approach to overcoming market stalls and delivering the housing San Jose needs. By easing financial pressures, hopefully stalled plans will turn into completed communities, enhancing both livability and economic vitality.

Source: SVBJ

Join Mayor Mahan for San Jose's State of the City 2026

San Jose invites everyone to participate in the annual State of the City event on February 7, starting at 9 a.m. This gathering combines hands-on service with a celebration of what makes our city special, all timed to align with preparations for Super Bowl LX.

The day begins with service projects from 9 to 11 a.m. at 194 Post Street. Volunteers will paint an iconic Downtown building, tend to empty lots, and remove graffiti alongside family and friends. Following the service, a brief address from 11 a.m. to noon highlights recent progress in San Jose and outlines plans to tackle ongoing challenges. This moment offers insight into the city's direction, emphasizing collaboration and forward momentum.

The festivities continue from noon to 5 p.m. with a block party at San Pedro Square. Attendees can enjoy flying car simulations, holograms, a puppy bowl, and booths from local small businesses.

For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-jose-state-of-the-city-2026-tickets-1980742060824

East San Jose's Light Rail Extension Advances Toward 2028 Opening

San Jose marks a significant step forward in public transit with the ongoing construction of the VTA Orange Line extension, a 2.4-mile addition that connects East San Jose more directly to the broader Bay Area network. This project, the first light rail expansion in over two decades, stretches from Alum Rock Station along Capitol Expressway to a new terminus at Eastridge Transit Center. Elevated viaducts carry the line above busy roadways, minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety for riders and drivers alike.

The extension includes two new stations designed for convenience and accessibility. An elevated stop at Story Road features pedestrian bridges, elevators, and stairs to link seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods. The at-grade station at Tully Road integrates with the Eastridge Mall and existing bus services, making transfers straightforward. This setup supports local businesses during construction and promises to boost foot traffic once operational, invigorating commercial areas like shopping centers and eateries along the route.

Beyond immediate connectivity, the line links to BART at Milpitas, opening up efficient travel options to destinations across the region. Residents in East San Jose gain reliable alternatives to car travel amid growing congestion on major arterials. The development also highlights opportunities for smarter land use, such as reimagining underutilized spaces like Reid-Hillview Airport for community benefits.

The total budget exceeds $650 million and the grand opening is anticipated for 2028 (a year earlier than planned).

For more details, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiHmXvXd6KU

Source: Usedmedia on Skyscraper City

Waymo has expanded service to Downtown San Jose and beyond

Waymo is now operating even deeper into San Jose! Previously you could only get a Waymo near SJC, West San Jose, and North San Jose. Now all of Downtown San Jose is covered along with The Alameda, Rose Garden, and part of Central San Jose (Happy Hollow, Kelley Park, History San Jose, Tech CU Arena).

The expansion arrives just in time to show off our autonomous ride-hailing capabilities to Super Bowl and World Cup attendees. More competition and access generally translates to lower prices, which also means more people will have the option to live without the expense of a car. 

Tesla is also increasing their number of Robotaxis in Silicon Valley. Their coverage map already covers the majority of San Jose, but unlike Waymo a safety driver is still required. Tesla has started fully autonomous rides with no one in the car in Austin.

It will only be a year or two before autonomous rides are commonplace in the South Bay. Waymo has already overtaken Lyft to be the second most popular ride-hailing solution in San Francisco.

Source: Ethan McKanna on X