Thursday, February 13, 2025

VTA planning to build homes by Branham Light Rail

VTA is planning to build a new affordable housing project on a 2.5-acre parking lot at the Branham Light Rail station ins South San Jose. The project would consist of 45 townhomes, 10 of which would be dedicated to extremely low-income earners in Santa Clara County. The homes would either be three or four-bedroom units.

This is just one of many projects that the VTA has planned for transit-oriented development. This is their fifth project underway and there are a dozen more in the pipeline.


Wednesday, February 12, 2025

San Jose affordable housing development proposed for Berryessa

San Jose-based Swenson is proposing a 260-unit affordable housing complex at 1655 Berryessa Road, near the Berryessa BART station (8 minute walk). It would be built in a section of a 13-acre site where a total of 646 homes are planned.

The affordable homes would be placed in a six-story apartment building next to a seven-story apartment building with 338 market-rate units and a mix of 48 townhomes and single-family homes.

Originally the site was going to feature much needed micro-homes, a product that rarely exists in the South Bay. However, the developers were not able to get financing and had to pivot to a more traditional type of housing.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

February cultural events in San Jose

The Silicon Valley Business Journal has a list of notable cultural events in San Jose this month.  MACLA gallery is hosting a figure drawing on Feb 12th starting at 6:45pm. Opera San Jose is kicking off their season with "Bluebeard's Castle" on Feb 15. Works/San Jose has a new exhibit. The San Jose Improve is hosting open mic nights on Feb 12th at 8pm. A lot's going on! Check out the source link below for all of the details.

Source: SVBJ


Monday, February 10, 2025

Mixed-use affordable housing in Midtown San Jose

A new mid-rise building has been proposed for Midtown between Downtown and Santana Row/Valley Fair.  The building would be a seven stories and 83 feet tall and include 94 affordable apartments along with 1,950 SQFT of retail on a compact 0.56-acre site. The mix would be 24 studios, 22 one-bedroom, 24, two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom units. There would be enough parking for 38 cars and 58 bicycles.

Amenities include on-site support services for households making less than 60% of the median income as well as a rooftop deck overlooking San Carlos street.

The address is 1921-1927 West San Carlos Street. Technically this is part of Burbank, an unincorporated part of Santa Clara County. Part of the project would annex this land to be part of the City of San Jose and raze five one-story commercial structures.

Groundbreaking is targeted for 2026, with 18 months of construction and a completion date sometime in 2028.

Source: SF YIMBY


Sunday, February 9, 2025

Where to watch the Super Bowl in San Jose

Super Bowl LIX starts today at 3:30pm. Our friends at SJ Today have a list of recommendations on where to watch the game. Personally I'm biased toward the San Pedro Square Market since you have a wide variety of food to choose from and can watch either indoors or outdoors. 

The Brit is also a great option. They'll be doing Taylor Swift and commercial-themed bingo buring the game as well as raffle prizes and food specials.

Source: SJ Today



Saturday, February 8, 2025

New Ross store coming to East San Jose

A former site of a 23,700 SQFT Rite Aid at 1030 South White Road is going to get a new tenant. Ross has just signed a 10-year lease (with options to extend another 10 years). This is in the White Road Plaza shopping center anchored by a Cardenas Markets and dd's Discounts.

As many big box stores have been closing in recent years, it opens up opportunities for retailers like Ross that are financially performing well. It will also be nice to have access to another clothing store for the Alum Rock/East San Jose community.

Source: The Mercury News


Friday, February 7, 2025

More flights coming to San Jose International

We have some more details on new flights being added to SJC. Delta will be starting nonstop service to Las Vegas on May 7th and Detroit on July 7th.

Southwest Airlines--which has the most flights at SJC--is adding nonstop service to Baltimore on June 5th. 

Southwest will also be making major changes this year. The unassigned seat system will be completely revamped. Not only will you be able to select your seats but Southwest is adding a more premium option at the front of the plane with extra legroom. You'll still line up to get on the plane, but you won't have to check in 24 hours in advance. Your number will be based on the seat type, elite status, and other factors.

As Southwest is going more premium and they take up most of Terminal B, I think it really is time to have an airport lounge somewhere in that area. The Club at SJC does an amazing job and it would really add to the convenience for frequent fliers on Southwest.

I'm still waiting to hear about new SJC routes from Alaska Airlines, our airport's second largest carrier. I really hate having to go to San Francisco for direct flights to Austin on my favorite airline. Please bring the nerd bird back!

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Tet Festival San Jose on Feb 7, 8, and 9

There is one last round of Lunar New Year festivities this year. The largest Tet Festival in the United States is taking place at Eastridge Mall this weekend from Feb 7th to the 9th. It will feature live entertainment, lion dancing, the Miss Viet Nam California Pageant, fashion shows, a watermelon eating contest, carnival games, rides, and food vendors.

The event is free and located in front of the former Sears parking lot. The event runs from 3pm to 11pm on Friday and from 11am to 11pm on Saturday and Sunday.



Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Comedians and Empanadas

A new comedy series called "Comedians and Empanadas" is coming to San Jose on the first Wednesday of every month (that's today). Casa Guzmania is restaurant that specializes in delicious empanadas.

Each month they are going to bring a lineup of talented comedians from all over the Bay that have performed at comedy clubs such as San Jose's own Improv, Cobb's Comedy Club, and Rooster T Feathers. The event is free and goes from 6-8pm. If you'd like to reserve a spot, head over here.

You can find Casa Guzmania at 350 South Market Street in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District.

Source: Eventbrite



Tuesday, February 4, 2025

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk February 2025

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back this week with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

The most unique part of the event this month is an interactive activity at the California Theatre hosted by Opera San Jose. You can watch a captivating performance from Bluebeard's Castle followed by a scavenger hunt through the theater and lobbies filled with hidden surprises. They will also have temporary tattoos, popcorn, and a tarot card reader. Very cool, and all free to the public. I'll also have to mention the free live jazz music at the SJZ Break Room throughout the event starting at 4:50pm.

It all goes down on Friday, February 7th. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.


Monday, February 3, 2025

San Jose State University planning to add ~3 million SQFT

San Jose State University has been on a winning streak lately, greatly increase it's rankings and national visibility. Now they are planning a large number of upgrades to both their main campus in Downtown San Jose as well as the South Campus a few blocks away with their sporting facilities. Future projects will increase the capacity for school facilities, student housing, and faculty housing.

The master plan will expand the current campus from 7.86 million SQFT to a whopping 10.55 million SQFT. About a million SQFT of existing space would be demolished to make way for nearly 5 million SQFT in new construction. A significant amount of space in existing facilities would also be renovated.

Despite the large increase in overall space, parking capacity will remain at 8,400 cars. With expected improvements in public transit and self-driving vehicles, that should be completely fine. I'm sure most urbanists will be happy with capped parking at SJSU.

1.9 million SQFT of the projects will be for residential space. A total of 2,100 new beds would be created for students. SJSU's projected enrollment for 2045 is 44,000 students, up quite a bit from today's enrollment of 36,000.

In the South Campus, there will be improvements to athletic facilities and a new paseo connecting 7th Street to the Spartans stadium. Chain link fencing will also be replaced with decorative fences, structures, and landscaping.

Construction is expected to be done in four phases over the next 20 years.

Source: SF YIMBY




Sunday, February 2, 2025

Lunar New Year Celebrations at Valley Fair in San Jose

Celebrate the Year of the Snake at Valley Fair with a community day that is free and open to the public. They welcome all to come enjoy the family-friendly performances today from 12pm-4pm.
  • Enjoy performances of Traditional Lion Dances, Ribbon Dancers, Folk Dance, and so much more. Traditional red envelopes containing chocolate coins and retailer promotions will be passed out during the Lunar New Year performances.
  • The traditional lion dance will open the celebration at Grand Court, on Level 1 near Gucci.
  • The dragon dance and main stage performances will be held from 1pm-4:15pm at Grand Court.
  • Plus, shop the Luxury Collection on Saturday, February 1, 2025 then stop by the redemption lounge from 11am-6pm with your receipts to receive an American Express gift card up to $800. 

SCHEDULE OF MAIN STAGE EVENTS (Located near Gucci, Level 1) *schedule of events subject to change
  • LION DANCE | 12:00PM - 12:20PM | by Rising Phoenix
  • DJ/MC + ambient performers | 12:20PM – 12:30PM
  • CHINESE FAN DANCE | 12:30PM – 12:40PM | by Fengye Dance Studio
  • CHINESE OPERA | 12:45PM – 12:50PM | by Cathy Pan
  • DRAGON DANCE | 1:00PM - 1:20PM | by Rising Phoenix
  • DJ/MC + ambient performers | 1:20PM – 1:30PM
  • VIETNAMESE DANCE GROUP | 1:30PM – 1:40PM | by Viet Steps
  • DJ/MC + ambient performers | 1:45PM – 2:00PM
  • BLESSED SNAKE WELCOMES SPRING | 2:00PM – 2:10PM | Full Ensemble
  • DJ/MC + ambient performers | 2:15PM – 2:30PM
  • GUZHENG SOLOIST | 2:30PM – 2:40PM | by Bei Bei
  • TAEKWONDO | 2:45PM – 3:00PM | by Team M
  • KOREAN DRUMMING ENSEMBLE | 3:00PM – 3:20PM | by Urisawe
  • DJ/MC + ambient performers | 3:15PM – 3:30PM
  • MONGOLIAN DANCE | 3:30PM – 3:35PM | by Fengye Dance Studio
  • FASHION SHOWCASE | 3:45PM – 3:55PM 
  • BLESSED SNAKE WELCOMES SPRING | 4:00PM – 4:10PM | Full Ensembl

DJ & MC: Tigermom Toy
TIGERMOM TOY, Allyson Toy, is a Bay Area born DJ and music tech professional who came of age between NYC and Shanghai. Toy is a classically trained pianist and has been DJing for 15 years, lending her skills to brands including W Hotels, Alexander McQueen, Nobu, and Samsung and performing globally in Tokyo, Paris, Bangkok, Shanghai, and many more. Toy is the co-founder of LIONS SHARE, a creative community and music podcast on a mission to empower emerging Asian artists, and by day works at Twitch leading music community initiatives and the company’s Asian employee resource group. Toy’s greatest passion is bringing people of different backgrounds together through music. 

Source: Westfield Valley Fair

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Move & Groove Day at the San Pedro Square

San Pedro Square is beginning to host new events on Saturdays. Today is "Move & Groove" Day, featuring free dance classes throughout the afternoon. It starts with a Downtown 5K Run led by Goodtime Bar Run Club at 11am followed by four different dance classes. All of these are free and you can participate in as many as you want.

You can park for 90 minutes for free at the Market & San Pedro Garage right in front of the event.

Source: SJDA