San Jose Launches East Village Business Improvement District

San Jose continues focusing on building stronger neighborhoods by establishing the East Village Business Improvement District along East Santa Clara Street. This new district will equip local businesses with dedicated funding for cleaning, safety enhancements, marketing, and beautification projects that will elevate the entire corridor.

Spanning from Sixth Street to 22nd Street, the area features 356 businesses supporting approximately 1,100 jobs. Starting this summer, these businesses will pool resources through modest annual contributions ranging from $125 to $250 based on their zone. The collected funds will deliver consistent services that address cleanliness and visibility while fostering greater collaboration among owners.

The move builds on the success of San Jose’s existing business improvement districts and adds fresh energy to a corridor already gaining recognition. You will notice the positive changes as sidewalks stay cleaner, public spaces look sharper, and new events bring more life to the street. With San José State University nearby, East Village stands poised to become an even more dynamic destination that showcases the best of the city’s entrepreneurial spirit.

San Jose now operates five such districts, demonstrating a proven strategy that keeps commercial areas vibrant and competitive.

Source: SVBJ

MiGi Cera Candles Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose welcomed a new addition to its creative scene with the recent grand opening of MiGi Cera Candles at 100 N. Almaden Ave. in San Pedro Square Market. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18 featured remarks from Mayor Matt Mahan and the San Jose Downtown Association, marking the transition from a successful pop-up to a permanent storefront. This family-owned business, which began in 2018 when owner Marcelina Castro started crafting candles from her kitchen during maternity leave, now offers a dedicated space for non-toxic, handcrafted candles and self-care products. Named after her daughters Milah and Giannah, MiGi Cera Candles embodies personal touches that resonate with the community's spirit.

The shop emerged from the MOMENT Paseo program, a Downtown initiative launched in May 2024 to support local entrepreneurs by reducing barriers to retail. MiGi Cera Candles quickly gained traction in its shared pop-up space, drawing crowds eager for candle-making and soap-making workshops. Visitors can now explore signature scents blended from multiple oils, often inspired by loved ones and meaningful places. The new location serves as more than a retail spot, providing a venue for hands-on classes where people create, connect, and relax amid San Jose's lively atmosphere.

Castro's deep roots in San Jose made San Pedro Square the ideal choice for this expansion, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops that enhance the area's appeal. During the opening, special deals like buy-one-get-one-half-off on candles attracted enthusiastic attendees, highlighting the shop's commitment to community engagement. Open daily, MiGi Cera Candles invites residents and visitors to join workshops or pick up eco-friendly items, adding to the growing list of unique experiences that make Downtown San Jose a hub for innovation and community.