Tres Vinos 2025: A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of San Jose

San Jose is gearing up for an incredible night of culture and community with the 26th annual Tres Vinos fundraising dinner, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose. This event promises a vibrant mix of wine tasting, delicious food, and live entertainment, with a standout performance by Tito Puente Jr.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza, known locally as La Plaza, has been a vital hub for East San Jose for over two decades. Tres Vinos raises funds to fuel La Plaza’s mission of championing community heritage through arts and culture. This year, the money will support their 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which tackles big goals like preventing displacement and reinforcing neighborhood identity. One exciting piece of this vision is the push to earn state recognition for La Avenida Cultural District, a first for San Jose.

Imagine an evening filled with the rhythms of Tito Puente Jr., the taste of local wines, and the warmth of a community coming together. Tres Vinos isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about investing in San Jose’s future. By attending, you’re helping preserve the traditions that make this city special and ensuring East San Jose remains a place where culture and identity flourish.

Ready to join the fun and make a difference? Grab your tickets now for Tres Vinos 2025. Every sip and every dollar raised helps La Plaza continue its work, strengthening San Jose one celebration at a time. 

San Jose Welcomes Trillium Senior Housing

San Jose is forging ahead with the Trillium Senior Housing project at 675 East Santa Clara Street near Downtown. This collaboration between the Santa Clara Housing Authority, Eden Housing, and Core Companies brings 64 single-bedroom units designed specifically for seniors. With a recent Notice of Exemption fast-tracking environmental approvals, this project is poised to enhance the lives of older residents while contributing to the city’s growth.

The location is a major highlight. Nestled close to Downtown San Jose and San Jose State University, Trillium Senior Apartments will connect residents to a lively mix of shops, cultural happenings, and even learning opportunities. The building’s thoughtful design features three articulated bays linked by multistory walkways, plus two courtyards that offer shared outdoor spaces. This setup fosters both privacy and a sense of community, making it an inviting home for seniors.

A firm construction start date remains pending, but curious readers can check the Santa Clara Housing Authority’s website for the latest on this project and others shaping the city’s future.

Source: SF YIMBY

Ellore Luxury Senior Living Adds Onsite Wellness Program

Santa Clara has welcomed an exciting new development with Ellore, a luxury senior living community in The Clara District. Developed by Related California and operated by Oakmont Management Group, Ellore recently opened its doors across from Levi’s Stadium, offering 176 upscale residences. What sets this community apart is its Wellness by Ellore program, a comprehensive healthcare initiative that brings top-tier medical services right to residents.

The Wellness by Ellore program stands out with its Five Pillars of Elevated Care: Medical Advisement, Concierge Medicine, Ellore Med, Ellore Balance, and Traditions Memory Care. Residents enjoy personalized healthcare from day one, with assessments covering medical needs, therapy, and nutrition. Dr. Mahyar Ayati, a Stanford Affiliate with expertise in geriatric health, leads the medical advisement, while a partnership with Pine Park Health provides onsite primary care and specialists like dentists and optometrists. Physical therapy and memory care round out the offerings, ensuring residents can live with ease and confidence.

Beyond healthcare, Ellore delivers a lifestyle that matches the Bay Area’s reputation for excellence. The 20-story building, designed by Steinberg Hart with interiors by March and White Design, features stunning views of Santa Clara’s salt ponds, foothills, and Levi’s Stadium. Residents can choose independent living, assisted living, or memory care, all paired with amenities like gourmet dining at The Summit Room and a calendar full of social events. The fourth floor’s dedicated wellness suites make accessing care seamless, blending luxury with practicality. It also features one of only two penthouse swimming pools in Silicon Valley high-rises (the other is at The Fay in Downtown San Jose).

Ellore’s arrival highlights why the San Jose metro continues to grow as a standout destination. Its prime location in The Clara District puts residents near dining, parks, and transit, all while offering a fresh take on senior living that prioritizes wellness and community. For those exploring options for themselves or loved ones, Ellore showcases the high standards and forward-looking developments that define our region.

Affordable Housing Takes Root in Willow Glen Near San Jose’s Tamien Station

A new affordable housing project is coming to San Jose near Tamien Station in the Willow Glen region. The 90-unit building will soon rise on the site of the infamous Agave Sports Bar at 520 and 544 West Alma Avenue. Led by Resources for Community Development and designed by Van Meter Williams Pollack, the five-story structure will offer four floors of residential housing atop ground-floor office and amenity spaces. This project is a meaningful addition to the city, providing much-needed housing options in the heart of the Bay Area.

The building itself is thoughtfully planned. It includes 89 rentable units, with 68 set aside for low-income residents and 21 for very-low-income residents, plus a single manager unit. Residents will enjoy a large community room, laundry services, and a second-floor open-air courtyard. The landscaping features a descending terrace design that flows toward the banks of the Guadalupe River. These details show a commitment to creating a welcoming and functional space.

One of the biggest advantages of this project is its location. Being steps away from Tamien Station means residents have easy access to bus lines, VTA, and Caltrain. This connectivity is a game-changer for anyone relying on public transportation, making daily commutes simpler and helping ease traffic in the area. It's also a 10 minute walk away from Willow Glen Village with a Safeway and four great restaurants and a 20 minute walk from "The Avenue" or Downtown Willow Glen.

Source: SF YIMBY

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.