MOMENT Sidewalk Shops - new monthly popup event in Downtown San Jose

MOMENT has made great strides in bringing retail back to Downtown San Jose. The original four retail spots in San Pedro Square have been successful and MOMENT has recently expanded to the Paseo of San Antonio. Now they are doing a monthly pop-up experience at both locations.

Over 25 vendors will be right outside both clusters of MOMENT shops this Saturday, July 27th from 1pm to 6pm. For more info, head over here.

Source: 408Nate

Downtown San Jose gets a new retail store called Velvet House at 50 Post

Downtown San Jose is great for many things, but retail has historically not been one of them. This is slowly starting to change with great projects like MOMENT and pockets of activity here and there. The newest store I just found out about is called Velvet House and it's a women's "fashion forward" shop.

The owner Dayna Moya Gonzalez and her husband George are East San Jose natives that opened The Club on Post last year. This is one of Downtown San Jose's best brunch spots and has the absolute best Espresso Martini in San Jose. Velvet House is right across the street and is a brick-and-mortar extension of Dayna's online business.

The store features a variety of clothing and accessories. I am not going to pretend to know anything about women's clothing, but can say that there seem to be options for every occasion and prices are very reasonable. The location at 50 Post is right in the Historic District, steps away from great food and San Jose's nightlife.

For more info on Downtown's newest store, head over here.

Angkor Chef has official ribbon cutting

Angkor Chef started their soft opening in November, but the restaurant and bar are now formally complete. I love this restaurant for a many reasons. It's the first dedicated Cambodian restaurant in Downtown San Jose, the food is delicious, it has clean modern decor, service is friendly, and everything is reasonably priced. It also has quite the story.

Chef Channy Laux is a survivor of the Cambodian genocide. At 13, she dealt with starvation, sickness, and repeated separation rom her family. In 1979 she made it to Lincoln Nebraska as a refugee and ended up earning a Bachelors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln followed by a Masters in Applied Math from SCU. She then worked as a Silicon Valley engineer for 30 years and now this is her passion project.

Angkor Chef features iconic Cambodian dishes with a focus on noodles, stir-fries, and umami-rich Prahok dishes. All the sauces are made from scratch using produce and herbs sourced from local refugee farmers and imported spices from Cambodia. Some of the sauces are also bottled and sold, one has even won awards (Lemongrass Paste). You don't have to take my word for it, Angkor has a rare 4.5 star rating on Yelp.

Angkor Chef is open Tues-Thur from 11:30am-9pm, Friday from 11:30am-10pm, and Saturday from 12pm to 10pm. It's closed on Sunday and Monday. You can also order pickup or delivery over here.

San Pedro Square Block Party on Thursday, July 18th

Over 60 businesses around San Pedro Square will be participating in the latest Downtown San Jose block party. The even will feature live music, tons of food, local makers & artists, and activities for the whole family. Ground zero will be along North San Pedro Street (you can't miss it now with the new mural). 

The event runs from 5pm to 9pm and there is free parking for 90min in the Market & San Pedro Square Parking Garage or free all night on metered spaces after 6pm.You can also easily take Light Rail to Saint James Park and walk two blocks.

Prime corner spot in Downtown San Jose to become a new restaurant and office space

A new corner restaurant is destined for 189 West Santa Clara Street at the intersection of Almaden Avenue. The space is part of the thriving San Pedro Square area and the owner already operates multiple restaurants around this block.

The space is also known as the Lyndon Building and was constructed in 1884. In 1902 it housed the Times-Mercury which was a precursor to the San Jose Mercury News.

The new restaurant will span 5,500 SQFT and feature both a bar and outdoor seating. It will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the menu will be California-style farm-to-table. It still doesn't have a name, but will be something related to the newspaper printing heritage of the building.

There is also an 8,000 SQFT upper floor that will be leased as office space. This part of the building was a venue for big bands and country music in the 1940s and '50s, and then rock in the '60s. I believe it also hosted the Irish Innovation Center at one point. The building owner envisions a tenant such as a creative firm or AI startup for this space.

A restaurant and high-tech tenant would further activate this space and help connect it to the next block, which has an Opa! Greek restaurant and an office tower.

Source: The Mercury News

Downtown West Creekside Socials - Upcoming free classes

Downtown West's Creekside Socials programming is continuing into July. To me this gives hope that Google still has a foot in the door with San Jose. Their multi-million SQFT, mixed-use campus next to Diridon Station might be on hold, but the promised cultural activities and activation of the new neighborhood are still pushing forward.

The latest event is a series of West African dance classes on July 12, July 29, August 16th, and August 30th. This is hosted by Kuumba and is a energetic dance workout featuring live drummers and highlighting the dance and spirit of West Africa. All classes go from 6-7pm at 56 Barack Obama Blvd. in Downtown San Jose. 

There is also a sewing and upcycling event hosted by Chopsticks Alley Art from 5-7pm on Thursday, July 11th. This event will also feature live music by San Jose musician, Lucas Tecson.

Both events are free and you can RSVP to either over here.

Taste of India Festival this weekend

As I was walking through Downtown San Jose today, I saw that a major event was being setup in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Now I know what that event is, the Taste of India Festival! It will feature over 150 varieties of Indian Food, nonstop entertainment, an open air Bollywood Glow Party, and a celebrity appearance.

The event goes from noon to 10pm both today and tomorrow is is completely free. All of the details are below.

Event Description: Experience the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of India right here in the Bay Area at the Taste of India Festival! For the first time ever, this grand celebration of Indian cuisine and entertainment is coming to Plaza de Cesar Chavez on July 6th and 7th.

Join us for two unforgettable days filled with:

• Culinary Delights: Savor over 150+ varieties of delicious Indian food, from street food favorites to gourmet delicacies.
• Live Performances: Enjoy non-stop entertainment with over 300+ artists showcasing diversified range of Indian music, dance, and performances.
• Bollywood Glow Party: Dance the night away at the first-ever Open Air Bollywood Glow Party, an electrifying experience you won't want to miss!
• Celebrity Appearance: Meet and greet one of Bollywood's biggest stars, Preity Zinta, and capture memorable moments with her.

Event Details:

• Dates: July 6th & 7th
• Time: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Location: Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113, USA,
• Entry: Absolutely FREE

Gather your friends and family for a weekend of food, fun, and festivity. Don't miss out on the largest food festival of North America right here in your city. Mark your calendars and get ready for a spectacular Taste of India!

Starlight Cinema - free outdoor screening of Barbie tomorrow

Starlight Cinema is a beloved Downtown San Jose tradition featuring popular movies along with accompanying activities in Saint James Park. Tomorrow the movie is Barbie, starting at dusk (8:50pm). 

The pre-movie activities this time around include craft activities for kids, Barbie-themed face painting, a DJ, local drag queens, lawn games, a rock wall, and a selfie area with props. Dressing up as your favorite Barbie or Ken is also encouraged. The festivities start at 7:30pm.

If you are looking to have a picnic, some local restaurants are offering discounts if you mention "Starlight Cinema." That includes 10% off Serious Dumpling and Angelou's Mexican Grill (newly expanded with a bar) and 15% off at The City Fish. After the movie, Splash will have a Pink Drink special until 1:45am.

Upcoming movies are Kicking & Screaming on July 20th, The Goonies on August 3rd, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar on August 17th.

New renders of a slightly downsized Gateway Tower in SoFA

A tower proposed for the edge of Downtown San Jose in the artsy SoFA District has new renders. It's appropriately called the Gateway Tower as it will welcome visitors and residents to the Downtown area. The latest render has been reduced from 20 floors to 15. It still looks fantastic with different facades on each side and even incorporates some of the the historic buildings on the ground floor into the project.

The tower will have a total of 220 units, which now appear to have been allocated to affordable housing. Originally the Gateway Tower was supposed to contain luxury apartments, but they have likely been converted to make approvals and financing easier. If you want luxury, The Fay is just down the street. There will also be 3,800 SQFT of retail along the ground floor.

One exciting aspect of the project is that there will be a small plaza and area for live performances, which jives really well with the character of the SoFA District. The area is known for art festivals and live music.

Another interesting twist is that it will include a historical exhibit to commemorate the career of "Doc" Herrold, who was the first entertainment radio broadcaster (yes, from San Jose). This will pass on some of the legacy of the Herrold College that used to sit on this site.

There is still no ETA for construction, but hopefully they will be able to break ground as soon as possible.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Scott's Seafood is expanding to a banquet space on 4th Street in Downtown San Jose

Scott's Seafood is one of my favorite restaurants Downtown. However, I still do miss it's old location that was on top of the City Plaza parking structure, overlooking Plaza de Cesar Chavez. It was one of just two places Downtown where you could enjoy an elevated view with your meal, the other being The Capital Club--which is not easy to get into.

Fortunately, Scott's is expanding to the roof of another parking structure. The space was previously used by the San Jose Rotary on top of the 4th Street Parking structure. Now it is called the Fourth Street Summit Center and will be managed by Scott's Seafood. It's located at 88 S 4th Street on the 7th floor.

The ballroom has floor-to-ceiling glass windows, two open-air balconies, and a variety of spaces. Indoor capacity is a whopping 450 people. Unfortunately it will only be used only for events, not everyday dining.

You can learn more about the space over here.

Exciting new restaurant coming to Downtown San Jose's 50 West San Fernando building

The owners of Waterbar and Epic Steak in SF and Hurrica in Redwood City are going to build a new 4,000 SQFT restaurant on the ground-floor of 50 W. San Fernando. This was previously the location of KQED offices. Instead, this prime corner in between the San Jose Museum of Art and the Signia Hotel (formerly Fairmont San Jose) is going to become a new flagship restaurant.

There is not a lot of information yet on the restaurant but we do know it will offer lunch, happy hour with specialty cocktails, and dinner. The source article also mentions that it will be an indoor outdoor concept, which is perfect for San Jose weather. That likely means that the windows will be replaced with glass doors that fully open and the outdoor seating will open up to the Circle of Palms. This area also happens to be used for the ice skating rink during Christmas in the Park, so it will be interesting to see how the restaurant will function during the holidays.

The building used to have a coffee shop called Crema using part of this space, but I think it will be much better suited for an upscale full-service restaurant. The building also hosts the Capital Club on the 17th floor, which has a private restaurant and two large outdoor balconies. It's also the only restaurant on top of a high-rise in San Jose and anyone will be able to check it out during Dine Downtown Restaurant Week (more on that soon).

Source: SiliconValley.com

TMC Community Capital is setting up shop in Downtown San Jose

TMC Community Capital is moving into their Downtown San Jose office at 44 S. 1st Street. on July 1st. The company specializes in providing affordable microloans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to underserved entrepreneurs. 

I love both their backstory and their mission. Have a look at the full press release below:

San Jose, CA –  TMC Community Capital is proud to announce the grand opening of its new office in Downtown San Jose, marking a significant milestone in the nonprofit microlender’s mission to advocate for financial justice among marginalized communities in California.

TMC Community Capital is a provider of affordable loans, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, with a mission to support and serve various entrepreneurs, particularly women-owned, low-income, and under-resourced small businesses in California.

TMC Community Capital is not just a financial lifeline; it is a beacon of empowerment. Through tailored financing options, the organization provides vital capital necessary for businesses to grow, create jobs, and make lasting contributions to the local economy. By fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing, TMC Community Capital empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business ownership and achieve sustainable growth.

The City of San Jose is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, but local entrepreneurs often face significant challenges. With extensive experience working with hundreds of small businesses in the area, TMC Community Capital is making it clear that they are here to open doors for local entrepreneurs.

At an early age, Daniel Fernandez and his family would wake up early to help his grandmother sell home goods at Berryessa and Capitol Flea Markets. His mother worked night shifts at the Oakland Post Office processing plant and sold handmade apparel on the side to subsist as a single mother to three boys. These experiences instilled in Daniel a deep understanding of the critical role entrepreneurship and informal work play in his community. This personal history fuels his dedication to TMC Community Capital's mission.

"We are thrilled to expand our presence in San Jose, a vibrant and diverse city with immense entrepreneurial potential." said Daniel Fernandez, CEO of TMC Community Capital. "Our new office will enable us to provide even more targeted support to small business owners who are often overlooked by traditional lenders. We are here to ensure that they have the resources and guidance they need to thrive."

TMC Community Capital’s impact is undeniable. To date, the organization has lent more than $7.3 million, served over half the counties in California, created more than $4 million in additional wage earnings, and generated over $14 million in local economic impact. In 2023 alone, 82% of their loans went to entrepreneurs of color, with more than half of their loan volume supporting women-owned businesses.

TMC Community Capital will officially move into its new San Jose office on July 1st. This new chapter in San Jose underscores the organization’s continued commitment to opening doors and creating opportunities for small business owners throughout California.

For more information about TMC Community Capital and their services, please visit tmccommunitycapital.org

About TMC Community Capital: 

TMC Community Capital is transforming the landscape of microfinance by addressing unmet needs and meeting small businesses where they are. As a nonprofit microlender, TMC Community Capital is dedicated to leveling the financial playing field and empowering women-owned, low-income, and under-resourced small businesses in California. By driving financial equity, bridging the digital divide, and delivering an outstanding user experience, TMC Community Capital ensures these businesses have the resources they need to thrive.

TMC Community Capital's mission is clear: to build a world where every entrepreneur, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to capital and opportunities. The organization firmly believes that every individual deserves a chance to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities.

As a CDFI-approved microlender, TMC Community Capital is committed to breaking down financial barriers and fueling innovation. Through tailored financing options, the organization provides vital capital necessary for businesses to grow, create jobs, and make lasting contributions to the local economy. By fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing, TMC Community Capital empowers entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of business ownership and achieve sustainable growth.

Downtown San Jose neighborhood gets a new name: East Village

An up-and-coming neighborhood is getting a new brand. Just east of Santa Clara Street past San Jose City Hall is San Jose's East Village. The area is now much easier to spot thanks to a couple new murals on 10th Street.

The East Village has Downtown San Jose's finest collection of vegetarian and vegan options. The excellent Tofoo Com Chay, Vegetarian House, Vegan Bistro Donuts and Cafe, and Punjab Cafe are all in this district. Even though I'm a carnivore I'm a huge fan of all four of these. Needle to the Groove, Spirit Bros, Last Round Tavern, and Pho Passion are also there.

The last two neighborhoods I remember getting branded are Downtown West (Google) and Little Italy San Jose. Catchy names help to identify key areas Downtown and East Village has a nice ring to it. Next time you're close by, head to Vegan Bistro and have a look at Downtown's newest street art.

Source: The Mercury News

San Jose Pride Block Party on June 22nd

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy and Silicon Valley Pride are hosting a free block party on June 22nd from 12pm to 4pm at the Arena Green West (N Autumn St.) in San Jose. The event includes live music and DJs, food, wine/beer, a drag show, and resource booths. Yet another fun event in Downtown San Jose!

41st San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

The San Jose Fountain Blues & Brew Festival returns this weekend at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on Saturday, June 15th from 11am to 8pm. The roster features nine hours of national and regional talent across two stages featuring every genre of blues you can imagine. It's the longest running blues festival in Northern California and is expected to have over 2,500 attendees.

In addition to the great music, there will be over 40 breweries including local favorites like Gordon Biersch, Fox Tale, and Bare Bottle. Artist vendor booths and family-friendly lawn games round out the event.

For more info and tickets, head over here.

San Jose student housing tower with a stunning penthouse

A 25-story tower with 210 residential units is proposed for 439 South Fourth Street, a kitty corner away from SJSU. The 274-foot tall building would cater towards SJSU students and faculty. The exact breakdown is 63 two-bedroom, 21, three bedroom, 84 four-bedroom, and 42 five-bedroom (!) units.

Amenities would include a pool, gym, dog park, community rooms, study rooms, office space, and a shared rooftop area with breathtaking views. It is great to see developers finally try to fully utilize penthouse space in San Jose with shared amenity space. We have amazing views in Silicon Valley, you just have to get high enough to take it all in.

The site currently has a 30-unit apartment building and a single-family house converted to commercial uses.

Source: The Mercury News, SVBJ

More details on proposed Diridon Station improvements in Downtown San Jose

Diridon Station is planning a major transformation in the coming years (and perhaps decades) as it become the Grand Central Station of the West Coast and boy is there a lot to unpack here. First let's start with the good news. Service will be expanded across the board. Caltrain will triple their service from 4 trains an hour during peak times to 12 in each direction. Capitol Corridor will go from 6 trains a day to 11. ACE is planning one extra train. VTA Light Rail will increase service by 50% and buses by 12%. TAMC will add 4 trains a day to/from Salinas. Last but very much not least, High Speed Rail will have 4 trains per hour in both directions.

So far so good. There are three proposed alignments for the future station improvements. Elevated tracks, at-grade, and stacked. Below are some of the key comparisons and a few renders.

And now the bad news... the cost. Transportation transformation does not come cheap. These improvements are estimated to cost between $2.5 and $13 BILLION dollars. Those are today's dollars, not 2040 dollars factoring for inflation. Also, this doesn't even include BART which is a separate project.

To put the ridiculousness of those costs into perspective, the entire cost of San Jose Mineta International Airport's Terminal B is $1.8 billion in 2023 dollars. The cheapest proposal is more expensive than half of our airport!

The most expensive proposal for one station would build an airport two times the size of SJC. That one station would cost more than the entire four-station BART subway from Berryessa to Santa Clara. It is a completely stunning cost, and not in a good way.

Source: Diridon Join Policy Advisory Board

3Below Open House

Next weekend Downtown San Jose's last remaining movie theater is having an open house. In addition to playing movies, a lot of people don't realize that 3Below also hosts dozens of live events and educational programs. 

The action-packed event will highlight 3Below's importance to the San Jose art scene. Next Saturday and Sunday they will feature free movies and live entertainment, complimentary food, interactive programming, theater acts, and guest speakers. Even parking is validated. To see the full schedule and get your free movie tickets, head over here.

The open house will go from 11am to 9pm on June 1st and 2nd.

Culture night market tonight at Discovery Meadow

Head over to Discovery Meadow today anytime from 4pm-10pm for live music, activities for the kids (bouncy houses, connect four, jenga), and all sorts of local vendors. There are two stages, food trucks, a beer garden, Coterie Den vintage thrift market and more.

The event is free and open to all ages and pets. For more info click here.

Downtown San Jose is getting a new high school

An 87-year-old private school called Hillbrook that is based in Los Gatos is expanding to Downtown San Jose. The school is leasing two historic buildings: the Moir Building at 227 N. First Street and the San Jose Armory at 240 N. Second Street. These buildings will be leased for at least 25 years, which will breathe some new life to the area around St. James Park.

The school was specifically seeking a Downtown San Jose location so that they can partner with local nonprofits, businesses, and SJSU.  Social impact and entrepreneurship are two of the tenants the high school wants to focus on. 

It will take two years to get the buildings ready and total enrollment for the school is expected to reach 300 students. If you have kids in grade school and this is sounding interesting so far... start saving. Today's tuition for Hillbrook goes all the way up to $40,700 per year.

Source: San Jose Spotlight