Cancer CAREpoint Finds a New Home in Willow Glen for Expanded Cancer Support

Bay Area families navigating cancer treatment and recovery will experience greater access to free, personalized support following Cancer CAREpoint’s recent relocation to a larger headquarters in the Willow Glen neighborhood. The nonprofit completed its move on June 30 into the Garden Theater Building at 1165 Lincoln Avenue, where increased space now allows for more clients and broader in-person programming.

The expanded facility strengthens the organization’s ability to deliver counseling, support groups, nutrition education, wellness classes, and practical assistance such as wigs and emergency bridge funding. After more than 14 years of service from its previous San Jose location, Cancer CAREpoint has already supported over 12,000 individuals and families across the region with care available both in person and virtually.

This new base in Willow Glen’s vibrant, walkable community provides a peaceful and inviting setting designed to foster connection and hope during challenging times. The move enhances visibility for the nonprofit amid the neighborhood’s local shops and gathering spots, helping more residents discover these essential resources.

With services rooted in compassion and practicality, the organization continues its mission to ease the burdens of cancer for patients, survivors, caregivers, and loved ones throughout the Bay Area. The relocation positions Cancer CAREpoint for sustained growth as it prepares for community events like its annual Garden Party fundraiser.

Source: SVBJ

Santa Clara University Charts a Bold Course for the Region's Healthcare Future with New Medical School

Santa Clara University will soon add a transformative medical school to its distinguished lineup thanks to a record $175 million gift from alumna Mary Stevens and her husband Mark Stevens.

The Mary & Mark Stevens School of Medicine will partner closely with Sutter Health to train the next generation of physicians and tackle California's looming shortage of more than 4,000 primary care doctors by 2030.

Students will benefit from an integrated training model that keeps them within Sutter's extensive clinical network while gaining hands-on experience in an 82,000 square foot facility located near the health system's upcoming 272 bed hospital.

The curriculum will blend traditional medical education with cutting edge applications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

This development not only addresses critical workforce needs across the Bay Area but also reinforces the region's leadership in combining education, technology, and compassionate care for generations to come.

Source: SVBJ

Community Steps Up in San Jose for PanCAN PurpleStride Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer

San Jose residents will join hundreds of supporters across the Bay Area this Saturday as PanCAN PurpleStride returns with powerful events in our city and Santa Clara. At Almaden Lake Park, participants will walk to raise funds and awareness for pancreatic cancer, one of the most challenging diseases facing families today. The family-friendly gathering will feature personal stories, remembrance moments, and a shared commitment to better outcomes for patients.

The Silicon Valley event opens at 9am with an opening ceremony at 10am, followed by the walk starting at 10:30am. Special guest survivor Amber Woods will inspire attendees at the San Jose location while teams form to honor loved ones and advocate for research advances. Almaden Lake Park at 15780 Almaden Expressway provides a scenic and accessible setting right in our community.

Pancreatic cancer ranks as the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and heads toward second place. Most cases go undetected until late stages because symptoms often resemble other conditions, leaving the five-year survival rate below twenty percent. Events like PurpleStride focus on early detection strategies and improved treatments that could change these statistics for the better.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network leads efforts to empower patients, fund pioneering research, and deliver vital services to those affected. PurpleStride serves as the organization's largest annual fundraiser, channeling proceeds directly into these life-saving initiatives while building a nationwide movement of hope and action.

For more information about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its urgent mission to save lives, visit pancan.org or follow PanCAN on X, Instagram, and Facebook.

San Jose Streets Come Alive During Viva CalleSJ Adventures

San Jose residents and visitors alike discover new sides of San Jose when Viva CalleSJ takes over. This free program will close select streets to vehicles and open them wide for walking, biking, skating, and rolling through the heart of the Eastside.

Routes wind from Mexican Heritage Plaza out to Alum Rock Village and link Cimarron Park with Fernish Park, where explorers encounter side quests filled with local spots, neighborly chats, and festive energy that turns pavement into shared public space.

Over the past decade Viva CalleSJ has grown into a cherished tradition, drawing thousands together to celebrate movement and connection while strengthening community bonds across San Jose. With the next event arriving soon on April 19, now stands as the ideal moment to join in. Lace up those sneakers, dust off the bicycle, or bring the whole family to experience San Jose at its most welcoming and dynamic.

For more information, head over here.

Santana Row Swapping Best Buy with Life Time Fitness

Best Buy has served as a staple at Santana Row for 23 years, offering electronics and gadgets to shoppers since the retail center's early days. The store at 3090 Stevens Creek Blvd will close its doors on February 28, marking the end of its lease. This change reflects the company's routine evaluation of locations as leases expire.

Up to 60 employees may face layoffs starting in March if they do not secure positions elsewhere in the company. Best Buy plans to assist affected workers by offering roles at nearby San Jose stores. The company operates several other locations in the area, providing options for continuity.

The closure ends a chapter that began around the completion of Santana Row. Best Buy arrived during the second phase of development, joining as one of two big-box additions alongside the Container Store. This era helped shape the vibrant shopping destination that draws visitors from across the region.

The good news is that the two-story space will not be empty for long. Life Time fitness is stepping into the 52,000-square-foot building. This luxury health and wellness center will feature exercise equipment, group studios, children's classes, wet spas, a cafe, and a work lounge.

For more information on Life Time, visit https://www.lifetime.life.

Sutter Health's Building a New Hospital Campus in Santa Clara

Sutter Health plans to build an eight-story, 272-bed hospital near Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, marking the centerpiece of a $2.8 billion investment in the region. This development, alongside a recently opened east campus and new ambulatory centers focused on cancer and women's health, represents the organization's largest facilities commitment ever. Set for completion in 2031, the project occupies 13.6 acres along Mission College Boulevard, close to Highway 101 and Great American Parkway, enhancing access for San Jose residents and the broader Silicon Valley community.

The new facility will feature private patient rooms with capacity for 30 additional beds, a full-service emergency department, intensive care units, labor and delivery suites, operating rooms, and a rooftop helipad for rapid transports. Two existing buildings on the site will be demolished, while three others remain for quicker adaptation into care spaces, potentially ready for patients within a few years. This expansion builds on Sutter's longstanding presence through the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, which has served the area since 1993 and now recruits 100 more physicians.

By opening, the campuses will employ around 3,000 staff and clinicians, creating jobs and strengthening the local economy. The initiative addresses the region's shortage of hospital beds, easing strain on facilities like Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and fostering competition with providers such as Kaiser Permanente and Good Samaritan Hospital. Faster critical care becomes possible, meeting residents where they live and work in this growing tech hub.

This project completes Sutter's network on the Peninsula, offering integrated services from Burlingame to Sunnyvale and beyond. For San Jose, it means elevated healthcare options, drawing top talent and positioning the city as a leader in medical innovation amid Silicon Valley's dynamic landscape.

For more details on Sutter Health's expansion, visit https://www.sutterhealth.org/

Source: SVBJ

New Planet Fitness Location Opens in San Jose

Planet Fitness expands its presence in the South Bay with a new gym opening on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 1462 Monterey Road. This spot takes over the former Teletron electronics store within the Sun Garden shopping center, anchored by Walmart and home to tenants like Big 5 Sporting Goods, Jack in the Box, and Chevron. Operated by Taymax Group, which runs over 160 locations across North America including 55 in California, the gym aims to serve the active San Jose community with accessible fitness options.

The nearly 13,000-square-foot facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with staff on site around the clock. Members find a range of strength and cardio equipment, a dedicated high-intensity interval training area, spa features, massage options, and tanning beds. Free WiFi and TVs with wireless connections to cardio machines add convenience for workouts.

Taymax Group focuses on long-term community integration, bringing high-value fitness to local residents. This addition strengthens San Jose's wellness scene, offering a welcoming space for all fitness levels to build strength together.

New members can join with $1 down and then $15 per month, or opt for the Black Card at $1 down and $24.99 monthly, which includes spa access and guest privileges.

Source: SVBJ

Club Studio Fitness Gym Enhances El Paseo de Saratoga in San Jose

Fitness International recently secured a lease for about 30,000 square feet at El Paseo de Saratoga, paving the way for a new Club Studio Fitness gym in the shopping center. Located at 910 to 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga, next to the AMC Saratoga 14 theater, this addition fills a space previously occupied by short-term fitness tenants that have since closed. The move aligns with the company's expansion under its LA Fitness and City Sports Club brands, offering San Jose residents modern workout facilities in a convenient spot at the corner of Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway.

Sand Hill Property Company oversees the ongoing redevelopment of the mixed-use neighborhood, which includes plans for new housing alongside retail growth. In the past three years, the center has welcomed 16 new merchants, with 10 more on the horizon, including anchors like Whole Foods Market.

Source: The Mercury News

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose: 20 Years of Rhythm and Speed in Silicon Valley

Course Overview | Rock 'n' Roll San Jose runrocknroll.com

The Rock 'n' Roll Running Series is taking over the streets on October 4 and 5. Thousands of runners from near and far gather to experience the thrill of racing through the city known as Speed City USA. With options like the half marathon, 10K, 5K, and even KiDS ROCK for the younger crowd, the event welcomes everyone from seasoned athletes chasing personal records to newcomers eager to join the fun. The flat courses make it accessible and fast, blending urban landscapes with touches of natural beauty that highlight what makes San Jose special.

Live bands and DJs stationed along the route turn the run into a moving concert, where every step syncs with upbeat tunes and cheers from enthusiastic crowds. Downtown San Jose comes alive with this fusion of music and motion, creating an atmosphere that captures the city's innovative spirit. Runners weave through familiar neighborhoods, fueled by the support of local fans and cheer squads that line the sidewalks. This setup not only boosts performance but also fosters a sense of community, reminding participants why San Jose stands out as a place where people connect through shared passions.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the event pays homage to San Jose's rich track heritage from the legendary San Jose State teams of the 1960s. Elites and everyday runners alike appreciate the PR-friendly paths that have drawn top talent over the years. As the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose uses occasions like this to showcase its blend of technology-driven progress and down-to-earth vitality. The celebration extends beyond the finish line, leaving lasting memories and inspiring more people to explore the city's dynamic side.

runrocknroll.com

Rock 'n' Roll San Jose | Rock 'n' Roll Running Series

For those looking ahead, the presale for next year's event is already open, offering a chance to lock in spots at great rates while supplies last. Whether you're lacing up for the first time or returning for another go, Rock 'n' Roll San Jose embodies the city's commitment to health, entertainment, and togetherness. For more info and tickets, head over here.

New Medical Facility Approved for Willow Glen

In a landmark decision, the San Jose Planning Commission has unanimously approved the transformation of a Willow Glen office building into a state-of-the-art inpatient care facility for mental health. This new center will provide critical support for up to 48 patients battling conditions like eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. It’s a forward-thinking step that tackles a pressing community need while giving new purpose to underutilized urban space. 

The pandemic left San Jose with a surplus of empty office buildings, but this conversion highlights the city’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities. By reimagining vacant offices as vital community assets, San Jose is blending innovation with a deep commitment to its residents’ well-being. This project reflects a broader trend of cities rethinking urban spaces to meet modern demands.

Change can spark concerns, and some Willow Glen neighbors had questions. Yet, the city’s thoughtful planning ensures the facility will blend seamlessly into the area. Patients will be transferred in rather than arriving as walk-ins, creating a calm, healing environment with minimal disruption. This balance of community needs and mental health care underscores San Jose’s knack for listening and finding solutions.

Source: SF YIMBY

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

Kaiser begins construction of their new San Jose hospital

A state-of-the-art hospital is coming to the Santa Teresa Kaiser campus in South San Jose. It will replace the aging 50-year-old hospital with 650,000 SQFT of medical facilities and 300 private patient rooms. 

This is more than double the size of the hospital it will be replacing. Rooms will no longer need to be shared, a very welcome change for most patients. Kaiser is also going to leverage new technologies such as the latest MRI and CT scanning equipment. 

The new hospital is expected to be completed in the fall of 2029.

Source: The Mercury News

San Jose has the healthiest residents in the US

A recent Forbes study looked at the 46 most populous cities in the country and compared health metrics including heart disease deaths, opioid deaths, the percentage of adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, as well as the percentage of people that binge drink, smoke, or are deficient in physical activity.

After all the numbers were crunched, San Jose ranked as the #1 healthiest city in the United States. San Jose has consistently ranked high for longevity in previous years, adding more credence to this ranking.

Second on the list was Austin, Texas while San Francisco made it to the 6th spot. The unhealthiest populations were Detroit and Milwaukee.

Source: SFGATE

Santa Run Silicon Valley is coming to San Jose on Dec 17th

Are you ready to join thousands of Santas, elves, reindeer, and other festive characters for a fun and charitable event in Downtown San Jose? If so, mark your calendars for December 17th, when the 12th Annual Santa Run Silicon Valley will take place.

The Santa Run Silicon Valley is a 5K run/walk that benefits Christmas in the Park and the Downtown Streets Team, two local organizations that work to make San Jose a safe, clean, and vibrant place for everyone. The event is organized by the Silicon Valley Leadership Group Foundation, which also produces the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot and the Lam Research Heart & Soles Run.

The Santa Run Silicon Valley is not just a race, it's a celebration of the holiday spirit. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite holiday character or tradition, and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the start and finish lines. There will also be a costume contest, a kids reindeer dash, and a virtual run option for those who can't make it in person.

The race starts at 8 AM at W Santa Clara Street and Almaden Avenue, and follows a scenic route through Downtown San Jose. The finish line is at Christmas in the Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful displays and attractions. You can also visit the nearby Winter Wonderland for some ice skating and carnival rides.

If you want to be part of this merry event, you can register online at https://www.santarunsv.com/ until December 16th, or on race day at the San Jose Chamber of Commerce. The registration fee is $45 for the 5K Santa Run and $25 for the Kids Reindeer Dash (ages 2-7). You can also sign up as a Holiday Hero for $500 or $1000 and get extra perks like VIP parking, a private tent, and recognition on the website. All proceeds go to support Christmas in the Park and Downtown Streets Team.

Don't miss this chance to have some fun, get some exercise, and give back to our community. The Santa Run Silicon Valley is a San Jose tradition that you won't want to miss!

Mask mandates are returning to Santa Clara County 😷

If you thought that mandatory government-mandated masking was over, then like myself you probably didn't read the most recent order by the Health Officer of the County of Santa Clara very carefully. On April 4th, 2023, mandatory masking was officially lifted in Santa Clara County. HOWEVER, masking is mandated for healthcare facilities during designated winter respiratory virus periods.

When are these winter respiratory virus periods? November 1st to March 31st of each year, a 5-month period which can be extended based on the discretion of the Health Officer. Punishments for violations, sound severe.

Right now this only applies to healthcare facilities, but this is a slippery slope that could lead to overreach into other areas and could open a door back to pandemic-style life. Would schools be next? Restaurants? Local businesses? 

Even within a healthcare setting, surely there should be some flexibility at the discretion of the facility. I'll give a personal example. My wife was in labor for 43 hours shortly after the mask mandates were lifted in April. I can't imagine how much more agonizing that would have been having to wear masks throughout the entire process.

I say this as someone who has had five COVID shots--the OG Pfizer duo, two boosters, and the bivalent... in other words, the works. I call it the Long Island Iced Tea of vaccinations.

What are your thoughts? Do we need to bring the mark requirements back or let organizations decide which policies work best for them and their constituents?

Source: Santa Clara County Public Health

Long-vacant Market by Safeway space finally finds a tenant

The 88 high-rise is finally getting a new anchor tenant! When the condo tower was first built, there was a lot of excitement to have a Safeway in the middle of downtown San Jose, even though it was a scaled back "Market" concept. Safeway struggled with parking, which most Safeway customers in Silicon Valley were accustomed to getting for free. Once they started charging for parking it was game over.

Now, four years later, OneMedAll will be taking that vacant 24,000 SQFT space at the corner of 100 S. Second. This location will focus on oral and general medical care. You can learn more about the company at the OneMedAll website.

I would have loved to see another grocery store here on this key corner spot, but who couldn't use a bit more health and wellness.

Source: SVBJ

Key COVID vaccination milestone has been reached!

To say the pandemic has dragged on longer than anyone anticipated would be the understatement of the decade. Today, there isn't just light at the end of the tunnel--we're standing close enough to need sunscreen.

80% of all those in Santa Clara County above 12 years old have now received at least their first vaccination dose. A whopping 71.2% have completed their vaccination. Both are impressive stats, but neither is the milestone I'm talking about.

Most experts agree that in order to hit herd immunity, at least 70% of the total population has to have some level of immunity (vaccination, antibodies, or a natural immunity). That is 70% of the entire population of all ages and demographics, not only those that are currently eligible for the vaccine. So far, no major country in the world has hit a total population vaccination rate of 70% yet. Canada is the closest at 65.92%, followed by Israel at 63.43% and the UK at 62.55%. The US as a whole is still only at 52.59%.

Here in Silicon Valley, 71.1% of the total population has received at least the first dose of the vaccine. That puts us in a very strong position, with the number of new cases and deaths dwindling to levels not seen since early 2020.

We can still do better, but bit by bit things are getting back to normal. Masks are no longer required in many places indoors if you're vaccinated, social distancing and capacity restrictions have been relaxed, and major events are coming back. It's been a long journey, but we're almost there.

Santana Row gym and nail salon now providing outdoor services

Santa Clara County may be in the "purple" zone when it comes to California COVID restrictions (the worst one), but that isn't stopping two Santana Row businesses from providing approved services outdoors. Both Barry's Bootcamp and Lavande Nail Spa are now open. Given that it will be at least 3 weeks before indoor gyms and nail spas are allowed in San Jose, these may be your best options.

Indoor restaurants are also off the table for at least 3 weeks, but Santana Row has shut down several streets to expand outdoor dining considerably. It's perhaps ground zero for some sort of normalcy in the South Bay. Many indoor stores have also reopened with a 25% capacity limitation.

Free San Jose COVID Testing

I'm back from a short workation to Tahoe. While I didn't do anything crazy like visiting a casino, I plan on getting COVID tested soon and thought I would share the easiest way to do it for anyone interested.

This week, free pop-up COVID-19 tests will be administered at the County of Santa Clara service Center Auditorium (1555 Berger Road, San Jose) and Independence High School, C Commons (617 N. Jackson Avenue, San Jose).

I have done the pop-up tests twice now, and it is extremely easy to do. The new method is completely painless--they do not shove the q-tip all the way up your nose as they did with early tests. On a scale of 1-10 with a shot in the arm being an 8, I would put this at a 1 in terms of pain/discomfort, which is to say there isn't any.

They also don't even ask for your insurance, it is completely free and you get the results within a few days. You do not need symptoms, a doctor's note, or proof of residency. Just walk in and get your test. If you show up early it should be a very short wait. The last one I did was towards the end of the day and it took 30 minutes total to wait in line, provide contact info, and get tested. Masks are required the entire time.

Again, the tests are at the County of Santa Clara Service Center Auditorium and Independence High School. The pop-up sites will be open from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday thought Friday. If you are in South San Jose, they will also be doing tests in the South County Annex (9300 Wren Avenue, Gilroy).

Source: San Jose Inside

Outdoor dining will finally be allowed again in San Jose!

After two and a half months, finally there will be some relief for struggling restaurants and foodies alike. Starting this Friday, in Santa Clara County you will be able to dine at a restaurant--albeit outside. With summer weather on the way, there are many great spots in Santana Row, Downtown San Jose, and Willow Glen where you will be able to have a stellar dining experience even with the restrictions (social distancing measures still in place). I'm looking forward to seeing which restaurants will open up first.

Also allowed this Friday will be in-store shopping with face masks, childcare for all kids in stable groups of up to 12, all manufacturing as long as social distancing measures are in place, low contact services, and all pet grooming. Small outdoor ceremonies and religious services will be allowed for groups up to 25. Finally, all outdoor recreational activities that do not involve physical contact will reopen including swimming pools, hiking, tennis, golf, camping, etc.

We are slowly heading back towards some normalcy. I personally can't wait to have a meal and a cocktail again at a nice restaurant!

Source: SVBJ, Santa Clara Public Health