Fairgrounds Expo Hall Needs Hands on 9/11, Not Speeches

September 11, 2026, lands on a Friday and marks 25 years since the attacks. 9/11 Day, the nonprofit started by family members after that morning, is treating the date as a national workday. Fifty-plus cities will pack shelf-stable meals in one coordinated push, aiming for more than 17 million servings and tens of thousands of volunteers. San Jose’s piece happens inside Expo Hall at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. The boxes leave for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, which already feeds people through hundreds of partner sites in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

Last year’s hall packed on the order of 200,000 meals with several hundred volunteers. Corporate teams often fill the assembly lines; many of those seats are reserved and sponsored at $250 a person to cover food costs. What the organizers say they still need, urgently, is the Event Support Team: people who do not stand at a packing table the whole shift but keep the machine from stalling. Table captains teach and pace each line. Heavy lifters and runners restock ingredients and haul finished cases, work that can mean 50-pound boxes. Guest services check people in. Set-up and break-down crews open and close the room.

Those support roles require volunteers 18 and older, a one-hour Zoom training about a week beforehand, and roughly four hours on site. Prior years ran a morning block around 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with a shorter cleanup window after noon. Confirm the 2026 shift on the signup form before blocking the calendar. Parking sits behind Expo Hall.

Second Harvest’s latest client survey found nearly everyone it serves cutting grocery spending to cover rent and medical bills. A Friday morning in a fairgrounds hall will not fix that math but it will put sealed meals onto local trucks instead of leaving the anniversary of 9/11 as a minute of silence and a flag at half staff.

Sign up for Event Support in San Jose (18+): https://volunteer.911day.org/projects/62266f60-e37b-4c5a-a1cf-74b90128cb96

Second Harvest food locator and hotline: https://www.shfb.org/get-food/

Santana Row Turns September into a Month of $25 Prix-Fixe Lunches for a Good Cause

September brings a practical reason to leave the office for a proper midday meal when Santana Row launches Let’s Do Lunch, a month-long Taste The Row event running Monday through Friday from September 1 to 30. Sixteen restaurants will each serve a $25 prix-fixe lunch that includes one appetizer and one entrée, giving diners an easy way to sample new spots while supporting World Central Kitchen.

The participating lineup covers a wide range of flavors, from Augustine and Dumpling Time to Fogo de Chão, Ozumo Sushi, Pizza Antica, Straits, Zazil, and more. The promotion builds on last year’s successful Taste The Row dinners and shifts the focus to weekday lunches so more people can take a real break during the workday.

Every lunch helps World Central Kitchen, the organization founded by Chef José Andrés that delivers fresh meals to communities facing disasters and crises. With an average cost of about five dollars per meal, the donations generated during the month will stretch far. Menus, hours, and availability differ by restaurant, and tax, tip, and drinks sit outside the fixed price.

Santana Row already draws people for shopping and evening dining. This September program simply makes the middle of the day more appealing and purposeful. Full details and the current list of restaurants appear at www.SantanaRow.com.

Knight Foundation Invests in San Jose’s Creative Future Through Arts and Civic Partnerships

San Jose has gained structured support for integrating arts and culture more deeply into civic priorities. A new five-year investment from the Knight Foundation will work through Springboard for the Arts to help local artists and organizations partner with government and community systems on issues such as housing, health, economic mobility, and overall well-being.

The Creative Cities initiative targets eight communities with historic Knight-Ridder ties, including San Jose. It provides tools for cultural asset mapping, cross-sector training, pilot projects tailored to each city’s needs, and connections to a broader learning network. These resources aim to build lasting capacity rather than one-off programs.

Artists and cultural workers often face funding pressures and shifting public priorities. Research consistently shows that strong arts ecosystems foster social connection, support local economies, and encourage civic participation. This investment arrives at a time when such contributions have grown more essential.

Local partners in San Jose will shape their own strategies while drawing on proven approaches from Springboard’s two decades of experience. The focus remains on positioning artists as essential collaborators who can help address real community challenges through creative problem-solving and cultural engagement.

Those who care about a vibrant, connected San Jose will recognize the long-term value in treating arts and culture as core civic infrastructure. Investments like this strengthen the city’s ability to adapt, innovate, and improve quality of life for residents across neighborhoods.

Source: San Jose Inside

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.

Knight Foundation Fuels East San Jose Revitalization with $6.9 Million Grant

East San Jose is getting a major philanthropic boost through a $6.9 million investment from the Knight Foundation into the La Placita cultural district. This funding supports The School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza in transforming a 28,000-square-foot strip mall along Alum Rock Avenue into a dynamic community hub. Long in the planning, the project honors the vision of late cultural leader Chris Esparza and aims to highlight the unique character of the area.

La Placita will feature a black box theater, a cafe, expanded health care services, and nutrition programs, blending arts with practical community needs. The initiative extends beyond buildings to invest in people, growing the School of Arts and Culture while fostering cultural vibrancy. As the foundation's largest West Coast commitment, it aligns with local efforts to promote economic mobility and resilience in the neighborhood.

This grant complements other Knight Foundation support in San Jose, such as a $2 million donation to Plug and Play for the San Jose AI Center of Excellence. Together, these efforts advance innovation and position the city as a leader in artificial intelligence. East San Jose emerges as a complementary force to Downtown, with intentional development strengthening the overall urban landscape.

Source: San Jose Inside

Groundbreaking Ceremony for HOPE Community Expansion

San Jose continues to build on its foundation of compassion through initiatives that address community needs. The Salvation Army Silicon Valley is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the HOPE Community expansion today from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at 359 North 4th Street. This project transforms a grass lot into a safe and sober overnight and transitional housing program, adding over 70 beds for unhoused men and women seeking stability.

Key figures including Mayor Matt Mahan, Supervisor Betty Duong, John A. Sobrato, Elizabeth Funk from Dignity Moves, and Major Daniel Freeman from the Salvation Army Silicon Valley will participate. The main ceremony is from noon to 12:30 pm with post-event discussions until 1:30 pm. Community members and media can attend to witness this step toward enhanced support services.

The Salvation Army Silicon Valley has served the area for over 140 years, offering programs like food distribution, shelter, case management, senior meals, youth activities, and workforce development. With 92 percent of donations directed to programs, the organization meets needs without discrimination. This expansion aligns with efforts to foster hope and rebuild lives in the region.

Developments like HOPE Community demonstrate San Jose's dedication to inclusive growth and assistance for vulnerable residents. They create pathways to better futures, strengthening the fabric of the city. Anyone interested in supporting or learning more can join the ceremony to see the progress firsthand.

For more information: https://siliconvalley.salvationarmy.org/

Danny the Dragon Roars Back: A Refreshed Adventure at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

San Jose families have a timeless favorite returning with a modern twist as Happy Hollow Park & Zoo reopens the Danny the Dragon ride after a thorough nine-month renovation. This beloved attraction, originally built in 1958, now features an updated journey through five themed lands that mirror the park's diverse habitats. Riders will glide along the half-mile track, exploring areas like a farm, jungle, and land of enchantment, all designed to create an immersive storyline that sparks wonder for visitors of all ages.

Over $600,000 was raised by donors to the Happy Hollow Foundation (I'm proud to be one of them). City staff dedicated nearly a year of skilled work to bring the vision to life, replacing the original fluorescent tunnel and storybook theme with something more engaging for today's guests. This marks the ride's first scenery refresh in 64 years, blending nostalgia with contemporary appeal to draw in new generations.

Since Happy Hollow opened in 1961, attractions like Danny the Dragon have created lasting memories, with parents and grandparents sharing stories of their own childhood rides. Now, this revitalized ride stands ready to welcome guests. The official ribbon cutting was yesterday and Danny the Dragon is now ready for visitors to enjoy immediately.

Goodwill Outlet’s Grand Opening: Affordable Shopping Arrives in San Jose

San Jose is welcoming a unique addition to its retail scene on May 2nd, as Goodwill of Silicon Valley opens its first-ever outlet store at 1685 Tully Road. This isn’t your typical shopping experience. Picture bins overflowing with clothing, housewares, books, furniture, and electronics, all priced by the pound for unbeatable deals. It’s a treasure hunt for thrifters, resellers, and anyone who loves a bargain, all kicking off with a grand opening celebration at 10:00 a.m.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will bring together local leaders like San Jose City Councilmember Bien Doan (District 7), TREBA Board Chair Christina Bui, and Goodwill of Silicon Valley CEO Christopher Baker, alongside staff and excited shoppers. This event marks more than just a new store—it’s a chance for the community to rally around Goodwill’s mission of empowering people through job training and career opportunities. Expect a lively atmosphere as hundreds dig into the bins, hunting for hidden gems while supporting a worthy cause.

For more information on how the Goodwill Outlet Stores work, watch this short video.

Shine Together & Dueñas Car Club Bring Women’s Day Vibes to East San Jose

San Jose knows how to celebrate, and this International Women’s Day, we’re doing it big! On March 8, 2025, Shine Together and Dueñas Car Club are teaming up for a community bash at James Lick High School (57 N. White Rd.) from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It’s all about empowering women, supporting young moms, and bringing that Eastside energy—plus, it’s free to join in!

Shine Together, the local powerhouse helping young mothers with education, life skills, and career goals, is behind this feel-good event. They’ve partnered with Dueñas Car Club—an all-women crew of lowrider legends who roll deep with community spirit. Together, they’re hosting a donation drive for wipes and diapers to stock up young families with the essentials. Bring a pack if you can—it’s a small way to make a big difference.

But it’s not just about giving back (though that’s reason enough to show up). This day’s packed with fun—think live music pumping through the air, tasty food to grab, and activities for everyone, from kids to car enthusiasts checking out those sweet lowrider rides. It’s a perfect mix of celebration and purpose, right here in our own backyard.

Shine Together’s mission to lift up young moms shines bright at this event, and Dueñas Car Club’s all-in attitude makes it even better. “We’re so excited to team up with Dueñas Car Club,” says Sara Reyes, Shine Together’s Executive Director. “Their passion for women’s leadership and community good vibes fits us like a glove. This is about coming together to support young mothers and their families—showing them they’ve got a whole city rooting for them.”

It’s happening at James Lick High School, a stone’s throw from the heart of East San Jose. Admission’s free, so there’s no excuse to miss out. Can’t make it? You can still help—check out www.ShineTogether.org for more ways to pitch in. Every little bit helps these young moms build brighter futures.

So, SJ, let’s show up on March 8th—dance to some tunes, grab a bite, and drop off those donations. Know Dueñas Car Club? Love Shine Together’s work? Tell us in the comments what you’re most excited for. This is San Jose at its best—strong women, strong community, and a whole lot of heart!

UPDATE (3/19/2025) - Quick follow-up regarding the outcome of the event:

"Shine Together had hundreds of amazing people attend its recent San Jose event. A special thanks to Supervisor Betty Duong (@supbettyduong), Council Member Peter Ortiz (@peterortizd5), District 5, Madonna Bolano, long-time supporter and Shine Together Board Co-Chair, and all of the incredible supporters. The organization feels truly grateful for the dedication of so many to helping young moms shine. The women of Dueñas Car Club provided incredible support and commitment to the community. Thanks to everyone’s generosity, Shine Together received more than $4,000 in diaper and wipe donations, along with cash donations. With this support, Shine Together continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young moms and their families."

Google is giving San Jose $5 million for community benefits

Even thought Google's multi-million SQFT megaproject is still on hold, they are holding true to several of the commitments they made to the city of San Jose. 

Google will give $5 million to San Jose as part of its community benefits agreement for the Downtown West Project. $4.25 million will be put into the Community Stabilization and Opportunity Pathways Fund.  This aims to support under-resourced communities in San Jose due to rising costs and increase job opportunities.

If the project comes to fruition, then Google will invest a total of $155 million into public benefits for the San Jose community. However, that will be a rounding error compared to value of having 10,000 or so high-paying tech jobs that would be added to Downtown San Jose along with the ecosystem to support those workers.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Menu for Maui at the Signia San Jose

Executive Sous Chef Joe Derla has a strong personal connection to the islands and crafted a unique menu offering to benefit the Kokua Hospitality and Restaurant Fund. It's called Menu for Maui and it's available at the Fountain Restaurant every Sunday until October 1st. Proceeds will assist fellow restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers displaced be the wildfires in West Maui.

The menu includes items such as ube custard French toast with candied macadamia nuts, braised short rib loco moco with kimchee fried rice, fish with poi, and a pineapple mimosa with Hawaiian salt.

It's a great menu for a great cause. The Signia is located right in front of Plaza de Cesar Chavez in the middle of Downtown San Jose.

Downtown San Jose mini-boom

San Jose Inside has an uplifting article about how Team San Jose rallied together 14 hotel owners to provide discounted rooms for fire victims and evacuees. These visitors are in return giving back to the local community. Despite the questionable air quality, restaurants along San Pedro and San Fernando Streets have been booming--giving a ray of hope to San Jose restaurateurs. Read the article over here.

As an added bonus, here is another San Jose Inside article about developers staying bullish on Downtown San Jose. Even with COVID19, many large-scale residential and office projects are still moving forward. Perhaps 2021 will be our year.

Silicon Valley Strong

The city of San Jose has put together a website to consolidate COVID-19 related news and resources. Silicon Valley Strong also features volunteering opportunities, starting with helping distribute food to the most vulnerable residents in San Jose and Silicon Valley. The site is your one-stop-shop for the latest emergency notifications, protocols, and city service updates.

Bookmark the Silicon Valley Strong website over here.

Tiny homes for the homeless

San Jose is exploring a novel way to house part of our homeless community, currently around 3,231 people. The city is working with Gensler to build 80 "tiny homes" that would cost as little as $6,500 each to build. The homes are 80 SQFT but have a bed, storage areas, and a sitting area. Each also come with heating and cooling and three windows.

The plan is to build two pilot communities that would each have 40 of these homes, along with communal areas for cooking. Bathrooms would be placed in a temporary structure.

It may not seem like much, but this would greatly help those that need it most get back on their feet--not to mention reduce the population of our "tent cities." The goal is for residents of these homes to move to permanent housing within 6 months.

This kind of out-of-the-box thinking is exactly what we need in order to make an impact. Just doing more of the same does not seem to be working. Fingers crossed that this will help ameliorate one of our key social issues.

Source: SVBJ

Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center today

The Silicon Valley Pet Project is opening Pup Plaza, our first canine community center, at Cambrian Park Plaza (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose). Today they are having an open house from 3pm to 8pm where you can hang out with other dog lovers and learn about upcoming programs and shop at the new retail boutique with items from local artists. Details are below.

Dog lovers rejoice! Silicon Valley Pet Project opens community center for

dog adoptions, educational events, and workshops

SVPP celebrates “Pup Plaza” launch with Open House on Giving Tuesday, Nov 27, 2018

SAN JOSE, CA - November 20, 2018 - Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is celebrating the grand opening of Pup Plaza, Silicon Valley’s first canine community center, with an open house on Giving Tuesday, November 27, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The new facility is at Cambrian Park Plaza Shopping Center (14408 Union Avenue, San Jose).  Guests are invited to visit the newly renovated space, meet and hang out with dog lovers and dogs, learn about upcoming educational programs, explore opportunities to foster or adopt, and shop at the new retail boutique which features items from local artists.

Programs like Shelter Dog Day Out are already on the curriculum at Pup Plaza.  In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Shelter dogs will have an opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. “Doga” – or Dog Yoga – is another program offered twice a month on Sundays starting November 25.  During Community Open Hours, Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy the dog-friendly space (with or without their dogs), ask questions about how to get involved, or be directed to community resources related to pet ownership. Pup Plaza can also be reserved for dog birthday events or any dog friendly social gathering.  For more information, go to Pup Plaza’s website at pupplaza.org.

“We believe that spaces like Pup Plaza will provide the community with resources about adoption and pet guardianship, while celebrating our love for pets in a fun, upbeat environment.” said Melissa Lisbon, SVPP President.

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About:

Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a nonprofit animal welfare organization committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement, and education. SVPP is a proud rescue partner of the San Jose Animal Care Center, San Jose’s municipal animal shelter. Since starting operations in 2015, SVPP has rescued and adopted over 975 cats and dogs.

Upcoming Events:

Doga at Pup Plaza

Every first and third Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
First session: Sunday, November 25

Following the success of the Doga in the Park summer series, SVPP will continue to host Doga (yoga with dogs) sessions at the newly opened Pup Plaza. Each Doga session will be led by a certified yoga instructors and is perfect for people and pups of all levels. Each session is $25 and all proceeds go to support the organization. To reserve tickets, register here.

Shelter Dog Day Out at Pup Plaza

Every Monday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In partnership with the San Jose Animal Care Center, Silicon Valley Pet Project volunteers will bring adoptable dogs from the shelter to Pup Plaza. Shelter dogs will have opportunity to catch a breath of fresh air and socialize with volunteers and the public. Interested volunteers can fill out a volunteer application here. Please mention Dog Day Out Program in the application.

Community Open Hours at Pup Plaza

Every Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Guests are invited to visit Pup Plaza to learn more about the space, upcoming programs, or ask for advice regarding pet ownership and adoption. Guests are also encouraged to simply relax and enjoy the space with their furry critters and friends!

Coworking Foundation begins new chapter in Silicon Valley

All Good Work is a nonprofit foundation that connects "social impact organizations" (mostly nonprofits) to donated workspaces. The foundation has officially expanded to Silicon Valley and already has a network of 15 flexible workspace hosts. Veggielution is one of the first San Jose organizations that will benefit from their generosity.

The official launch of their Silicon Valley program took place a week ago at Common Grounds and featured a speech from San Jose Mayor, Sam Liccardo.

For more info on the launch and the organization, head over here and here.

San Jose will pilot tiny homes for homeless

The city is looking at three different sites to build dozens of tiny homes that would provide temporary housing for the homeless. The homes would primarily be for the 3-5 year period between qualifying for housing assistance and when an actual housing unit is available.

Gensler designed the tiny homes, which are designed for 1-2 people and are essentially boxes with separate common areas for bathrooms and cooking.

Before you become concerned that these will pop up in your neighborhood, all three locations are not exactly desirable areas. One is proposed for the southwest quadrant of the 280/680/101 freeway interchange, another is on a VTA staging area on Mabury Road, and the last is at the intersection of Hellyer Avenue and Silicon Valley Boulevard.

I feel like this is a great initiative to house those that need it the most. However, I am also a bit concerned that the more resources we provide, the more homeless will migrate to the area (look at San Francisco as an example). We should really prioritize temporary housing for those that were born-and-raised in San Jose, if we don't do this already. There needs to be some balance between taking care of our own and not becoming a haven for homeless from other regions. Knowing that locals are living here and not transients would also go a long way towards getting public support of these projects, which are very necessary.

Source: SVBJ

BeatifySJ Grants

Last month, the city launched a new program called BeatifySJ that will provide micro-grants to 71 different community organizations. The goal is to make San Jose a better place by enabling grassroots and community organizations. Grants will be $5,000 or less, which is enough to fund hundreds of projects from tree plantings to cleaning up graffiti. To see the full list of projects, head over here.

Knight Foundation San Jose Grants

The Knight Foundation is giving $1 million to 11 San Jose organizations that are positively contributing to San Jose culture and quality-of-life. Their mission is to "foster informed and engaged communities." San Jose Inside has the full list of recipients:

Gehl Studio, Inc. ($249,600) – Providing public life trainings and capacity building for San Jose's city and civic leaders to help them better advance, design and measure efforts to make the city’s public realm more vibrant and people friendly. Gehl will also produce two San Jose-specific reference handbooks containing guidelines and resources for integrating public life into civic projects and work with the community on a vision document to advance this goal.

National Association of City Transportation Officials ($198,000) – Improving neighborhood life by designing an all ages and all abilities bicycling network across central San Jose and sharing lessons learned with a national audience. The organization will work with the city of San Jose to expedite the process of designing, constructing and maintaining protected bike lane projects with a specific focus on central San Jose. 

California Walks ($150,000) – Creating a safer and more walkable San Jose by supporting the launch of Walk San Jose, the city’s first pedestrian advocacy program. Through the program, the organization will work with city officials and community members to advance initiatives that support walkability, organize events that encourage people to explore San Jose on foot, and act as a convener for citizens, community organizations and civic leaders interested in making the city more pedestrian-friendly.

iCivics, Inc. ($75,000) – Encouraging middle and high school students and their parents to get more involved in local government by developing a customized version of the iCivics educational video game, “Counties Work” focused on Santa Clara County. The game teaches players about local government by challenging them to complete activities such as building public spaces, finding the right department to address their concerns, or managing resources.

Nonprofit Housing Association of Northern California ($75,000) – Creating more affordable housing in San Jose by piloting new engagement and outreach tools that will open opportunities for residents to learn about, participate in and lead solution-building and other initiatives.

SJMade, Inc. ($75,000) – Increasing work opportunities for people in underserved communities through the creation of Manufacture San Jose, a program that will deliver educational and hiring support to local manufacturers looking for local talent. Through the program, SFMade will also increase outreach to low-income high school students to educate them about careers in manufacturing and place students in paid “makerships” – positions that encourage innovation and entrepreneurship – with local manufacturers.

SV@Home ($75,000) – Supporting housing-ready communities in Santa Clara County through public education, policy and communication efforts that aim to ensure the success of Measure A, a $950 million bond measure for affordable housing approved by voters in November 2016.

San Jose Taiko ($45,000) – Connecting the city’s diverse residents by launching “Yokkosoi,” a project to promote and preserve the unique neighborhood feel of Japantown by welcoming newcomers and actively promoting their inclusion.

SOMOS Mayfair ($30,000) – Advancing civic engagement by expanding the organization’s efforts to engage residents in creating positive change in their communities through programs that educate people on local systems, connect neighbors, advance leadership development and encourage people to voice their concerns.

YWCA Silicon Valley ($30,000) – Building grassroots women’s leadership capacity in San Jose and Santa Clara County by engaging underrepresented communities, especially young women of color, to shape the priorities and implementation framework of a “Women’s Bill of Rights” ordinance for San Jose.

Catalyze SV ($28,837) – Supporting the launch of a grassroots group aimed at increasing community engagement and support for urban, mixed-use and people-friendly projects across Santa Clara County.