San Jose Takes a Big Step Forward with New Affordable Housing Projects

Great news for San Jose residents! The County Board of Supervisors has just approved nearly $29 million in funding for five new affordable housing projects right here in our city. This is a huge win for our community, especially for those who have been struggling to find affordable places to live. All five of these developments will be built in San Jose, bringing much-needed housing options to our neighborhoods and showing that our city is serious about supporting everyone who calls it home.

These projects will add a total of 612 units to San Jose’s affordable housing supply, offering both rental and ownership opportunities. The funding comes largely through Measure A, a $950 million bond that voters approved back in 2016 to tackle housing challenges. These new homes are designed for families, seniors, veterans, and other vulnerable residents, ensuring safe and stable places to live. In total, the County has committed $48.2 million to these efforts, with $38.7 million directly from Measure A, proving just how vital this initiative is for our region.

San Jose has faced a tough housing affordability crisis for years, with high costs making it hard for many to settle down. But thanks to moves like this, we’re seeing real progress. Measure A is paving the way for change, and these latest projects are a clear sign that our city is on the right track.

Think about what affordable housing means for our community. A stable home can improve health, help kids do better in school, and give families the security they need to build a future. These developments are investments in San Jose’s people, creating opportunities for a better life right where we live.

With these projects taking shape, San Jose is moving closer to being a place where everyone can find a home. Want to get involved? Head to the County’s website to learn more or connect with local groups championing affordable housing in San Jose.

Source: County of Santa Clara

Brunch Blooms in Downtown San Jose

Reza Manion, the mastermind behind the beloved Bloom Eatery brunch spot in Santa Clara, is bringing his vision to 225 W. Santa Clara St., with an anticipated opening later this year. This expansion marks a new chapter for Bloom, a restaurant that’s been winning hearts since its debut in 2020, and it’s a sign of exciting things brewing in the city’s core.

Manion’s journey into the restaurant world started early, shaped by his upbringing in his family’s café, Sara’s Kitchen, a Santa Clara staple for over three decades. That experience fueled his dream of creating his own space, and Bloom Eatery was born. The Santa Clara location quickly gained a following for its standout dishes like croissant French toast and chicken and waffles. Now, Downtown San Jose gets to experience that same magic, with a 4,000-square-foot space that Manion describes as perfect thanks to its natural light and lack of brunch competition nearby.

The move to Downtown wasn’t Manion’s first instinct—he initially leaned toward smaller towns like Campbell or Los Gatos. But when a real estate opportunity arose, he saw the potential for Bloom to shine in an area he believes is on the upswing. Challenges like parking and Downtown’s reputation don’t faze him; instead, he’s eager to contribute to the area’s growth. With the interior build-out underway and permits in progress, he’s aiming to open by late summer or early fall, setting the stage for a cozy brunch haven just before the holiday rush.

What makes Bloom special is its commitment to keeping things simple yet exceptional. The menu stays focused, letting the quality of the food and the care in its presentation take center stage. Whether it’s the flaky layers of croissant French toast or the crispy perfection of chicken and waffles, freshness is key. Manion wants Bloom to feel like a neighborhood gem—approachable, elegant, and rooted in community. 

Source: SVBJ

Experience the Magic of Greece at the San Jose Greek Festival

San Jose transforms into a vibrant celebration of Greek culture every summer with the San Jose Greek Festival. Held from May 30th to June 1st, 2025, at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in the Rose Garden neighborhood, this event draws locals and visitors alike to connect over food, music, and tradition. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a music lover, or just looking for a fun family outing, this festival delivers an experience that’s hard to match.

The festival grounds come alive with the rich aromas of Greek cuisine wafting through the air. Think tender lamb chops, sizzling gyros, and golden loukoumades dripping with honey—each dish a testament to time-honored recipes. Beyond the food, you’ll find live music filling the space, with traditional dance groups in colorful costumes moving to the rhythm. The outdoor market adds to the excitement, offering imported wines, handcrafted goods, and artisanal cheeses. It’s a family-friendly affair, too, with plenty of activities to keep kids entertained while adults soak in the lively atmosphere under the South Bay sun.

Since its start in 1969 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, it has grown into the largest Greek festival in the region, now a cherished tradition at Saint Nicholas. The dedication of volunteers and the enthusiasm of attendees have fueled its evolution, turning it into a weekend that celebrates heritage and togetherness. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the pride in every detail.

Don’t let this chance slip by to dive into Greek culture right here in our city. The San Jose Greek Festival invites you to eat, dance, and explore a world of traditions without leaving town. Mark your calendars, bring your appetite, and get ready for a weekend that promises joy, flavor, and a little bit of Greece in the heart of San Jose. Opa!

Celebrate the Return of Tostadas Downtown San Jose!

After a fire and flood shut its doors in 2023, this local gem is back, ready to welcome the community with open arms. A relaunch event and ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Matt Mahan and the East Village San Jose business association took place last Saturday.

Tostadas isn’t your average brunch spot. Since opening in June 2019, siblings Alex and Victor Garcia have turned heads with their creative take on brunch, swapping out toast spreads for Mexican-style tostadas. Their Downtown location quickly became a favorite, sparking growth with additional spots in Midtown (1699 W. San Carlos Street), Campbell (200 E. Hamilton Ave), and Santa Clara (3149 Mission College Blvd), where they’ve even ventured into fine dining with Tostadas Prime. The Garcia siblings also fuel the local scene with Con Azucar Cafe and the brand-new Astroid Burgers and Wings, right next door to Tostadas Downtown. Their next move? Franchising these San Jose-born brands to share our city’s flavors far and wide.

Nestled in the East Village San Jose business corridor—a 16-block stretch along East Santa Clara Street—Tostadas adds to a vibrant area known for its diverse dining options. From vegetarian delights like Vegetarian House and Tofoo Com Chay to the energy of local initiatives enhancing the corridor, this part of town reflects San Jose’s dynamic character. The reopening shines a light on how small businesses, backed by community support and city leaders, keep our neighborhoods thriving.

Tostadas is located at 304 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite A. and is open from 9am-10pm Mondays through Thursdays, 9am-11pm on Fridays, 8am-11pm on Saturdays, and 8am-10pm on Sundays.

Update on Danny the Dragon in Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

The most famous ride in San Jose history is getting a major makeover. The new Danny the Dragon ride will weave through five new lands with entirely new decorations. Most of those will be habitats reminiscent of Happy Hollow and the animals that live in them but the train will eventually travel to the Land of Enchantment with Rupunzel's castle, a gnome grove, and mushroom meadow. If you have younger kids, this will be the ride to take them to locally in the summer when it reopens. Stay tuned for more updates later this summer on this exciting enhancement to Happy Hallow Park & Zoo!

42nd Fountain Blues & Brews Festival in San Jose

San Jose comes alive with the soulful sounds of blues and the clinking of craft beer glasses as the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival returns to Downtown for its 42nd year. Held at Plaza de César Chavez on June 14-15, this award-winning event—voted the Best Festival in Silicon Valley—offers a weekend packed with live music, local brews, food trucks, and family fun. It’s an ideal way to kick off summer while soaking in the vibrant energy of the city’s core.

The festival delivers a dynamic lineup of blues musicians, filling the air with soulful guitar riffs and powerful vocals. Alongside the tunes, attendees can explore a wide selection of craft beers from local breweries and enjoy tasty bites from food trucks serving up Southern-inspired dishes. Families will find plenty to love too, with vintage games and activities designed for all ages.

Beyond the music and flavors, the Fountain Blues & Brews Festival celebrates community spirit. It shines a spotlight on local artists, brewers, and vendors, weaving together the threads of San Jose’s creative culture. The open layout of Plaza de César Chavez enhances the experience, offering plenty of space to relax, connect, and enjoy the day. Gates open at 11 a.m. each day, with “in and out” privileges so you can come and go as you please. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult, and VIP packages elevate the fun with perks like exclusive seating and drink tickets.

Ready to join the party? Tickets are available now, and grabbing them early scores you a discount. 

Waymo Rolls into San Jose: A New Era of Innovation and Opportunity

The California Public Utilities Commission has approved Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, to launch passenger services right here in our city. This isn’t just another transportation option—it’s a game-changer. With Waymo’s driverless vehicles now authorized to offer fare-based rides, we’re on the cusp of a transformation that could redefine how we navigate our streets. Even with only 300 vehicles, Waymo has overtaken Lyft to become the second most popular ride hailing service in SF behind Uber. 

For a city already known for pushing technological boundaries, Waymo’s arrival feels like a perfect fit. Autonomous vehicles bring the promise of safer roads, smoother commutes, and greater accessibility—solutions that a growing city like San Jose can truly benefit from. It’s an exciting time to witness our city embrace a development that will shape urban life for years to come.

With the company already operating in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, San Jose joins an exclusive league of places leading the charge in autonomous tech. Add to that the recent approval from the California Department of Motor Vehicles for Waymo to test on our public streets, and it’s clear San Jose is becoming a proving ground for the next big ideas in mobility. San Jose has always been a place that looks ahead, and with Waymo now part of our community, we’re driving toward a future full of possibility.

Source: San Jose Inside

Levitt San Jose's 2025 Concert Series: A Summer of Free Music in St. James Park

Summer in Downtown San Jose promises to be unforgettable with Levitt San Jose’s 2025 concert series kicking off in St. James Park. This lineup of free, family-friendly shows brings a wide range of musical genres—blues, country, souldies, cumbia, and more—right to the heart of the city. Beyond the music, these events foster a sense of community, turning the park into a lively gathering spot for all ages, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids.

The series launches on June 1st with a blues-packed afternoon co-presented by The Fountain Blues Foundation. Maxx Cabello Jr., a Bay Area guitarist and vocalist with a knack for captivating crowds, headlines the show, joined by opener M’ssippi Slide. Later, on June 22nd, Cash’d Out takes the stage, delivering a spot-on tribute to Johnny Cash’s early sound with a high-energy twist that appeals to fans across generations. 

From July through September, the series keeps the momentum going with an eclectic mix of performances. Expect souldies on July 6th with Thee Heart Tones and The Charities, a cumbia and Latinx rock explosion on July 20th featuring Tropa Magica, and a psychedelic Latinx night with Valley Wolf on August 3rd. The lineup rounds out with a reggae bash on August 24th and a cumbia celebration on September 6th, each event co-presented by local arts groups that highlight San Jose’s rich cultural diversity.

Every concert is free and designed for families, with plenty of on-site extras like food vendors and kid-friendly fun. It’s a chance to enjoy live music while supporting the local scene and the vision for a permanent Pavilion structure in St. James Park.

Want to be part of it? Grab your friends and family and head to St. James Park this summer. For those who feel inspired, Levitt San Jose welcomes volunteers and donations to keep the music playing. Check out www.levittsanjose.org or follow @LevittSanJose on social media for the latest updates and details.

Downtown San Jose Adding New Entertainment Zones

The city has greenlit a plan to designate specific areas where outdoor events can flow freely with food, drinks, and fun. Examples include live music, street festivals, and casual gatherings under the open sky. 

These entertainment zones will take root in some of Downtown’s most beloved spots: San Pedro Square, the SoFA District, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez. These areas already have a special charm, but with the new rules, they’re poised to become hubs of even more activity. The city’s goal is clear—make Downtown a place where people want to hang out, grab a drink, and soak in the energy of a revitalized urban core.

The timing couldn’t be better. San Jose is already looking ahead to big moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where these zones could host massive watch parties with fans cheering together in the streets. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan and District 3 Councilmember Carl Salas, see this as a way to elevate San Jose’s profile, blending its tech-savvy spirit with a laid-back, social vibe that’s distinctly Californian.

What’s really exciting is how this move opens the door for more than just one-off events. By loosening restrictions, San Jose is creating a foundation for businesses to thrive and for the community to come together in new ways. Whether it’s a weekend market, an impromptu concert, or a casual night out, these zones promise to inject life into Downtown.

Source: NBC Bay Area

Experience the Vibrant Soul of Spain in Downtown San Jose

Symphony San Jose is closing its season with España, a concert that promises to be a feast for the senses. This musical journey through Spain, led by the acclaimed Spanish conductor Jose Luis Gomez, will take you on an unforgettable cultural adventure right here in our city.

The concert features an exciting program that includes works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Maurice Ravel, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, each offering their unique take on Spanish music. But the true highlight of the evening is Joaquin Rodrigo’s beloved Concierto de Aranjuez, performed by the virtuosic Spanish guitarist Rafael Aguirre. Known for its passionate melodies and intricate guitar passages, this piece is a cornerstone of Spanish classical music and a must-hear for any music lover. With Gomez at the helm and Aguirre’s masterful guitar work, this performance is set to bring an authentic Spanish flair to the stage.

But the excitement doesn’t start with the first note of the orchestra. Arrive early to indulge in a pre-concert experience. One hour before the concert, you can savor delicious Spanish tapas, sip on refreshing sangria, and be mesmerized by a live flamenco dance show.

Join us at the historic California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM or Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Tickets range from $35 to $121.50, with special discounts for youth under 17 when purchased with a full-price ticket. Parking is convenient and affordable at the nearby city-owned garage on San Carlos Street. For more details about the artists, including conductor Jose Luis Gomez and guitarist Rafael Aguirre, visit the Symphony San Jose website.