Celebrate Mexican Heritage at San Jose's Fiesta del Mariachi

San Jose transforms into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture on Saturday, July 26, 2025, with the fourth annual Fiesta del Mariachi at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. This family-friendly event brings together music, dance, artisan goods, and delicious food for an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and lively community that make San Jose so special.

The lineup features the Grammy-winning Mariachi Los Camperos, a legendary group founded in 1961 by Nati Cano, known for their soulful performances from albums like Amor, Dolor y Lágrimas. Joining them are Mariachi Bonitas, an all-female ensemble breaking barriers in the genre, Mariachi San José, showcasing student talent from San Jose State University, and Mariachi Internacional Tapatio, delivering authentic Jalisco flair. The stage comes alive with Los Lupeños de San José, whose regional dances tell Mexico’s stories through movement and color.

Beyond the performances, explore a variety of hand-crafted goods from local artisans, perfect for finding unique treasures. Savor mouthwatering dishes prepared by small-business chefs and cool off with refreshing drinks, all while mariachi melodies fill the air. It’s a full day of enjoyment for all ages, blending culture and community in the heart of East San Jose.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025

• Time: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• Location: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose, CA 95116

• Tickets: $60 Premium Adult (3+), $40 General Admission (3+)

Make plans to join this celebration of heritage and togetherness. The Fiesta del Mariachi highlights the best of San Jose’s cultural landscape.

Top 5 Smart Garage Door Features San Jose Homeowners Are Installing in 2025

Below is a guest post courtesy of YBM Garage Doors.

Introduction

You may have noticed it lately. In neighborhoods all over San Jose, from Willow Glen to

Evergreen, there are more and more homes with modern garage doors. It is not just about the

look. In 2025, smart garage doors are a huge trend in the Bay Area. Families want more

security, more convenience, and a way to keep up with the busy Bay Area lifestyle. Here at YBM

Garage Doors, we have seen this firsthand. We have helped families all over San Jose makes the

upgrade. In this post, I will break down the five most popular smart features homeowners are

choosing right now.

1. Smartphone Garage Door Control

Bay Area traffic is tough. A lot of people spend hours in the car every week. That is why

smartphone control is the number one feature people want. You can open or close your garage

with your phone, no matter where you are. If you forget to close the garage when you leave for

work or school, just tap the app. You will get alerts if the door is left open, and you can even let

in a family member or neighbor while you are still stuck on 280.

Tip from the field: We have installed these systems for busy parents in Almaden and Cambrian.

One family uses the MyQ app to let their teenagers in after sports practice. No more lost

remotes or keys.

2. Camera and Video Monitoring

With all the package deliveries and visitors in San Jose, having a camera on your garage door is

a big plus. Brands like LiftMaster and Chamberlain now offer smart openers with built-in

cameras. You can see a live video of your garage from your phone, anytime. Some homeowners

in Evergreen and North San Jose have told us they love checking the camera when a package

arrives, or if they hear a strange noise outside at night.

Why it matters: Package theft is a real problem in San Jose. A video camera gives you peace of

mind and evidence if something goes wrong.

3. Amazon Key and Package Delivery Features

More homeowners in San Jose are signing up for Amazon Key. With a compatible smart garage

door opener, delivery drivers can drop packages safely inside your garage instead of leaving

them on the porch. You get a notification as soon as the delivery is made, and you can watch it

live or check the video later.

Local story: We set this up for a homeowner in Willow Glen who was tired of missing packages

or having boxes stolen. Now all deliveries are safe inside, rain or shine.

Learn more about our smart garage door installation service

4. Smart Alerts and Automatic Scheduling

San Jose weather can change fast. Some days are sunny and dry, but winter can get rainy and

windy. Smart garage doors can send alerts to your phone if you accidentally leave the door

open, or if there is unusual activity at night. You can also set a schedule, so the door closes

every night at 9 PM — perfect for families with kids or anyone who forgets sometimes.

Pro tip: At YBM Garage Doors, we always help new users set up these alerts and schedules

during installation, so you stay safe and worry free.

5. Battery Backup and Home Automation

The Bay Area sometimes has power outages, especially during fire season or storms. California

law says all new garage door openers must have battery backup. This way, you will never get

locked out of your garage if the power goes out. Many homeowners also want their garage

door to connect with the rest of their smart home — things like Alexa, Google Assistant, or

Apple HomeKit. You can use voice commands or connect your garage with the lights and

security system.

Real life: In Downtown San Jose, one customer has their garage set to turn on the lights and

play music when they get home from work. That is real comfort.

Smart Brands San Jose Homeowners Trust

In 2025, most families here ask for LiftMaster, Chamberlain, or Genie. These are brands we

trust at YBM Garage Doors because they work with the best apps, offer good support, and

stand up to local weather.

If you want to see what a smart garage door can do, we are happy to show you real setups we

have installed in San Jose homes. Every installation is a little different, and we always give

honest advice about what fits your house and your family.

‏

Summary

Smart garage doors are changing daily life for San Jose families. You get more safety, more

control, and a little freer time. If you are curious, just ask your neighbors or stop by one of our

installations in the area.

For more tips or to see real examples, visit ybmgaragedoors.com. If you have questions about

upgrading your garage door, or you want to see smart features in action, let us know. At YBM

Garage Doors, we are proud to be part of the San Jose community.

Bay Area Michelin Star Restaurants - 2025 Edition

As promised, I was quicker to update the The Michelin spreadsheet this year. The latest Bay Area honorees were just announced about a week ago. The Michelin guide is the most renowned rubric in the for measuring culinary success. Unfortunately, this year was uneventful. There were no changes to San Jose's list and we actually lost one Silicon Valley Michelin Star restaurant: Chez TJ in Mountain View.

Michelin has three different star categories:

• One Star - A very good restaurant in its category with cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard. A good place to stop on your journey.
• Two Stars - Excellent cuisine, skillfully and carefully crafted dishes of outstanding quality. Worth a detour.
• Three Stars - Exceptional cuisine with distinctive dishes and superlative ingredients. Worth a special journey.

"Green Stars" are for restaurants that are at the forefront of sustainable, environmental, and ethical standards.

There are also restaurants in the Michelin guide that do not get a star, but are considered "Michelin Recommended." This is already a significant honor that a very small percentage of restaurants achieve. This distinction has gotten more rare since the guide now covers all of California instead of just the Bay Area. San Jose has a total of 4 Michelin Recommended restaurants, and it's the same list as the past couple years.

San Jose Michelin Recommended Restaurants:

• Downtown
• Petiscos $$ (Bib Gourmand)
• East San Jose
• Adega $$$$ 
• Midtown
• Luna Mexican Kitchen $$ (Bib Gourmand)
• North San Jose
• LeYou $$

I created a Google doc listing all of the star recipients for 2025, along with tabs for all previous years and some general statistics. There is no longer a physical book for California, but Michelin will update their site after new stars are awarded.

Below is an image capture from the doc. This year there were a total of 42 Bay Area restaurants that were awarded Michelin stars. 62% of the restaurants are locating in SF, 12% in Silicon Valley (7% in the South Bay, 5% in the Peninsula), 19% in Wine Country, 5% in the East Bay, and 2% in Marin. There are three new restaurants on the list for 2024 and three that no longer made the cut or were closed down. There were no new Silicon Valley restaurants on the list from last year, but I'm feeling optimistic about next year with Adega (San Jose's only previous winner of a Star), Eos & Nyx, and Augustine.

Unmask the Magic: Symphony San Jose’s Season Opener Promises a Night of Fantasy and Music

San Jose welcomes a thrilling start to the fall with Symphony San Jose’s 24th season-opening program, MASQUERADE, on October 4 and 5, 2025. This event at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose invites you to step into a world of fantasy and imagination. The masquerade theme weaves through an evening of three unforgettable orchestral works, blending celebration with the power of live music in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.

The program kicks off with Anna Clyne’s Masquerade, a vibrant piece that pulses with energy and captures the joy of festivity. Next, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini delivers a stunning showcase for piano, full of lush melodies and technical brilliance. The night closes with Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique, a wild ride through love, madness, and otherworldly visions that still feels revolutionary nearly 200 years after its debut.

A major draw is the appearance of Jon Nakamatsu, a San Jose native and globally celebrated pianist. His performance promises to bring a hometown pride to the stage, making this a special moment for local music lovers. Want to get more out of the experience? Arrive early for the Music Notes session, held an hour before each concert. It’s a free, casual talk with insights, fun facts, and guest interviews, perfect for deepening your connection to the music.

For an extra dose of glamour, the October 4 opening night transforms into Masquerade Fantastique. Picture a red-carpet welcome, a VIP pre-concert reception with wine and live entertainment, and a post-concert courtyard dessert party where you can chat with conductor Nathan Aspinall, Jon Nakamatsu, and Symphony San Jose musicians. It’s all happening at the historic California Theatre. Call 408.286.2600 or email Development@symphonysanjose.org for details and reservations.

This is your chance to enjoy a night of mystery and melody in the heart of Downtown San Jose. Tickets range from $35 to $115, with youth discounts available, so grab yours and join the celebration.

Starlight Cinema Brings Outdoor Movie Magic to Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose transforms into a vibrant open-air theater this summer with the return of Starlight Cinema. Hosted by the San Jose Downtown Association, this free movie series invites families, friends, and neighbors to gather at St. James Park for unforgettable evenings under the stars.

Each screening offers more than just a film. Attendees can arrive early to enjoy live music, local food vendors, and lawn games, creating a festive atmosphere before the main event. Blankets and low-back chairs are encouraged for comfort, while the park’s lush green space provides an ideal setting for picnics. The lineup features family-friendly classics and crowd-pleasing blockbusters, ensuring something for all ages. Check the San Jose Downtown Association’s website for the full schedule and details.

The series runs on select summer nights, with films starting at dusk. Next up is Nacho Libre on July 13th and A Minecraft Movie on July 27th. Arriving early ensures a good spot and time to enjoy the pre-show entertainment. Parking is available nearby, and public transit options like VTA make getting to Downtown a breeze. Starlight Cinemas is free and kid-friendly.

Fourth of July Fun in Santa Clara

As San Jose's official Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Cunningham has been cancelled this year, the next best thing is to kick off Independence Day with a festive celebration with one of our neighbors! Santa Clara’s 4th of July event at Mission College is a short drive away and promises a day packed with excitement for the whole family.

The celebration starts at 4pm with a dozen food trucks and live music fills the air throughout the day. As evening approaches, the real highlight takes center stage: a spectacular fireworks show at 9:35 p.m. Launched from Great America and accompanied by patriotic music, the display lights up the night sky and offers a stunning view for all. Bring a lawn chair, gather your loved ones, and cap off the day with a great show.

For more information and the full lineup of entertainment and food trucks, head over here.

San Jose Welcomes Trillium Senior Housing

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

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

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

Source: SF YIMBY

Celebrate San Jose's Spirit at the 2025 Rose, White & Blue Parade

San Jose is gearing up for one of its most cherished traditions: the Rose, White & Blue Parade. Set for July 4, 2025, along The Alameda, this historic event celebrates our city’s diversity, public spirit, and rich floral and agricultural heritage. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to experience the heart and soul of San Jose in a vibrant, community-driven celebration.

The parade has deep roots in San Jose’s history. It draws inspiration from the Carnival of Roses in 1896 and the Fiesta de Las Rosas in the 1920s, both of which honored the area’s floral legacy. Relaunched in 2008, the modern Rose, White & Blue Parade has grown into a major gathering, welcoming over 60,000 attendees in recent years. It’s a powerful reflection of our city’s past and a showcase of the values that continue to shape its future.

On July 4th, the streets will come alive starting at 10am as the parade winds through the Shasta/Hanchett and Rose Garden neighborhoods near Lincoln High School. You’ll see classic cars, bands, dance groups, and community troupes decked out in red, white, and blue. Afterward, the festival runs from 11 am to 2 pm at the corner of Shasta Ave. and The Alameda. Expect Lucha Libre matches, a creative kids zone, face painting, games, free book giveaways, local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Sports fans can also enjoy activations by BayFC, NBC Bay Area, Telemundo48, and the San Jose Sharks.

This parade is more than a single day of fun. It’s a celebration of San Jose’s unique identity, bringing people together to honor our past and build a stronger community. Mark your calendars for July 4th, gather your friends and family, and come experience the energy and pride of our city at its best.

Hapa’s Brewing Now Open in San Jose's Downtown West (Creekside) District

San Jose welcomed a new hotspot on Friday with the opening of Hapa’s Brewing Company’s San Jose Beer Garden at 59 Barack Obama Blvd. Part of Google’s ambitious Downtown West project, this 7,000-square-foot space is the brewery’s fourth location in the region and second in San Jose.

The beer garden brings a variety of drinks to the table, from crisp beers to refreshing seltzers and ciders. A Creekside-specific brew is even in development, promising a taste unique to this spot. Hungry visitors can dig into offerings from rotating local food trucks like Mezclá Eats with its Colombian dishes, Brooklyn Pizzeria for a classic slice, or Tacos y Fruta Juquila for a zesty bite. Add in two cornhole courts, and you’ve got a recipe for a laid-back, social hangout.

Google teamed up with real estate developer Jamestown to transform a vacant lot near SAP Center into a lively community hub. With a five-year lease in place, Hapa’s is set to be a fixture for now, though Google might have bigger plans down the road. For the moment, it’s all about creating a welcoming spot for locals and visitors alike, especially those popping over from events at SAP Center.

There’s also warehouse area that could host events, adding another layer to its community appeal. Longtime beer fan Farrell Podgorsek noted how valuable these public spaces are, especially as Downtown San Jose grows. It’s a win for anyone who loves seeing the city come alive with fresh ideas and gathering places.

Ready to check it out? Hapa’s San Jose Beer Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are 4pm-9pm Tuesday through Thursday, 3pm-9pm on Friday, and 11am-9pm on Saturday and Sunday. More details are available on Hapa’s website.

San Jose Scores a Ramen Win with Tsujita Artisan Noodle

San Jose’s culinary map expanded on June 21 with the opening of Tsujita Artisan Noodle at 4330 Moorpark Ave. This Tokyo-founded ramen chain, already a hit in Southern California, Houston, and New Jersey, is planting its first Northern California flag right here. For ramen fans and curious food lovers, this is a chance to dive into something fresh and authentic without leaving the city.

Tsujita is known for its signature tsukemen, a Japanese dipping noodle dish featuring chilled noodles paired with a rich, thick broth. The menu, still taking shape, will also include tonkotsu ramen and a vegan option to welcome a wider crowd. The team wants to introduce Silicon Valley to the art of dipping-style noodles, a style less familiar in these parts but packed with flavor and tradition.

The location near Mitsuwa Marketplace and other Japanese shops feels like a natural fit. It’s a convenient stop for shoppers, office workers, or anyone craving a quick, quality meal. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., plus weekends from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the space offers six tables and a dozen or so bar chairs for a cozy vibe.

Source: SVBJ