New Housing Takes Shape at Santana Row: 258 Units on the Horizon

San Jose keeps advancing with fresh residential options, and the latest proposal from Federal Realty Investment Trust at 358 Hatton Street in Santana Row promises to further elevate the area's appeal. This five-story complex will introduce 258 market-rate units tailored for younger professionals, including 95 studios, 131 one-bedroom units, and 32 two-bedroom units. Set within the vibrant Santana Row mixed-use district, the project transforms a current surface parking lot into a modern living space that complements the surrounding shops, restaurants, and entertainment at Valley Fair Mall.

The design by BDE Architecture features a grey and tan facade with contemporary wood accents, creating an inviting structure that blends seamlessly with Santana Row's aesthetic. Residents will enjoy outdoor amenities like a courtyard and pool, promoting relaxation and community interaction in a walkable environment. With easy access to daily necessities on foot and convenient freeway connections to 280 and 880 for commuting, this development supports a balanced lifestyle in West San Jose.

Progress moves swiftly on this long-planned addition to Santana Row, with groundbreaking anticipated soon and completion targeted for mid to late 2027 after about 26 months of construction. As part of broader efforts to expand housing in the city, the project addresses growing demand while enhancing the neighborhood's vitality. San Jose residents and newcomers alike stand to benefit from these thoughtful expansions that make the city an even more desirable place to call home.

Source: SF YIMBY

New Condos Rising on West San Carlos: A Fresh Boost for San Jose Living

San Jose continues to evolve with innovative projects that enhance its urban fabric, and the latest proposal at 1470 West San Carlos Street stands out as a promising addition. This seven-story development aims to bring 180 condominiums to the corner of West San Carlos and Willard Avenue, replacing a vacant lot and an underutilized commercial building on a 0.85-acre site. Owned by affiliates linked to local business leaders Thahn Nguyen, Dylan Nguyen, and Margaret Pham, the project includes 1,700 square feet of ground-floor retail or office space, creating a mixed-use hub that supports both residents and nearby businesses.

The residential mix caters to diverse needs with 141 two-bedroom units, 21 one-bedroom units, and 18 three-bedroom units, all designed in a donut-shaped building that centers outdoor open space for residents. This layout shields the communal area from street noise and traffic while keeping it accessible, fostering a sense of community in a bustling corridor. Developers from WSC Development emphasize how this setup aligns with the West San Carlos Urban Village Plan, turning an overlooked parcel into vital housing that encourages walking or biking to Downtown San Jose for work and daily activities.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its focus on for-sale condos, a rarity in the West San Carlos area where rental developments often dominate. Real estate experts like Bob Staedler from Silicon Valley Synergy highlight the corridor's potential for substantial housing growth in the coming years. By pursuing a streamlined approval process under California's SB 330 law, the team aims to deliver a standout building that draws new residents and invigorates local commerce, contributing to San Jose's vibrant future.

Source: SiliconValley.com 

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.

Playback Coffee: Brewing a New Beat in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose’s San Pedro Square Market is gaining a unique addition with Playback Coffee, a new spot that blends high-quality brews with a nod to the city’s radio broadcasting past. Currently in its soft opening phase, this 5,000-square-foot coffee shop at 87 N. San Pedro St. is set to officially open its doors on Saturday, July 26.

The vision behind Playback Coffee comes from David Mulvehill, president and COO of Nuvo Hospitality, and Frank Nguyen, the founder of Academic Coffee. These two have a history that goes back nearly a decade, starting when Nguyen hosted pop-ups at Mulvehill’s Five Points Cocktail Bar. Together, they’ve crafted a space that feels uniquely tied to San Jose. The shop’s playlist spans decades, featuring everything from ‘80s and ‘90s classics to contemporary hip hop and rock. A mobile DJ station keeps the tunes spinning all day and doubles as the drink pick-up area, with plans for early-morning pop-up raves adding an extra layer of excitement.

The interior of Playback Coffee reflects its bold identity. Stereos with light features and artist murals are being added to the walls, enhancing the atmosphere. The menu builds on Academic Coffee’s reputation, serving the same expertly roasted coffee beans and matcha. After the grand opening, expect an expanded lineup of drinks, including new creations and some fan-favorite throwbacks from Academic’s seasonal menus. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting July 26, this spot is designed to be more than just a coffee stop; it’s a place for the community to gather and enjoy something fun.

Academic Coffee is my favorite of many great coffee options Downtown, so I can't wait to see how this turns out.

Source: SVBJ

Tres Vinos 2025: A Cultural Celebration in the Heart of San Jose

San Jose is gearing up for an incredible night of culture and community with the 26th annual Tres Vinos fundraising dinner, happening Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East San Jose. This event promises a vibrant mix of wine tasting, delicious food, and live entertainment, with a standout performance by Tito Puente Jr.

The Mexican Heritage Plaza, known locally as La Plaza, has been a vital hub for East San Jose for over two decades. Tres Vinos raises funds to fuel La Plaza’s mission of championing community heritage through arts and culture. This year, the money will support their 2024–2027 Strategic Plan, which tackles big goals like preventing displacement and reinforcing neighborhood identity. One exciting piece of this vision is the push to earn state recognition for La Avenida Cultural District, a first for San Jose.

Imagine an evening filled with the rhythms of Tito Puente Jr., the taste of local wines, and the warmth of a community coming together. Tres Vinos isn’t just about enjoyment; it’s about investing in San Jose’s future. By attending, you’re helping preserve the traditions that make this city special and ensuring East San Jose remains a place where culture and identity flourish.

Ready to join the fun and make a difference? Grab your tickets now for Tres Vinos 2025. Every sip and every dollar raised helps La Plaza continue its work, strengthening San Jose one celebration at a time. 

Celebrate 15 Years of Theatrical Joy with Playful People Productions in San Jose

San Jose’s Playful People Productions is stepping into its 15th anniversary season with an exciting lineup for 2025-26. This family-oriented theater company has crafted a schedule that spans Disney classics, side-splitting comedies, and imaginative new tales, ensuring there’s something for every age and interest. It’s a milestone year that also welcomes back home-school casts after a decade, adding a fresh layer of community connection to an already vibrant season.

The fun begins with Disney’s Moana JR, a journey of courage and discovery suited for ages five to eleven. Auditions run August 11-13, rehearsals start August 25, and performances hit the Historic Hoover Theatre stage October 17-19. Next up is Disney’s Newsies!, a high-energy story of young newsboys standing up for justice, perfect for ages eleven and up, with performances November 8-16. In 2026, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong brings laughter for ages sixteen and older in March, followed by Between the Lines JR in April for ages twelve to seventeen. The season closes with Willy Wonka JR, a delightful adventure for ages four to twelve, running May 15-24.

What makes this season stand out is Playful People Productions’ dedication to inclusivity and creativity. Since 2010, they’ve built a welcoming space where performers of all ages and backgrounds can thrive, guided by principles of positivity and individual support. Families can even perform together, with opportunities for kids to share the stage with parents or grandparents. Add in the Enchanted Masquerade fundraising event on September 27 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, and you’ve got a season that invites everyone to join the celebration.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Great Big Game Show Now Open at Westfield Valley Fair

San Jose just welcomed the arrival of the Great Big Game Show at Westfield Valley Fair. This interactive experience lets you step into a real game show setting, complete with a live host, bright lights, and lively music. Two teams compete in a variety of fast-paced challenges, from trivia and chance games to creative tasks involving props. Whether you’re drawing, building, or guessing your way to victory, this attraction delivers all the thrills of a televised game show without the stress of a huge audience.

To mark their grand opening, the Great Big Game Show is hosting a special competition packed with free games and fantastic prizes. If you’re eager to join the action and test your skills, head to their website to join the waitlist and secure your spot.

Nestled in Westfield Valley Fair, a go-to spot for shopping and dining, the Great Big Game Show adds a new layer of fun to an already popular destination. One of the reasons why Valley Fair continues to thrive while most malls across the US are on life support is their willingness to add nontraditional stores and entertainment into the mix. Valley fair also has escape games, Bowlero, Immersive Gamebox, and a new high-end movie theater (Alamo Drafthouse).

Savor the Flavors of Brazil: Show De Carnes Brings South American Flair to San Jose

San Jose’s dining scene is heating up with the arrival of Show De Carnes, a Brazilian steakhouse chain expanding its footprint in the South Bay. Starting with its first location in Sausalito in 2023 and a second in Palo Alto in late 2024, the chain has now doubled its presence by adding two new spots in San Jose. This growth, happening within just three months, highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for diverse and exciting culinary experiences.

The new West San Jose location, set to open in October, will transform a former Red Robin at 1000 El Paseo de Saratoga into a 7,900-square-foot space seating about 250 guests. Meanwhile, Downtown San Jose will welcome Show De Carnes at 167 W. San Fernando St., where it has taken over the former Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse. Already operating under the new brand, this location will soon update its signage, fully integrating it into the chain’s vision of bringing Brazil’s gaucho traditions to California.

At Show De Carnes, the menu revolves around rodizio-style service, where servers, known as gauchos, carve an array of grilled meats tableside. Guests can also explore a self-serve salad bar packed with cold meats, vegetables, and Brazilian staples like farofa, a seasoned cassava flour with bacon, and feijoada, a hearty black bean and pork dish. Adding an unexpected twist, the salad bar includes sushi, reflecting a fusion common in Brazilian steakhouses. For dessert, options range from passionfruit mousse and açai sourced from the Amazon to classics like lava cake and cheesecake, all paired with drinks like the Caipirinha, Brazil’s iconic cocktail.

The atmosphere complements the food with green and wood tones that nod to Brazil’s natural landscapes, creating an inviting space for both locals and visitors. With these additions, San Jose now hosts four churrascarias, including Santana Row’s Fogo de Chão and Silva’s Brazilian Steakhouse on Alum Rock Avenue.

Source: SVBJ

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.