Boosting San Jose's Creative Scene with New Funding

San Jose has committed $6.7 million to energize its cultural landscape for the coming fiscal year. This includes $4.7 million distributed to more than 100 local events and organizations through the Cultural Funding Portfolio, marking an 8% rise from the previous allocation. Another $2 million will enhance city-operated programs such as CityDance and Make Music Day. These investments underscore the city's dedication to nurturing a thriving arts community amid recovery challenges.

Local artists and creatives stand to gain significantly from this support, which counters recent federal funding reductions affecting groups like Opera San Jose and the San Jose Museum of Art. By prioritizing transparency through a competitive application process, the city ensures resources reach those driving innovation and community engagement. Notably, over half of the grants target BIPOC-focused organizations, fostering diverse voices that enrich San Jose's cultural fabric.

This funding, sourced from the Transient Occupancy Tax, positions San Jose as a leader in integrating arts into economic growth. Following a recent $80,000 contribution from the San Jose Downtown Association, these efforts highlight collaborative momentum in the San Jose arts scene.

Source: SVBJ

Flavor Showdown in Little Italy San Jose's Boss of the Sauce Event

San Jose will host a lively competition today with the fourth annual Boss of the Sauce tournament in Little Italy. From noon until 4 p.m. at 323 West Saint John Street, Italian restaurants present their signature sauces for attendees to sample and judge. This gathering celebrates the city's rich culinary traditions through direct participation from visitors who decide the winner.

General admission costs $25 and includes unlimited pasta tastings paired with the competing sauces, along with live music to set a festive mood. The event draws food enthusiasts eager to explore diverse flavors, from classic marinara to inventive twists, all crafted by local establishments. Such occasions highlight San Jose's growing reputation as a hub for authentic Italian experiences right in the heart of the city.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant Little Italy district, where the tournament fosters community connections over shared meals. Events like this add to San Jose's dynamic calendar, offering memorable ways to spend a Sunday afternoon while supporting neighborhood businesses.

For more info and tickets, click here.

East San Jose Takes Bold Steps Toward a Brighter Future

Local leaders, including District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz, have unveiled a comprehensive revitalization initiative aimed at supporting small businesses, reducing vacant storefronts, and enhancing cultural spaces in East San Jose. This plan builds on a five-pillar approach that covers economic empowerment, neighborhood beautification, infrastructure improvements, public safety, and accountability measures. With these foundations in place, the area is set to become an even more welcoming spot for families and entrepreneurs alike.

One standout element is the focus on cultural districts, such as the emerging La Avenida at Mexican Heritage Plaza. A recent $100,000 grant will help construct a gateway structure, marking the city's first dedicated cultural district and celebrating the region's rich heritage. Alongside this, efforts to waive certain permit fees for new small businesses in key growth areas promise to lower barriers for startups, fostering a vibrant local economy. These moves reflect a commitment to nurturing the immigrant communities that form the heart of East San Jose.

Looking ahead, the initiative addresses longstanding challenges like the concentration of liquor stores and smoke shops, with new policies expected from the city attorney by October. Additional announcements from partners like the Knight Foundation are on the horizon, adding to over $2 million in recent investments.

Source: San Jose Inside

A New Culinary Option Will Enhance Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose is about to gain an urban dining venue led by acclaimed Bay Area chef Parke Ulrich. Known for his work at Waterbar and Epic Steak in San Francisco, Ulrich brings his expertise to the ground floor of the 50 West office tower, transforming the former KQED space into a spot for lunch, happy hour cocktails, and dinner. The indoor-outdoor setup promises a welcoming environment for locals and visitors to enjoy high-quality meals in a prime location near the SoFA district, San Jose Museum of Art, and Signia by Hilton hotel.

This development aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the area, including lobby upgrades at the tower by owner Jay Paul Co. The restaurant adds to the mix of attractions drawing people back to the urban core, where office returns remain gradual but steady.

Amid economic recovery following the coronavirus, Downtown San Jose has seen a notable increase in foot traffic, with visits rising 28.2 percent over the past year according to a University of Toronto report. This growth ranks among the top in North America and underscores the area's shift toward an experience-driven economy focused on dining, entertainment, and community gatherings. Ulrich's establishment contributes to this momentum, inviting more people to explore and invest time in our city's evolving landscape.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Misora Apartments Signal Continued Growth at Santana Row

Santana Row stands as a premier destination in San Jose, blending shopping, dining, and living spaces into a vibrant community hub. Federal Realty now plans to market the Misora apartment complex at 388 Santana Row, a 212-unit building completed in 2014 that spans about 222,000 square feet. This move follows the recent sale of the neighboring Levare apartments for $74 million to Hines in May, reflecting strong interest in high-quality residential properties within this sought-after area.

CEO Don Wood described such sales as a core part of the company's strategy, allowing reinvestment into mixed-use environments without affecting the retail and entertainment core. Misora, positioned across from Levare, offers modern living options that complement the lively atmosphere of Santana Row, where residents enjoy walkable access to boutiques, restaurants, and events. If priced similarly per unit to Levare, the complex could fetch upwards of $145 million, underscoring the value of San Jose's real estate market.

This transition opens doors for fresh ownership to enhance the property, potentially introducing new amenities or community features that build on Santana Row's appeal. As San Jose's west side continues to thrive, developments like this reinforce the area's role as a magnet for professionals, families, and visitors seeking a blend of urban convenience and leisure.

Source: SVBJ

Giant Alebrijes Bring Mexican Magic to Downtown San Jose

Eight towering alebrijes now grace the streets around Plaza de Cesar Chavez, inviting residents and visitors to discover the whimsical side of Downtown San Jose. These fiberglass and steel sculptures, originating from Oaxaca, Mexico, stand as vibrant protectors and spiritual guides, each one a unique blend of animal forms and bold colors. Unveiled by San Jose Jazz on August 6 as part of the Summer Fest celebrations, the installations mark the third stop on their U.S. tour and will remain in place until September 28, offering plenty of time for exploration.

The project, a $400,000 collaboration supported by the city, San Jose Downtown Association, PG&E, and Sobrato Philanthropies, highlights San Jose's commitment to becoming a premier cultural destination. San Jose Jazz executive director Brendan Rawson noted the sculptures' role in establishing the downtown area as an artistic center, driving future growth through creativity. Mayor Matt Mahan anticipates they will draw tens of thousands to the core, boosting local businesses and community engagement during their stay.

Each alebrije includes QR codes that provide historical details on the piece, along with guides to nearby dining options and event calendars, making it easy to turn a casual stroll into a full day of discovery. Following successful displays in Reno and San Francisco, these structures pay tribute to the Latin influences woven into the fabric of San Jose Jazz Fest, now in its 35th year. After their time here, the alebrijes will continue to Fresno, but for now, they add a layer of enchantment to everyday walks in the city. Personally, they are a dramatic improvement over the current "sculpture" in Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

This initiative underscores the evolving landscape of Downtown San Jose, where art intersects with daily life to create memorable experiences. Families, artists, and tourists can connect with global traditions right in the heart of Silicon Valley, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse stories that shape the community.

Source: SVBJ

Julian Street Studios Poised to Enhance San Jose's Affordable Housing Landscape

A promising addition to San Jose's housing options takes shape with the Julian Street Studios project at 1271-1279 East Julian Street, near the upcoming Little Portugal BART Station. Developers Corporation for Better Housing and JSL Real Estate have acquired the one-acre site for $8.15 million and secured $138.6 million in construction financing, primarily from Banc of California. This seven-story building, designed by Y & M Architects, will rise 85 feet and include 305 apartments, with 303 designated as affordable studios and two units for on-site managers.

The location offers residents easy access to public transit once the BART station opens, connecting them to jobs, schools, and amenities across the Bay Area. This development supports San Jose's growth by providing much-needed affordable homes in a vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural heritage and community spirit. Families and individuals will benefit from stable housing close to local markets, parks, and services in the Little Portugal area.

Construction timelines point to a 17-month build from groundbreaking to completion, marking a step forward in addressing housing demands in Santa Clara County. Projects like this strengthen neighborhoods by increasing density thoughtfully and promoting walkable, transit-oriented living. As San Jose continues to evolve, initiatives such as Julian Street Studios contribute to a more inclusive and accessible city for all.

Source: SF YIMBY

Levi's Stadium Gets $200M in Upgrades

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara stands ready to elevate the South Bay's sports scene with a $200 million transformation. The San Francisco 49ers have introduced enhancements that promise to redefine game days, starting with a revamped team store that offers more space and a wider selection of merchandise. Fans can now shop effortlessly thanks to a cashier-less checkout system, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone attending events.

Technology takes center stage in these updates, including a state-of-the-art control room equipped with 39 high-quality cameras and a robust IP-based network. This setup powers 55 million pixels across 2,300 televisions throughout the stadium, ensuring crystal-clear views from concourses to suites. The new 4K video boards, along with upgraded ribbon boards and lighting, will immerse spectators in the action, boosting the energy for both players and fans.

These improvements arrive just in time for major events like Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, which are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. The stadium has already contributed $2 billion in economic impact and created over 12,000 jobs since opening, underscoring its role in driving growth. Additional perks, such as modernized suites and complimentary wine tastings from top-tier wineries at Appellation 49, add a touch of luxury to the hospitality offerings.

With the first post-renovation events already underway, including a Concacaf Gold Cup match, the stadium is set to host the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 21. This makeover not only strengthens the home field advantage but also positions the area as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment, benefiting communities across San Jose and beyond.

Source: SVBJ

Former Safeway Space in Downtown San Jose Finds New Owner Through Auction

A key retail spot in the heart of Downtown San Jose changes hands as the former Safeway storefront at 100 S. Second St. sells at auction for $1,950,000. This 24,090-square-foot ground-floor space, part of a 23-story condominium complex with 197 residential units, has sat vacant for years but now holds potential to reinvigorate the bustling corner. The sale signals growing interest in Downtown properties, offering a chance for fresh concepts to take root amid nearby homes and daily foot traffic.

Safeway operated in the location for a decade starting in 2009 before closing, with city officials pointing to the end of subsidized underground parking as a factor. The building also features a separately owned parking garage, adding convenience for future tenants and visitors. As Downtown San Jose works through retail and office vacancies, this transaction aligns with broader efforts to fill spaces and create lively street-level experiences for residents and shoppers.

Recent market data shows promise, with Silicon Valley retail vacancies reaching 5.2 percent in the second quarter of 2025, and the submarket including San Jose at 5.4 percent. City initiatives continue to focus on drawing businesses and events to the core, making spots like this ideal for groceries, cafes, or community hubs. With its high-visibility position, the site could soon host something that draws crowds and supports the neighborhood's growth. I'm hoping for another grocery store, but beggars can't be choosers.

Source: SVBJ

The Stand is Coming to San Jose

San Jose is welcoming a new addition to its vibrant food landscape as The Stand opens its doors at 503 W. Capitol Expressway. This marks the chain's second spot in Silicon Valley, building on the success of its Santa Clara location. The 3,600-square-foot space includes a spacious enclosed patio that seats up to 185 guests, complete with a full bar for those seeking a relaxed meal or evening out. As the city continues to grow its culinary offerings, this arrival adds accessible American favorites that appeal to families and food enthusiasts alike.

The menu delivers a range of options designed to satisfy varied tastes, from signature burgers like the Stand burger and bacon jalapeno burger to sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, and wraps. Recent additions include bowls such as the miso salmon bowl, Tex-Mex bowl, and teriyaki chicken bowl, reflecting the chain's attention to evolving food preferences. Specials rotate every few months, ensuring repeat visits bring something new. With an emphasis on quality ingredients and affordable prices, The Stand positions itself as a go-to for casual dining in San Jose.

Beyond the food, The Stand commits to community involvement, having raised about $250,000 for local organizations in 2024. The San Jose site employs 40 team members and prioritizes personal service, avoiding kiosks in favor of direct interactions. Plans for handheld reordering from tables will enhance convenience while maintaining that human touch. The downloadable app allows guests to earn rewards, skip lines, and access delivery, making it easy to enjoy from anywhere in the city.

Source: SVBJ