Supreme Crab Brings Cajun Seafood Feast to San Jose's Coleman Avenue

San Jose welcomes yet another new dining spot with Supreme Crab setting up at 625 Coleman Avenue at the Marketcenter. This location, once home to Sweet Tomatoes, now transforms into a haven for seafood lovers. Construction wraps up as the restaurant prepares to open its doors, complete with hiring for staff to serve the community. The addition marks an exciting expansion for the chain, bringing its popular concept further south along the peninsula.

The menu focuses on Cajun-style seafood sold by the pound, featuring fresh options like live crawfish, shrimp, lobster, and king crab. Diners can also enjoy a range of appetizers, wings, soups, and salads to complement the main attractions. This setup allows for customizable meals that cater to groups or individuals looking for a hearty, interactive experience. Supreme Crab's approach emphasizes quality ingredients prepared with that signature spicy kick, making it a go-to for those craving something different in the city's food landscape.

As the third outpost following successful spots in Redwood City and San Francisco, Supreme Crab positions itself conveniently near Trader Joe's and Blue Mango Thai restaurant.

supremecrab.net

Source: SVBJ

Westfield Valley Fair Welcomes COS and More Exciting Stores to San Jose

San Jose's Westfield Valley Fair Mall expands its appeal with the recent opening of COS on October 3, marking the London-based brand's first location in Northern California and third in the state overall. Owned by H&M Group, which already operates a store in the mall since last year, COS brings contemporary fashion options that blend timeless designs with modern touches. This addition draws shoppers seeking quality pieces, enhancing the mall's reputation as a premier destination in Silicon Valley where variety meets convenience.

Several other brands prepare to join the lineup, including FP Movement as the activewear extension of Free People, which maintains an existing presence at Valley Fair. Beyond Yoga arrives with its workout apparel, building on its single Bay Area spot in Walnut Creek to offer comfortable, stylish gear for fitness enthusiasts. MANGO also gears up for an October debut in a spacious 9,000-square-foot storefront created by combining four units, promising fresh trends for diverse tastes. These arrivals build momentum, inviting locals and visitors to explore evolving retail experiences.

The momentum follows summer highlights like the Hello Kitty Cafe and Alamo Drafthouse, which have already added fun and entertainment to the mix. Such developments position Westfield Valley Fair as a vibrant hub that combines shopping, dining, and leisure, reflecting San Jose's dynamic growth. With these enhancements, the mall strengthens community ties and attracts crowds eager to discover what the city offers.

As San Jose continues to thrive, spots like Westfield Valley Fair showcase its ability to adapt and innovate in retail. The new stores provide reasons for repeated visits, more so than traditional shopping.

bizjournals.com

Source: SVBJ

San Jose is the 14th Noisiest City in North America

A recent study ranks the noisiest cities across North America, drawing from factors like population density, traffic congestion, visitor return rates, and levels of noise and light pollution. San Jose landed at 14th place among U.S. cities with an overall score of 40.03 out of 100. The city's population density sits at 2,104 people per square kilometer, ranking 19th, while average monthly Google searches related to noise complaints come in at 8.490, placing 18th. Congestion levels hover at 29 percent, which is 14th overall.

Topping the U.S. list is New York City with a score of 88.15, driven by its extreme density of 10,612 people per square kilometer and elevated pollution metrics. Los Angeles follows at 67.31, fueled by 43 percent congestion and a population over 3.8 million. Miami rounds out the upper ranks at 51.33, boosted by its nightlife and 4,890 people per square kilometer. Even smaller spots like Providence and Honolulu appear in the top 20, showing that sound challenges affect various scales of urban life. In Canada, Toronto leads with 87.44, thanks to 3,088 people per square kilometer, 31 percent congestion, and a pollution score of 48.53. Montreal and Vancouver trail closely at 63.79 and 62.16.

Source: betway insider

San Jose State University Excels in Rankings and Welcomes Record Enrollment

San Jose State University earns high marks in the 2026 U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges rankings, securing top positions across multiple categories for schools in the West. This recognition builds on a strong year for the institution, located right in the center of Silicon Valley. The accolades reflect the university's focus on quality education, support for diverse groups, and overall value, drawing attention to its role in preparing students for success in high-demand fields.

Among the standout achievements, San Jose State ranks as the number three public university in the West and number three best college for veterans in the region. It also places at number four as a regional university and number nine for best value in the West. These positions come from evaluations based on data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education, highlighting areas such as teaching excellence and accessibility. For the second year in a row, the university has maintained top-ten status in several lists, signaling consistent progress.

Enrollment at San Jose State reaches 40,000 students this academic year, marking an eight percent rise from the previous year and setting a new record. This growth contrasts with declining numbers across the broader California State University system, which has seen a nearly three percent drop over the past decade due to factors like the pandemic. The increase at San Jose State points to its appealing programs and prime location, where graduates often secure jobs in thriving industries nearby.

Money Magazine awards the university a five-star rating based on 25 factors, placing it alongside institutions like UC Berkeley and UCLA. Such honors emphasize how San Jose State delivers transformative learning experiences that foster opportunity and community. As part of San Jose, the university contributes to the city's reputation as a hub for innovation and talent development. These accomplishments will invite more people to consider San Jose State as a pathway to rewarding careers in Silicon Valley.

blogs.sjsu.edu

Source: SVBJ

Playful People Productions Stages Disney's Newsies in San Jose

Playful People Productions presents Disney's Newsies from November 8 to 16, 2025, at the Historic Hoover Theater. This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the 1899 Newsboys Strike, features two casts of teen and adult performers bringing the story to life. Set in early 20th-century New York City, the production follows charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly as he leads a group of young paper sellers in a stand against powerful publishers raising prices. The tale highlights themes of unity and justice, with reporter Katherine Plumber joining the cause to prove her worth in a male-dominated field.

The show includes memorable songs like Watch What Happens, Carrying the Banner, Seize the Day, King of New York, and Santa Fe, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Directed by Katie D'Arcey and Emily Pennington, with vocal direction from Jacqueline Whitaker and choreography by Emily Pennington, the performances promise high energy and engaging dances. Two casts, named World and Sun, alternate showtimes, offering multiple chances to catch the action. Tickets range from $22 for youth under 12 to $30 for adults, making it an affordable outing for families and friends.

As part of its 15th anniversary season, Playful People Productions continues to foster inclusive theater experiences in San Jose. Founded in 2010 and operating as a nonprofit since 2017, the organization emphasizes positive discipline and creative growth for all ages. It provides classes, camps, and multi-generational shows where family members perform together, creating bonds that extend beyond the stage. Supported by grants from the City of San Jose and SVCreates in partnership with Santa Clara County, this production exemplifies the community's commitment to arts education.

The Historic Hoover Theater is located at 1635 Park Avenue and you can find more info and tickets over here.

sanjosetheaters.org

Dave's Hot Chicken Adds Heat to San Jose's Village Oaks Neighborhood

Dave's Hot Chicken is now open at 5670 Cottle Road inside the Village Oaks Shopping Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 26 featured remarks from Councilmember Pamela Campos, celebrating the third location in the city alongside spots on Brokaw Road in North San Jose and Prospect Road in West San Jose. This Nashville-style spicy fried chicken franchise, which began in a Los Angeles parking lot in 2017, has grown into the nation's fastest-expanding chain, bringing bold flavors to local diners.

Local owners Sam and Trina Wong, who raised their four children in the Evergreen area, bring a personal touch to the venture. Sam graduated from Gunderson High School in 1988 after immigrating to the United States in 1983 and settling in the Blossom Hill area. The couple worked in fast food and retail as teenagers nearby, making this ownership a long-held aspiration. The Village Oaks area has seen significant growth with new restaurants, shops, and businesses, and the Wongs aim to contribute through community involvement, including partnerships with schools, youth sports, and various organizations for fundraising.

The city's support extends beyond the opening, with funding for a new Business Improvement District in Village Oaks. This special district allows business owners to pool resources for enhancements like street cleaning, security, and marketing to draw more visitors and boost economic activity. San Jose has added two such districts in the past year for the Monterey and Tully business neighborhoods, with plans for four more in the coming months covering The Alameda, Story Road, East Village, and Alum Rock/Santa Clara Street corridors.

Looking ahead, the new location hosts events like a Free Slider Giveaway on October 23, alongside ongoing efforts to create jobs and participate in local charity initiatives.

El Paseo de Saratoga Rises: Transforming San Jose's Landscape

Construction has started at at El Paseo de Saratoga, a major redevelopment turning a dated shopping center into a vibrant mixed-use community. Located along Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway near Westgate Center, this 10-acre site once held surface parking, big box stores, and an office building. Now, crews have begun demolition to make way for modern apartments, senior living facilities, and retail spaces that promise to enhance daily life for residents.

The project includes 772 apartments spread across two high-rise buildings, with the tallest reaching 12 stories and housing 398 units alongside 14,140 square feet of retail. A second 10-story structure adds 374 apartments and 17,450 square feet of ground-level shops. Complementing these is a seven-story senior care facility with 263 beds, designed to support comfortable living for older adults. A single-story Whole Foods grocery store anchors the commercial side, ensuring convenient access to fresh goods right in the neighborhood.

Thoughtful design elements elevate the development, such as floor-to-ceiling windows in the apartment towers accented by white metal panels, and balconies with brick veneer on the senior building. Public courtyards, landscaped pathways, and a park along Quito Road create inviting outdoor spaces for gatherings and relaxation. These features blend urban convenience with green areas, fostering a sense of community in southwest San Jose.

With amended plans approved by the city in December 2024, the transformation is well underway, though groundbreaking details remain forthcoming. Full construction will span nearly four years, ultimately replacing underused land with a dynamic urban village. Projects like this highlight San Jose's forward momentum, drawing more people to experience the city's blend of innovation and livability.

Sand Hill Property Company leads the effort in partnership with Holland Partners and Sunrise Senior Living, with architecture from Solomon Cordwell Buenz for the apartments and Lantz Boggio Architects for the senior facility.

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

Source: SF YIMBY

Innovation Drives into San Jose with Afeela Studio

Afeela Studio has just opened its immersive pop-up from from Sony Honda Mobility at Westfield Valley Fair. This immersive pop-up showcases the Afeela 1, blending Honda's engineering expertise with Sony's technological innovations. Available for six months, the studio lets visitors explore the Core Black Signature Series and Calm White editions up close. Located near Lululemon and Sunglass Hut, it positions the city as a key spot for experiencing next-generation mobility.

The Afeela 1 stands out with its array of features designed for modern drivers. An AI-powered personal assistant handles tasks intuitively, while up to 40 sensors including 18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors enable advanced driving assistance. Entertainment options include a media bar and 360 Spatial Sound, turning the interior into a dynamic space for music and media. Reservations for the vehicle start online with a $200 deposit, and deliveries are set to begin in California.

Since its grand opening on September 20, the studio has drawn crowds eager to interact with this EV brand. As the first such location in Silicon Valley, it builds on previous displays at the mall, offering hands-on demos that highlight the fusion of automotive and entertainment worlds.

Valley Fair also has retail stores for other EV manufacturers like Lucid and Polestar. The first Tesla store is also across the street at Santana Row, along with a new Rivian store. The area has become a destination for pure EV brands.

Source: SVBJ

Hillbrook School Revitalizes Historic Downtown San Jose with New Campus

Hillbrook School, a 90-year-old institution from Los Gatos now in its third year offering high school, recently opened a renovated classroom building in Downtown San Jose at 227 North First Street. The three-story Moir building from 1894 features brick and sandstone construction, a large skylight that floods the interior with natural light, and bay windows that add character. Originally designed as a work-live space with businesses on the ground floor and residences above, it later served as a hotel and most recently housed a law firm. By choosing to restore this historic site near St. James Park instead of constructing something new, the school invests in the city's heritage while creating modern learning environments.

The decision to locate in Downtown San Jose aligns with Hillbrook's vision of using the city as an extended classroom, providing students with real-world experiences amid urban surroundings. Alongside the Moir building, the school transformed the old San Jose Armory on North Second Street into additional facilities, including maker spaces, art studios, and a gym. These renovations preserve the exteriors' classic appeal while updating interiors for contemporary use, promoting sustainability through reuse. The combined 70,000 square feet of space will keep these areas active for years, benefiting both education and the community.

Hillbrook has already integrated into the neighborhood by hosting events like National Night Out for nearby residents and partnering with local spots such as Hobee's restaurant for student meals. This approach fosters connections and vitality in Downtown San Jose. M

Meanwhile, Bellarmine College Prep dedicated its Wade Academic Center, a 43,000-square-foot facility with 21 classrooms, a courtyard, and offices, honoring the school's upcoming 175th anniversary. Named after Rev. Gerald Wade and his family with deep local roots, the center reflects a commitment to history, as the school relocated the 109-year-old Berchmans Hall for repurposing rather than demolition.

Source: The Mercury News

CityView Plaza Evolves: Demolition Paves Way for Downtown San Jose's Next Chapter

Demolition work at CityView Plaza has officially begun, where crews have cleared a nearly two-acre site at 185 Park Avenue for an eight-story parking garage and retail hub known as The Shops at CityView. This phase transforms a former commercial campus at Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard, replacing outdated structures like a bank branch, parking garage, and office building with modern amenities. The new garage will provide 1,135 spaces to support nearby offices and future residents, while 35,000 square feet of ground-floor shops add vitality to the street level.

Architectural highlights include a perforated metal facade with vertical fins for visual interest, and floor-to-ceiling windows for the retail spaces overlooking landscaped sidewalks. Nearby, renovations at 150 South Almaden Boulevard upgrade a 15-story office tower with a refreshed lobby, conference center, and fitness facilities spanning 204,000 square feet. Adaptive reuse efforts convert existing buildings into housing, such as 145 units at 100 West San Fernando Street, 22 at 130 South Almaden Boulevard, and 163 at 125 South Market Street, blending preservation with contemporary living.

Phase two brings even more ambition with The Tower at CityView, a 27-story high-rise at 121 South Market Street set to offer 360 apartments from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, rising 293 feet. Renderings show pedestrian-friendly designs, internal pathways, and green spaces that connect the campus. Led by Jay Paul Company with designs from DES Architects + Engineers and Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the project emphasizes connectivity near light rail and future BART stations.

With the site now fully leveled after starting demolition in April, construction on The Shops could wrap in about 24 months following recent plan amendments.

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

Source: SF YIMBY