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

San Jose’s Burbank Theater: A Fresh Start for a Historic Gem

The Burbank Theater at 560 South Bascom Ave., shuttered since 2019, could soon transform from a forgotten relic into a lively hub of medical offices, retail, and community space. TJR Development’s plan keeps the theater’s iconic exterior intact while breathing new purpose into its walls.

A new second floor inside the theater would house medical outpatient offices, a cafeteria, and seating areas, making smart use of the existing structure. Retail spaces along South Bascom and Basile avenues would get a refresh, inviting foot traffic and local energy. Perhaps most exciting, the lobby would become a community activity center, a place where neighbors can gather, connect. 

Location plays a big role here. Just three blocks from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the theater’s redevelopment could dovetail perfectly with the area’s healthcare needs. After years of challenges, including a lawsuit and foreclosure, this proposal offers a hopeful shift. The new owners, tied to Milpitas executives Fred Meyer and Hung Tran, bought the property for $1.6 million in January, signaling confidence in San Jose’s potential. It’s a chance to turn a site of blight into a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

If the plan moves forward, it could set the stage for more projects that blend preservation with progress across the city. From its days as a movie house to its time as a dance studio, this place has stories to tell, and now it’s ready for its next chapter.

Source: The Mercury News

PG&E Upgrades to Boost Downtown Development

PG&E is rolling out major upgrades to two vital substations in Downtown San Jose: Substation A near Diridon Station and Substation B on Coleman Avenue. These improvements are set to meet the rising energy demands from a wave of tech, housing, and commercial projects that are transforming the city. 

The work at Substation A is especially exciting. Located right by Diridon Station, this upgrade will power game-changing initiatives like the Net Zero Initiative, which focuses on energy efficiency, as well as new rail expansions like BART and electrified Caltrain service. It will also support the shift toward electric homes and vehicles. Perhaps most thrilling is its role in Google’s transit village, a massive mixed-use project near Diridon that will bring homes, offices, shops, and cultural spaces to Downtown San Jose. Meanwhile, Substation B’s enhancements will unlock about 1,000 megawatts of additional capacity, paving the way for new data centers and more power for the city’s growing needs.

These upgrades mean more than just better electricity—they’re a launchpad for San Jose’s economic rise. With a stronger grid, the city can welcome bold projects like Jay Paul Co.’s redevelopment of City View Plaza, a new neighborhood blending homes, offices, and retail in the heart of Downtown. Reliable energy could even help keep rates in check, making San Jose a more appealing place for businesses and residents alike. 

Source: The Mercury News

San Jose’s Food Trucks Take the National Stage: Jojo’s Hot Chicken and Joe’s Taco Shop Shine

San Jose’s culinary scene just earned a major spotlight. Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 food trucks list features two local stars: Jojo’s Hot Chicken at No. 4 and Joe’s Taco Shop at No. 94. 

Jojo’s Hot Chicken, parked at 1587 Kooser Road between Cambrian Park and Almaden Valley, delivers a flavor fusion that’s hard to resist. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., it blends the fiery heat of Nashville-style hot chicken with the aromatic depth of Ethiopian and Eritrean spices. Owner Yohana Gedam traded a steady car dealership career for his love of cooking, creating combos, sandwiches, and bowls that pack a punch. Grab a bottle of Jojo’s signature sauce to keep the experience going at home.

Meanwhile, Joe’s Taco Shop at 1609 Morrill Ave., just north of Japantown, brings nearly 35 years of Mexican food mastery to the list. This long-standing favorite serves up tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, and chavindecas, those irresistible corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat, often grilled to crispy perfection. Beyond daily service, Joe’s caters events like parties, weddings, and corporate lunches, weaving itself into the fabric of San Jose’s community. Decades of dedication have made it a local legend.

The Bay Area shines bright on the list too, with Vallejo’s La Piñata (No. 6) and Rumi Kabob (No. 83), Napa’s Tacos El Muchacho Alegre (No. 61), and San Francisco’s El Gallo Giro Taco Truck (No. 81) joining the ranks. This regional strength highlights a thriving food truck culture, but San Jose’s entries stand out for their unique stories and flavors, anchoring the city as a culinary hub. Next time hunger strikes, roll up to Jojo’s Hot Chicken or Joe’s Taco Shop. One offers a spicy, soulful journey while the other delivers timeless comfort.

Source: SVBJ

Farmers Markets in San Jose

Our friends at SJ Today have a handy guide for Farmers Markets in the San Jose metro, a whopping 13 of them. From Evergreen, to Willow Glen, to Alum Rock, and even to surrounding cities, this is a pretty comprehensive list. Have a look in the source link below.

Source: SJ Today

Ellore Luxury Senior Living Adds Onsite Wellness Program

Santa Clara has welcomed an exciting new development with Ellore, a luxury senior living community in The Clara District. Developed by Related California and operated by Oakmont Management Group, Ellore recently opened its doors across from Levi’s Stadium, offering 176 upscale residences. What sets this community apart is its Wellness by Ellore program, a comprehensive healthcare initiative that brings top-tier medical services right to residents.

The Wellness by Ellore program stands out with its Five Pillars of Elevated Care: Medical Advisement, Concierge Medicine, Ellore Med, Ellore Balance, and Traditions Memory Care. Residents enjoy personalized healthcare from day one, with assessments covering medical needs, therapy, and nutrition. Dr. Mahyar Ayati, a Stanford Affiliate with expertise in geriatric health, leads the medical advisement, while a partnership with Pine Park Health provides onsite primary care and specialists like dentists and optometrists. Physical therapy and memory care round out the offerings, ensuring residents can live with ease and confidence.

Beyond healthcare, Ellore delivers a lifestyle that matches the Bay Area’s reputation for excellence. The 20-story building, designed by Steinberg Hart with interiors by March and White Design, features stunning views of Santa Clara’s salt ponds, foothills, and Levi’s Stadium. Residents can choose independent living, assisted living, or memory care, all paired with amenities like gourmet dining at The Summit Room and a calendar full of social events. The fourth floor’s dedicated wellness suites make accessing care seamless, blending luxury with practicality. It also features one of only two penthouse swimming pools in Silicon Valley high-rises (the other is at The Fay in Downtown San Jose).

Ellore’s arrival highlights why the San Jose metro continues to grow as a standout destination. Its prime location in The Clara District puts residents near dining, parks, and transit, all while offering a fresh take on senior living that prioritizes wellness and community. For those exploring options for themselves or loved ones, Ellore showcases the high standards and forward-looking developments that define our region.