Swades Festival Brings Vibrant Indian Independence Day Celebrations to Downtown San Jose

San Jose hosts the Swades: Celebrate India Festival and Parade on August 9 at Discovery Meadow, marking one of the largest Indian Independence Day events on the West Coast. Organized by the Association of Indo-Americans, this gathering draws thousands to honor India's 78th Independence Day with a mix of culture, patriotism, and community spirit. From 1:00 pm to 10:30 pm, attendees can immerse themselves in the festivities at 180 Woz Way, where entry costs range from free to just $3, making it accessible for families and friends to join in the joy.

The event kicks off with a flag hoisting ceremony and national anthem, followed by live performances featuring top local and national artists. Dance, music, and drama showcase India's diverse heritage, while interactive elements like carnival games, a kids zone, and face painting keep younger visitors engaged. Food stalls offer authentic Indian cuisine, a shopping bazaar displays unique items, and art exhibits add creative flair, creating a full day of discovery and connection in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

This festival strengthens San Jose's role as a welcoming hub for cultural exchange, where events like Swades foster unity among residents from various backgrounds. By participating, locals contribute to a lively atmosphere that highlights the city's commitment to diversity and celebration. Downtown San Jose transforms into a stage for global traditions, inviting everyone to experience the energy and build lasting memories.

For more information and for tickets, head over here.

Playback Coffee Brings Analog Vibes and Fresh Brews to San Pedro Square

San Jose welcomes Playback Coffee, a new spot that blends coffee culture with an analog music theme right in the heart of San Pedro Square Market. Opened by Dave Mulvehill of Nuvo Hospitality and Frank Nguyen of Academic Coffee, the cafe at 87 N. San Pedro St. draws inspiration from the city's rich radio broadcast history. Visitors can enjoy a menu of contemporary drinks in a relaxed setting that nods to vintage sounds, making it a fresh addition to the local scene.

The grand opening on July 26 drew hundreds with live DJ sets that had people dancing under the afternoon sun, while lines formed for orders. This event showcased the cafe's focus on community and entertainment, turning a simple coffee run into a social highlight. Mulvehill's portfolio includes nearby favorites like the Pressroom, Hella Good Burgers and Shakes, Dr. Funk Rum House & Kitchen, Five Points Cocktail Bar, and O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, strengthening the area's appeal as a hub for diverse experiences.

Nguyen, who started Academic Coffee as a pop-up in one of Mulvehill's venues back in 2017, emphasizes his deep ties to Downtown San Jose, where he raises his family and builds connections with neighbors. Their collaboration fills a space previously held by Voyager Coffee, now relocated, and reflects a shared vision for hands-on involvement in the community. Mayor Matt Mahan attended the opening, noting the importance of such investments in revitalizing the downtown area.

Playback Coffee operates daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering a consistent spot for locals and visitors to unwind.

Source: SVBJ

Discover South First Fridays: San Jose's Vibrant Art Walk in the SoFA District

San Jose comes alive on the first Friday of each month with South First Fridays, a celebration of creativity that draws locals and visitors into the heart of the SoFA District. Galleries and museums open their doors wide, showcasing fresh exhibitions from talented artists who capture the essence of innovation and culture. From paintings that explore human connections to immersive installations reflecting diverse heritages, the event offers a chance to engage directly with the works and their creators. This gathering highlights the city's commitment to fostering artistic expression, turning ordinary evenings into memorable explorations of visual storytelling.

The STREET MRKT adds an energetic layer to the experience, transforming South First Street into an open-air marketplace where independent artists display and sell their unique pieces. Food trucks serve up local flavors, while live DJ sets keep the atmosphere lively into the night. Venues like the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art and MACLA feature standout shows, including explorations of cultural roots through folk-inspired art and textile innovations. These elements combine to create a family-friendly space that encourages everyone to support the creative community and discover new favorites.

Beyond the core area, the event extends to the Historic District and Martha Gardens District, with additional spots hosting photography tributes and poetry performances. San Jose's art scene thrives through such initiatives, building connections among residents and reinforcing the city's role as a hub for cultural growth. Attending South First Fridays not only provides entertainment but also contributes to the ongoing vitality of Downtown San Jose, where every visit helps nurture a brighter future for the arts.

The next South First Friday is... today! Come on down from 5-9pm. The Street Market runs from 5pm-10pm. Admission is free and it is family friendly.

Source: South FIRST FRIDAYS

Silicon Valley Advocates Rally for VTA to Join Regional Transit Funding Effort

Transit supporters in San Jose gathered recently to urge the Valley Transportation Authority to participate in a promising regional funding initiative that could enhance public transportation across the Bay Area. About 30 people rallied outside the Santa Clara County Government Center on July 30, emphasizing the value of Senate Bill 63, which enables a half-cent sales tax measure for the 2026 ballot. This move would unite agencies like VTA with BART, Caltrain, and others to address shared financial challenges and create a more connected system for commuters.

The bill, led by state Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín, has already passed the Senate and awaits Assembly approval. VTA faces multi-million dollar deficits in the years ahead and has been exploring new revenue options, making this an opportune moment to opt in. A workshop on the topic occurred on August 1, with the board set to decide at its August 7 meeting ahead of the August 11 deadline. Joining would ensure funds generated locally contribute directly to Santa Clara County's needs, strengthening services that support daily life in San Jose.

Advocates highlight how this collaboration builds momentum for cooperative transit solutions, drawing participants from across the region to focus on the South Bay. Eugene Bradley of Silicon Valley Transit Users noted the growing unity among agencies, which could lead to reliable, efficient options for residents. Seamless Bay Area Executive Director Adina Levin addressed the crowd, reinforcing the call for action that promises stability amid uncertain budgets.

By embracing this regional approach, San Jose positions itself as a leader in sustainable mobility, fostering easier access to jobs, education, and entertainment throughout Silicon Valley. Investments like these pave the way for expanded routes and modernized infrastructure, benefiting families and businesses alike. Residents can stay informed on the progress and voice support to help shape a seamless transportation network.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Downtown San Jose Prepares for Major Events with New Art on the Market Street Garage, but at a Price

San Jose keeps enhancing its urban landscape through ambitious public art initiatives that promise to draw visitors from near and far. The latest project involves a $1.8 million installation on the facade of the Market Street parking garage adjacent to San Pedro Square. Created by artist Brian Brush, this abstract work combines color, light, industrial materials, and LED elements to create a dynamic visual experience. Construction begins on August 8, with demolition wrapping up in time for the 2026 Super Bowl, and full completion expected by August 2027. This timing aligns perfectly with the city's role in hosting both the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup games, setting the stage for Downtown San Jose to shine on a global scale.

Unfortunately, the project requires a temporary closure of the four Moment San Pedro artisan stores housed in the garage since June 30. Moment serves as a vital incubator for small businesses, providing affordable brick-and-mortar spaces in high-traffic areas with two-year leases. Over the years, more than 20 businesses have thrived in these San Pedro storefronts, gaining stability and community connections that extend beyond pop-up events. The other Moment locations on Post Street and Paseo de San Antonio remain open and vibrant, continuing to support local entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, the Moment team aims to reopen the San Pedro spaces by early 2027, once construction concludes, allowing displaced businesses the chance to return and build on their progress. This development ties into broader efforts like the Threads Woven mural on San Pedro Square and relaxed rules in entertainment zones, all designed to boost foot traffic and energy in Downtown San Jose.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Mazza Pizza N Grill Brings Fresh Flavors to the SJSU Area

San Jose's food landscape keeps evolving with local spots like the newly rebranded Mazza Pizza N Grill at 484 E. San Carlos St. This pizzeria, previously known as San Carlos Pizza, has undergone a thoughtful transformation under the same family ownership. Manager Yousef Latifi led the effort to update the over 20-year-old establishment, drawing from its roots while introducing a name that nods to the Farsi word for tasty. The result is a welcoming space that blends familiar comforts with new energy, perfectly positioned near San Jose State University to serve both longtime residents and incoming students.

The renovations touch every corner of the restaurant, from a freshly painted interior and upgraded patio to modern kitchen equipment like a new drink cooler, thermometer, and digital scales. At a cost of about $30,000, these changes support an expanded menu featuring a revamped pizza sauce, in-house garlic chicken strips, tri-tip steak toppings, and Grande-branded mozzarella cheese. Plans for Mediterranean-inspired wraps add even more variety, complementing the Italian staples and creating options that reflect San Jose's diverse tastes. Customers have responded positively to the updates, with initial confusion over the new signage giving way to enthusiasm for the refreshed concept.

Yousef Latifi has focused on building connections with the nearby university community, partnering with sororities and fraternities to promote the shop through flyers and potential philanthropy events as the fall semester approaches in late August. A strong social media presence on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook helps spread the word, showcasing the vibrant offerings to a wider audience. Core favorites remain unchanged, including the $9.99 one-topping 10-inch pizza, various pastas like chicken alfredo, halal chicken and steak kabob platters, and beer alongside the meals.

Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mazza Pizza N Grill offers convenient delivery through apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Postmates, with in-person and phone orders available too.

Source: SVBJ

MiGi Cera Candles Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose welcomed a new addition to its creative scene with the recent grand opening of MiGi Cera Candles at 100 N. Almaden Ave. in San Pedro Square Market. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 18 featured remarks from Mayor Matt Mahan and the San Jose Downtown Association, marking the transition from a successful pop-up to a permanent storefront. This family-owned business, which began in 2018 when owner Marcelina Castro started crafting candles from her kitchen during maternity leave, now offers a dedicated space for non-toxic, handcrafted candles and self-care products. Named after her daughters Milah and Giannah, MiGi Cera Candles embodies personal touches that resonate with the community's spirit.

The shop emerged from the MOMENT Paseo program, a Downtown initiative launched in May 2024 to support local entrepreneurs by reducing barriers to retail. MiGi Cera Candles quickly gained traction in its shared pop-up space, drawing crowds eager for candle-making and soap-making workshops. Visitors can now explore signature scents blended from multiple oils, often inspired by loved ones and meaningful places. The new location serves as more than a retail spot, providing a venue for hands-on classes where people create, connect, and relax amid San Jose's lively atmosphere.

Castro's deep roots in San Jose made San Pedro Square the ideal choice for this expansion, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops that enhance the area's appeal. During the opening, special deals like buy-one-get-one-half-off on candles attracted enthusiastic attendees, highlighting the shop's commitment to community engagement. Open daily, MiGi Cera Candles invites residents and visitors to join workshops or pick up eco-friendly items, adding to the growing list of unique experiences that make Downtown San Jose a hub for innovation and community.

San Jose's Emerging Electric Vehicle Hub Promises a Greener Future

A fresh proposal aims to transform an industrial building in North San Jose into a dedicated electric vehicle preparation and delivery center. Located at 2256 Junction Avenue near key Interstate 880 interchanges, the site spans 107,700 square feet and could handle storage for several hundred vehicles. Developer Prologis plans to upgrade the facility with enhanced power systems, LED lighting, office refreshes, site paving and roof repairs to support efficient operations starting potentially in mid-2026.

This development includes space for a possible showroom alongside standard vehicle servicing such as software updates, tire replacements and part installations. With 920 spots for vehicles and an additional 117 for employees, customers and visitors, the hub requires scheduled appointments for deliveries, ensuring smooth and organized experiences. The shift from earlier ideas like an Amazon logistics center highlights San Jose's adaptability in embracing sustainable technologies.

The project stands to invigorate the local economy by creating opportunities in logistics, tech support and related fields, aligning with the city's growing focus on clean energy. As Prologis reports strong financial health with billions in recent profits and revenue, this initiative could draw more investment to the area. San Jose residents benefit from advancements that promote reduced emissions and innovative mobility solutions, reinforcing the city's position as a leader in environmental progress.

Source: The Mercury News

Quick update on Saratoga Ave Master Plan

Today I saw a render that was new (to me) about the plan for Saratoga Ave near Westgate. The plan would allow for 1,620 more homes and 720,000 SQFT of commercial or office space along the corridor. It would essentially fill all of the street parking with higher density development. For more details and to actually participate in the planning process, you can read the relevant part of the District 1 Newsletter below.

Source: District 1 Newsletter - 

The City of San José is planning for its future, and we want your voice to be part of that conversation. 

 

As part of the Envision San José 2040 General Plan, the Urban Village strategy supports the development of housing and job growth in key commercial corridors such as Saratoga Ave. This growth is accompanied with updated policies to promote a complete community that is more walkable, bike-friendly, and transit-connected. Urban Villages are designed to support a healthier, more sustainable city by reducing car dependence, revitalizing underutilized properties, and promoting strong local economies. 

 

Urban Villages are planned intentionally to include a mix of housing types, employment options, and amenities such as places to gather. They are a key part of the 2040 General Plan to create better connected neighborhoods that address pressing priorities in housing affordability and environmental resilience. Urban Villages were carefully selected to support San José’s long-term environmental, fiscal, and transportation goals while respecting the existing character of established single-family neighborhoods. 

 

City staff and our office are currently sharing early draft concepts for the Saratoga Urban Village Plan. We are working to gather as much community feedback as possible from residents, neighbors, tenants, property owners, and business owners. 

If you live, work, or spend time in the area, we want to hear from you. Your input and participation will help shape the future of land use, housing, transportation, open space, and amenities in this vital part of West San José. 

 

Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey on the draft concepts: 

 

Simplified Chinese: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdGpBEPc56C3u9WK2ErpFZBAY3QVBNN1H2wqSX5KpRCHSCGtA/viewform?usp=header

 

Spanish:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc569zL7kAjiXBoT4lr-bfc0HczKfrIp252j6PgKCvztPkcJg/viewform?usp=header

 

English: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTiDLN3oXV7NfWygYsYRAdecUxNm9hWFwxhlBkFJcpJeNB6Q/viewform?usp=header

PG&E Partnership Fuels San Jose Data Center Boom and Job Surge

San Jose has forged a powerful alliance with PG&E to strengthen the city's electrical grid and meet the soaring energy demands from data centers. This collaboration positions San Jose as the West Coast's leading hub for data centers, with PG&E committing to upgrades that support 2,000 megawatts of new power demand. Such enhancements will triple the city's energy capacity, drawing in global companies eager to invest in a reliable infrastructure. This move highlights San Jose's proactive stance in fostering technological advancement and economic vitality.

The partnership includes a substantial $2.6 billion investment from PG&E into existing and new infrastructure projects. These efforts will enable immediate access to 250 megawatts of power for developers, accelerating construction and operations. One standout initiative is the Westbank net-zero community in Downtown San Jose, which integrates three data centers with over 4,000 residential units. This project features a heat-capture system that reduces energy costs for nearby residents and promotes low-carbon heating for environmental gains.

Beyond infrastructure, the deal promises significant employment opportunities, with projections of nearly 200,000 new jobs, primarily in construction. These positions will bolster the local workforce and contribute to broader prosperity. PG&E anticipates that the increased demand from data centers could lower monthly electricity bills for customers by 1% to 2% per gigawatt supplied, making energy slightly more affordable while generating tax revenue for city services.

Source: SVBJ