TWO BUCK Tuesday Tomorrow!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

Join us at KALEID Gallery for this upcoming Two Buck Tuesday! Come enjoy an inspired evening of art demos, performances, live painting, $2 art & quirky people get together!


Lots of $2 ART! (art by Michael Borja pictured above)


And here are just some of the interesting artists and crafters you will meet!

Michele Guieu invites you to participate in a messy paper collage workshop and to experiment with colors and transparency. Tear the paper or use scissors and compose a one of a kind image. Paper (different types and colors), glue and brushes are provided. Size of the collage: 8x5.5”.


Laura Callin Bennett will help us make Pysanky (Ukrainian Dyed Easter Eggs). These are not your typical pastel dyed eggs! You will be able to draw intricate designs in wax and use brilliant dyes to create one-of-a-kind egg artwork.



David Mejia will paint your portrait on the spot for a small fee.

Brande Barrett will demonstrate how to make art into glass pendants.
Aaron will draw your name in Graffiti for a small fee.


LIVE ART By:

Jared Konopitski
Erikka Hugger
Nik Caesar
John Hageman
Leeonnista
Al Preciado


Also featuring live, improvisational Belly Dance by Nour El Ain!

Tuesday, March 20th, 7-10pm
It's free and open to all ages!


88 South Fourth Street (@ San Fernando)
San Jose, CA
info@KALEIDGallery.com
408-947-1785
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, noon -7pm, free admission

SJC is Getting a Lounge Again

This may seem like a small thing, but if you have business travelers paying thousands of dollars for premium seats or frequent travelers that have achieved ultra platinum quadruple black diamond status, access to a business-class lounge is pretty much assumed at any international airport. San Jose and Oakland are probably two of the largest airports in the US without a single lounge. SJC used to have an American Airlines Admirals Club, but it closed in 2009 not too long after the discontinuation of their international flights.

Now that ANA is bringing nonstop flights between Tokyo and San Jose (sweet!), the lounge is coming back. This time it will be on the third floor of the International terminal, which is between Terminal A and C. The 5,300 sqft lounge will have workstations, a conference room, "quiet" seating, TVs, express spa services, food, a full-service bar, and private restrooms. The total cost is $1.3M and it will be ready before flights to Tokyo kick off in early 2013.

Source: SJBJ

The Siren Show March 18th

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

The Pennywell presents The Siren Show
featuring art work by: Allen Vu, Jo Anne Yada, April Gee, Ale Germann , Herlinda Lozano, Thinh Le, David Meijia, Melody Lu, Murphy Adams, Nicolas Caesar, Chris Mengarelli, Sonia Orban, Kelly Greenwalt, Kari Olandese, Jaycee, Vi Dang, Courtney Thiesen, John Hademan, Anthony Barbaria, and David Canavese

Sunday, March 18th 11am-6pm
LIve music by Containher
food & beverages provided
The Pennywell
205 Jackson Street @ No. 5th Street
San Jose

St. Patrick's Day Litter & Illegal Sign Clean Up

To balance out today's debaucheries, why not participate in a good cause--the Great American Litter & Illegal Sign Clean Up. For all of the info, just continue reading below.

*********************************************

It's St. Patty’s Day – Be Green with Me and Clean

Don't forget this Saturday, March 17th, is the Great American Litter & Illegal Sign Clean Up at John Mise Park. Come celebrate your St. Patrick’s Day with me and other members of the community. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by a brief orientation from City Staff.

We will be picking up litter in and around parks, schools, sidewalks and neighborhoods in District 1 as well as removing illegal signs posted on utility poles, street signs and park strips. We will then meet back up to have a FREE pizza lunch prepared by The Pasta Market and enjoy music from our DJ Rich McCoy.  

Please spread the word to all of your friends and family members. This event will be held rain or shine, so don't let a little rain stop you from coming out to help clean up the District 1 community!

You can sign up at the event or by registering at: http://2012greatamericanlitterpickup.eventbrite.com. Contact my office at (408) 535-4901 if you have any further questions. See you all out there!  

Neither snow, nor rain, nor thunderstorms, nor hail, will prevent the Great American Litter Pick up from happening!

Your Neighbor,

Pete Constant
San Jose City Councilmember, District 1
San Jose City Hall | 200 E. Santa Clara St., 18th Floor | San Jose, CA 95113
408-535-4901 | pete.constant@sanjoseca.gov | www.sjdistrict1.com

San Pedro Square Market Updates

I have always been bullish on The San Pedro Square Market, even after numerous delays and the loss of a few promising tenants. However, I'm going to make a really bold statement and say not only will the Market be a tremendous success... but it will be the inflection point that will change people's negative perceptions of Downtown San Jose and will likely be one of the most successful markets of it's kind in the US.

Some people are going to cringe when I say this, but it does have a lot of similarities to Santana Row. The attention to detail in the Market is impeccable, from the hummingbirds hanging from the ceiling to the flower selection in the courtyard. It has great open-air dining options, including the incredible courtyard with the Peralta Adobe. There is live music and entertainment. And, it is being progressively elaborated. Santana Row wasn't built in a day, in fact it is still being built. With SR, I always enjoyed going there and discovering what is coming next. There were always new surprises to discover, and now the same is happening with the Market.

Before I get into the updates, let me tell you where The Market and Santana Row are different. 1.) Instead of national anchors and restaurants, every tenant in The Market is a local small business where the owners are incredibly passionate about what they do and are striving to deliver the best possible product possible. SR venues go for consistency, the Market is going for excellence and innovation (can give you examples of innovative concepts from every food vendor). 2.) Price. The Market has the best value proposition imaginable for dinner. Pay "lunch" prices all day long, mix and match foods from vendors, no reservations needed, and it's both kid and adult friendly (three bars by summer).  3.) History. There is actual historical value in the venue itself. It is more than retail in a box. The Market will actually help preserve some San Jose history and make it more accessible to the public.

Okay, now for the good stuff.  Here are the updates since the last time I posted about the Market:

• On a Roll is now open right at the front of the Market. They serve Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle plates, spring rolls, tofu, and several other items. I've tried it already... the noodle plate with the pork is fantastic. Great addition!
• New seating has been added outside the Market and adjacent to On a Roll.
• The Crepe place (Crepe-Paris) is about 2 weeks away from opening. They'll have both savory and sweet crepes and be right between Vino Vino and On a Roll.  Also, they will likely stay open late to provide food for the post 10pm bar crowd.
• A new awning has been added in the courtyard, as well as some new festoon lighting.
• A new sign has been added for Blush, which also looks like it's getting a roll-up door on the side of the building.
• Building #2 (Lusardi) is 4-6 weeks away from opening. Unlike Building #1 (El Dorado), it's likely going to open mostly full with the following vendors:
• Treatbot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck
• Veggiebox - fresh, local veggies and prepared dishes
• Blush - Sushi, oysters, and a really unique bar
• Showroom - Boutique apparel, including I<3SJ shirts
• Ay Dios Mio - Mexican  
• The Little Cheese Shop - Cheese, Charcuterie, and Gourmet Foods
• San Pedro Square Seafood
• Loteria Taco Bar will be coming to the original building later this year.
• New Saturday San Pedro Farmers Market which will wrap around the Market and kick off April 7th!

GeneWeave Biosciences Raises Initial $12M

Another non-greentech company in San Jose is picking up funding, GeneWeave Biosciences. They're grabbing $12M in their first round (Series A) to develop molecular diagnostic technology that detects life-threatening pathogens. Brand new companies like this one getting substantial amounts of funding is a great sign for the entrepreneurial community in San Jose.

If you're a molecular biologist, assay development scientist (?), instrumental development engineer, or quality manager... they are also hiring.

Source: SJBJ

Wednesday Wishlist: North San Pedro Ballpark

Today's Wednesday Wishlist comes courtesy of one of our readers, Anthony Dominguez. I think he makes some valid points and I'm sure we can all agree that the closer the ballpark is to the downtown core, the better. I'm sure we'll have a lot of discussion on this one, so as always post your feedback in the chat =).

*************************************

Back in March of 2009, Rhamesis Muncada (aka Marinelayer at the A's new ballpark blog) stated to readers that the current Diridon Site might not be the only one considered for a future A's ballpark.  Talk about a teaser!  At the time many of us simply stated "huh?" and threw out all the usual suspects in terms of past sites considered, i.e. the Fairgrounds, Airport West/FMC, and Berryessa.  I theorized that another possible site for the ballpark could be North San Pedro/Brandenburg (NSP)...and guess what, I was right!

In many ways Josh, NSP would be superior for an A's ballpark than the current choice of Diridon for the following reasons:

1) More foot traffic for San Pedro Square Market/future housing/future retail developments from core downtown parking and future Santa Clara Street BART subway portals.

2) A bit further away from the "NIMBY" noise of Shasta/Hanchett Park and Willow Glen.

3) Easier access from 880 via Coleman Avenue and future Autumn Parkway.  In fact, surface parking for the ballpark could be built just northwest of 87 and Bassett St./UPRR tracks. (see the land plot via Google Earth/Maps).

4) Still within a 15 minute walk of Diridon Station and mere minutes from light-rail at St. James Park.

5) Leaves the Diridon Site open to more lucrative housing, office and retail associated with future Diridon Transit Center.

6) Much less traffic conflict with simultaneous events occuring at HP Pavilion; traffic more spread out through the downtown core.

I've also theorized Josh that perhaps in the future, Lew Wolff and the city of San Jose could do a land swap with Barry Swenson Builders.  Swenson could lease NSP to Lew Wolff/A's for the privately financed ballpark IN EXCHANGE for the city of San Jose leasing the Diridon Site to Swenson for his proposed residential development.  Because of the flight path of SJC, I've always felt that NSP (itself part of the downtown core) would be more conducive for a noise generating sports venue, while Diridon (with it's transit connectivity) more conducive for housing/office/retail.

Why do I feel the parties should consider a site change, considering all the work that's gone into planning for Diridon?  One reason is that Lew Wolff recently stated a ballpark in San Jose wouldn't open now until 2016 at the earliest, a full four years away.  There would still be time to conduct a full (or supplemental) EIR for a NSP ballpark.  Groundbreaking for the ballpark doesn't have to occur until the Spring of 2014 under the new scenario.  Save for a few old buildings, NSP is also clear and ready for construction as well.

Another reason concerns NIMBYS.  Again, NSP is more "downtown core" in flavor, and perhaps residents of nearby condos would welcome a ballpark in their backyard.  I recall some Newballpark commenters (who lived in that area of downtown) stating they would love to have a ballpark at NSP (see increased property values!).  We are already hearing grumblings from the Shasta Hancett/Rose Garden crowd about the possible noise and lights of a Diridon Ballpark.  In my opinion a NSP ballpark would make things much easier for the A's and city in this regard.

Lastly, the referendum issue.  No public vote would be necessary under the scenario of NSP because Lew Wolff/The A's would be dealing with a private land owner in Barry Swenson.  This would cease being an "issue" of the city of San Jose buying land for Lew Wolff and his millionaire sports team.  I also think opposition would die down due to the ballpark now being in the downtown core and away from nearby neighborhoods.

I've included a photoshop illustration (courtesy of Marinelayer) to give you an idea of how a ballpark would fit in at NSP.  In fact, if you "reversed" current images of the proposed Cisco Field it would fit in perfectly at NSP.

Anthony Dominguez (Tony D.)

P.S. One more item on my fantasy North San Pedro ballpark: I would incorporate the "James Square" building, located at the NW corner of Devine and N. Market Streets, into the ballpark site. James Square could be renovated much like the older buildings of the San Pedro Square Market and act as the SE gate/entrance to the ballpark. The building itself could house shops, restaurants/concessions and perhaps have a rooftop terrace for dining/beverage consumption.

Introducing Green Energy Match (GEM)

The City of San Jose and the Silicon Valley Energy Watch are sponsoring a new program that rewards you for saving you your energy bill. For all of the info, just read the blurb below.

*****************************

Save money.  Save energy.  Shop Local.

GEM  is a program sponsored by the City of San José that rewards residents for saving energy at home with coupons from local merchants. The program is a win-win-win as it helps residents save money, offers merchants free advertising and exposure, and strengthens local shopping districts and communities.

GEM is available in three pilot neighborhoods:  Hillview, Evergreen and Willow Glen.  The coupons, 70%-off from participating local merchants, are awarded monthly based on the energy savings shown on PG&E bills.

Go to  http://www.wattzon.com/learning/article/introducing-green-energy-match-gem to sign up.

Interested merchants should call 650-948-2004.

GEM also provides community grants of $500 to local groups.  Please call 650-948-2004to learn more.

GEM is sponsored by the city of San Jose' and Silicon Valley Energy Watch.  The program is administered by WattzOn, a Santa Clara County energy efficiency company.

Meridian Mixed Use Project

Let's start the week off right with some positive development news. The Meridian Mixed Use project has scored $8M of funding to move the project forward. We're looking at 218 apartments and over 14,000sqft of retail located in Midtown on San Carlos Street. Based on one of the images below, it looks like they are planning to have 8 retail spaces, including a restaurant... all with a pedestrian orientation (versus suburban). This is a $60M project and ground breaking is expected in July.

I think one day we'll see a high density connection all along San Carlos between Downtown and Uptown San Jose (Santana Row/Valley Fair). This isn't the only project in the area breaking ground soon. The $250M Ohlone project with 14 story buildings, 800 residential units, and 30,000 sqft of retail is ALSO happening soon.

Thanks to Gavin for the tip.

Meridian Mixed Use Project

The Ohlone

Enter Music Publishing Grooves Forward With The 17th Annual Drummies Voting Now Open Till May 1

San Jose, Calif. — It’s exciting, respected, a bit controversial yet fun. That’s right, it’s Drummies time! Comprised of more than 40 categories, Enter Music Publishing’s annual awards/poll officially opens March 10 in the artist and gear categories. Drummers and drumming fans can cast their votes at www.drummagazine.com/drummies.

 

Great Expectations: Diverse Drum Categories

 

Like last year, Enter Music Publishing expects very strong voting returns. In 2011 approximately 7,300 drummers participated in the Drummies, which comprise 42 categories, from “Best Drummer” to “Most Popular Cymbal.” “This year’s Drummies are probably going to be the biggest yet,” noted Andy Doerschuk, editorial director and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “As with last year, we have such diverse drumming categories like jazz, hip-hop, blues, rock, pop, and others for drum set and hand percussion."

 

“The Drummies is the coolest event each year because it honors outstanding artists,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “Last year’s voting was a big success and this year promises to be even bigger.”

 

Key Percussive Points

To clarify for Drummies newcomers, there are certain rules that relate to voting. Enter Music Publishing likes to make the voting process fun and be thorough about all issues related to the voting process such as:

1. You can only vote once.
2. Voting is open to any drummer — you don’t have to be a subscriber to the magazine or work in the industry.
3. You don’t have to vote in all categories.
4. Drummers who have won five or more times in a single category aren’t eligible to win in that category again. But they can win another category.

 

The drummers who have won five or more times and been inducted into the Drummies Hall Of Fame include: Travis Barker (punk), Neil Peart (drummer of the year), ?uestlove (hip-hop), Chad Smith (funk), Josh Freese (studio), Luis Conte (studio percussion), Airto (Jazz percussion), Giovanni Hidalgo (Latin percussion),Joey Jordison (metal), Dave Weckl (jazz/fusion), and Carter Beauford (jam band).

 

Drummer Of The Year: Mike Portnoy Pounds To Victory In 2011

Obviously, the Drummer Of The Year category is one of the most intense. However, Mike Portnoy took top drummer in a landslide victory. “Portnoy proved his significance with authority at the polls,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “It will be very interesting to see what happens and if he can be a repeat winner in this prestigious category.”

 

Who will be “Best Drummer” in 2012? Get down with the Drummies and go vote. Of course, Enter Music Publishing appreciates your participation.

 

Will Stanton Moore Strut As Best Funk Drummer a Second-Line Time?

Stanton Moore has two qualities that make him successful where other New Orleans drummers may not. In addition to his music education, he also has a business degree. Let's face it: Stanton can strut with the best. He won “Best Funk Drummer” last year and is featured on the April 2012 cover of DRUM! Look for it on newsstands beginning next week.

 

About Enter Music Publishing

Founded in San Jose, CA in 1992, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.

San Jose State Awarded $73.3M for NASA Study

This is an older story, but I have been meaning to post it for a while. San Jose State received a hefty $73.3M in order to partner with NASA on research projects that will improve both the safety and efficiency of air/space travel. The programs related to the research will be run by SJSU professors, graduate students, and of course NASA scientists. For all the info, just click the source link below or check out the press release over here.

Source: SJBJ

Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Coming to San Jose

A Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market sounds almost like an oxymoron, but that is exactly what is coming to San Jose later this year. The former Safeway location in Westgate mall will be home to the first Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market in the Bay Area. It's essentially a 38,000sqft grocery-only Wal-Mart. Supposedly, they are also eyeing the former Lunardi's location in Evergreen Village Square for their second store. The Evergreen Village Square space has been vacant far too long, I would be happy with anything in that space.

Source: SJBJ

Solar Junction Nabs $19.2M

The latest San Jose green-tech company to get additional funding is Solar Junction. They have raised an additional $19.2M to scale up manufacturing of their concentrated photovoltaic cells. The goal of their technology is to make the most cost effective and therefore commercially viable solar cells on the market. As a side note, in addition to being based in San Jose, they also do their manufacturing domestically.

Source: SJBJ

Wednesday Wishlist: More SJ Rooftop Patios/Restaurants/Bars

Okay, so today's Wednesday Wishlist isn't actually mine. This one is by Mark from the Think Bigger San Jose Blog (it's back!!!). So to read this one please head over there and while you're at it, you might as well check out Mark's latest posts and polls!

Again, here's the link.

San Jose Jazz Winter Fest

Are you one of the hundred thousand people that love the annual San Jose Fazz Fest? Well, then I have some great news. Starting this year there will be a Winter Jazz Fest in addition to the epic summer event. This is going to happen across the burgeoning San Pedro Square area, including many of my favorite Downtown eateries and the Theater on San Pedro Square. Our friends at Silicon Valley Lofts & Condos did a great job of summarizing the event, so check out their post below for all the details!

****************************************************

from Downtown San Jose Real Estate by Eric

Looking for a jazz fix and can’t wait for Summer Fest? San Jose Jazz’s Winter Fest is the answer.

Concerts will be held at the intimate Theater on San Pedro Square, and will feature established musicians as well as some up-and-comers. Highlights of the festival include a collaboration between young jazz artists Amrose Akinmusire and Gerald Clayton; vocalist Jamie Davis; saxophone prodigy Grace Kelly; Bay Area favorites The Blues All Stars with J.C. Smith, Chris Cain & Maxx Cabello, Jr.; and global fusion group Rupa & the April Fishes.

Other exciting events include dance parties and a “Club Crawl”. The Blues Dance Party will feature Summer Fest favorite Legally Blue, and the Salsa Dance Party will feature the Latin Salsa Big Band sounds of the Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Both parties will be held at the new local favorite San Pedro Square Market. The Club Crawl will have performances by local jazz groups at favorite downtown San Jose bars and restaurants in San Pedro Square including 71 Saint Peter, La Piñata, The Mmoon, O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, and the Satori Tea Company. Food and drink specials will be available during the festival.

Single tickets and festival passes are on sale now at sanjosejazz.org.

What: San Jose Jazz Winter Fest
When: Friday, March 9 – Sunday, March 11
Where: Concerts held at the Theater of San Pedro Square
29 N. San Pedro Street

Dance Parties held at the San Pedro Square Market
87 N. San Pedro Street

February 2012 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• Groundwerx is looking to improve services in Downtown San Jose when the PBID gets renewed. Specifically they are looking to:
• Improve safety using roving ambassadors, private security, and hiring off duty police officers
• Help retain and grow businesses by improving services to existing and new businesses interested in locating Downtown.
• The San Jose Redevelopment Agency has been dissolved and the city is assuming all assets and responsibilities.
• Dennis Fong has sold the landmark Prussia Building in SoFA at 371 S. First to AEDIS Architecture. The new owners are preparing the ground floor for retail and will use the upper floors for offices.
• The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services has launched a smartphone app that allows residents to send photos and reports of graffiti, litter, and park conditions (Groundwerx has something similar for Downtown).
• Chacho's Restaruant is back home in Downtown San Jose at 87 E. San Fernando [Josh: try their mole enchiladas, phenomenal]
• The Studio is a new Touchstone rock climbing club at 396 S. First that is just about to open in a heavily modified version of the former Wet nightclub building.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Pinger Receives Additional $7.5M from VCs

A hot new start-up based in Downtown San Jose has raised $7.5M from Deutsche Telekom. They currently have a mobile app that lets you text for free on Android devices and text or call for free on iOS devices. You can get links to download their app right over here. Their eventual goal is to build an international free global network with the support of carriers. I imagine most of the $7.5M will go towards building the right partnerships.

Source: SJBJ

Saturday Stats: San Jose #2 for Social Media Jobs

Just when I thought I was out of job-related Saturday Stats, I ran into one more. San Jose is being ranked as the second best location in the country for social media jobs. #1 was New York (which actually has slightly lower social media salaries than San Jose) and even with Twitter, San Francisco only managed to nab the bronze medal.

Source: SJBJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk Today!

from Phantom Galleries by Cherri Lakey

The next South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk is March 2nd!
A self-guided evening tour through galleries, museums, and independent creative businesses featuring exhibitions and special performances- all venues are FREE & open to the public 7–11pm.

Lots of new exhibits opening on Friday including:


Ordinary People new works by Daniel Jesse Lewis at Anno Domini.


I Can’t Go On; I’ll Go On a new body of work by Jehoiakim Santos at Good Karma Vegan Cafe presented by Phantom Galleries.


Portraits of the Innerself new work by Valerie Runningwolf at KALEID Gallery


Steam Punk Explorations new work by Dorothy Whitman at KALEID Gallery


The Practice in Ink by Leslie Lambert at Downtown Yoga Shala


Quilt National ’11 at San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles


Cult Films and Midnight Movies group show featuring David Mejia, Nic Ceaser, Des Taylor, Thomas Boatwright, Mike Rosen and Bryan Dobrow


Art and Chrome Culture group show featuring original art and live painting by Alfredo Reyes, Freddy Alfaro, Anthony Trayer, Jesse Villegas, Mike 3.5 & Neto Soza at South First Billiards

plus lots more at MACLA, Metro Photo Exhibit, Art Ark, WORKS San Jose, Pho69, Psycho Donuts, TechShopSJ, San Jose Jazz at Eulipia and opera at Caffe Frascati!

View full line up here at www.SouthFirstFridays.com
Invite your friends along here.

TOTEM Ticket Giveaway: And the winner is....

What a whirlwind contest! We had fun watching the entries come in... but enough of that. You want to know who won don't you?

The winner of Two (2) tickets to see tomorrow night's premiere of Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM is....


RAY C.!!!

Congratulations!

But wait... there's more!

The super generous folks at TOTEM decided, what the heck... here's ANOTHER PAIR OF TICKETS. So, surprise San Jose Blog readers - there's another winner out there!

And that winner is ...


ANNE J.!!!

Congratulations to both winners! We hope you have a fantastic time at the show!

I'll be posting about the show later this weekend so be sure to come back and check that out. Ray and Anne - we look forward to hearing what you thought about the show too!

Santana Row Expansion

Not too long ago Santana Row announced new residential construction behind the building bound by Yankee Pier and Pasta Pomodoro (212 rental homes). Now they are adding two new projects into their immediate expansion plans.

First up is the vacant two-story flagship Borders space. H&M will be taking over that location to become a retail anchor and triple their square footage at the row. This will also free up an 8,000sqft corner location, which I imagine won't be empty for long.

Second is a massive new Class A office building that will be on the corner of Winchester across the street from Eli Thomas and stretch all the way to Thea. We're talking 220,000 square feet--more than double the office space Santana row has now--and they are planning to get rents in the Downtown Mountain View range. They are also looking to lease to a single high-tech tenant, opening another "headquarters" opportunity for San Jose.

The new office building will also have 660 new underground parking spaces, which will be open to everyone on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Source: The Merc, SJBJ

Win 2 Tix to see TOTEM, Friday March 2nd!

Attention The San Jose Blog readers! Between now and NOON TOMORROW, you have the opportunity to win TWO (2) tickets to attend the Premiere of Cirque du Soleil's TOTEM!

TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. The characters evolve on a stage evoking a giant turtle, the symbol of origin for many ancient civilizations.

Inspired by many founding myths, TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species.

Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

- TOTEM website

Here's the show details:

When: Friday, March 2, 2012
Where: Taylor Street Bridge, Lot E (You can't miss the big tent!)
Site Opens: 7:00 PM
Showtime: 8:00 PM

Enter to win by filling out the form below-- but first, some contest details:

Contest ends NOON tomorrow, Thursday, March 1st.
Winner will be chosen at random.
Please do not enter the contest if you cannot make the show!
Winners will be notified by email (look for an email from Jennifer Bullock!)

Fill out the form below, and GOOD LUCK!

3/1: 12:00PM (NOON):
*** CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED ***