New High-Rise Construction Update

I just received some info from the SJ Downtown Residents Association Newsletter that I think you are all going to enjoy. It looks like we'll finally have a crane back in Downtown San Jose this year. A new 22-story Barry Swenson apartment building that is going to be between Axis and the San Pedro Square Market has been approved and sounds like it is moving forward. More info below (sign up for this newsletter here) along with renderings of the building.

Hat-tip to Jeff for sending in the info!

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Single digit vacancy rate for rentals always leads to new construction in densely populated areas and downtown San Jose is no exception. A recent discussion with Councilmember Sam Liccardo shed new light on projects in the works...and the truth about others that, until now, were just rumors. First, while there is definite interest in the lot between The 88 and The Rep, as well as the SW corner of Santa Clara and Market Street, nothing, according to Liccardo, will happen until the market improves.

Currently, all parties are "simply too far apart," he says.

New apartment construction however, has already been approved to move forward, including three residential high rises: 1. A six-story affordable housing facility for up to 135 residents will be built on Bassett Street, on the east side of the Market Street overpass and west of N San Pedro. The First Community Housing project will be Leed Certified; 2. A six-story Barry Swenson project will be built just on the other side of the Market Street overpass, north of Julian; 3. The largest of the three-also a Barry Swenson project-will include market rate, high-end units and top off at 22 stories near Axis and Andy's Pet Shop. This construction project is expected to also trigger the long awaited Julian Street renovation.

"Look for cranes in the air by year's end," said Liccardo.

Two Buck Tuesday Today!

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!
Here's some of what you have to look forward to this time:

Two Buck regular Nicolas Caesar invites the public to his Monster Mash-up. Mad Scientists of all ages get a chance to illustrate, invent or remix a monster with the encouragement of Nik’s demented eye. Most people may know Nik from TV20’s Creepy Kofy Movie Time, as the artist and curator of Scream 4, as well as Fearnet’s Holiday Fear Finds.
Also on display will be several remixes Nik did from Arroyo High School students monsters.


Brande Barrett will demonstrate how to make art into glass pendants.


The San Jose Yarnbombers will show you how to make a simple yarn flower with a loom. Supplies will be provided.


Fun stencil making workshop with Michele Guieu: make a stencil (or more!) and compose a cool page using different acrylic colors applied with a foam stencil brush. Kids welcome. All material provided.


David Mejia will draw your portrait on the spot for a small fee.
LIVE ART BY:
Matthew McHan, 
Jean Davis, 
John Hageman
Live acoustic set by Mr. Philthy and Friends


Also enjoy Live Improvisational Belly Dance by Nour EL Ain!
Tuesday, May 15th, 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

Chick-fil-A Officially Coming to San Jose! PART 2

I have some additional updates from an event today regarding the Chick-fil-A coming to @First on July 26th. It's going to be the first restaurant in San Jose to be LEED certified (extremely energy efficient). They also are already planning another restaurant this year in Walnut Creek and are shooting for 3-5 new Bay Area restaurants a year.

Lastly, they have an interesting event tied to the launch where 100 people will get a year's supply of Chick-fil-A.  Details below:

Chick-fil-A will celebrate the grand opening of the new San Jose restaurant by giving away a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals (52 certificates) to the first 100 adults in line on opening day. The “First 100” celebration draws Chick-fil-A raving fans up to 24 hours in advance. They arrive with tents, air beds, TVs, lap top computers, gaming systems and other activities to pass the time while camping out overnight. Since the event began in October 2003, Chick-fil-A has given away more than $16 million in free food. 

The new restaurant is one of 92 locations the chain plans to open across the country in 2012, creating nearly 7,000 new jobs. Despite the challenging economy, Chick-fil-A continued to grow in 2011, reporting record-setting annual sales of more than $4 billion, representing a 13 percent increase over 2010 and the 44^th consecutive year of sales growth since the company began in 1967.

Chick-fil-A topped large chain category in Zagat’s 2011 National Fast Food Restaurant Survey that measured the opinions of 6,000 consumers covering 103 chains. With each chain being rated on its quality of food, service and facilities, the survey scored Chick-fil-A first in service and the chargrilled sandwich categories; and second in the areas of food, best drive-thru, most child friendly, and facilities. In 2011, Chick-fil-A also received Consumer Reports Top Chicken Chain for food and service.

Chick-fil-A Officially Coming to San Jose!

The most eagerly awaited restaurant at the @First development (North First and 237) would have to be Chick-fil-A. There have been many discussions back and forth on whether this restaurant was even going to make it to the South Bay, but today I'm happy to confirm that it's going to happen. I even have a launch date for everyone: July 26th. This will be the very first Chick-fil-A in the Bay Area Correction: This will be the first stand-alone Chick-fil-A (non-mall) within 60 miles of San Jose. There is one in Fairfield, which is technically part of the Bay Area.

Mother's Day Dining Ideas

For some great Mother's Day food options, check out EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com. The Fairmont in Downtown San Jose has a great brunch as does LB Steak and Village California Bistro in Santana Row. There's also a Champagne Buffet over at Il Fornaoio. For all the details, click here!

Village California Bistro, Credits: EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com

Double Carpool Lanes Coming to the South Bay

The first double carpool lanes in Northern California are going to be built in a 3 mile stretch on 101 between 85 and Embarcadero in Palo Alto. These are extremely rare (had a real hard time finding a photo) and exist on just a few freeways in SoCal.

Eventually these will become double toll lanes, which is part of a much larger project to create double toll lanes stretching from Morgan Hill through San Jose and up to San Mateo. Toll lanes allow single drivers in the carpool lane for a fee that increases with higher congestion. So far the only toll lane in San Jose proper is along 237.

Highway 85 is also going to get the double toll lane treatment as soon as 2015 and 880 is going get it's first carpool lane in each direction between 101 and 237.

Source: Marin Independent Journal

Downtown San Jose Murals

From the SJDA website:

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

Keep an eye out for a collection of murals covering the walls and adding color to the downtown landscape. The murals celebrate the people and places that make San Jose, Silicon Valley and California great. A walk along First Street will reveal most of these murals. See how many you can find.

	Artist: Location: Corner of E San Salvador and S First St. Behind Studio Theater building. 2009

Artist: Location: Corner of E San Salvador and S First St. Behind Studio Theater building‎. 2009

	Homage Artist: Chris Duncan & Paul Urich Location: Corner of E Santa Clara & Fourth Street 2005

Artist: Anno Domini Location: Anno Domini Corner of W San Carlos and S First St. Opposite California Theatre San Jose.

	Artist: Location: Fountain Alley Parking Lot, off Second Street between Santa Clara and San Fernando. On wall of San Jose Bar and Grill. 2008

Artist:  Morocco's Location: At the corner of W St John St. & N Market St.

	Artist: Lorna Sulgit Location: St. John and Notre Dame streets, on the wall of the former Rosicrucian Press building 2011

Artist: Lorna Sulgit Location: St. John and Notre Dame streets, on the wall of the former Rosicrucian Press building 2011

	Artist: Lorna Sulgit Location: St. John and Notre Dame streets, on the wall of the former Rosicrucian Press building 2011

Artist: Lorna Sulgit Location: St. John and Notre Dame streets, on the wall of the former Rosicrucian Press building 2011

	Artist: Lorna Sulgit Location: St. John and Notre Dame streets, on the wall of the former Rosicrucian Press building 2011

Artist: Paul Gonzalez Location: On the fence of the former Porter Stock Building

	Artist: Paul Gonzalez Location: On the fence of the former Porter Stock Building

Artist: Jet Martinez Location: Parking lot of the Robert F. Peckman Federal Building, South First St.

	A Place in Mind Artist: Jose Arenas  Location: On the wall of Miami Beach club, Corner of E San Salvador and S First St. 2009

A Place in Mind Artist: Jose Arenas Location: On the wall of Miami Beach club, Corner of E San Salvador and S First St. 2009

	A Place in Mind Artist: Jose Arenas Location: On the wall of Miami Beach club, Corner of E San Salvador and S First St. 2009

A Place in Mind Artist: Jose Arenas Location: On the wall of Miami Beach club, corner of E San Salvador and S First St. 2009

	Shades of San Jose Artist: Joey Piziali Location: SoFA Parking lot 2010

Shades of San Jose Artist: Joey Piziali Location: SoFA Parking lot 2010

5 Strawberry Tips Courtesy of the Veggie Box

Did you know that strawberries had shoulders? I had no idea that's what the top of the strawberry was called, let alone that a strawberry is considered ripe when the red color reaches all the way to the top of the shoulders near the sepals (leafy bits) ... Just throwing down some of the knowledge I learned by watching this video from our friends over at the Veggie Box, located at the San Pedro Market Square in Downtown San Jose.



So, tomorrow, during the Farmer's Market, check out the Veggie Box and buy yourself some juicy strawberries! (And if you use them in some kind of tasty-delicious recipe, share that with us!)

The San Jose Blog Turns 3!

After 3 years, over 1100 posts, and half a million visits... I'm going to take a moment to go back to the original premise of this blog--to show that San Jose is a world-class city. But how the heck do you measure world-class? It seems like something that is completely subjective.

Well, it turns out that there is an organization called GaWC that objectively defines, categorizes, and ranks "global cities" based on multiple criteria. They are also based out of the UK, further increasing objectivity when it comes to US cities. Their criteria for global cities includes:

• Economic characteristics: corporate headquarters, financial output, number of financial services companies, cost of living, etc.
• Political characteristics: influence on and participation in international events and world affairs, hosting headquarters for international organizations, demographic diversity, etc.
• Cultural characteristics: museums, galleries, film festivals, professional sports teams, educational institutions, tourism, historic features, etc.
• Infrastructural characteristics: advanced transportation systems, mass transit, major international airports, communications, hospitals, prominent skylines, etc.

Their research is legitimate and well respected internationally. They have 4 different levels of global cities:

1. Alpha Cities - very important world cities that link major economic regions and states into the  global economy
2. Beta Cities - important world cities that link their region or state into the world economy
3. Gamma Cities - world cities linking smaller regions or states into the world economy
4. Sufficiency Cities - There are NOT considered world cities, but have sufficient services so as to not be overtly dependent on world cities

Each "global city" category is further subdivided into normal, plus, or minus... similar to letter grades in school. Sufficient cities can either have a "sufficiency" or "high sufficiency" ranking.

Okay, now the real question... how has San Jose done based upon the research?


2000 Rankings: High Sufficiency


2004 Rankings: High Sufficiency  


2008 Rankings: Sufficiency  


2010 Rankings: Gamma+  

There you have it folks. In the latest rankings, San Jose is now objectively considered to be a world-class city for the first time. I've said many times before that we're on a great trajectory, and now there is even scientific data to back it up. The future is only going to get brighter and there is so much to look forward to. Soon we'll have new teams to root for (Earthquakes, A's, and the South Bay 49ers), more transit options (BART, BRT, Zipcar), and tons of development projects Downtown, Midtown, and on North First.

Thanks for reading and for any and all contributions you make towards making our city a better place!

Wednesday Wishlist: 3D Street Art

I think this is the level of street art we should be shooting for! These types of projects add character and get people to come check it out, interact with the art, and show the photos off to their friends. Check out the images below which are not photoshopped or doctored in any way as well as the "making of" video.

Dishwalk With Dishcrawl And Food Social

Try 10 dishes in Downtown SJ on a Saturday, followed by a Food Social reception of foodpreneurs at 4pm! This is a self guided tour through 10 restaurants.

Saturday, May 12th from 2-5pm. Tickets are $29 online, $39 the day of.

Participating restaurants are: Little Chef Counter, Vino Vino, La Pinata, Sonoma Chicken Coop, Sabor, Myth, Firehouse, On a Roll, CreParis, Food Social's Halal.

Dishwalk drink specials for $2-4 from the restaurants while you're eating away.

Experience a self-guided tour of food littered with acoustic artist popups all afternoon in Downtown San Jose's San Pedro Square.

Artists confirmed: Paul Kimball (Careless Hearts), Kaila D'Sa, Vivienne Castillo, Nate Castillo We eat and drink rain or shine.

Email hi@dishcrawl.com with questions.

Please Note: The registration/meeting location will be revealed to all ticket-holders 48 hours before the event via email. Strictly vegetarian options will not be available for this event. We're sorry, but cancellations are only taken if given 48 hours in advance. Thanks for understanding!

Food is included, drinks are CASH, so make sure to bring some. :)

Click here for tickets!

San Jose Budget May See Surplus in 2012-2013 Fiscal Year

After 10 years of budget deficits, service cuts, and layoffs... it looks like we may have finally turned a corner. In the budget year beginning July 1st, San Jose has a $9M budget surplus. This means that the city will be able to staff 4 new libraries, a community center, Lake Cunningham Skate Park, and maintain programs to suppress gang activity.

For all of the details, just check out the source link below!

Source: The Merc

Cool Music Video with Multiple Downtown SJ Shots

Here is a popular music video (almost 4.7 million views) that uses shots from Downtown San Jose multiple times--can you spot them all? About 10 seconds in you'll find the coolest presentation of City Heights ever. Thanks to Tommy for finding this!

Cinco de Mayo in San Jose

For a list of recommended festivities today, check out the EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com website.

There are events going on at El Jardin at Santana Row (including outdoor food booths, carvinal games, pinatas, etc.), Chacho's in Downtown San Jose, and a new Santana Row restaurant called Hot Tamales (replaces Roux).

El Jardin, Credits: EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com

Saturday Stats: San Jose is #3 on Fastest-Growing Cities List

Based on Forbes list of fastest-growing cities, San Jose ranks #3 in the US. It should also be noted that cities were penalized for low median incomes and high unemployment rates while given an extra boost from high projected economic growth. To quote the article, "the result is a list of cities that aren't just growing, but creating opportunities."

Source: Forbes


Xin Zhu/istockphoto

South First Friday Today!

The weather should be pretty nice tonight. Great day for an art walk Downtown!  Today's South First Friday features 19 different venues open from 7pm-11pm. To see the full list of what will be featured, just click here.

Beauty Pop-up Brow Bar

First came pop-up retail, then pop-up eateries, and now we're getting into an age of pop-up services. I'm a fan of the whole concept and hope the trend continues. Studio Joule below is doing a pop-up brow bar in Downtown Campbell this Friday and is also doing a pop-up in Downtown San Jose this June.

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

Event Details:

Who: Studio Joule & Simply Smashing Boutique

What:  Pop-Up Brow Bar 

Where:  Simply Smashing Boutique 241-B E. Campbell Avenue, Downtown Campbell

When:  Friday May 4th, 2012.  From 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

Studio Joule and Simply Smashing will be combining beauty & fashion one evening. Beautiful brows, boutique browsing and personal styling.

Come Party at the Tech Tonight!

The Tech Museum After Hours

Special Presentation
The Science of Suds
Sponsored by Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
With special musical guests Daze in the Green
Wednesday, May 2
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
We are teaming up with San Jose's only local brewery, Gordon Biersch, for our first ever beer tasting event! Join us for lots of fun activities exploring the "science of suds".

Special Offer May 2 Only!
Purchase one Gordon Biersch beer glass for $10.00 and get 3 Gordon Biersch beers FREE! Choose from 5 different styles of beer: Marzen, Czech Style Pilsner, Hefewesizen, Blonde and SommerBrau. Mix and match!

Each month provides an exclusive and fun setting of music, games, hands-on exhibits, and more. Explore the entire museum with other adults under moody lighting and music as you play a bevy of giant games, discover more about science and technology, or just relax and have fun with friends! 

• Gordon Biersch beer tasting.
• GIANT GAMES like 4 Foot Tall Jenga-Style Blocks, Over-Sized Chess, and Giant Four in a Row.
• Live music and dancing.
• Limited cafe menu available for purchase.

This May, Daze on the Green is "in the house" and will be joining The Tech Museum After Hours to give us some beats to jam to! So bring your friends for an exciting evening of fun, games and music!

CELEBRATE your birthday a whole new way! If your birthday falls in between April 29 - May 6, YOU can get in for FREE (with a valid ID)!

Don't forget to go over to After Hours Photo Booth and share smiles with your friends. We'll post your photos on our After Hours Facebook page and share your pictures! Enjoy our new bar menu with tasty appetizers now for only $5 per item!

Admission Prices:
General: $10
Member: $8
Group of 10 or more: $8

For more information or to buy tickets please call(408) 294-8324. Or buy online now. (service charges may apply. Members service charges waived.)

Get directions and parking tips.

Like our After Hours Facebook page!   

Pagoda is Transforming into a Live Music Venue

Wow, I didn't see this one coming. Pagoda is going to drop their dinner service and instead feature live music by up and coming bands. I have to say this is a surprising and really cool idea. Along with the live music multiple times a week at the San Pedro Square Market, the big events at the remodeled Civic, and almost daily performances in SoFA... the Downtown live music scene is really growing and starting to become alive. Best of luck to Pagoda, I really hope they succeed with the new concept!

THE FAIRMONT SAN JOSE

FOLLOWS THE BEAT OF DOWNTOWN

THE ALL-NEW PAGODA

SAN JOSE, CA – After years of serving world-class Chinese cuisine in downtown San Jose, Pagoda is changing to meet the needs of our guests and local residents. Effective April 29, 2012, Pagoda will no longer be serving dinner.

“Pagoda is not closing, rather evolving,” says Mike Lerman, Food and Beverage Manager of The Fairmont San Jose. There has been overwhelming demand for an intimate and inviting space to enjoy San Jose’s burgeoning music scene.  Pagoda will provide guests access to international up-&- coming bands, a laid- back lounge scene and serve great drinks. The new direction will be more in line with market demands and consumer trends in downtown San Jose.

Pagoda will continue to serve as home to the Live at the Pagoda music series; now in its second year, Live at the Pagoda has become the South Bay’s preeminent live music venue. Live at the Pagoda’s music events supports 1^st Act Silicon Valley’s efforts to strengthen the arts and culture industry in the valley (a San Jose network group consisting of business, civic, and arts leaders).

Pagoda’s next music event is Friday, May 4^th, 2012. A live music schedule may be found online at liveatthepagoda.com; additional inquiries regarding private events may be directed to 408-998-3520 or email sanjose@fairmont.com

xxx

       

About The Fairmont San Jose

The Fairmont San Jose located in the heart of Silicon Valley, combines high-tech excitement with the elegance of Fairmont style.  The hotel offers 805 deluxe guest rooms, including 77 luxurious suites, and 65,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, presented with the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional designs.  The 20^th floor is devoted to a collection of grand penthouse suites, with its own private boardroom and spectacular city views. The 4^th floor (Cabana Level) features lavish -style rooms framing a 58’ swimming pool, sun deck, men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, health club and spa.