Playful People Productions Presents: Willy Wonka Kids and Willy Wonka Jr

Sounds like a fun local production for those with kids:

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Playful People Productions Presents:

Willy Wonka Kids and Willy Wonka Jr

This scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to delight everyone's sweet tooth! Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka JR and Willy Wonka KIDS follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding five golden tickets in five scrumptious candy bars.  The lucky winners will get a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy. Four of the five winning children are brats: the fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie, who takes the tour with his equally amiable Grandpa Joe. This scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to  take the audiences on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination!

All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave  San Jose, CA 95126

Show Times:

Willy Wonka Kids - 

Friday, October 25th  7:00pm

Saturday, October 26th 10:00am,  2:00pm and 7:00pm

Sunday, October 27th 10:00am and 2:00pm

Willy Wonka Jr - 

Friday, November 1st 10:00am and  7:00pm

Saturday, Novemer 2nd 10:00am,  2:00pm and 7:00pm

Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net

$12 attendees 12 and up, and $8 children 11 and under 

Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)

$15 attendees 12 and up, and $10 children 11 and under

For questions: barb@galiotto.com

Playful People Productions provides a quality, caring environment in which children, youth & their families have positive theatre experiences, while being involved in many aspects of on-stage/ back-stage theatre. Our company fills a need of providing beginning through advanced theatre for the whole family to the community. The founders have expanded the program to include classes & summer camps.

Playful People Productions is run by mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto & Katie D' Arcey, who between them have approx 50 years experience in the musical theatre world. Both are Positive Discipline trained & worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in theatre. Both have worked as professional directors with children's theatre for many years.

For each production we employ professional designers, artists, choreographers and directors to guide our students. We also hire experienced college & high school students to do jobs in the production such as directors, stage managers, lighting, make-up, & set designers, choreographers and assistants. This allows students to gain work experiences in all aspects of theatre. The goals of Playful People Productions are to provide the community with a variety of performing opportunities for children, youth & families to experience. Playful People Productions will challenge young people in the community, provide a safe, caring environment, & involve parents in a wholesome, well-rounded activity. We believe that a good theatre experience will greatly improve the lives of the children, youth and families in our community.

Saturday Stats: Median Home Prices for Ultra-Rich and Everyone Else

Redfin published an article last month claiming that the richest 1% of American are faring better after the housing crash than the rest of the 99%. The median for the top 1% of homes is only 4% below the 2007 peak, while the lower 99% is still 23% behind the overall peak. However, what is more interesting to me is the charts below. In the 20 or so markets evaluated, San Jose came up with the 3rd highest median price for homes in the top 1%, below Los Angeles and San Francisco. On the flip-side, if you look at the bottom 99%, the San Jose area has the highest median price for homes, topping even San Francisco.

What does this mean? At the very least, in terms of housing we are slightly less unequal than other metros between the uber-wealthy and everyone else. Also we have the most expensive real estate in the report for those that are not extremely rich. Nothing really surprising, but interesting nonetheless.

Source: Redfin

Centerra Update

The giant hole in the ground you see below will one day become the Centerra high-rise in San Pedro Square! Thanks to Jeff Arko for sending in the photo (he'll have more soon).

San Jose Stage Company Announces 2013-14 Season

 

San Jose, CA — San Jose Stage Company Artistic Director Randall King announces The Stage’s 2013-14 Season:

 

“As the company enters its next decade, we continue our mission to bring bold, diverse and innovative new work to The Stage. Our 31st Season revolves around the heart, soul and strength of community tackling the forces of corruption, exploitation and depravity. Each play zeroes in on the fear and paradox that exist in the realities and myths of the American Dream in today’s world. These stories are told with great humor and pathos,” noted Artistic Director Randall King

 

The Stage’s 2013-14 Season kicks off with Kristoffer Diaz’ body-slamming 2010 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, The Elaborate Entrance Of Chad Deity, presented in association with Capital Stage Company. Associate Artists Kevin Blackton*, Halsey Varady*, Will Springhorn Jr.*, Allison F. Rich* and Martin Rojas Dietrich* will light the holidays with Joe Landry’s radio play of the iconic classic film It’s A Wonderful Life. The New Year fires up the long-anticipated production of Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s powerful and evocative The Threepenny Opera, followed by two Regional Premieres — Lynn Nottage’s stunning new comedy By The Way, Meet Vera Stark and the sexy and explosive 2012 Tony Award Nominee Bonnie & Clyde: A New Musical with Music byFrank Wildhorn, Lyrics by Don Black and Book by Ivan Menchell.

 

Finalist for the 2010 Pulitzer Prize

THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE OF CHAD DEITY

Presented in association with Capital Stage Company

Written by Kristoffer Diaz

 

October 16 – November 10, 2013 / Press Opening October 19, 2013

 

The acclaimed comedy The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deityslams together thrilling spectacle, incredible characters and geopolitical allegory into an invigorating theatrical experience that you can’t find on pay-per-view. Kristoffer Diaz’s play also received the 2011 Obie Award for Best New American Play and the 2008 National Latino Playwriting Award.

 

“has the serious crack and pop of a galloping, honest-to-God, all-American satire”

– The New York Times

 

“an adrenaline rush…delightful physicality and freewheeling theatricality!”

– Washington Post

 

 

Beloved Holiday Classic

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY

From the screenplay by Frances Goodrich, Albert Hackett, Frank Capra

and Jo Swerling

Adapted by Joe Landry

 

November 27 – December 22, 2013 / Press Opening November 30, 2013

 

This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. An ensemble of Stage Company associate artists brings to the stage the story of idealistic George Bailey, who has given up on his dreams in order to help others and who now considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve, bringing about the intervention of his guardian angel. It's A Wonderful Life celebrates community at its best and reminds us that we contribute to each other's happiness and well being, perhaps daily, in ways we might not ever be conscious of. This is the timeless gift of the story and why it continues to resonate so powerfully with us today.

 

"fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption."

– Chicago Sun-Times

 

“Wonderful, heartwarming and good for the soul” -- San Francisco Chronicle

 

Powerful Iconic Musical

THE THREEPENNY OPERA

Based on John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera

Adaptation and Lyrics by Bertolt Brecht / Music by Kurt Weill

German translation by Elisabeth Hauptmann

English translation of dialog by Robert MacDonald

English translation of lyrics by Jeremy Sams

 

February 5 – March 30, 2014 / Press Opening February 8, 2014

 

A milestone of 20th century musical theater, The Threepenny Opera (Die Dreigroschenoper) rolls on unstoppably into the 21st with absolute relevance in today’s world. In their opera “by and for beggars,” composer Kurt Weill (1900–1950) and playwright Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956) created a trailblazing musical spectacle of fierce social and political critique where the haves clash with the have-nots with its haunting jazz score by Kurt Weill, acid harmonies and biting lyrics. This musical saga of the villainous but irresistible Mack the Knife and his marauding band of thieves is a revolutionary musical theatre inspiring such hits asCabaret (at The Stage in 2011 for an extended run) andUrinetown, The Musical (at The Stage in 2006 for an extended run). 

 

“the kind of theater that shakes up a audience” – Chicago Daily Herald

 

“an engaging and biting piece of theatre” – New York Daily News

 

Regional Premiere

BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK

Written by Lynn Nottage

 

April 19 – May 11, 2014 / Press Opening April 19, 2014

 

Recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and the 2012 Drama Desk Nominee for Outstanding Play, the regional premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author’s new comedy, Lynn Nottage draws upon the screwball films of the 1930s to take a funny and irreverent look at racial stereotypes in Hollywood. This multimedia presentation is a seventy-year journey through the life of Vera Stark, a headstrong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately grasping to hold on to her career.

 

"Nottage is one of our finest playwrights, a smart, empathetic, and daring storyteller who tells a story an audience won't expect." — Time Out New York

"Lynn Nottage's work explores depths of humanness, the overlapping complexities of race, gender, culture and history — and the startling simplicity of desire — with a clear tenderness, with humor, with compassion." — Paula Vogel, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright

Regional Premiere of a New Musical

BONNIE & CLYDE

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Lyrics by Don Black

Book by Ivan Menchell

 

June 4 – July 27, 2014/ Press Opening June 7, 2014

 

 

Bonnie & Clyde charts a true tale of love, poverty, criminality and celebrity set in the 1930s Southern States of drought, dust, disease and death. When Bonnie met Clyde, it was an instant and dangerous attraction. These two young lovers became inseparable and quickly plunged themselves into a life of fast cars, guns and revenge. Part folk heroes and part murderous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde instantly became the stuff of legend. This new stage adaptation fuses together vintage images with rockabilly, blues and gospel music. Bonnie & Clyde was nominated for two 2012 Tony Awards and five 2012 Drama Desk Awards nominations, including Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Music.

 

“armed and amorous, committing cold-blooded musical”

– The New York Times

 

“entertaining, melody-enriched, original musical”

– CurtainUp

 

All titles and dates subject to change

 

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association

 

The Stage is located at 490 South First Street at William Street in the SoFA district of downtown San Jose. 2012-13 Subscriptions available at 408.283.7142 or www.thestage.org

 

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About San Jose Stage Company:

 

Launching on its 31st Season, San Jose Stage Company is recognized as the San Francisco Bay Area's Premiere Off-Broadway Theatre. The Stage is known for its devotion to new and cutting-edge work and for its commitment to showcasing high-quality local talent.

 

Ranked the 3rd largest theatre and 9th largest performance arts organization in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal, San Jose Stage Company is a vital force in the community. The Stage has earned a reputation for artistic excellence by providing high quality, edgy theatrical experiences that engage, educate and provoke audiences. That includes 147 productions, 45 new works and 13 world premieres.

 

The Stage offers five core education and outreach programs and has housed over 250 independent performance groups. Located at the Gateway to the City's Arts and Entertainment District, San Jose Stage Company, the SoFA District's first arts anchor organization, continues to promote San Jose's stature as a burgeoning regional arts center by providing live theatre experiences that enrich the quality of life in the community.

New Valley Fair Eateries Launch Nov. 1st

Westfield Valley Fair is about the launch their revamped dining terrace (conceptual image below), and we have a final list of new restaurants:

• Cafe Central - pastries, salads, Blue Bottle coffee
• Chipotle
• Loving Hut - vegan
• Old Port Lobster - lobster rolls!
• Pizza Vino - pizza, sandwiches
• Sajj Mediterranean - falafel, shawarmas
• Sarku Japan - teriyaki
• Sarku Sushi Bar
• Super Duper Burger (sweet!)
• Tava Indian Kitchen

Returning eateries are:

• Boudin
• Chicken Wow
• Haagen-Dazs, Jamba Juice, McDonald's
• Panda Express
• Ruby Thai
• Youji

Source: SVBJ

OKTOBERFEST @ The Market | Oct. 12th | Noon - 11:30pm

Octoberfest is coming to the San Pedro Square Market next weekend! Sounds like they are planning a huge event featuring German food, beers, and entertainment. Info and ticket links below:

Join Downtown San Jose's Most Unique Culinary & Entertainment Venue for Oktoberfest 2013!

Free entry to the public or participate by purchasing your official Oktoberfest Stein & Liter beer package featuring discounted group pricing. BUY TICKETS HERE

Enjoy festive outdoor beer gardens highlighting five specialized beer houses serving the finest selection of authentic German beers on tap plus some Craft German Bottled Beers at our very own Market Beer Company.

Enjoy our many Artisan Market Culinary options serving delicious German food including mouth watering Brat & Sauerkraut, delicious warm handcrafted Pretzels, handcrafted German Chocolate Ice Cream & much more.

• Join the festival fun and make new friends at our large family community tables 
• Participate in The Market's twist on Oktoberfest Games & Activities
• Our "Market Bar" will be serving unique German Inspired Cocktails
• Discounted *Buddy 6-pack of Tickets available

Festival Event Activities:

• Bring the whole family on Saturday October 12th beginning at noon for Oktoberfest Activities, Games &  Performances.
• Also enjoy the Sharks game televised on all screens!
• Festivities conclude at 11:30pm

Event is open to all ages, but guests must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID to purchase all steins, beer & liqour. Additional festival beer tickets available for purchase at the event.

BUY TICKETS HERE

5th Annual San Jose International Short Film Festival Opens Oct 17th @ CineArts Theater Santana Row

The stellar San Jose Short International Film Festival kicks off next week with a greatly expanded offering! They are celebrating their 5th year by showing over 120 films (up from 70 last year). The festival will also expand to two screens for the first time and has added three new sets of short films:

• Family Block (for kids aged 6-15)
• Sci-Fi Block
• Documentaries Block

These are of course in addition to their normal assortment of dramas, thrillers, comedies, feel-good movies, international films, and local productions. I have attended this festival for the last three years and have never been disappointed (the comedies were really awesome in 2012)! For more information just keep on reading or hop on over to the San Jose International Short Film Festival website over here!

San Jose International Short Film Festival Opens October 17th at CineArts Theater Santana Row

San Jose, CA – The 5th Annual film festival opens in San Jose with an incredible lineup of short films from across the globe, featuring selected entries from Tribecca, Cannes, Sundance and other top festivals.  With over 120 films cultivated from the hundreds of entries submitted, these World Class productions include stunning performances and visuals by some of the most talented up and coming filmmakers in world.

With over 20 short film screening blocks that feature every genre of film imaginable, there is something for everyone, plus industry guests, filmmaker panels, after-parties and more.

This year the San Jose International Short Film Festival kicks off Thursday, October 17th with the Red Carpet "Opening Night Screening & After-Party" and continues through Sunday October 20th.

The SAN JOSE INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (SJISFF) distinguishes itself as a festival that caters to filmmakers and their craft. Beginning with the Red Carpet event and "Premiere Selection" screening & Opening Night After-Party in the heart of beautiful Santana Row.

Multiple screenings are held each day at CineArts Theater, with its All Stadium Seating and State of the Art Digital Presentation that include "Make ‘em Laugh", "The Ink & Paint Club" our tribute to Animation Shorts, “World Cinema”, featuring the best in short foreign film., and "The Human Experience”, a block of life-affirming films that resonate and make you think. And much more.

Tickets on Sale Now

Ticket and Screening Information: www.sjsff.com

October 2013 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• SJDA Creates a Strategic Action Plan to improve Downtown over the next 15 months including the following recommendations:
• Increase use of retired and reserve officers Downtown through PBID funding
• Create a one-time global headquarters incentive package for Downtown
• Extend the High-Rise incentive program
• Dedicate a share of future parking meter revenues to promoting Downtown
• Streamline regulations and reduce fees to encourage more festivals and events
• Have the city hire a senior urban designer with a Downtown focus
• Map Downtown's potential development sites along with allowable height and proximity to transit
• Advocate for the A's stadium and an underground high-speed rail alignment
• Centralize homeless resources
• After a decade of planning, the $130 million expansion of the Convention Center is ready! 125,000 SQFT of space has been added, increasing the total size to 550,000 SQFT. The community is invited to an opening celebration on Oct 10th from 4:30-9:00pm.
• Little Italy received $360,000 in donations to acquire two dilapidated homes and turn them into the future Italian American Cultural Facility and Museum.
• Bel Bacio Imported Italian Coffee is coming soon to 350 W. Julian in Little Italay
• Groundwerx are installing RGB pixel light strings on the 32 palm trees that make up the Circle of Palms that could even be programmed for light shows and synchronized with music
• Downtown Ice returns Nov 15th.
• Willow Glen Yogurt and Ice Cream Co. has opened a concession in Camera 12 Cinema
• Da Kine Island Grill opens at 23 N. Market with Hawaiian and Island-style recipes

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Content 5.4 Pick Up Party!

The latest edition of Content is going to be released this Thursday, and per tradition they will be throwing a party at a cool local venue to celebrate. This time, it will take place at ICA and include a free drink and appetizer courtesy of Cafe Stritch for subscribers (I love both these places). This also happens to be the same day as the opening celebration for the Convention Center Expansion, just a short walk away. So much going on!

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Our Pick Up Party is NEXT WEEK!
We hope you can make it!

Come celebrate the release of another great issue at San Jose's ICA. Subscribers enjoy a free drink with appetizers by Cafe Stritch, pick up your magazine and meet other Content subscribers and contributors.  You can also pick up a few tips and tricks about buying and collecting art.  Starting at 7pm ICA curators will take you on a tour of the 33rd Annual Art Auction Exhibition that presents 200 original works in a range of mediums by California’s rising and established contemporary art stars.  You’ll also get the inside scoop on navigating the upcoming Silent and Live Auction events and of course, you can bid on and buy artwork in the Silent Auction gallery.  View the auction works now and listen to the artists describe their work through a free audio tour that you can access from the online gallery. 

RSVP: Email / Facebook

Guest Post on Off-site Alcohol Sales Permits

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I wanted to thank Josh for allowing me to bring to light what may seem like a very technical and inconsequential issue in San Jose that is actually a very important problem that impacts the lives of many owners and employees of small businesses and residents who live in neighborhoods that are saturated with stores that sell off-site hard alcohol and other spirits.

Specifically, the City of San Jose’s troubling policy of approving essentially all off-site alcohol sales permit requests in areas that have been deemed "over-concentrated" by the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) as long as the applicant is a big "full service" grocery store like Walmart. Case in point, the city recently approved a liquor license for a Walmart neighborhood market at 4080 Stevens Creek Boulevard even though ABC deemed the area over-concentrated with liquor licenses. And now, the City is looking to rubber stamp yet another request by Walmart to obtain an off-site alcohol sales permit at their location in the Westgate Shopping Center; again, this area is also deemed over-concentrated with liquor licenses by ABC and experiences a fair amount of crime.

Residents, neighbors and merchants have come out in big numbers opposing these alcohol permits in their neighborhoods because they are rightfully worried about the increase in crime and decrease in property values that typically occurs in neighborhoods that are over-saturated with off-site hard alcohol sales. In fact, the San Jose Police Department has stated at public hearings for these permits that an increase in hard alcohol sales in a community results in an increase in crime; which in turn results in decreased property values and other various problems.

Despite this fact, the planning commission and city council consistently continues to approve off-site alcohol sales permits for stores like Walmart regardless if the area is in a high crime area and/or is over-concentrated with liquor licenses. However, if the store requesting an off-site permit is a convenience store or stand-alone liquor store, the commission and council have decided that these small mom and pop businesses are not worthy of the same treatment. In fact, the City's policy is to deny any off-site alcohol sales permits for small businesses that are not "full service grocery" as they are all grouped together as attracting crime and mischief which may be the case for some but certainly not all. Such a blanket policy is both unfair and reeks of greedy tax revenue favoritism of big businesses like Walmart over our small mom and pop businesses that are often run and owned by real people and employees who actually live in San Jose.

Furthermore, when asked what actually constitutes "full service grocery" the city apparently does not even have a working definition or required sales percentage of what that means. So if only 4% of Walmart’s floor space is "grocery" they are still considered full service grocery by the City even if 20% of their floor space is alcohol sales and the rest, other goods. However, if a convenience store has the same percentages they are "a liquor store" and under the city's policy will not be given any new off-site alcohol sales permits because they aren't Walmart essentially and don't generate as much tax revenue for the City.

This unfair treatment of our small businesses over big box stores like Walmart and the approval of off-site alcohol licenses in areas that are already over-concentrated with off-site sales permits and/or are in high crime areas has to stop. This short sighted and greed influenced planning on the City's part will have the long term effect of pushing out mom and pop businesses that have been around for decades while also continuing to increase crime and decrease property values as more and more off-site alcohol permits are granted above and well beyond what should be allowed. The city can start to rectify this problem by denying Walmart’s request for an off-site alcohol sales permit as the Westgate Shopping Center which is already “over-concentrated” with off-site alcohol permits.

If you are interested in more information or updates on this issue or would simply like to comment, please send an email to keepwestgateshoppingcentersafe@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Resident

Downtown San Jose Cameo

Check out the locations used in the TouchPal X app video below. Notice any familiar places?


TouchPal X from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

One South Market Rises Above Ground-Level!

Just a quick post to let you all know that One South Market is now rising up beyond street level. It won't be long until we see a crane in the sky! Thanks Jeff Arko for sending this in.

Saturday Stats: San Jose Draws the Greatest Influx of New Residents in the US

It looks like there is more to all the Silicon Valley traffic this year than just a larger number of people having jobs post-recession. San Jose has taken the top spot in terms of inbound moves in the nation. There were 51% more inbound moves than outbound moves in San Jose. That means that for every 100 families that move out of the city, 151 are moving in.

Second place went to Portland, which was followed by Houston in third, San Francisco in fourth, and Charlotte rounding out the top five. The five cities with the largest moving deficits were Chicago (25.9% more moving out than in), New York City, St. Louis, Boston, and Norfolk-Virginia Beach.

What does this mean? Well, our population is going to continue to grow. We're going to have to continue to look at how we can increase density and infrastructure to accommodate what could become quite a large city. Some are estimating 1.4 million San Jose residents by 2040. This also will likely mean more "big-city" amenities that would be expected of a larger city and accelerated growth of the burgeoning culture scene in San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

The Sharks Be Nuckin' on Vancouver's Door

In a classic rivalry match-up, the San Jose Sharks faced the Vancouver Canucks at home, and in usual (recent) fashion, skated away with a victory (by a nice three goal lead: 4-1).  The Sharks did not start scoring until the middle of the second period, but until then, their dominant puck control and shots on net only foreshadowed  that goals would soon come.  Fans, of course, were not disappointed.

The Canucks are now operating with John Tortorella, their new head coach, replacing Alain Vigneault, who was fired shortly after being swept by the Sharks in the first round of the playoff series last year.  (Interestingly enough, John Tortorella was fired by the New York Rangers in the same fashion last year, and was replaced by none other than Alain Vigneault.)  With Tortorella at the helm of the Canucks' bench, they are likely going to go through some growing pains, and the Sharks may have some interesting games against the Canucks this year as the team adopts to their new head coach's style.

While most NHL teams have had some major transformations, the Sharks' bench has remained relatively familiar, with the notable additions of Tyler Kennedy (previously of the Pittsburgh Penguins) and rookie Tomas Hertl.  Most impressive about the Sharks' return is in addition to seeing the familiar aggressive style, it is great to see players normally hesitant to shoot to start getting the pucks to the net.  Infamously, Joe Thornton and Brent Burns are both known for their penchant to either hold on to the puck or pass to a teammate rather than shoot the puck when their opportunities to score arise.  Burns put his bad habit to rest when he buried the Sharks' first goal of the season with a laser wrist shot zooming past goaltender Roberto Luongo.  This was followed up with a wrist shot from the point by Justin Braun, who notched his first of the year as well.

Despite the Sharks turning it up in the latter half of the game, scoring all of their goals on even strength play, they were 0 for 8 on the power play, including failing to score on a two minute 5 on 3 power play, only getting off a few shots, with most turned away or blocked by the Canucks' well-placed defenders.  Although it is early in the season, the Sharks must step up their special teams (e.g. power play 'man advantage' strategy) play by improving the ability to shoot the puck quickly and effectively.  Any viewer can see the passes are fast and accurate, but shooting the puck may still be a problem.  (I understand it is easy for me to say, but look at many other effective power play teams, where team snipers - those who are known primarily for their shooting ability - are placed in lethal scoring positions.)

Overall, the fans got what they came for: a win, exciting play, and the typical chippiness (i.e. lots of penalties) expected when the Sharks play the Canucks.

While many fans have complained about the lack of moves made by the Sharks in the off-season, it is evident the skill and ability to take it all the way is still there.  The leadership and support is also still there.

It is also easy to see, once our boys get scoring, the momentum the SAP Center provides is there in full force.

Goals for the Sharks were scored by Brent Burns, Justin Braun, Patrick Marleau, and Tommy Wingels.  Great to see our boys back!

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk Today!

From Phantom Galleries: This Friday is the South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk in downtown San Jose.  Oct. 4th, 7-11pm, all venues are free & open to the public. Here's just a few highlights to get you started Friday night: At KALEID Gallery: new feature exhibitions by Mariya Milovidova, and Michelle Waters The Journey new works by Mariya Milovidova This particular collection of new works by Milovidova is the reflection of a personal life journey. This journey describes her fascination with fashion, foreign cultures, architecture, and romance. It can be seen in every single artwork as it tells its own story, but it truely comes alive when the viewer reads their own story within the paintings and drawings. Mariya Milovidova was born in Odessa,the beautiful city in Ukraine by the Black Sea where she attended Greckov Art School studying the techniques of old school European masters. Currently she resides in Bay Area where she graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelors in Studio Art. We Are All Animals new works by Michelle Waters The art in this show gives voice to the billions of animals who live, suffer and die in factory farms and laboratories, and the wild animals whose world is being stolen by habitat destruction, overconsumption and poaching. It is not a question of Do animals have rights? But a question of What gives us the right, to take life? Where do we draw the line? These are the questions behind the paintings in this exhibition. Michelle Waters has been painting since the mid 1980s, and shows her work nationally. She is also an animal rights, environmental and social justice activist. Phantom Galleries presents Rocks, Waves & Clouds by Matthew Seigel at Pho69. Similar to traditional Asian scrolls, Matthew’s paintings capture the impermanence of an idea or location. His new paintings were inspired by the natural beauty of a low tide walk along Maine’s rocky coast. Overwhelmed with the colors, forms and relationships of rocks, the sea and sky, Matthew immediately set up an impromptu studio on his father’s farmhouse porch. The result are these modern, vibrant scrolls, acrylic on synthetic rice paper, hung on aluminum rods. Matthew invites you to experience Maine. Phantom Galleries presents Five Zero Five by Ashley Gulizia at Good Karma Vegan Café. Inspiration is drawn from bright colors, striking shapes, and nature. It is the random things and places that spark perspective. Beauty is all over the place – even the rarest of places. Using light to manipulate dramatic scenes, the world becomes surreal. Opening thought to where beauty lies. Phantom Galleries presents Heritage of Rural Life in India by Yasala Balaiah at 95 S. Market St. Yasala Balaiah an established senior artist was born in India in 1939 & now resides in Hyderabad. Balaiah is also known for his delightful paintings of “Telangana Women,” drawn from the beautiful rural backdrop of his native land. His colorful paintings of brightly attired, dark complexioned, straight nosed strong boned Telangana women, captured with a native candor brings a refreshing whiff of rural splendor. One can’t help but admire the artist’s attention to detail and the extensive work that has gone into not just portraying the expressions but their attire too. Use of bright orange, red, yellow and green has a captivating effect. Whether it is a group of women gossiping in the village or farmers with their cattle, each painting narrates a story of the rural life. Phantom Galleries presents Dysfunctional by Andrew Agutos at 376 S. 1st St. “My canvases are windows into an ideal world imagined in my head. Architectural, geometric structures are surrounded and covered in patterns referencing pop art, abstract expressionism and graffiti. Remixed Warhol-camouflage, iconic cartoon imagery and colors from the fashion world are presented in a synthetic space much like the internet. Organic forms are layered with angular shapes, creating environments that are comfortable, chaotic, inviting and unknown.” Seeing Things Gallery: Dave Dave Dave featuring the photography of Dave Carnie, Dave Schubert and Dave Franklin Everyone knows someone named Dave. Most know two, three maybe, even four or five Daves. I know a lot of Daves. I know a painter Dave, a few musician Daves, one of my oldest friends is named Dave, and the guy who lives next door to me is named Dave too. One thing I’ve figured out is all Daves are not created equal. Some are cool and some outright suck. The Daves in the Dave, Dave, Dave show, however, are what I like to call extraordinary Daves. All three of these Daves are photographers. These days the word “photographer” is thrown around too easily, but these Daves are not just good photographers, but great photographers. These Daves are Dave Carnie, Dave Schubert, and Dave Franklin. If you don’t know these Daves, look them up and be ready to see some things you’ve never seen before—and maybe add some more Daves to your life. Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design presents Suicide­ a new series by Barron Storey. The legendary illustrator and fine artist, Barron Storey, returns to Anno Domini for his fifth solo exhibition with the gallery. Having lost several people close to him to suicide: mother, her brother, ex-wife, and close friend, Storey began asking others: “Did you know anyone who committed suicide?” So many did. Storey made drawings of each one in his journals….pages and pages of them. The resulting art works on canvas are poignant, beautifully expressed moments of deep despair and the struggle to understand “why?”. An illustrator, graphic novelist, fine artist and noted educator, Barron Storey has created award-winning artworks for the covers and pages of Time, National Geographic, Saturday Review, and The Sandman: Endless Nights, among many others including the cover of the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1980 edition.) His artworks are held in the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Storey resides in San Francisco, CA and is a professor at California College of the Arts and San Jose State University. Special music performances throughout the evening by Freya Seeburger (cello) & Giovanna Hutchison (soprano). For full schedule of exhibitions and locations, please visit: www.SouthFIRSTFRIDAYS.comor you can keep informed through the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ArtWalkSJ

San Jose's Silicor Materials Nabs $6M

Silicor Materials manufactures silicon and aluminum products utilized by the solar industry, with the goal of pushing down costs of solar technology. It seems like Green-tech is still hot in as most of the San Jose-based companies getting funding this year seem to be in this space.

Silicon raised $6 million and will use the money to grow and prepare for the next round of capital.

Source: SVBJ

SJC Expanding International Terminal

Kim Aguirre--who is taking over as Director of Aviation at SJC--told the Business Journal that they are hoping to have a new international carrier withing the next 12 months. We all already knew that San Jose International has aggressively been seeking more international flights. However, Kim also dropped the news that they are planning to expand the international terminal from two gates to four by January 2015.

In order to put this in the cards, airport staff must be pretty confident about their international prospects. The ANA flight is doing quite well, so there is a good chance the next international carrier would be another Asian airline. I hate to say it, but given what happened with Asiana at SFO, I wouldn't be surprised to see them move some routes over to SJC.

As for domestic routes, Virgin is having a tougher time. There are 854 flights each month to LA from SJC, so the competition is stiff. Despite this Virgin says they are satisfied with where they are and are committed to the airport. SJC is also talking to carriers about expanding domestic services, especially to Chicago, New York, Washington DC, and Boston.

Source: SVBJ

Orchestria Palm Court

This is one of my favorite new restaurants in Downtown this year, and one of the most unique restaurants I have ever been to period. Walking through the door, you feel like you are going back in time to the early 1900s. Everything from the telephone (which only accepts inbound calls) to the toilets is era-appropriate.

The most interesting feature is of course the impressive collection of Orchestrion music machines from the 1920s. These were some of the highest-tech gadgets available from their era. Think sheet pianos that also can play percussion, pipe, and even string instruments like the violin below. Every 5 minutes or so, a different Orchestrion is triggered to play a song, and it's pretty impressive to see what these machines built so long ago are capable of.

The food is also fantastic. They use top-quality ingredients and prepare everything the old fashioned way. A neat feature is a soda bar where they make traditional fountain drinks using fresh-squeezed fruit juices and classic recipes. These sodas alone make the trip worthwhile. If you feel like something stronger, you can add Orchestria Palm Court to the long list of Downtown San Jose restaurants where you can enjoy unique and hard-to-find craft beers. Also, the tax and tip is already factored into all of their prices.

This place pushes the bar for providing a unique dining experience, not just Downtown but anywhere. Please go and check them out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Orchestria Palm Court is located at 27 E. William Street (behind the Stage theater) and is open:

• Thursday 6pm-11pm
• Friday 6pm-11:30pm
• Saturday 6pm-11:30pm
• Sunday 4:30-10pm

Welcome, October - the Sharks Are Back! (A Sharks Update)

Welcome to the 2013-14 NHL season!  The Sharks are back for another exciting season, starting this Thursday, October 3^rd, at the Shark Tank.  In an electrifying regular season matchup, the Sharks face their rivals, the Vancouver Canucks (a team all fans have loved to hate, especially after their responsibility for the Sharks’ third round exit during the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs).

This year beings new hope and new updates to the Sharks team fans have grown to love and support.  With the pre-season over and the regular season starting today, it is time for fans to dust off their Sharks paraphernalia from their storage bins, time to renew their memberships to hockeystreams.com (as opposed to the highly restrictive and overpriced NHL GameCenter Live, and here is why), and time to add game times to their calendars (it is easy to do with Google Calendar by first going to ‘Other Calendar’ then browsing ‘Interesting Calendars’).

In addition to bringing on the new season, here are some newsworthy updates for all Sharks fans alike.

New Players
While the Sharks tried out a multitude of new players and line combinations during the pre-season, most notable is the off-season acquisition of Tyler Kennedy, previously of the Pittsburgh Penguins (from the Eastern Conference).  In Pittsburgh, Kennedy was known for this hard-nosed style, working hard for goals, battling in the corners, and dishing out hits.  For a Sharks team known to have a tough forechecking style, a player like Kennedy is a good fit for the team.

With the exception of obtaining Tyler Kennedy, not much activity occurred (as far as trades) in the off-season.  Besides the acquisition of Tyler Kennedy, the Sharks made no significant moves.  The last time Sharks management made any big moves was during the trade deadline, when the Sharks offloaded defenseman Douglas Murray and gritty journeyman Ryane Clowe in favor of veteran Scott Hannan and, quite infamously, Raffi Torres.  (Torres, as expected, was able to shake off being ‘Enemy #1’ by demonstrating to fans his ability to show that his ‘on edge’ play is what makes fans of the team he plays on love him.)

New Jerseys
Before pre-season began, the Sharks released the following new jerseys:

This is a change from the previous versions in order to aim for a more cleaner, simpler look, by removing the black color from the shoulder area and the stripes from around the waist.  Essentially, the jerseys are exactly the same as they were before.  Unlike the new white and teal versions, the black colored "sweater style" third jerseys have not changed.  The third jerseys originally lacked similar stripes as well, and it is possible the slight changing of the white and teal jerseys may have been done so all have a similar look to them.


Pre-season Results
The pre-season is by no means a measure of a team’s success in the regular season, since games and points do not count, and the time spent during pre-season is primarily used to try out new combinations and players opting to make the regular roster for the season.  It is commonplace to see the Sharks swap players to and from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Worcester Sharks, regarding players who must prove themselves worthy of playing at the NHL level – the highest level in the world.

During this year’s pre-season, the Sharks played the Canucks, Coyotes, and the Ducks  - each twice.  While the Sharks won once and lost once to both the Coyotes and the Ducks, the Sharks bested the Canucks both times.

Tomas Hertl, a 2012 first round draft pick for the Sharks, was able to make his name more well known during the second game against the Canucks, scoring two in a Sharks 5-0 rout.  Contributions from the usual goal scoring threats, including Logan Couture, Joe Thornton, and Dan Boyle, rounded out much of the pre-season’s success.  Joe Pavelski and Tommy Wingels returned with strong showings as well, reminding fans that the team is ready to do battle this season.

Based on what I have seen so far, the Sharks look like a team that has made an effort to even out their strengths, as in having an offense, defense, and special teams (i.e. power play, penalty kill, and other special situation groups) that are all strong, but no better than one another.  This style is opposed to teams (typically in the Eastern Conference) with high powered offenses (but without defense), and other such uneven combinations.

Let us have a strong season this year!  It all begins Thursday.  Go Sharks!

Substantial SJSU Projects Coming Down the Line

The revised master plan for San Jose State University's Southeast Quadrant could pave the way for another tall student building on campus. Compared to the existing buildings, it looks like it may hit up to 15 stories at it's highest point and would wrap around a new recreation area, aquatic center, and dining commons. Once the general plan is approved, the real design work will begin.

Source: Franco Rancadore, SJSU Newsletter

Southeast Quadrant Master Plan Update

Ten months ago, FD&O began working on a project to develop a Facilities Master Plan for the southeast quadrant (SEQMP) of the campus. The SEQMP encompasses the area of campus south of Paseo de San Carlos, between 7th Street and 10th Street. Once the plan is approved by the campus, specific project design will begin.

The purpose of the SEQMP project is to ensure a well considered road map for facility development in that part of campus. Given that we will be developing a new aquatic center, recreation center, additional student housing and expanded dining facilities on this portion of campus, planning is critical to ensure the best final development. Through the assessment of current facility conditions, proximity relationships, and long range construction and demolition plans, the SEQMP project will ensure that we build the best possible facilities to serve our campus. 

Ultimately, this project will be recommended for review and consideration by the Campus Planning Board, Campus Leadership and the Chancellor's Office. 

In the rendering above, the "Bricks" student housing will be removed. New housing is indicated in red, an aquatic center in teal, a recreation center in purple, and a new dining commons in yellow. Once the overall plan is approved by the campus, specific project design will begin.

Da Kine Island Grill Coming to Market Street

Da Kine Cafe is moving their Hawaiian restaurant from Sunnyvale to 23 N. Market Street. The space has been vacant for quite some time and was last occupied by Thepthai. It sits right between 19 Market and Sonoma Chicken Coop.

Their new home will come in at an impressive 4,000 SQFT and feature an expanded menu from what they previously offered. My favorite part is 20 craft beer taps, further cementing Downtown as a haven for craft beer lovers. The extra bonus is Da Kine will have a stave for live music (and perhaps some cultural events). Can't wait!

Source: DTSJNews