The Merc is Moving Back Downtown

Last week The San Jose Mercury News officially announced that they were moving to Downtown San Jose. Specifically, they signed a lease for two floors at 4 N. Second Street (same complex with Ike's and ISO: Beers). They are taking a total of 33,186 SQFT on the 7th and 8th floors. The move will happen in September.

While it's not a huge lease, it means a lot that the largest newspaper in Silicon Valley is now in Downtown San Jose. The last time the Mercury News was located Downtown was in 1967.

Source: SVBJ

The Photography of Modern Cuisine at The Tech (Jun 25 - Sep 1)

SAN JOSE, CA – Prepare for your close-up – with food like you’ve never seen it before.

The Photography of Modernist Cuisine: The Exhibition, a collection of more than 75 large-format photographs of food taken by Nathan Myhrvold and his Modernist Cuisine team, will be on display at The Tech Museum of Innovation from June 25 to September 1. Admission is free.

Myhrvold is the former Microsoft chief technology officer and author of the critically acclaimed Modernist Cuisine books, which are beloved by chefs. The photographs in the exhibition illuminate the fascinating, accessible science at work every day in our kitchens. “Cooking is the only science experiment we all do on a regular basis,” Myhrvold says.

"Nathan Myhrvold's passion for food and photography are on full display in this extraordinary exhibit,” said Tech President Tim Ritchie. “He enables us to see how wonderful and beautiful food really is, and how we can use technology to prepare it in delightful ways."

“I hope that others share with us the child-like wonder and curiosity I feel when looking at these photos,” Myhrvold says. “The exhibition and book are in many ways a culmination of my lifelong interest in photography, in much the same way thatModernist Cuisine was a milestone in my interest in food.”

Visitors will see the fractal structures and mesmerizing color gradations of vitamin C crystals through research microscopes with filters that polarize light. They’ll learn about the physics that propel and explode a bursting kernel of popcorn through the lens of a high-speed video camera that slows the action by a factor of 200. This unprecedented collection of images uses these innovations and other advanced technologies – including photographic techniques like panoramic stitching, focus stacking, and microscopy – to show the world of food in an entirely new way.

The Tech is the exhibition’s second stop in a three-year worldwide tour.

WHAT: The Photography of Modernist Cuisine: The Exhibition, a collection of more than 75 large-format photographs of food taken by Nathan Myhrvold and his team atModernist Cuisine

WHEN:  June 25 through Sept. 1, 2014

WHERE: The Tech Museum of Innovation, 201 S. Market St., San Jose, CA

Saturday Stats: San Jose is the #6 Healthiest City in the US

The ACSM American Fitness Index is a scientific snapshot of health and fitness at a metropolitan level. On a national level, San Jose ranked at the #6 healthiest city. San Francisco came in a hair better at #5.

The areas San Jose excelled at include a high vegetable consumption, low percentage of people smoking, low obesity rates, high percentage of people in excellent or very good health, and a high number of playgrounds and parks per capita. Areas improvement include a higher percentage of mental health issues (all the stress from tech jobs?) and a higher rate of asthma than other metros.

You can download the full report as well as historic reports at the link below.

Source: ACSM American Fitness Index, Hat tip to Barclay Livker

Dine Downtown San Jose Starts Today!

A 10 day "restaurant week" in Downtown San Jose kicks off today. This year there are 27 different restaurants including 8 brand new options. You can check out the full list below along with some menu examples. For a restaurant list with links to Opentable reservations, check out this handy SJDA webpage. 

Dine Downtown San Jose – June 20-29
27 downtown restaurants combine value, service and quality

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Foodies have a lot of new choices at the sixth annual Dine Downtown San Jose “restaurant week,” so good it extends to 10 days.

From June 20-29, new and regular customers alike can savor the tastes of 27 different restaurants offering prix-fixed, three-course meals including appetizer or salad, entrée and dessert, starting at $15 per person.

Restaurants new to the Dine Downtown program this year include: Blackbird Tavern, The Blue Mango, Bluefin Sushi, Da Kine Island Grill, The Farmers Union, First to Market, La Pinata and Nomikai Social Food + Drinkery.

First to Market’s (399 S. First St.) $35 per person Dine Downtown San Jose sampling includes grilled watermelon salad, pork belly mac and cheese or grilled ahi for appetizers, grilled elk chops, seared scallops or brown rice-stuffed bell pepper for main course and pie of the day.  Or after trying Nomikai’s arugula salad and corn pizza, save room for fresh strawberry with Nutella coconut cream parfait, all for $20 per person.

The offers also include a six-course meal at 71 Saint Peter for $45 a person and a five-course, $55 offer at Nemea Greek Taverna.

Some of downtown San Jose’s best restaurants will return to support the popular program: 71 Saint Peter Modern European Kitchen; Arcadia – A  Michael Mina Steakhouse; Bella Mia; Billy Berk’s Restaurant; Cafe Stritch; Fahrenheit Restaurant & Lounge; Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant; The Grill on the Alley; Il Fornaio San Jose; Loft Bar and Bistro; Los Gatos Brewing Company; Mezcal Restaurant; Morton’s The Steakhouse; Nemea Greek Taverna; Orchestria Palm Court Restaurant; Paolo’s Restaurant; San Pedro Square Bistro & Wine; Scott’s Seafood San Jose; and Vino Vino.

Since 2009, Dine Downtown showcases the exceptional restaurants offered in the center city.  Based on restaurant surveys, Dine Downtown customers come back again and again, trying new places and returning to familiar favorites.  In 2013, downtown restaurants served thousands of meals

“The San Jose Downtown Association loves to produce Dine Downtown because it promotes some of downtown’s best assets,” said Julie Carlson, SJDA marketing director. “We’re excited to see so many new restaurants and old favorites in the Dine Downtown mix this year.”

Dine Downtown restaurants, menus and additional information are at dinedowntownsj.com.  Dinner starts nightly at 5:30 p.m. and reservations are recommended through each restaurant’s website or OpenTable.com.

Sysco, the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, will sponsor Dine Downtown for the second year.  For each meal served, Sysco will donate $1 to San Jose’s Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen.  Also, OpenTable will again take Dine Downtown reservations.

Meals to tempt the most discriminating of culinary tastes, including vegetarian options, include:

$30 for two people
La Pinata:
First:  Nachos, flautas or quesadilla
Second:  Super famoso burrito, mole enchiladas or enchilada/taco combo
Third:  Flan, cheesecake chimichanga or pastel tres leches

$39 for two people
Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant:
First:  Southwest egg rolls
Second: Baby greens, Caesar salad
Third:  Brewhouse chicken, miso mahi, bourbon chicken & grilled shrimp, and bistro steak medallions
Fourth:  4 mini sampler desserts

$20 per person
Bella Mia:
First:  House side garden salad
Second:  Oven-baked lasagna, ravioli trio or crab & shrinp cannelloni
Third:  Petite season fruit crisp

$30 per person

Blackbird Tavern:
First:  Soup du jour, green Waldorf salad or grilled farmers market peppers
Second:  Bourbon grilled chicken, seasonal risotto, steak frites or rockfish
Third:  Nectarine bruschetta or strawberries and cream ice cream

Da Kine Island Grill:
First:  Ahi poke, tako poke, salmon poke, Kalua nachos or Kalua quesadilla
Second:  Hawaiian plate, mahi loco moco, seared ahi plate, aloha spare ribs, flamin salmon, mango pork chop, Da Kine chicken Ceasar
Third:  Rum bread pudding or pineapple sticky rice

Mezcal:
First:  Oaxacan summer salad, tortilla soup or seared scallops
Second:  Bacon-wrapped filet mignon, sea bass or vegetarian duo
Third:  warm Oaxacan chocolate cake or Don Julio anejo neat, chocolate and sliced orange

$45 per person (six courses)

71 St. Peter Mediterranean Grill
Amuse-Bouche:  Chilled gazpacho
First:  Fresh Dungeness crab salad
Second:  Spring vegetable risotto
Intermezzo: Lime sorbet
Main Course:  Pancetta wrapped petite filet mignon, or sage roasted California sea bass, or roasted butternut squash ravioli
Dessert:  Apricot upside-down cake

$45 per person
Morton’s The Steakhouse
First: Caesar salad, Morton’s salad or baked five-onion soup
Second: 6oz single cut filet mignon (+$10 for 8oz), double cut prime pork chop, honey-chili glazed salmon or chicken bianco
Third:  Chocolate mousse or cheesecake

$50 per person

Arcadia
First:  Heirloom tomato salad or roasted corn soup
Second:  Grilled king salmon steak or petit filet & short rib rillettes
Third:  Chocolate molten cake or mascarpone cheesecake

$60 per person
The Grill on the Alley:
First: Charcuterie board or rustic grilled Ceasar
Second:  Smoked bacon-wrapped filet or sweet pea, lemon & prawn risotto
Third:  Vanilla brandy panna cotta

 ###

San Jose Downtown Association is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose.  Check www.sjdowntown.com.

Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen is a non-profit organization that has served the working poor, families, homeless and seniors living in and around the downtown and East Side of San Jose for over 32 years. What began as a simple first meal of fish and bread for 11 adults and 15 children has grown to nearly 500 meals per day, served with dignity.  Visit www.loavesfishes.org.

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. The company operates 177 distribution facilities serving approximately 400,000 customers. Visit www.syscosf.com.

New Manufacturing and Office Project Coming to Alviso

A large 34-acre project including 565,000 SQFT of manufacturing space and 450,000 SQFT of office was approved in San Jose's Alviso District (northwest corner of Nortech Parkway and Disk Drive, land formerly owned by Cisco). The project will likely result in 1,200 jobs or more.

Construction should begin by the end of the year and phase 1 will be two manufacturing buildings totaling 330,00 SQFT and two R&D/office buildings totaling 170,000. This is a speculative project, meaning there is no tenant in mind at this point.

Source: SVBJ

Tee Nee Thai Celebration

A beloved restaurant on The Alameda that burned down over two years ago is having their grand re-opening party this Friday, June 27th starting at 6:30pm. The festivities will include a procession along The Alameda with Thai dancers, food, and even wine tasting hosted by San Jose's own J. Lohr Winery. For all the info on Tee Nee Thai's celebration, check out the press release below:

June 2014 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• The city plans to reduce permit fees and red tape to hold events in St. James Park. There are a lot of great ideas floating around to activate the park like food trucks, aerobics classes, performing arts, games, and even "Zoo to You" where animals from Happy Hollow Zoo would visit the park. 
• The Dine Downtown restaurant week is being extended to 10 days and will run at 26 Downtown restaurants from June 20-29th. New participating restaurants this year include Blackbird Tavern, Blue Mango, Bluefin Sushi (Downtown is expanding into the Alameda), Da Kine Island Grill, The Farmers Union, First to Market, La Pinata, and Nomikai.
• Camera 12 Cinemas has reduced its rates for the summer. All moves are $5.50 until 6pm and $8.50 afterwards. Students, seniors, children, military, and library card holders (?) pay $7. They also added D-Box motion seats in their largest theater.
• A father-son team is opening the Wolfpack Enclave gaming center at 17 N. Second St. Gamers can rent high-end PCs to pay games for $5/hour. wolfpackenclave.com
• The former P.F. Chang's on Second and San Fernando is becoming M Lounge Bar and Restaurant later this summer, featuring Southeast Asian Cuisines.
• Garlic Bread BBQ Smokehouse is open on Fountain Alley (30 E. Santa Clara #160). Check out garlicbreadsanjose.com for more info.
• Broadway San Jose is adding an extra week of "Wicked," a one-night performance by Jerry Seinfeld, and a five-show package including multiple award-winning musicals.
• The Rotary Club of San Jose is providing Fourth of July fireworks after darkness falls on the Discovery Meadow. During the day, check out the Bacon Festival at Plaza de Cesar Chavez.
• The San Jose Rock Shop is hosting "90 Days of Summer" which is 90 consecutive days of shows for music lovers at 30 N. Second St.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Joint Venture Index of Silicon Valley 2014

The 2014 Silicon Valley Index brings with it some interesting statistics related to our region. Here are a few quick stats from this year's report:

• Silicon Valley has added 46,665 new jobs (22,842 jobs were added in San Francisco). 
• The region's total population grew by 1.31% (13,766 people) versus 0.88% average growth statewide.
• Silicon Valley has 46.5% of all IPOs, 46.9% of Patents, and 47.6% of Venture Capital, and 54.6% of Angel Investment in California.
• Consumption of electricity has declined for five years in a row (189 megawatts of solar capacity helps quite a bit here).
• 45% of households are making over $100,000 a year.
• 75% of commuters are solo drivers, not a dramatic difference from 78% in 2003.
• Caltrain ridership has increased 26.4% from 2010 to 2013.
• For the first time since 2008, Silicon Valley government achieved greater revenues than expenses.

Click here to read the entire report. You can also watch a video briefing below.

Downtown San Jose Street Life Plan

CMG Landscape Architecture was hired by Groundwerx and the Downtown Association to shape a vision of Downtown San Jose's street life. Key to this is creating a sense of place and connecting the pockets of activity we have today to one another (San Pedro Square, SoFA, the Convention Center, etc.).

It is a long read, you you can go through all 6 chapters of the vision over here. There is also a nice abbreviation in slideshow form that the Silicon Valley Business Journal did over here.

I think there are a ton of great ideas in here. You can check out some of my favorites below.

Source: Groundwex

Downtown Parklets

Mobile Solar Hubs

Downtown Stages

Cool Posts

Downtown Shades to mark pedestrian routes

Downtown art walls

Downtown wall features (such as this tailgate wall near the SAP Center)

Mural Corners

Art Sidewalks

Urban Forests

Wall Gardens

"Heroic" Statues

Content Magazine 6.2 Pick Up Party!

Content Magazine is launching their latest issue tomorrow with another one of their famed pick-up parties. This one will take place at Downtown San Jose's newest craft beer hot spot, ISO Beers (75 E Santa Clara St. right next to Ike's Sandwiches). The event runs from 6-8pm.

If you are not a subscriber yet, learn more about Content Magazine over here.

Playful People Productions Presents: Disney Jungle Book Kids

For those with kids, there is a great family event at the Historic Hoover Theater (across the street from the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum). Full details below:

Our tale begins deep in the heart of the Jungle. A baby boy, lost and abandoned, is raised by wolves. He is called “Mowgli”. On the run from Shere Khan, a ferocious tiger who has banished him from the jungle, a human boy named Mowgli is aided by an agile panther named Bagheera. Along the way, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants, and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. Shere Khan returns, leading our protagonists to rally their follow jungle creatures into battle and restore peace to the jungle.

Our last show sold out prior to the show weekend so be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.

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

Show Times:
Friday, June 20th  7:00pm
Saturday, June 21st 10:00am,  2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, June 22nd 10:00am and 2:00pm

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, Playful People Productions employs professional designers, artists, choreographers and directors to guide our students. The company also hires 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; to challenge young people in the community; provide a safe, caring environment; and to involve parents in a wholesome, well-rounded activity. The founders believe that a good theatre experience will greatly improve the lives of the children.

Saturday Stats: San Jose is the Most Expensive Metro

In the first quarter of 2014, median single-family home sales hit $808,000 in the San Jose metro. This is enough to rank it as the most expensive metro in the US by the National Association of Realtors.

The San Francisco metro (which also includes Oakland) ranked as the second most expensive metro with a median home price of $679,800. To put these medium home sale prices in context, the median for the 170 largest metros combined was only $191,600.

Source: SocketSite

Starlight Cinemas - FREE Films Under the Stars (Jun 14 - Aug 20)

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Enjoy great movies from the 1980s for free, under the stars, on warm San Jose summer nights, at Starlight Cinemas.  Come early and enjoy pre-show fun and games, often as entertaining as the main event.   

The eight-movie series produced by the San Jose Downtown Association begins June 14 with the only non-’80s film of the bunch, “Bend It Like Beckham.”  That film complements the opening day of World Cup soccer from Brazil, with San Jose sharing in four matches live on a giant television screen at Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting at 9 a.m. Check sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer for the full World Cup viewing schedule.

The second film of the series, “Back to the Future Part II,” also follows World Cup action, USA vs. Portugal, from 3p.m.-5 p.m. on June 22.  The big screen moves to St. James Park for that viewing.

Starlight Movie Schedule:

June 14 - Bend it Like Beckham (2002/PG-13) - Plaza de Cesar Chavez(following World Cup Viewing at 8 p.m.)
Set in London, Jess dreams of playing soccer like her hero, David Beckham, and will stop at nothing short of her goal. The girl’s independence clashes with her elder sister Pinky, who dreams of a traditional Indian wedding and making perfect meals for her man.
PRE-SHOW:  SJ Earthquakes/soccer-related trivia and games

June 22 - Back to the Future Part II (1989/PG) - St. James Park

(following World Cup Viewing at 6 p.m.)

See what 2015 was imagined to look like 20 years ago as Marty McFly and Doc Brown travel forward in time to prevent the future little McFly from going to jail.  But Biff gets hold of the time-traveling DeLorean, speeds back to 1955 and rewrites history by making his younger self filthy rich.

PRE-SHOW:  “How to make a mini Hovercraft” workshop and movie trivia.

July 16 - Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (1989/PG-13) - St. James Park

The third movie of the Indiana Jones trilogy, this time with Dr. Henry Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father (Sean Connery) taking up the action.  Directed by Steve Spielberg, the Joneses go after the Holy Grail in a race against Nazis.

PRE-SHOW:  “Map with no names” as a treasure hunt guide to find the holy grail and Indiana Jones trivia.

July 23 - Ghostbusters (1984/PG) - San Pedro Square Market

Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson and Rick Moranis star as NYC-based "paranormal investigators."  After their government grants run out, the former three go into business as The Ghostbusters, ridding The Big Apple of ghouls, ghosts and beasts.

PRE-SHOW:  Sing-off of “Who You Gonna Call” theme song; “Build your own” Sta-Puff marshmallow giant contest; movie quotes/trivia contest.

July 30 - Pee Wee’s Big Adventure (1985/PG) - St. James Park

Celebrate a “drive-in” movie experience on bicycle with San Jose Bike Party.  Watch as Pee-Wee Herman sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life to retrieve his beloved bike, which was stolen from him in broad daylight.  This was Tim Burton’s directorial debut and a stepping stone for Paul reubens and composer Dany Elfman.

PRE-SHOW:  Tequila dance-off; bike contests; DJ’s on bikes. 

August 6 - Pretty in Pink (1986/PG-13) - San Pedro Square Market

John Hughes writes and directs this '80s Brat Pack romance resembling Cinderella.  Molly Ringwald survives the wackos around her, including a boy hopelessly in love with her, her father and a record store co-worker to realize her potential

PRE-SHOW:  Alice@97.3 radio 18^th Anniversary ’80s themed dance night.

August 13 - Gremlins (1984/PG) - St. James Park

These little things are cute as long as they don’t see bright lights, get wet or feed after midnight.  So what happens?  All three things, and pandemonium ensues. Starring Hoyt Axton, Keye Luke, John Louie, Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Corey Feldman, Judge Reinhold and even the film’s producer - Steven Spielberg.

PRE-SHOW:  Rockage Retro Gaming Festival video games; Chiptune DJ; Stripe vs. Gizmo contest.

August 20 - Airplane (1980/PG) - San Pedro Square Market

This spoof of the Airport series of disaster movies relies on hilarious sight gags, groan-inducing dialogue, and deadpan acting -- a comedy style has been imitated for the past two decades. Alcoholic pilot Ted Striker has to land the plane after the captain gets food poisoning.  Lloyd bridges and Robert Stack have to talk him down.  Leslie Nielsen launches a career as slapstick leading man.  Please, don’t call him Shirley.

PRE-SHOW:  Comedy Sportz Improv troupe performance.

Movie night details include:

• Admission: FREE and open to general public
• Movies begin at dusk
• Pre-show entertainment begins about 7 p.m. (except World Cup datesJune 14 and June 22)
• BYOB or C - Bring Your Own Blanket or Chair
• Visit: www.sjdowntown.com/starlight; www.cinequest.org; www.sjdowntownparking.com; www.sjearthquakes.com/summerofsoccer

Starlight Cinema Series sponsors and supporters are: San Jose Downtown Association, CINEQUEST, Metro Newspapers, SanJose.com, City of San Jose, Republic Services, McEnery Family, San Pedro Square Market, San Jose Bike Party, and radio partners: KCBS 740 AM, Alice@97.3, Live 105.3 and NOW 99.7

San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) is a non-profit group of business and property owners working to improve the vitality and livability of downtown San Jose for more than 25 years. SJDA produces events such as Downtown Ice, Starlight Cinemas, Downtown Farmers' Market at San Pedro Square and Dine Downtown. Visit www.sjdowntown.com. 

facebook.com/sjdowntown

twitter.com/sj_downtown

New Willow Glen Dishcrawl!

Dishcrawl is coming to a new San Jose neighborhood on June 18th at 7pm. This is the best way to try out several different restaurants in one night! After meeting up with other foodies, you will walk over to four different eateries and get a sampling of the food at each venue. To get tickets before it sells out, head over here.

INFORMATION

We're here to experience the true foodie side of Willow Glen that few people know! The saying goes, "Good things come in small packages." And that's what we have to say about this quaint but vibrant neighborhood. Join me, Amel and all foodies around to sample the best tasting cuisine that has always laid in our backyards.

I’m a Vegetarian: Vegetarian options are available, however we may not be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions. If you have any particular requests or have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Beverage Policy: Drinks not inclusive of the ticket price. Drink specials and pairings may be available at discretion of the participating restaurant.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations are taken only if given 48 hours advance notice. All Dishcrawl events are held rain or shine.

Questions?: Contact me! I'm Amel, your San Jose Dishcrawl Ambassador!  My email is Amela@dishcrawl.com.

About Dishcrawl: Dishcrawl is dedicated to re-imagining the way people think about food, drink, and their community. You can find local progressive dinners, exclusive chef encounters, and other fun food events in every city! From culinary experiences in real life to great stories about local culture online, Dishcrawl spans 250 cities across the US, Canada, and soon the UK. 
Make life more delicious and visit Dishcrawl.com.

It's a guessing game! We’re keeping the names of the restaurants we will be visiting a secret for now, but here and there we’ll give you some hints. Follow us on Twitter @DishcrawlBos and be the first to know!

Where to Meet Us: All ticket holders will be notified of meeting location via email, 48 hours prior to the event.  

Spansion is Moving their Headquarters to San Jose

Spansion is a leader in Flash memory-based embedded solutions. Their products drive the development of faster and more energy efficient electronics. Currently they have 450 employees with a home-base in Sunnyvale. Their former 24.5-acre campus is being razed and turned into 250 homes.

Their new global headquarters will be in North San Jose at 1001 Ridder Park (124,000 SQFT) and 1717 Fox Drive (30,000 SQFT). This is yet another big lease to help us get the office market back to capacity in the North San Jose submarket.

Source: SVBJ

Watch the World Cup in Downtown San Jose!

The San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Downtown Association are going all out for the World Cup this year. They are having a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties that will span from June 14th to July 13th at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez and St. James Park. In addition to watching the game, there will be prizes from the Earthquakes, a preview of the the new stadium, soccer shootouts, food trucks, public art, and live music for the final matches. All of the details are below!

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Earthquakes, City of San Jose and San Jose Downtown Association will produce a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties of World Cup soccer matches from Rio de Janeiro June 14-July 13.

“The World Cup celebrates the most popular sport on the planet.  These local events will bring San Jose’s countless soccer fans together to experience the excitement of the matches in a great, community atmosphere,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval.

Watch 20 matches live with fellow countrymen and soccer fans at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Fernando streets, June 14-17 and St. James Park, Second and St. James streets, June 21-22, July 4-5 and July 12-13.  Top national teams will be featured:

• June 14:  Colombia vs. Greece; Uruguay vs. Costa Rica; England vs. Italy and Ivory Coast vs. Japan, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• June 15:  Switzerland vs. Ecuador; France vs. Honduras; Argentina vs. Bosnia, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• June 16:  USA vs. Ghana, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 2:30 p.m.
• June 17:  Brazil vs. Mexico, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 11:30 a.m.
• June 21:  Argentina vs. Iran; Germany vs. Ghana; Nigeria vs. Bosnia, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• June 22:  Belgium vs. Russia; Korea vs. Algeria; USA vs. Portugal, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
• July 4 and July 5:  Quarterfinals, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• July 12:  Finals, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• July 13:  Finals, St. James Park, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

 The Earthquakes and Downtown Association plan plenty of activities, including:

• Earthquakes prize wheel with World Cup-themed "club and country" prizes
• Preview of the Earthquakes’ stadium opening in 2015 – see the virtual field view from every seat in the house
• Soccer target shootout and other skill challenges
• Gourmet food trucks and cold beverages
• Participatory public art
• Free Starlight Cinemas outdoor movies at dusk June 14 with “Bend It Like Beckham” and June 22 with “Back to the Future 2”
• Live music preceding and following the final matches July 12-13.

The public viewing will give local fans the opportunity to cheer players from their home team. The Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski will be representing the United States, while Victor Bernardez is expected to start for Honduras.

For program details, visit: sjearthquakes.com/SummerOfSoccer.

For summer events downtown, go to sjdowntown.com/starlight and sjdowntown.com/summer

More Co-Working Space Opening Downtown!

I have a feeling that Downtown San Jose is going to become a mecca for start-ups. Given the infrastructure, low prices, and patent office in Downtown, I wouldn't be too surprised if one day we start giving Palo Alto and Mountain View a run for their money.

Regus has recently announced that they are opening a 10,000 SQFT co-working office space at 99 Almaden designed to accommodate entrepreneurs and startups in Silicon Valley. This will be Downtown's fifth co-working space. The other four are NextSpace, Pacific Business Center, the San Jose Business Center, and the Executive Suites.

On a slightly unrelated note, there are now over 90 creative firms in Downtown San Jose! Here is the list.

Verizon Leasing 130,000 SQFT in North San Jose!

I've seen this terminology being tossed around the media for a while, but I think I'm officially going to start calling North First Street "Renovation Row." Verizon has has leased over 130,000 SQFT in a three-building reno project called THE Campus. This is enough room for about 750 employees, a sizable expansion from the 300-400 staff Verizon has today in Silicon Valley.

Their goal is to harness Silicon Valley's engineering talent in a building that supports modern amenities that tech workers have come to expect (the Googlization of the tech industry). Check out the outdoor fire pit and lounge space below.

The total property consists of about 250,000 SQFT, so there is still some more space to lease at "THE Campus." The way things are going, I have a feeling it will be 100% leased by the end of the year.

Source: The Merc, SVBJ

San Jose's Environmental Innovation Center is Online

San Jose's long-delayed Environmental Innovation Center is now open at 1608 Las Plumas Avenue. This is a $31.4 million project that is owned by the city and leased out to several different organizations.

The nonprofit Prospect Silicon Valley has about 22,000 SQFT, which they are using to showcase innovations that lead to smart, clean, and connected cities. The technology comes from various incubators and they serve as a resource to connect companies, investors, and start-ups interested in green-tech.

Another 15,000 SQFT is taken up by Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which lets both builders and consumers buy donated construction materials. The proceeds go to supporting the mission and work of Habitat for Humanity.

It also houses a Household Hazardous Waste Facility, with will be the only permanent facility of its kind in San Jose. The only other two facilities for Household Hazardous Waste in the county are in Sunnyvale and San Martin.

Lastly, the building itself is a monument to sustainability. If you have a look at the last image below, you can get an idea of the green-tech features that are utilized throughout the project.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row Summer Events

Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by Lululemon Athletica
Saturdays, through September 27, 8:30 a.m.
Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine at Park Valencia every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. from May through September. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Lululemon, 408.557.8721.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “All About Animals”
Tuesday, June 10 and every second Tuesday through December, 10 a.m. to noon
The popular kids’ club returns with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children.
Learn all about animals with special guests, featuring Mickaboo Bird Rescue. Enjoy live performances by Andy Z, the San Jose Public Library and Ballet San Jose and participate in activites with Children’s Discover Museum, Let’s Play in Spanish, Club One and more. Take a photo for dad for Father’s Day in Santana Row Park for $10.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Summer Solstice Wine Stroll: a benefit for the Bill Wilson Center
Saturday, June 21, 5 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy wine and food tastings, a signature Santana Row wine glass and exclusive discounts to shops and restaurants, all to benefit the Bill Wilson Center, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, housing and youth shelter for children, teens and young adults. The evening also includes a wine tasting seminar with ABC-TV’s Spencer Christian and features art by students.
Tickets are $35 and available for purchase at SantanaRow.com or inside of the Concierge Center.

Cars & Croissants
Saturday, June 28, and July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Continuing on the fourth Saturday of every month through December
Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their car and mingle with other enthusiasts. This event is free and open to the public.

Retail Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 2 and every Wednesday in July and August, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Summer gets a bit hotter than usual at Santana Row with the introduction of Retail Happy Hour, an invitation to shoppers to stop in different stores each week for music by DJs, raffles and exclusive discounts. The event is free and open to the public. Each week Santana Row will create a “passport” that lists the participating retail locations. The passport will be available online at SantanaRow.com, through Facebook, inside of participating shops and at the Concierge Center.

Fourth of July Summer Block Party
Friday, July 4, noon to 4 p.m.
An annual Santana Row tradition: enjoy big band entertainment in Park Valencia, stilt walkers and balloon artists. Browse racks of designer clothes at the annual sidewalk sample sale and enjoy exclusive discounts.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Summertime Party”
Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon
Celebrate summer with a Santana Row style party! Enjoy live entertainment from Andy Z, The San Jose Public Library, Let’s Play in Spanish and Ballet San Jose. Enjoy activities with Children’s Discovery Museum, Let’s Play in Spanish, Club One and more. Free face painting, balloon animals and snacks from Happy Baby Brands!
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Opera San Jose presents Opera Al Fresco in Park Valencia
Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Opera San Jose will present a spectacular al fresco concert of arias and ensembles at Park Valencia.

Santana Row Beer Walk
Wednesday, July 30, 6 to 9 p.m.
Stroll the Row, sample 20-plus beers and enjoy shopping and dining incentives at the second annual Beer Walk! Cool off with a stroll around Santana Row while tasting brews from microbreweries. They’ll be stationed in a restaurant or shop for easy sipping and shopping! Tickets are $30 and available at www.thebeerwalk.com.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Just Dance”
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon
Ballet San Jose School presents “Just Dance,” with a special performance and mini dance classes for kids. Enjoy live entertainment from Andy Z, the San Jose Public Library, free face painting, balloon animals and snacks.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

#LifeOnTheRow
Twitter Promotion @SantanaRow invites Tweets and Instagram tags
For a Chance to Win Gift Cards to Restaurants at The Row
Santana Row’s Twitter campaign and photo contest continues through the @SantanaRow Twitter handle. The contest invites anyone at Santana Row to Tweet or Instagram photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then tag it with the hash tag #LifeonTheRow. Every month, Santana Row will post an album on Facebook with all of the photos with the #LifeonTheRow hash tag. The person who took the best or most original photo will win a gift card to a Santana Row restaurant.


About Santana Row

Santana Row, a 647,000 square foot mixed-use development in San Jose, CA, is Silicon Valley’s premier destination for shopping, dining, living and working. Santana Row features over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, a boutique hotel and movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail & restaurant collection, Santana Row offers 615 luxury rental homes, 219 privately owned condos and 65,000 square feet of Class A office space. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.santanarow.com.


About Federal Realty

Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.6% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of March 31, 2014, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.3% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 46 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

Saturday Stats: San Jose is the #1 Best City in the US for Small Biz

Here is one of the best Saturday Stats we could ask for. The San Jose metro has been identified as the best city in the nation for small businesses. This is based on a weighted average that includes annual revenue, credit scores, cash flow, and several other metrics. There is also a great quote from the article: "San Jose remains the center of innovation and new business job creation in the U.S."

Well there you have it. San Francisco came in 5th place with New York taking 7th. Detroit did surprisingly well thanks to the rebound of the auto industry and low costs of doing business.

This isn't the first time San Jose has been highly ranked in this area. Last year Nerd Wallet ranked San Jose as the #6 best city in the US for small business.

The Top 25 Cities for Small Business in 2014

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
2. Detroit-Dearborn, MI
3. Denver, CO
4. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
5. San Francisco-Oakland, CA
6. Las Vegas, NV
7. New York metro area
8. Atlanta, GA
9. Washington, DC metro area
10. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
11. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
12. Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL
13. Sacramento, CA
14. Indianapolis, IN
15. Houston, TX
16. Chicago, IL
17. Portland, OR
18. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
19. Phoenix-Scottsdale, AZ
20. Charlotte, NC
21. San Antonio, TX
22. Seattle-Tacoma, WA
23. Jacksonville, FL
24. Philadelphia, PA
25. Orlando-Kissimmee, FL

Source: Biz2Credit

Starlight Cinemas Start Next Week!

Several films will be screening outdoors this summer, taking advantage of San Jose's awesome weather. Bend it Like Beckham will kick off the "Starlight Cinemas" program, which will follow a World Cup Game viewing in the same location. The rest of the films will be shown either at St. James Park or the San Pedro Square Market.

Pee Wee's Big Adventure will also be tied to a San Jose Bike Party. I love seeing the synergy here between multiple big events happening Downtown. The full calendar is below and all movies are family friendly.