Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween San Jose! So where is the best place to go Trick-or-Treating? Willow Glen? Evergreen? Almaden? Post in the comments.

Photo is from the Annual Halloween Doggie Social & Costume Parade in Willow Glen

Awesome New Mural!

Check out the new mural below in the Japantown area!  Empire Seven Studios and Guadalajara Restaurant are throwing a party to celebrate this Friday from 5-7pm. I can't wait to see this in person.

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Empire Seven Studios (E7S), a local Art Gallery & Boutique located in San Jose, CA, recently established the E7S Mural Project. It’s a collaborative effort amongst local artists under the direction of the E7S team: Juan Carlos Araujo & Jennifer Ahn (Owners/Founders) and staff William Moran (Muralist, Project Manager), Luis Medellin Ochoa (Operations Manager). We are currently involved in the expansion of our dream at Empire Seven Studios, seeing art reach out into the streets and into our surrounding neighborhoods. We have developed this program as an idea amongst local artists to somehow get involved with the community and create an awareness of an artistic presence in the public. The E7S Mural Project’s focus was to spread awareness of the rich artistic culture that lives and breathes in San José. We are proud to say with the help of friends and local supporters, we have achieved the 4th mural in the neighborhood; one of which is the largest mural within this project. We would like to give a special “thanks” to everyone who has enjoyed participating in the production of these murals, and especially to the local neighborhood for embracing them. This hand painted mural is the design of lead artist, Jesus Rodriguez. The process was a collaborative effort amongst local artists William Moran (E7S Project Manager/Muralist), Abel Gonzalez, John Barrick, Ivan Gonzalez, Emillo Gallegos and Tamiko Rast. The design itself is inspired by Meso-American structural design, which has played a big part in Art culture of San José. Businesses and neighborhoods throughout the City have welcomed such pieces and the significance of this particular piece stems from the message in the title “La Gran Cultura Resonance.” Its English translation “The Grand Culture Resonance” is a tribute to its size and amplitude of design in its representation of an artist and his/her roots in the San José Art culture. Within the design is the face of the Maize God. Once held as one of the highest of God’s among the Mayan People, it was worshiped for the gift of the crop Maize (corn). There is a famous story in which the tribal leaders would hide the corn seeds from their people, which can be found as reminder to the people of this neighborhood today; that treasures such as this monumental piece by volunteer artists, should not be hidden, but shared and appreciated. Thoughts on the design and work by Jesus Rodriguez: “The initial approach to the space was one at the request of the owner with a Mayan Calendar occupying the wall top to bottom. With the obstructions of windows and lights it proved to be difficult to imagine, so instead I decided to take the idea and work with the architectural design of the Meso-American Era, as well as use influences of the ceramic statues that were made in those times. My first impression of the space was to occupy it with structural pieces that resemble large stones and create a few sculptural designs out of some of the available spaces that would allow me to do so. Upon the completion and approval of the design, William Moran and I vigorously worked to complete the sketch on the entire wall, which took a little over 24 hours to complete. Into to the 4th day we were blessed with the volunteer work of, Abel Gonzalez, John Barrick, Ivan Gonzalez, Emilio & Serena Gallegos, Tamiko Rast, Jennifer Ahn, and Carlos Araujo. It truly helped with the completion of the project that was finished in a matter of two weeks thanks to them. I look at this project as a monumental piece and it is greatly rewarding for not only the opportunity to design and paint such a large piece but also in sharing the experience of painting with all the other artists.” Special thanks to: ·       Dora Jacquez, Guadalajara Restaurant owner & Gloria Flores, building owner, for allowing us to share this with the community. ·       Stephen Ray Gordy, community leader, for his anti-graffiti clear coating. ______________________________________ Friday, November 1st from 5-7pm We would like to invite you to come out to the unveiling of this new mural. There will be food provided by Guadalajara Restaurant and a Firestone Beer Sampling  Guadalajara Restaurant 452 E Empire Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (between 10th and Empire Streets)

Petition for a Levitt Pavilion at St. James Park

A new petition has been kicked off to build a stage at St. James Park that would host 50 free live-music events each year. This would help revitalize the park, bring more people Downtown, and increase entertainment options for those that already live and/or work Downtown. The cost also seems quite reasonable for the amount of benefit it would add to one of our key parks.

To learn more about this proposal and sign the petition, click here.

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Levitt Pavillion is a foundation that focuses on transforming urban public spaces that are blighted into thriving Destination Centers through High Quality FREE music and entertainment events held all year long.  The Levitt Foundation has already expressed a sincere, written interest in adding a Levitt Pavillion in St. James Park and even intends to provide a healthy initial contribution of $500,000 with ongoing support and Funding every year, FOR THE LIFE of the Park.  The Levitt Model has already been proven in six other Major markets and radically transformed areas known for high crime activity to safe, fun, exciting family oriented environments.  The Levitt Model has also had a huge, positive economic impact in the markets that they reside in, filling vacant retail spaces, enhancing open park spaces, and attracting new residences.

The Darker Side of Rezoning: Part 2

Last week I posted about a redevelopment project that would consume a mobile home park for senior citizens behind the Winchestor Mystery House. I think it safely won the record for most comments on any single post this blog has ever had. This week, I have a video that goes along with that original post (below). I'm not sure if it will sway opinions one way or another for those that have already picked a side, but it is definitely worth watching.


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As you all know there is huge redevelopment project being planned for the land across the street from Santana Row and Valley Fair where the Winchester domes currently sit. Given how hot the area has become, this seems like an ideal spot to turn into a dense mixed-use village, but there is an unfortunate downside to redevelopment here. A mobile home park for senior citizens would likely be destroyed in the process. Please see the letter below that was originally intended for The Mercury News, but they refused to publish.

Also note that the letter below does not reflect my personal opinions about this project, but I think it is important for these citizens to be heard and hopefully there can be some sort of compromise between the developers and these senior citizens living in Winchester Ranch.

Mobile Home Park in Jeopardy

A few days ago Councilman Pete Constant visited the Winchester Ranch Mobile Home Park. We packed our clubhouse because we were all eager to hear what he had to say. Winchester Ranch is a senior mobile home park located in back of the Winchester Mystery House, hugging the Hwy 280 sound wall. It’s a small park, just over 100 homes and about 140 senior residents. The park was created in 1976 by Mark Cali. He meant it to be a safe haven for seniors. Unfortunately Mark is no longer with us. His children own the land now, and collect the monthly rent from us. They have decided to sell it out from under us to a developer (Pulte Homes).  Mark Cali is most likely spinning in his grave because he wanted the park to be here long after he died.

In case you haven’t heard, San Jose planners are working on a huge redevelopment that they are calling an Urban Village, to be located across the street from Santana Row. The Century theaters and Flames will be plowed under as well as any other businesses and adjacent land that the developers can get their hands on.

When the city planners first considered which property would be part of the redevelopment, our mobile home park was left out. Their first instinct was to leave us alone. When our owners, the Cali family, heard that they contacted the planners and asked that the park be placed on the redevelopment grid.

There is one stumbling block to the sale of our property to the developer. Our land is zoned for use as a senior mobile home park. Winchester Ranch’s only hope for survival is if the city of San Jose does not change the zoning. Pete Constant’s spiel was informative but not encouraging to us. He explained that the city has many things to think about. One of the things that the city should think about is fact that there is very little “affordable” housing for seniors. We will be in very difficult straits if we lose our homes.

Seniors prefer to live independently, but close to our friends and family. If you drive through Winchester Ranch you will find a very well-maintained park. We all own our homes and we all work hard to keep our little park looking its very best. We are a well-established community, we are good neighbors, and we help each other. We want to remain here in our homes. At this point it’s up to the city of San Jose to do nothing! If they don’t change the zoning we have a very good chance of keeping our homes for a long time.

San Jose Fire Department Video

Pretty cool video below featuring the San Jose Fire Department. I'm not sure what the video is promoting, but I like it.

Source: I Heart SJ

Saturday Stats: Best Cities to Trick or Treat 2013

Zillow's latest rankings of the top cities to Trick-or-Treat in has just came in and San Jose moved up to the #4 spot for 2013! This is up from 5th place last year (we overtook Seattle). San Francisco is yet again in the #1 spot.

The rankings are based on four equally weighted variables: Home Value Index, Population Density, Walk Score, and Local Crime Data.

See the full list below along with the top neighborhoods in San Jose for Trick-or-Treating.

Source: Zillow

Haunt History Park - Happening Today!

For those that want a more family-friendly Halloween experience, check out the event going on today at History San Jose:

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This scare-free event has become a tradition, with trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities. Trick-or-treating stations will be set up at the historic homes in History Park and are sponsored by History San José and History Park Affiliates.     History Park Activities 1:00pm - 4:00pm  Ride the Trolley Trick-or-Treating 2:30pm - Costume Parade & Contest 3:30pm - Wrap-a-Mummy Contest - Sponsored by California Janitorial Supply Admission Members:  Free! Children 2 and older $5.00; Adults with a paid child's admission free.    History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA (for GPS us 635 Phelan Avenue) City parking available for $6

About History San José History San José collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley.

Santana Row Updates

Two more stores are opening at Santana Row that you won't find anywhere else in the area. Scotch & Soda opening their first Silicon Valley store at the row on October 14th and C. Wonder is opening their first Northern California store on November 1st. For more info, check out the press release below. Also note the statistic: Santana Row gets 11 million annual visitors each year! Impressive.

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A New Generation of Santana Row

Fresh, New-to-Market Concepts Emerge and Shake Up the Retail Scene at

Silicon Valley’s Destination Center

San Jose, CA – Fresh, exciting and first-in-San Jose retailers have chosen Santana Row as their South Bay home. It’s what’s new and now in the fashion arena with the stores opening just in time for the holiday shopping season.

“A New Generation of Santana Row," is a fitting description for the lineup of new retailers that include coveted specialty store Scotch & Soda, which opened on Oct. 14. The Amsterdam-based brand offers high-quality, rich-in-detail clothing and accessories for men and women.

Opening its first Northern California location on Nov. 1 is C.Wonder, offering a wide assortment of versatile and spirited clothing, jewelry, accessories, housewares, personal electronics and giftware.

They join Madewell, Splendid, Calypso St. Barth and kate spade new york in giving shoppers a choice of nationally-prominent brands in one concentrated location.

“People come here to see what’s new and fresh,” said Collette Navarrette, director of marketing for Santana Row. She notes that the center’s strong foot traffic is directly related to the evolving retail mix. “We keep reinventing the property by bringing first-to-market retailers to San Jose.”

Having celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, Santana Row’s new emphasis is bringing in retailers that offer a fresh perspective to fashion and style. Santana Row continues to evolve with 11 million annual visitors, over 1,500 residents, 2,300 employees and new-to-market retailers; maintaining its fashion-forward and vibrant personality.  

About Santana Row
Santana Row a 1.5 million square foot mixed used development in the heart of San Jose, California, is Silicon Valley's premier destination for shopping,
dining, living and nightlife. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks and plazas, Santana Row features over 70 retail shops, more than 20 acclaimed restaurants, a 212-room boutique hotel and six-screen movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail collection, Santana Row offers 622 residential units featuring a fitness center, rooftop pool and resort-living accommodations, and 65,000 square feet of office space at 300 Santana Row, its newest office address. 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, and redevelopment of high quality retail real estate in the country’s best markets.  As of September 30, 2012, Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contained approximately 19.1 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, 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 95.1% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of September 30, 2012, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.1% 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 45 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. For more information, please visit www.federalrealty.com.