Saturday, November 8, 2025

Two More Data Centers Coming to North San Jose

The Trimble Business Area stands to gain a major boost with Goodman Group's recent acquisition of a 46-acre site for $200 million. The global firm plans to develop two data centers on the property at 350 and 370 West Trimble Road, creating the Goodman Innovation Center San Jose. Set to deliver 414,000 square feet of space and 97.3 megawatts of power by 2028, this project positions the city as a key player in the expanding digital infrastructure sector. Existing R&D buildings on the site, partially occupied by Lumileds, will become available for lease in October 2026, offering over 500,000 square feet for new tenants.

The development aligns with San Jose's role as a top hub for data centers in Silicon Valley. Despite challenges like power constraints and high costs, initiatives like this one demonstrate the area's resilience and appeal to international developers. Goodman Group, known for managing logistics properties and data centers worldwide, acquired the site from an affiliate of LBA Realty, which had earlier proposed a smaller data center there. The location's proximity to a Microsoft-owned parcel with its own data center plans further enhances the region's tech ecosystem.

Source: SVBJ



Friday, November 7, 2025

November 2025 First Fridays

Downtown San Jose transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity today with the return of the First Fridays Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Spanning the SoFA District, Historic District and Martha Gardens District, this free event opens galleries, museums and independent spaces to the public. Visitors of all ages can wander through exhibitions, engage with artists and participate in activities that celebrate local and international talent. Produced by CURATUS in collaboration with community partners, the evening encourages exploration and connection across neighborhoods.

In the SoFA District, ANNO DOMINI presents solo shows featuring surreal paintings from Indonesia and mixed-media works on mortality from the UK. KALEID Gallery hosts a reception for an interdisciplinary artist reflecting on family and street life through photography and multimedia. MACLA invites interaction with displays on cultural resilience using animation and augmented reality, plus a poetry party and youth photography exhibition capturing urban scenes. The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art explores AI and oral histories in immersive projections, complete with tea sachet and collage workshops.

Further highlights in SoFA include group exhibitions at Morgann Trumbull Projects delving into ritual in art and subtle urban forms. Opera San José offers live arias and organ performances outside the California Theater, along with a scavenger hunt. San Jose Jazz features a jam session with guest saxophonist Howard Wiley and high school musicians. The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles displays award-winning contemporary quilts and diverse basketry techniques.

The Historic District adds depth with Chopsticks Alley Gallery's celebration of San Jose heritage through collective projects and a reading by local author Gary Singh. Works/San Jose opens a show on softness as strength with new works by emerging artists. In Martha Gardens District, Art Ark Gallery gathers dozens of creators for a festive display of unique pieces with live music. FUSE at the Citadel showcases stories from San Jose's Creative Ambassadors in various media, while MACHU PICCHU Gallery honors Día de los Muertos with a communal ofrenda for remembrance and healing.

Murals enhance the experience, such as the block-long Romance piece in the Qmunity District expressing love and resilience, and Urban Abstractions planters signaling the area's artistic energy. Phantom Galleries curates these public works to inspire passersby.

For additional information, visit https://www.southfirstfridays.com/2025/10/first-fridays-artwalksj-november-7-2025-5-9pm/

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Mad Yolks Brings Fresh Breakfast to Willow Glen

San Jose welcomed a new spot for morning meals with the opening of Mad Yolks at 1087 Meridian Ave, Suite 40. The city joined in the celebration on November 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Councilmember Mulcahy and owners Peter and Henry Wong shared remarks to mark the occasion. This addition strengthens the local food scene by offering a community-focused place for residents to start their day.

Brothers Henry and Peter Wong built Mad Yolks from a small pop-up into a full restaurant concept rooted in Santa Cruz. Their passion for quality ingredients and comfort food drives the menu, which features fresh, made-from-scratch items. As their third location and first in San Jose, the eatery emphasizes sandwiches, bowls and specialty drinks prepared with care. Local and organic sourcing plays a key role in their approach to elevated breakfast options.

Signature offerings include the BAE and Mad Chicks sandwiches alongside creative dishes like Curry Moco and Dirty Tots. Brioche buns baked in-house pair with homemade sauces for a distinctive taste. Beverages range from matcha drinks and cold brew to fruit teas, all crafted to order. This focus on fresh elements makes Mad Yolks a standout choice for brunch enthusiasts in the area.

Willow Glen drew the brothers because of its welcoming vibe filled with families and small businesses. In their own words:

"We chose Willow Glen because it’s a neighborhood with heart. Full of families, small businesses, and a real sense of community. It reminded us of why we started Mad Yolks in the first place: to bring people together over good food made with care. The walkable streets and local charm felt like the perfect fit for our brand and our mission to serve fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast in a warm and welcoming space."

The new location has already become a hit on Yelp. Mad Yolks is open from 8am-3pm, 7 days a week.


Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Gateway Tower Set to Transform Downtown San Jose's SoFA District

A significant development is on the horizon for Downtown San Jose as Gateway Tower secures over $220 million in funding to bring affordable housing to the vibrant SoFA District. The Core Companies will construct a 15-story residential building at 470 S. Market Street, drawing support from the city of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and state resources. This project marks a step forward in addressing housing needs while enhancing the area's appeal as a center for arts and culture.

The tower will feature 220 units designed for residents earning 30% to 70% of the area median income. Among these, 55 units are set aside for rapid rehousing to help combat homelessness. A tenant preference program will give SoFA-based artists the first opportunity for some residences, supporting the district's creative community. Ground floor retail space exceeding 3,000 square feet will add to the neighborhood's lively street-level activity. The first four floors will also serve as a parking garage, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors.

Construction kicks off in the first quarter of 2026, with completion slated for early 2028.

Source: SVBJ



Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Coterie Winery Celebrates 10 Years of Artisan Winemaking in San Jose

Coterie Winery has reached a remarkable milestone with its 10th anniversary at 885 West Julian Street, highlighting the vibrant evolution of urban winemaking right here in San Jose. Founded in 2007 by Shala and Kyle Loudon, this spot has turned an old warehouse into a hub for crafting small-batch wines from acclaimed vineyards. Each bottle captures the distinct essence of its origin, drawing in locals and visitors who appreciate the blend of sustainability and community focus that defines the winery.

Over the years, Coterie has grown into a favorite gathering place, hosting events, food pop-ups, and private parties in its inviting barrel room. The winery's ties to San Jose run deep, from partnering with local artisans to joining Community Supported Agriculture programs. These connections helped it navigate tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to a dedicated group of supporters who keep coming back for the welcoming atmosphere and exceptional wines.

To mark this achievement, Coterie is hosting an anniversary event on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 1 to 5 pm. Guests can enjoy complimentary tastings of vintages dating back to at least 2015 alongside current releases. This open invitation extends a warm thank you to everyone who has contributed to the winery's success, offering a perfect chance to discover what makes San Jose's wine scene so special.

For additional details or to learn about membership, visit coteriewinery.com.


Monday, November 3, 2025

Groundbreaking Ceremony for HOPE Community Expansion

San Jose continues to build on its foundation of compassion through initiatives that address community needs. The Salvation Army Silicon Valley is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for the HOPE Community expansion today from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at 359 North 4th Street. This project transforms a grass lot into a safe and sober overnight and transitional housing program, adding over 70 beds for unhoused men and women seeking stability.

Key figures including Mayor Matt Mahan, Supervisor Betty Duong, John A. Sobrato, Elizabeth Funk from Dignity Moves, and Major Daniel Freeman from the Salvation Army Silicon Valley will participate. The main ceremony is from noon to 12:30 pm with post-event discussions until 1:30 pm. Community members and media can attend to witness this step toward enhanced support services.

The Salvation Army Silicon Valley has served the area for over 140 years, offering programs like food distribution, shelter, case management, senior meals, youth activities, and workforce development. With 92 percent of donations directed to programs, the organization meets needs without discrimination. This expansion aligns with efforts to foster hope and rebuild lives in the region.

Developments like HOPE Community demonstrate San Jose's dedication to inclusive growth and assistance for vulnerable residents. They create pathways to better futures, strengthening the fabric of the city. Anyone interested in supporting or learning more can join the ceremony to see the progress firsthand.

For more information: https://siliconvalley.salvationarmy.org/




Sunday, November 2, 2025

An Evening of Persian Delights with the San José Chamber Orchestra

San Jose hosts a variety of cultural performances that blend global influences with local talent. The San José Chamber Orchestra brings this to life with An Evening of Persian Delights, featuring Iranian-American composer and pianist Faranak Shahroozi. Set for Sunday, November 16, 2025, at 7:00pm in the Willow Glen neighborhood, the concert promises an immersive experience at St. Francis Episcopal Church on 1205 Pine Avenue.

Shahroozi's journey from Iran to the United States shapes her music, drawing from personal experiences of change and resilience. She earned a B.A. in Classical Piano Performance from San Jose State University, and her compositions reflect deep emotional connections. The program highlights five of her works, including Persia and Behind the Veil from the album Eternal Love, along with Circles of My Mind, Lovestruck, and Waltz. Additional pieces will round out the evening under the direction of Music Director and Conductor Barbara Day Turner.

The San José Chamber Orchestra stands out for its focus on new works and collaborations. Founded in 1991, the ensemble has premiered over 230 compositions in 35 seasons and earned multiple awards for adventurous programming. This professional string-based group of 19 or more players continues to innovate, making it a cornerstone of the city's artistic scene.

For tickets and more information: https://sjco.org/




Saturday, November 1, 2025

Entre Comales Opens Its Doors in Downtown San Jose

A new addition to the food scene has arrived in Downtown San Jose with the soft opening of Entre Comales at 330 S. Third St. This taqueria and pupuseria steps into the space once occupied by the well-known Iguanas Burritozilla, bringing a wave of Latin flavors to the neighborhood. Residents and visitors now have a new spot to explore authentic Salvadoran dishes right in the heart of the city.

The menu focuses on handcrafted pupusas made the traditional Salvadoran way. These thick cornmeal griddle cakes come stuffed with a variety of fillings, offering something for everyone. Choices include revuelta with pork, beans and cheese, as well as options like chicken, potatoes, chicharron, beans and jalapeño. Vegetarian selections such as spinach, garlic and calabaza provide flavorful alternatives without meat.

During the soft opening phase, orders are available in person or through Instagram direct messages from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. This flexible approach makes it easy for people to try the new offerings. As Downtown San Jose continues to grow its diverse culinary landscape, Entre Comales adds to the mix of international eats that draw crowds to the area.

Details on a grand opening remain under wraps for now, but the early buzz suggests this could become a go-to destination for casual meals. Silicon Valley's food enthusiasts have another reason to venture the Downtown San Jose and discover what makes the city's dining options stand out.

Source: SVBJ




Friday, October 31, 2025

Happy Halloween 2025! 🎃🦇👻

Hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween tonight! If you have a favorite neighborhood for trick-or-treating please post it in the comments here or on X. I'll toss out Willow Glen as high on the list (especially Cherry Street close to Lincoln).


Thursday, October 30, 2025

Levitt Pavilion San Jose Targets Summer 2028 Opening

San Jose advances its cultural landscape with the upcoming Levitt Pavilion, a $21 million music venue planned for a corner of St. James Park in Downtown San Jose. This project, in development since 2012, recently secured a tri-party agreement among the city, the Levitt Foundation, and Friends of Levitt San Jose. The agreement allocates $15 million from the city and $500,000 from the Levitt Foundation, plus annual operational support of $250,000. Friends of Levitt San Jose aims to raise at least $5 million to initiate construction, with hopes of reaching $7 million for added operational funds.

Once completed, the pavilion will host at least 50 free concerts each year, accommodating up to 5,000 guests. This setup promotes accessible live music for all ages, aligning with the mission to build community through performances. The venue's plug-and-play design allows local art groups and organizations to rent the space for events, enhancing its versatility. Acoustic technology ensures sound directs forward, minimizing impact on surrounding areas.

Similar Levitt pavilions in other cities have spurred significant development. For instance, Levitt Pavilion Dayton generated $310 million in capital investment since 2018, revitalizing vacant buildings. Levitt Pavilion Sioux Falls brought $560 million in new projects over five years, including retail, residences, and hotels. In San Jose, the pavilion could catalyze development around St. James Park, potentially adding 1,000 to 1,200 housing units on nearby sites.

Pop-up concerts sponsored by Levitt have already demonstrated the park's potential, drawing crowds to diverse acts like cumbia-punk-rock bands. These gatherings unite varied community members, from east side enthusiasts to local neighbors. The projected $14 million annual economic impact to Downtown San Jose underscores the venue's role in fostering growth and vibrancy.

For more information: https://levittsanjose.org/

Source: SVBJ