Innovation Drives into San Jose with Afeela Studio

Afeela Studio has just opened its immersive pop-up from from Sony Honda Mobility at Westfield Valley Fair. This immersive pop-up showcases the Afeela 1, blending Honda's engineering expertise with Sony's technological innovations. Available for six months, the studio lets visitors explore the Core Black Signature Series and Calm White editions up close. Located near Lululemon and Sunglass Hut, it positions the city as a key spot for experiencing next-generation mobility.

The Afeela 1 stands out with its array of features designed for modern drivers. An AI-powered personal assistant handles tasks intuitively, while up to 40 sensors including 18 cameras, one LiDAR, nine radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors enable advanced driving assistance. Entertainment options include a media bar and 360 Spatial Sound, turning the interior into a dynamic space for music and media. Reservations for the vehicle start online with a $200 deposit, and deliveries are set to begin in California.

Since its grand opening on September 20, the studio has drawn crowds eager to interact with this EV brand. As the first such location in Silicon Valley, it builds on previous displays at the mall, offering hands-on demos that highlight the fusion of automotive and entertainment worlds.

Valley Fair also has retail stores for other EV manufacturers like Lucid and Polestar. The first Tesla store is also across the street at Santana Row, along with a new Rivian store. The area has become a destination for pure EV brands.

Source: SVBJ

Family Fun Takes Center Stage at Kids Day in the Park

San Jose welcomes a vibrant celebration of music and creativity this weekend with Kids Day in the Park at Plaza de César Chávez. Families can look forward to live performances from Lisa Loeb and The Hollow Trees, who join forces for a special set drawn from their new album, That’s What It’s All About. This collaboration mixes Loeb's storytelling style with the folk energy of The Hollow Trees, offering tunes that honor family traditions and classic songs. The event promises an engaging afternoon where attendees sing and dance together in the heart of the city.

Adding to the lineup, the Alphabet Rockers deliver their signature mix of melodies and meaningful lyrics. Founded in Oakland in 2007 by Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Soulati Shepherd, this group has earned a Grammy for Best Children's Music Album along with other nominations. Their music spans animated series and global audiences, bringing positive vibes that resonate with kids and parents alike. Seeing them perform in San Jose highlights the Bay Area's rich talent pool and creates lasting memories for local families.

Beyond the stage, the festival includes plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Face painting stations spark imagination, while bouncy houses provide energetic playtime. Exhibits showcase interactive displays, and food trucks serve up tasty options for all ages. Held at 1 Paseo de San Antonio, this free gathering on September 20 turns Plaza de César Chávez into a family-friendly entertainment hub. For mor info and tickets, click here.

Bark in the Park Returns for Its 27th Year in San Jose

San Jose hosts one of Northern California's largest gatherings for dog enthusiasts with Bark in the Park on September 20, 2025. This annual festival draws over 6,000 people and more than 2,500 dogs to William Street Park, located at the corner of East William Street and South 16th Street, just minutes from Downtown San Jose. Organized by the Campus Community Association in the historic Naglee Park neighborhood, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers a full day of activities tailored for families and their four-legged companions.

Attendees can explore agility courses, enjoy food and beverages, and browse a variety of vendors focused on dog services and products. Kids find plenty of engaging activities, while special guests add to the lively atmosphere. The Humane Society Silicon Valley provides free vaccines through a mobile wellness clinic, available while supplies last. A suggested $10 donation per adult supports local organizations like the Humane Society Silicon Valley and the San Jose Animal Care Center, with kids and dogs entering at no cost.

This year's edition introduces Animal Rescue Row, a dedicated area showcasing local rescue groups and adoptable dogs ready for new homes. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., these pups take the main stage, giving visitors a chance to connect with the organizations behind their care. Dog contests highlight the fun, including a pet and owner look-alike competition at noon, a costume contest at 1 p.m., and a tail-wagging event at 2 p.m., all held on the main stage.

Golden State Valkyries Block Party Today

Golden State Valkyries take the court for their first-ever playoff game, SJDA is hosting a pregame Block Party, for all fans, with, or without a game ticket. This is more than just a pregame party; it’s a chance for Valkyries fan to unite, share its passion, and build an electric atmosphere that will carry our team to victory. Come early, be loud, and get ready to be a part of this historic moment in Bay Area sports.

Enjoy good music, outdoor games, face painting, poster making, food, take some shots on our sports court, and so much more.

Breaking Ground on The Fielden: Affordable Housing Takes Root in San Jose's Alum Rock Neighborhood

Construction has started on a new 160-unit affordable housing complex at 525 North Capitol Avenue in San Jose's Alum Rock area. Known as The Fielden, this five-story development replaces earlier plans for an office building. The project, led by Community Development Partners, marks their first venture in San Jose and stands as their most expensive to date, with a total cost of $123 million. Funding comes from multiple sources, including $8 million from Santa Clara County through the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond and a $26 million loan from the city of San Jose, which owns the site.

The Fielden will feature a variety of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments spread across a one-acre lot, totaling about 42,000 square feet. Among these, 52 units are set aside for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, homeless veterans, or those with disabilities, emphasizing support for vulnerable community members. Its location offers convenient access to the VTA light rail, making it easier for residents to connect with jobs, services, and other parts of the city. Completion is slated for June 2027, promising to add much-needed housing options in a growing urban landscape.

Community Development Partners is exploring a collaboration with local nonprofit Veggielution, which could involve a shared kitchen space in the building to promote community activities around food and farming. This initiative aligns with San Jose's efforts to build smarter and more inclusively, focusing on vertical growth to accommodate more people without sprawling into surrounding natural areas.

Source: SVBJ

Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli Set to Carry On Armadillo Willy's Legacy

A beloved Silicon Valley barbecue tradition finds new life through the passion of a local engineer. John A. Vink, a longtime fan of Armadillo Willy's chicken sandwich, stepped in to purchase the bankrupt chain and relaunch it as Empire Armadillo BBQ & Deli. The concept soft opened in Sunnyvale this August, preserving the essence of the original while introducing New York-style deli elements to fill a gap in the local dining landscape.

The menu at Empire Armadillo keeps all the classic Armadillo Willy's items, from wood-fired barbecue to signature sides, while expanding with pastrami sandwiches and house-made banana pudding inspired by renowned New York spots. This fusion of Texas barbecue and East Coast deli creates a unique offering that caters to diverse tastes. The Sunnyvale location at 161 East El Camino Real has already welcomed back dedicated customers, and the entire staff consists of former Armadillo Willy's employees, maintaining continuity and expertise.

Plans are underway to bring Empire Armadillo to San Jose, taking over the former Armadillo Willy's site at 878 Blossom Hill Road. This expansion promises to revitalize a familiar spot in the city, providing a convenient destination for barbecue enthusiasts and deli lovers alike. San Jose's growing food scene gains another layer with this blend of traditions, inviting families and friends to gather over hearty meals.

The venture highlights the community's resilience, as Vink's investment saves jobs and keeps a 42-year-old legacy alive. Longtime patrons have expressed gratitude for the revival. With a grand opening in Sunnyvale scheduled for September 18, the momentum builds toward the San Jose launch.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Opens Innovative Safe Sleeping Site to Combat Homelessness

San Jose takes a meaningful step forward in addressing unsheltered homelessness with the launch of its first safe sleeping site, the inaugural one in the South Bay. This initiative provides 56 tents equipped with cots, on-site security, regular trash collection, three daily meals, mobile showers, and access to counseling and addiction treatment. Modeled after successful programs in other cities, it offers a low-barrier alternative to unmanaged encampments, improving conditions for individuals while benefiting the broader community and environment.

The site's cost-effectiveness stands out, coming in at less than one-twentieth the expense of building an apartment per unit, and it can be established in just months. This efficiency allows San Jose to scale solutions quickly for the over 3,000 people living in unmanaged conditions, where around 200 fatalities occur annually on the streets. Alongside this, ongoing efforts at Columbus Park involve relocating about 10 people daily into housing while clearing debris, demonstrating steady progress in restoring public spaces.

From a 16 percent sheltered rate in 2020, San Jose aims to reach 50 percent by year's end, meaning half of the nearly 6,000 homeless residents will have a bed each night, along with services and personalized plans for self-sufficiency. This milestone reflects the city's commitment to pragmatic approaches like interim housing and requiring acceptance of available shelter, reducing encampments and fostering pathways out of homelessness.

Looking ahead, achieving full sheltering requires creativity, including expanded interim options and support from higher government levels for funding, housing construction, and specialized treatment facilities. San Jose's embrace of innovation in local government paves the way for these advancements, creating a more compassionate and resilient community.

Source: Matt Mahan's Aug 31st Newsletter

Groundbreaking for Aquino Apartments Marks a New Chapter in Downtown San Jose Housing

Construction has officially started on the Aquino apartment complex, an eight-story development bringing 278 new units to Downtown San Jose at 498 West San Carlos Street. Developer Urban Catalyst led the groundbreaking ceremony on September 4, marking a significant step toward addressing the city's pressing housing needs. This project transforms a once-vacant corner at West San Carlos and Josefa streets, previously occupied by outdated structures like an office building and an autobody shop, into a modern residential hub.

The Aquino features a traditional apartment layout, shifting from an earlier co-living design to offer more units in compact sizes. With a total cost of $135 million, the development secured a $112 million loan from Beach Point Capital and benefited from San Jose's multifamily housing incentive program, which provides fee and tax reductions to encourage building. This support helped push the project forward, aligning with the city's goal to add over 60,000 housing units by 2031. Among the 278 units, 14 are deed-restricted for affordable housing, contributing to inclusive growth.

Positioned near Google's planned Downtown West campus and Diridon Station, Aquino enhances connectivity and vitality in the area. It neighbors other Urban Catalyst projects, including the completed Keystone Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel and a site slated for additional housing. This infill development promotes shorter commutes and a sustainable environment, fostering a community where residents can thrive amid Silicon Valley's innovation.

San Jose's recent pace of housing production, with about 1,500 units completed last year and 1,300 the year before, falls short of demand, making projects like Aquino essential. City leaders recognize the need to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy to compete with faster-building cities like Austin and Denver. By prioritizing smart development, San Jose sets an example for California, starting with initiatives that make housing more feasible.

The Aquino stands as a symbol of progress, inviting families, professionals, and newcomers to experience Downtown San Jose's evolving landscape. Residents will enjoy proximity to transit, amenities, and the city's cultural offerings, from nearby parks to bustling markets. This addition strengthens the neighborhood fabric, creating opportunities for vibrant living in the heart of the South Bay.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Author Carmela Dutra Launches Debut Cozy Mystery 'A Murder Most Fowl'

San Jose celebrates one of its own as local author Carmela Dutra releases her debut cozy mystery, A Murder Most Fowl, on September 9, 2025, from Crooked Lane Books. This engaging tale draws from the vibrant Bay Area food truck culture, featuring twins Beth and Seth Lloyd who inherit a chicken-themed truck named Kluckin’ Good from their late aunt Dolly. The story unfolds with humor, sibling dynamics, and a thrilling whodunit, capturing the essence of local life and culinary adventures that resonate with South Bay readers.

The plot heats up when the siblings enter their truck in a competitive cooking show for publicity, only for a contestant to turn up dead, turning the event into a real elimination challenge. With help from their loyal assistant and Beth's best friend Rylie, they follow clues to solve the twisted case before danger strikes closer to home. This blend of mystery and mouthwatering elements keeps pages turning, offering an escapist read filled with banter and surprises.

Early praise highlights the book's charm, with Kirkus Reviews noting, “A serious set of crimes leavened by plenty of amusing moments add up to a fun read.” New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams calls it, “The perfect escapist read, brimming with banter and an extra helping of fun.” Midwest Book Review describes it as, “Imaginative, clever, laced with humor and unexpected plot twists leading to a dramatic conclusion, "A Murder Most Fowl" is a quintessential cozy mystery.”

Dutra's connection to San Jose infuses the narrative with authentic Bay Area flair, from food truck rivalries to the region's innovative spirit. As the first in a series, it promises more adventures in familiar settings, inviting locals to support homegrown talent and discover stories rooted in their community.

For more information or to buy the book, head over here.

Poppy & Claro Set to Elevate Downtown San Jose's Dining Scene This Fall

Poppy & Claro will be coming soon to 50 West San Fernando Street. This new all-day restaurant draws inspiration from Northern California's abundant ingredients and artisanal traditions, promising a blend of refined dishes and casual comfort. Set to debut later this fall, it fills a space left vacant since the closure of the Capital Club in late 2024, bringing fresh energy to the ground floor of this prominent office building.

The menu at Poppy & Claro centers on locally sourced produce, guiding selections that highlight what's grown nearby. Guests can expect hearth-oven specialties alongside bold, familiar flavors for lunch and dinner, while mornings feature a curated coffee program paired with fresh pastries. The bar offers rotating cocktails and non-alcoholic refreshers, catering to a variety of preferences throughout the day. This approach not only celebrates regional bounty but also provides options for dine-in or takeout, making it accessible for busy professionals and visitors alike.

The restaurant's design incorporates poppy-inspired hues and local claro walnut millwork, creating a modern California aesthetic that reflects the area's natural beauty and craftsmanship. This thoughtful interior fosters a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, ideal for everything from quick breakfast meetings to leisurely evening gatherings. Such elements underscore San Jose's commitment to spaces that blend innovation with everyday appeal.

Poppy & Claro joins a wave of recent additions enhancing Downtown San Jose's food offerings. Following the launches of Mediterranean spot Eos & Nyx and the journalism-themed Pressroom in late 2024, this newcomer adds to the diversity available for residents and tourists. These developments signal a thriving dining hub where flavors from around the world meet local creativity.

As San Jose positions itself as a destination for exceptional experiences, establishments like Poppy & Claro contribute to the city's growing reputation. The focus on Northern California influences invites exploration of the region's culinary heritage right in the urban core. With its all-day versatility, the restaurant stands ready to become a go-to spot for discovering the flavors that define this part of the state.

Source: SVBJ