PG&E Upgrades to Boost Downtown Development

PG&E is rolling out major upgrades to two vital substations in Downtown San Jose: Substation A near Diridon Station and Substation B on Coleman Avenue. These improvements are set to meet the rising energy demands from a wave of tech, housing, and commercial projects that are transforming the city. 

The work at Substation A is especially exciting. Located right by Diridon Station, this upgrade will power game-changing initiatives like the Net Zero Initiative, which focuses on energy efficiency, as well as new rail expansions like BART and electrified Caltrain service. It will also support the shift toward electric homes and vehicles. Perhaps most thrilling is its role in Google’s transit village, a massive mixed-use project near Diridon that will bring homes, offices, shops, and cultural spaces to Downtown San Jose. Meanwhile, Substation B’s enhancements will unlock about 1,000 megawatts of additional capacity, paving the way for new data centers and more power for the city’s growing needs.

These upgrades mean more than just better electricity—they’re a launchpad for San Jose’s economic rise. With a stronger grid, the city can welcome bold projects like Jay Paul Co.’s redevelopment of City View Plaza, a new neighborhood blending homes, offices, and retail in the heart of Downtown. Reliable energy could even help keep rates in check, making San Jose a more appealing place for businesses and residents alike. 

Source: The Mercury News

San Jose’s Food Trucks Take the National Stage: Jojo’s Hot Chicken and Joe’s Taco Shop Shine

San Jose’s culinary scene just earned a major spotlight. Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 food trucks list features two local stars: Jojo’s Hot Chicken at No. 4 and Joe’s Taco Shop at No. 94. 

Jojo’s Hot Chicken, parked at 1587 Kooser Road between Cambrian Park and Almaden Valley, delivers a flavor fusion that’s hard to resist. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., it blends the fiery heat of Nashville-style hot chicken with the aromatic depth of Ethiopian and Eritrean spices. Owner Yohana Gedam traded a steady car dealership career for his love of cooking, creating combos, sandwiches, and bowls that pack a punch. Grab a bottle of Jojo’s signature sauce to keep the experience going at home.

Meanwhile, Joe’s Taco Shop at 1609 Morrill Ave., just north of Japantown, brings nearly 35 years of Mexican food mastery to the list. This long-standing favorite serves up tacos, tortas, burritos, quesadillas, and chavindecas, those irresistible corn tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat, often grilled to crispy perfection. Beyond daily service, Joe’s caters events like parties, weddings, and corporate lunches, weaving itself into the fabric of San Jose’s community. Decades of dedication have made it a local legend.

The Bay Area shines bright on the list too, with Vallejo’s La Piñata (No. 6) and Rumi Kabob (No. 83), Napa’s Tacos El Muchacho Alegre (No. 61), and San Francisco’s El Gallo Giro Taco Truck (No. 81) joining the ranks. This regional strength highlights a thriving food truck culture, but San Jose’s entries stand out for their unique stories and flavors, anchoring the city as a culinary hub. Next time hunger strikes, roll up to Jojo’s Hot Chicken or Joe’s Taco Shop. One offers a spicy, soulful journey while the other delivers timeless comfort.

Source: SVBJ

Farmers Markets in San Jose

Our friends at SJ Today have a handy guide for Farmers Markets in the San Jose metro, a whopping 13 of them. From Evergreen, to Willow Glen, to Alum Rock, and even to surrounding cities, this is a pretty comprehensive list. Have a look in the source link below.

Source: SJ Today

Ellore Luxury Senior Living Adds Onsite Wellness Program

Santa Clara has welcomed an exciting new development with Ellore, a luxury senior living community in The Clara District. Developed by Related California and operated by Oakmont Management Group, Ellore recently opened its doors across from Levi’s Stadium, offering 176 upscale residences. What sets this community apart is its Wellness by Ellore program, a comprehensive healthcare initiative that brings top-tier medical services right to residents.

The Wellness by Ellore program stands out with its Five Pillars of Elevated Care: Medical Advisement, Concierge Medicine, Ellore Med, Ellore Balance, and Traditions Memory Care. Residents enjoy personalized healthcare from day one, with assessments covering medical needs, therapy, and nutrition. Dr. Mahyar Ayati, a Stanford Affiliate with expertise in geriatric health, leads the medical advisement, while a partnership with Pine Park Health provides onsite primary care and specialists like dentists and optometrists. Physical therapy and memory care round out the offerings, ensuring residents can live with ease and confidence.

Beyond healthcare, Ellore delivers a lifestyle that matches the Bay Area’s reputation for excellence. The 20-story building, designed by Steinberg Hart with interiors by March and White Design, features stunning views of Santa Clara’s salt ponds, foothills, and Levi’s Stadium. Residents can choose independent living, assisted living, or memory care, all paired with amenities like gourmet dining at The Summit Room and a calendar full of social events. The fourth floor’s dedicated wellness suites make accessing care seamless, blending luxury with practicality. It also features one of only two penthouse swimming pools in Silicon Valley high-rises (the other is at The Fay in Downtown San Jose).

Ellore’s arrival highlights why the San Jose metro continues to grow as a standout destination. Its prime location in The Clara District puts residents near dining, parks, and transit, all while offering a fresh take on senior living that prioritizes wellness and community. For those exploring options for themselves or loved ones, Ellore showcases the high standards and forward-looking developments that define our region.

Luxury Takes Flight: A New Boutique Hotel at SJC!

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) could soon become home to a boutique hotel, a development poised to elevate San Jose’s hospitality game. With plans to transform some of the airport’s surface parking into a luxurious retreat, this project aims to cater to upscale travelers, including those jetting in on private planes or chartered flights. 

The concept is straightforward yet exciting: SJC would lease the land to a private developer tasked with building a hotel that stands out from the crowd. Planners see this as a chance to fill a gap in San Jose’s offerings, where high-end, 5-star-adjacent accommodations are scarce. Unlike the typical hotels near the airport, this boutique property would offer a unique experience, appealing to discerning visitors who value exclusivity and style.

The hotel promises a standout experience with private meeting rooms and a rooftop pool. It would sit across from Terminal B, just south of the rental car center, on a 75,000-square-foot plot with room to grow. Developers could even double that footprint, though the project is capped at seven stories due to FAA rules and 300 rooms by city limits. 

Beyond the allure of luxury, the hotel holds big potential for San Jose. It could draw high-spending visitors who boost local shops, restaurants, and attractions, especially in Downtown San Jose. While the timeline isn’t set, the possibility of this addition keeps the excitement alive. SJC deserves a standout feature like this.

Source: SVBJ

Tequila and Tacos: A San Jose Summer Party

This Saturday, June 28th, 55 South in Downtown San Jose will host the Tequila Barrel Pick BBQ Party, a collaboration between MACBBQ and the 55/110 private bottle club. This event celebrates the release of an exclusive Corazon Reposado Tequila, aged 22 months in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, paired with some of the best BBQ and tacos the city has to offer. From noon to 5pm, dive into a day packed with bold flavors, live music, and community vibes.

The star of the show is the Corazon Reposado Tequila, hand-picked by MACBBQ and 55/110 for its standout profile. Aged in a Stagg Bourbon barrel, this tequila brings fruity and floral notes upfront, followed by layers of honey, caramel, pineapple, and tropical fruit. It finishes with a subtle touch of slate and black pepper, offering a bright yet rich sip that bourbon and tequila fans will appreciate. Guests can taste this unique release and even grab bottles to take home, priced at $50, alongside a Sazerac Blanton’s pick for $100.

Food takes center stage with MACBBQ and Cajetas joining forces for a Mexican-inspired BBQ spread. Think smoked brisket, pork, and chicken thighs tucked into handmade serrano/jalapeño yellow corn tortillas, topped with a custom salsa made just for this event. VIP ticket holders get early entry at noon and exclusive bites like cold smoked oysters and langostino tostadas, adding a gourmet twist. Paleta Planeta’s desserts and Phin Bar’s coffee drinks round out the menu, ensuring every craving is covered.

Live DJs Scotty Fox and Jay Biz will keep the energy flowing at 55 South, a Downtown San Jose staple known for its whiskey culture and top-notch cocktails. Exclusive giveaways throughout the day add a fun surprise element. With general admission at $50 starting at 1pm and VIP at $75, tickets include seven food and drink vouchers for tacos, desserts, and coffee. The full bar will be open for additional purchases, making this a perfect way to spend a summer Saturday.

Tickets are limited, so acting fast is key. Head to Eventbrite to secure your spot for this standout celebration of San Jose’s food, drink, and community spirit. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado, a BBQ lover, or just looking for a great time, this event delivers it all in the heart of Downtown.

Garden's Gate Cafe: A Fresh Addition to San Jose’s Culinary Landscape

San Jose welcomes a delightful new spot with the opening of Garden's Gate Cafe at 1530 Southwest Expressway. Leading this venture is Elizabeth Rivera, a San Jose native and San Jose State University alum, who brings her love for food and community to her second restaurant. Following the success of The Breeze Cafe in Newark, Elizabeth envisioned Garden's Gate as a cozy haven where fresh meals and friendly service create lasting connections. Open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm, this cafe promises to become a cherished part of North Willow Glen.

The menu shines with breakfast and brunch favorites that celebrate quality and flavor. Diners can enjoy fluffy buttermilk pancakes crowned with fresh berries, savory omelets packed with locally sourced ingredients, or hearty sandwiches paired with artisan coffee or tea. The garden-inspired decor enhances the experience, offering a warm and inviting space that feels both refreshing and familiar. Elizabeth’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients reflects her dedication to building something meaningful for San Jose, one delicious dish at a time.

The grand opening celebration tomorrow was just last week. Snap a photo, share your experience with #GardensGateSJ on Instagram, and help spread the word about this gem in San Jose’s evolving culinary scene. They are already getting rave reviews on Yelp.

San Jose Pushes for More Homes

City leaders recently greenlit over $10 million in tax and fee waivers for two major housing projects, proving that San Jose is serious about getting more homes built. With high interest rates and rising costs slowing construction across the Bay Area, this incentive program is a lifeline for developers and a big win for residents eager for more housing options.

The two projects cashing in on these perks are the Coyote Creek Urban Village at 2620 Seely Avenue and Federal Realty’s development at 358 Hatton Street near Santana Row. Together, they’re saving developers more than $10 million, with Coyote Creek slashing over $6 million and Federal Realty pocketing nearly $4.5 million in savings. This will move forward a projected 1,278 new units, including 64 affordable ones, bringing much-needed homes to both market-rate buyers and lower-income families.

The city’s incentive program offers a 50% cut in taxes and fees for projects that lock in permits by the end of this year, with a second phase kicking in 2026 offering a 25% reduction. It’s a practical approach that’s already jumpstarted other developments, like The Hanover Co.’s 345-unit project and The Aquino apartment building in Downtown San Jose. With only 2,700 permits issued last year against a state goal of 62,200 new units by 2031.

Source: The Mercury News

Breeze of Innovation Update

This is a significant update coming related to a major new landmark in Plaza de Cesar Chavez called "Breeze of Innovation." The notification, which you can read in full below, drops a few hints. Elements that celebrate Cesar Chavez and enhanced infrastructure for live events will be incorporated into the design. I can't wait to see what the final proposal will look like!

Dear Friend,

"Great cities have iconic structures... Great cities do great things—they do big things." — Chappie Jones, Former San Jose City Councilmember and Vice Mayor, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Board Vice Chair.

We're excited to share a pivotal update on our mission to gift San Jose with a transformational landmark at Plaza de César Chávez, California's oldest public space and San José's most historic treasure.

After widespread discussion, design exploration, and community feedback, we are charting an inspiring new direction.

San José's leaders and project partners remain united in the desire to create a physical landmark worthy of our city's stature as the urban heart of Silicon Valley.

Our original Breeze of Innovation concept generated global interest and showcased our city's ambition. However, after confronting some practical realities in our process, we've made the strategic decision to evolve beyond Breeze of Innovation toward an even more comprehensive vision that still appropriately honors Plaza de César Chávez. This reimagined approach will feature a new landmark design with meaningful park elements that celebrate César Chávez, enhance infrastructure for live events, and transform the park into San Jose's front porch, outdoor living room, and community gathering space.

"This is a reimagining." said Sean O'Kane, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Board Chair. "It's a moment to reaffirm San José's identity—creative, diverse, resilient—and to shape something truly meaningful for future generations."

From Day One of our mission, we have collaborated with public agencies, engineers, artists, environmental experts, and community stakeholders. We are continuing to do so during our pivot. We remain fully committed to delivering a world-class public landmark that reflects San José's innovative spirit, creating a welcoming space for community connection and cultural expression, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability, and partnering with the public to shape this visionary project's next phase.

Throughout this revision process, we've received strong support from key City of San José leaders. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with them when the city is ready to empower community-based management and greater activation of the park.

"Art and architecture are vital to civic life." said Richard Ajluni, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Board Secretary. "We're excited to collaborate on a landmark that future generations of San José residents will take pride in."

Our journey has encountered frustrations and unexpected challenges, but we still believe San Jose deserves a world-class landmark. Urban transformations require time and patience. The Eiffel Tower, Gateway Arch, and Millennium Park all faced similar challenges before becoming beloved icons. The most memorable public places result from sustained vision, collaboration, and relentless commitment. We're honored to be part of this transformative journey.

We'll share updates soon, including preliminary concepts for our new Plaza de César Chávez vision. Thank you for your continued support, patience, and trust. Please reach out with questions, ideas, or partnership opportunities.

With gratitude,

Steve Borkenhagen and the Urban Confluence Team

Affordable Housing Takes Root in Willow Glen Near San Jose’s Tamien Station

A new affordable housing project is coming to San Jose near Tamien Station in the Willow Glen region. The 90-unit building will soon rise on the site of the infamous Agave Sports Bar at 520 and 544 West Alma Avenue. Led by Resources for Community Development and designed by Van Meter Williams Pollack, the five-story structure will offer four floors of residential housing atop ground-floor office and amenity spaces. This project is a meaningful addition to the city, providing much-needed housing options in the heart of the Bay Area.

The building itself is thoughtfully planned. It includes 89 rentable units, with 68 set aside for low-income residents and 21 for very-low-income residents, plus a single manager unit. Residents will enjoy a large community room, laundry services, and a second-floor open-air courtyard. The landscaping features a descending terrace design that flows toward the banks of the Guadalupe River. These details show a commitment to creating a welcoming and functional space.

One of the biggest advantages of this project is its location. Being steps away from Tamien Station means residents have easy access to bus lines, VTA, and Caltrain. This connectivity is a game-changer for anyone relying on public transportation, making daily commutes simpler and helping ease traffic in the area. It's also a 10 minute walk away from Willow Glen Village with a Safeway and four great restaurants and a 20 minute walk from "The Avenue" or Downtown Willow Glen.

Source: SF YIMBY