Join Mayor Mahan for San Jose's State of the City 2026

San Jose invites everyone to participate in the annual State of the City event on February 7, starting at 9 a.m. This gathering combines hands-on service with a celebration of what makes our city special, all timed to align with preparations for Super Bowl LX.

The day begins with service projects from 9 to 11 a.m. at 194 Post Street. Volunteers will paint an iconic Downtown building, tend to empty lots, and remove graffiti alongside family and friends. Following the service, a brief address from 11 a.m. to noon highlights recent progress in San Jose and outlines plans to tackle ongoing challenges. This moment offers insight into the city's direction, emphasizing collaboration and forward momentum.

The festivities continue from noon to 5 p.m. with a block party at San Pedro Square. Attendees can enjoy flying car simulations, holograms, a puppy bowl, and booths from local small businesses.

For more information and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/san-jose-state-of-the-city-2026-tickets-1980742060824

East San Jose's Light Rail Extension Advances Toward 2028 Opening

San Jose marks a significant step forward in public transit with the ongoing construction of the VTA Orange Line extension, a 2.4-mile addition that connects East San Jose more directly to the broader Bay Area network. This project, the first light rail expansion in over two decades, stretches from Alum Rock Station along Capitol Expressway to a new terminus at Eastridge Transit Center. Elevated viaducts carry the line above busy roadways, minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety for riders and drivers alike.

The extension includes two new stations designed for convenience and accessibility. An elevated stop at Story Road features pedestrian bridges, elevators, and stairs to link seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods. The at-grade station at Tully Road integrates with the Eastridge Mall and existing bus services, making transfers straightforward. This setup supports local businesses during construction and promises to boost foot traffic once operational, invigorating commercial areas like shopping centers and eateries along the route.

Beyond immediate connectivity, the line links to BART at Milpitas, opening up efficient travel options to destinations across the region. Residents in East San Jose gain reliable alternatives to car travel amid growing congestion on major arterials. The development also highlights opportunities for smarter land use, such as reimagining underutilized spaces like Reid-Hillview Airport for community benefits.

The total budget exceeds $650 million and the grand opening is anticipated for 2028 (a year earlier than planned).

For more details, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiHmXvXd6KU

Source: Usedmedia on Skyscraper City

Waymo has expanded service to Downtown San Jose and beyond

Waymo is now operating even deeper into San Jose! Previously you could only get a Waymo near SJC, West San Jose, and North San Jose. Now all of Downtown San Jose is covered along with The Alameda, Rose Garden, and part of Central San Jose (Happy Hollow, Kelley Park, History San Jose, Tech CU Arena).

The expansion arrives just in time to show off our autonomous ride-hailing capabilities to Super Bowl and World Cup attendees. More competition and access generally translates to lower prices, which also means more people will have the option to live without the expense of a car. 

Tesla is also increasing their number of Robotaxis in Silicon Valley. Their coverage map already covers the majority of San Jose, but unlike Waymo a safety driver is still required. Tesla has started fully autonomous rides with no one in the car in Austin.

It will only be a year or two before autonomous rides are commonplace in the South Bay. Waymo has already overtaken Lyft to be the second most popular ride-hailing solution in San Francisco.

Source: Ethan McKanna on X

Celebrity Chefs Elevate The Players Tailgate Ahead of Super Bowl 60

The Players Tailgate is the ultimate pre-Super Bowl VIP experience on February 8, 2026. This pre-game event, organized by Bullseye Event Group, features a lineup of renowned chefs and live entertainment.

The chef roster includes Aaron May for bold flavors, Marc Murphy as a respected restaurateur, Kelsey Murphy from MasterChef, Aarón Sanchez of Johnny Sánchez and Chopped fame, Tristen Epps as a Top Chef champion, Shota Nakajima with multiple James Beard nods, Josh Capon of VCR Group, Adam Sobel from AETHER GROUP, Catherine McCord behind Weelicious, Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao, Chris Cosentino for whole-animal expertise, Damaris Phillips with Southern influences, and 10/10 Burger for smash burgers. These talents will create multi-station offerings that range from gourmet specialties to creative comfort foods.

DJ Irie provides the soundtrack, delivering high-energy sets that keep the atmosphere lively as guests prepare for kickoff. Known as a top pre-game destination, The Players Tailgate draws celebrities and enthusiasts, making it a standout way to experience the Super Bowl, even if you don't have tickets to the big game.

For tickets and more information: https://bullseyeeventgroup.com/super-bowl-60-in-santa-clara/2026-players-tailgate-santa-clara

Tamien Station Apartments Open as Affordable Housing Near San Jose Transit

Tamien Station Apartments is San Jose's first new transit-oriented housing development in more than 20 years. Situated next to the Tamien Light Rail and Caltrain station on Lick Avenue, the project offers 135 units that connect residents directly to public transportation for easier commutes and daily travel.

Units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available to families earning below 60 percent of the area median income. Over half provide rapid rehousing support to assist individuals and families moving from homelessness. Amenities feature on-site daycare, a rooftop playground, food pantry, fitness room, and shared community spaces to support everyday needs.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority developed the site from a former VTA parking lot, leasing it to Urban Co Tamien LLC, a joint venture of Core and Republic Urban Properties. This marks the initial phase of a broader mixed-income community planned for 555 units across 1.6 acres.

Such efforts expand access to quality housing integrated with transit, promoting both stability and reducing reliance on cars. Future VTA projects aim to add thousands more homes near stations, building on this foundation for an greater community benefit.

Source: https://www.ktvu.com/news/santa-clara-vta-celebrates-opening-san-jose-affordable-apartments

Bar Tako Opens with Mexican-Japanese Flavors in Downtown San Jose

Bar Tako is about to become one of San Jose's most unique food offerings. It's a pop-up restaurant blending Mexican and Japanese cuisines at 17 North San Pedro Street in San Pedro Square. Set to open in late February 2026 and run through June, this temporary spot activates a key Downtown location previously home to Olla Cocina. Industry experts Derek Belanger and Greg Nasser lead the project, drawing on Nikkei influences from Peru to craft dishes that merge bold tastes in unexpected ways.

The menu divides into sections for shared plates, encouraging group dining experiences. Raw bar selections feature sushi-grade hamachi paired with salsa verde and salmon tartare alongside mango-shiso pico de gallo served with chips. Robata grill options include grilled pork and chicken skewers with housemade masa tortillas, corn ribs topped with Kewpie mayo and furikake, and Okinawa sweet potato with mole aioli and cotija cheese. Standout entrees range from togarashi shrimp tacos to shoyu-braised beef short rib tamales with ancho chile sauce and pickled ginger, plus A5 wagyu accompanied by mole.

Desserts offer creative twists like three varieties of sweet tamales with sauces, such as a red bean version drizzled in miso-caramel. The bar complements the food with tequila, mezcal, Japanese whisky, beers from both cultures, and Baja California wines including Nebiolos and chilled reds. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., Bar Tako invites San Jose foodies to explore one of the most unique food offerings in the South Bay.

Source: Eater

USWNT Set to Face Japan at PayPal Park in April

San Jose welcomes the U.S. Women's National Team back to PayPal Park for an international friendly against Japan on April 11, 2026. The match kicks off at 2:30 p.m., marking the seventh time the USWNT has played at this venue where they hold a strong 5-1-0 record. This event continues a longstanding rivalry that began in 1986, with memorable clashes in world finals during the 2010s and a recent quarterfinal in the 2024 Olympics where the U.S. secured a 1-0 victory en route to gold.

The game holds special significance for the Bay Area, as many USWNT players past and present have deep connections to the region. San Jose hosted the team's first match in California back in 1997 at Spartan Stadium, resulting in a decisive win over England. Now, PayPal Park serves as a hub for high-profile soccer, having recently featured CONCACAF Men's Gold Cup matches last summer with teams like the United States, El Salvador, Honduras, and Curaçao.

Mayor Matt Mahan emphasizes how such occasions establish San Jose as a destination where people come together for distinctive experiences. The USWNT coach expresses admiration for Japan's skilled play and team identity, adding to the anticipation. Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere that showcases the city's vibrant sports scene.

To purchase tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/us-womens-national-team-v-japan-san-jose-california-04-11-2026/event/1C00643496628F1A

Source: SVBJ

Join Mayor Mahan for Today's Tackle San Jose Clean-Up

San Jose residents have a chance today to roll up their sleeves and contribute to a brighter future for our city. The Tackle San Jose clean-up event focuses on the Julian area in Downtown San Jose, bringing together neighbors, city leaders, and partners like the San Jose Sharks and the San Jose Conservation Corps. This initiative prepares our streets for Super Bowl 60, ensuring visitors see the best of what San Jose offers while fostering community pride among locals.

Participating means picking up litter, beautifying public spaces, and connecting with fellow volunteers who share a passion for a cleaner environment. Events like this highlight how collective action strengthens neighborhoods and showcases San Jose's commitment to safety and vitality. There are multiple dates in the series, including upcoming ones in areas like San Fernando and Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

Head out this morning to make a tangible difference. RSVP through the Downtown San Jose Association to get specific details on meeting points and what to bring.

For more information and to RSVP: https://sjdowntown.com/event/tackle-san-jose-clean-up-with-the-mayor/2026-01-24/

New Transportation Options Enhance Mobility in East San Jose

New East San Jose initiatives are catering to those without cars, offering affordable alternatives that promote active lifestyles. With expansions in bikeshare and the introduction of on-demand microtransit, the city demonstrates a focus on accessibility that benefits everyone from daily commuters to families running errands.

The Bay Wheels bikeshare program, operated by Lyft, expands into East San Jose this summer. This move links areas like Mayfair and Alum Rock to Downtown San Jose and the Berryessa BART Station, creating seamless routes for work, school, or leisure. Eligible residents can access an annual membership for just $5, with each ride costing $1, making it a practical choice for short trips that also encourage outdoor activity and reduce traffic congestion.

Launching in late fall, the Pa’Lante microtransit pilot provides on-demand rides in an all-electric fleet for two years. Users book corner-to-corner service through an app or phone, with door-to-door options available for seniors, parents with young children, and individuals with disabilities. Fares match VTA rates, including free transfers, and vehicles accommodate wheelchairs and bikes to support combined travel modes.

Additional resources round out these offerings, such as the Clipper START program for 50% discounts on Bay Area transit for income-qualified riders. Youth and seniors benefit from similar reduced fares, while those with disabilities can use the Clipper Access card. The VTA Summer Youth Pass allows unlimited rides for those 18 and under during summer months, further easing movement around the city.

For more information: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7117/4765

Apple Expands Its Footprint in North San Jose with New Tech Campus

San Jose continues to solidify its role as a hub for innovation with Apple's latest move into North San Jose. The tech giant has started occupying a building at 2509 Orchard Parkway, where several hundred team members are already at work. Apple is preparing to fill another nearby structure at 2325 Orchard Parkway starting in February. Together, these spaces span nearly 500,000 square feet, blending office and lab environments to fuel research and development.

This development highlights Apple's commitment to the core of Silicon Valley, enhancing San Jose's landscape with facilities designed for collaboration and creativity. The buildings sit prominently near the junction of Highway 101 and 87 in the Golden Triangle, making them a visible symbol of the city's growing tech presence. As Apple invests in these sites, it positions San Jose to attract even more talent and dollars to the area.

Beyond the immediate impact, Apple's actions reflect a strategic approach to real estate in the South Bay. The company has spent over $1.1 billion on properties in Santa Clara County in recent months, including discussions for additional spaces in Sunnyvale.

Source: The Mercury News