Happy Election Day San Jose!

If you haven't done so already, now is your last chance to vote. You can see the latest results on federal, state, and local races over here.

If you need a ride, today the VTA is offering free bus, light rail, and paratransit rides to designated Santa Clara County polling or drop box locations from 7am to 8pm.

Regardless of who wins at any level of government, my hope is that people will remember we are all human beings, find common ground, and move forward together.

San Jose's Hotel De Anza is getting major upgrades

San Jose's historic Hotel De Anza was recently purchased by 233 W Santa Clara LLC. The hotel was built 93 years ago and has 100 rooms in the 10-story building.

The exciting news is that major upgrades are planned, including adding fine dining and a full-service bar. It will also transition from being a Hyatt to a high-end independent boutique hotel. The partnership with Hyatt already ended on October 29th.

Hopefully we'll have details soon on the new dining options and planned renovations. The last upscale dining option in the hotel was La Pastia, which closed several years ago.

Source: SVBJ

Bascom Station has started leasing

Bascom Station appears to have started leasing their apartments. This is a 590 apartment project in an 8-story building. It's located right next to the Bascom VTA Light Rail station at 1350 S. Bascom Avenue. There are also several retail pads on the ground floor available for lease and a 200,000 SQFT office building next door that is still under construction.

This is a great example of a mixed-use infill project near transit. Previously this area just had 76,894 SQFT of commercial space.

Source: RebecaG from Skyscraper City 

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park to Observe All Saint’s Day and Day of the Dead

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park will host a Día de los Muertos event, a time deeply rooted in Hispanic tradition, to honor and remember loved ones who have departed. This celebration is free opportunity for families to come together, pay respects, and keep the memories of their loved ones alive. The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 2, featuring traditional music, food, dancers, and activities for children. The community is invited to contribute items to the altar (ofrenda) in remembrance of their loved ones.

 

This event is honoring the values of remembrance, respect for elders, and the important role that family plays in preserving the memories of those who came before us.

 

All are welcome, including members of the media, to join this important cultural event.

 

The day-long celebration will begin with a gathering for coffee, champurrado, and traditional Pan de Muerto from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• 10 – 11 a.m.: Celebration of Liturgy (Special Guest Speaker: Bishop Oscar Cantú)
• 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Performance by Gabriele Sepulveda
• 12 – 1 p.m.: Aztec Dancers
• 1 – 2 p.m.: Folclorico Kids Club
• 2 – 3 p.m.: Aztec Dancers
• 3 – 5 p.m.: Musical Group

From Oct. 31 – Nov. 6, Oak Hills will have a community altar in the main lobby for the community to visit from sunrise to sunset. The community is invited to add a 5x7 photo of their loved one to the altar. Remembrance cards will also be available.

 

WHERE:              

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

300 Curtner Ave.

San Jose, CA 95125

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk November 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back this week with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

One of the more unique items this month is a Jazz jam at SJZ at 5:45pm followed by a performance at 6:20pm, and then more jamming from 7-9pm.

It all goes down on Friday, November 1st. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

Happy Halloween 2024! 🎃🦇👻

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.

Also, please be sure to check out our wishlist post for Halloween in the Park!

20+ golf courses in San Jose

I had no idea this many golf courses existed in San Jose (actually the San Jose metro). SJtoday has a handy guide for any golfers out there. Surprisingly they missed my favorite San Jose minigolf spot, Urban Putt. However, for actual golf they have a very comprehensive list.

Source: SJtoday

San Jose's Little Italy gets updated benches

A nice little placemaking touch has been added to the benches alone the Guadalupe River Park in Little Italy San Jose. The freshly painted benches now feature the colors of the Italian flag. The work was all done by volunteers and add a bit more character to this part of the park.

Source: The Downtowner