Friday Flashback: Frederick's of Hollywood in Downtown San Jose?

I genuinely had no idea there was ever a Frederick's Downtown, but then again I wasn't alive in 1967. It also looks like there was a See's Candy shop and an electric shaver store and service center. This building no longer exists as it was replaced with the 50 West San Fernando high-rise.

Source: San Jose History Facebook Group

Muon Space Opens Large New Satellite Manufacturing Facility in San Jose

San Jose has welcomed a major boost to its advanced manufacturing sector with Muon Space’s recent opening of a 130,000-square-foot facility at 5970 Optical Court in South San Jose. The Mountain View-based satellite company will use the new site as its primary production hub while keeping headquarters operations focused on smaller components.

The expanded space increases satellite production capacity by 20 to 30 times. Muon has already built and launched eight satellites and plans to launch five more this year, with roughly 25 expected next year and further growth the year after.

Headcount has roughly doubled over the past year to about 260 people, with the majority of that growth occurring locally. The company expects to add another 100 to 120 employees in the coming year, focusing heavily on software and skilled technician roles. Access to talent from major tech firms as well as San Jose State, Stanford, and Berkeley supports ongoing new grad hiring.

When selecting the location, Muon considered other aerospace centers but chose San Jose for its existing team, strong local infrastructure, and cost advantages from prior tenant improvements. The previous occupant built semiconductor fabrication equipment with similar complexity to spacecraft systems, which aligned well with Muon’s needs.

The company maintains an office in the Washington DC area and plans to open a Colorado office this year due to an existing employee cluster there. Further expansion into Southern California remains a longer-term possibility.

Source: SVBJ

Dine Downtown 2026 Invites Food Lovers to Explore San Jose’s Culinary Scene

Dine Downtown returns for its 18th year from July 9 through 19. This 11-day event brings together restaurants across Downtown San Jose for special menus and deals that highlight the area’s growing reputation as a destination for memorable meals.

Participating spots stretch through neighborhoods like the South First Street Corridor, SoFA District, and San Pedro Square. Diners can choose from casual bites or more refined experiences, with many restaurants offering chef specials, prix fixe options, or value pairings that make it easy to sample different cuisines without breaking the bank.

Examples include Cambodian flavors at Angkor Chef with a chef special priced at $28, Greek-inspired dishes at Eos & Nyx with a prix fixe starting at $65, and classic steakhouse fare at Morton’s with options from $69. Other places feature more accessible deals like a free appetizer with purchase or food and drink pairings around $16.50, giving options for every budget and taste.

There are also some newcomers on the list that were not around last year like Poppy & Claro, Jackie's Place, Phin & Bowl, Southern Comfort Kitchen, and Pretty Good Advice. This is a great way to get to know Downtown San Jose's newest restaurants.

The event also includes practical perks such as 90 minutes of free parking in select downtown garages, making it simpler to spend an evening wandering between spots. By encouraging people to try new places and return to favorites, Dine Downtown supports local businesses while showcasing the diversity of flavors that define the city’s food landscape.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico Leads Fifth Fiesta del Mariachi in San Jose

The fifth annual Fiesta del Mariachi arrives at the Mexican Heritage Plaza on July 25 with a lineup that blends established tradition and fresh voices. Chicago’s Mariachi Herencia de Mexico headlines the evening as a 2x Latin GRAMMY-nominated group of young musicians who built their path from public school classrooms to stages across North America. Their six chart-topping albums and high-energy sets promise fan favorites such as Inolvidable, Preciosa, La Murga, Perdón, Espléndida and Caminaré.

Local ensembles add depth and regional flavor to the program. Mariachi Azteca has serenaded the Bay Area since 1981 under the direction of Juan Francisco “El Pato” Diaz and shared bills with icons including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Juan Gabriel. Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano, the first all-female mariachi in Northern California since its founding in 2007, brings members with diverse backgrounds and advanced degrees who emphasize both performance and education. The university ensemble Mariachi San José from San Jose State University contributes skilled student musicians selected through rigorous auditions on traditional instruments and vocals.

Los Lupeños de San José, founded in 1969 as one of California’s earliest Mexican folk dance companies, closes the artistic circle with vibrant folklorico choreography that travels through Mexico’s regions. Their flaring dresses and passionate movements have represented the culture with pride and innovation for decades.

The full evening extends well beyond the stage. Guests can enjoy micheladas, bites from local food trucks and shopping with artisanal vendors who showcase San Jose businesses. The Mexican Heritage Plaza provides the setting as a 6-acre cultural hub in East San Jose that hosts more than 100,000 people each year through arts programming designed to preserve community heritage and build resiliency.

For more information and for tickets, head over here.

San Jose Hosts the Biggest Watch Party for USMNT World Cup Knockout Match

Fans who followed the tournament buildup already sensed San Jose stepped up in a major way during the group stage. Now U.S. Soccer selected Soccer Celebration presented by El Camino Health in San Pedro Square Market as the official watch party site for the United States Men’s National Team Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday at 5 p.m. PT.

The decision fits the momentum that built over recent weeks. San Pedro Square Market served as the central gathering spot where more than 350,000 supporters turned out for group stage matches, including crowds that hit 25,000 for some USMNT games. Organizers added a fourth giant screen to the existing 450-square-foot video wall so everyone gains a clear view of the action. New soccer activities, partner zones and special activations from U.S. Soccer and the Earthquakes will keep the energy high throughout the evening.

This choice underscores how San Jose positioned itself as a premier destination for international soccer experiences. The city drew massive numbers at stadiums and public spaces alike, building on decades of hosting history that includes World Cup matches in past tournaments and consistent sellouts at local venues. Partnerships with the San José Sports Authority, the City of San José and the Bay Area Host Committee turned the market into a true community hub where families, longtime supporters and new fans shared the excitement.

The added elements transform the venue into an even stronger destination for this pivotal knockout game. Attendees can expect player appearances, interactive zones and the kind of electric atmosphere that makes watching together more memorable than anywhere else. Those who join the celebration contribute to the larger story of San Jose claiming its role as a soccer capital that delivers world-class events right in the heart of Downtown.

Volo Sports Launches First Permanent Bay Area Location in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose has gained a new hub for social sports with the opening of Volo Sports at 300 S. 1st Street. The Baltimore-based company took over the Serpentine Pavilion and part of an adjacent parking lot, turning the former roller rink and food truck site into a 41,000-square-foot space for leagues and pickup games.

Club Volo offers pickleball, sand volleyball, futsal, and additional community programming. The five-year lease marks Volo’s first owned facility in the Bay Area after running leagues in rented spaces previously. The site opened with a launch event featuring Mayor Matt Mahan, free sports, live music, food, and giveaways.

The new location created about 55 jobs, mostly part-time roles that form the core of operations. Strong interest from the existing player base helped drive the decision to build out a dedicated space for play.

Volo targets adults between 18 and 40, with particular appeal to San Jose State University students, recent graduates, and downtown workers. Company teams have already formed for co-worker play, and the fenced facility with staffed hours provides a convenient after-work and weekend option.

Bookings for leagues and sessions can be made through Volo Sports directly or via on-site QR codes. Hours currently run weekdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with potential expansion based on demand.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Secures First Place as the Nation's AI Capital

San Jose claimed the number one position in a detailed national evaluation of how well metropolitan areas support artificial intelligence development. The metro received top marks across the core measures that track patent creation, technical education outcomes, technology job concentration and research facility presence.

The underlying numbers illustrated decisive leadership on multiple fronts. The region produced 8,383 AI-related patents between 2020 and 2024, more than any other metro in the study, while delivering 420.1 patents per 100,000 residents. University graduates earned STEM degrees at a 62.5 percent rate. Technology roles reached a density of 132.1 positions for every 1,000 jobs, and 346 corporate research and development centers operated in the area, with twenty of those added in the past decade.

These outcomes reflect an ecosystem built over many years that combines advanced hardware capabilities with sophisticated software platforms. Talent arrives through strong local university programs and stays to contribute at organizations that move ideas from research into practical applications at scale. The combination creates a cycle of invention and commercialization that stands out even among other strong technology regions.

The study positioned San Jose ahead of other notable centers, including its Bay Area neighbor San Francisco along with Seattle and Boulder. This placement highlights the specific advantages in density and specialization that define the local environment. It also reinforces the broader trajectory of establishing San Jose as a place where technological progress generates lasting community-wide benefits.

Local organizations and residents can apply this recognition to shape decisions on workforce training, research support and business attraction. Continued investment in these areas extends the advantages already visible and helps translate AI leadership into expanded opportunity and economic strength across the city.

Source: Hubble Study

Willow Glen Farmers Market Offers Fresh Finds and Community Vibes Every Saturday

San Jose residents seeking a relaxed weekend ritual have long turned to the Willow Glen Farmers Market as a neighborhood favorite. Tucked behind Willow Glen Elementary along Lincoln Avenue in Downtown Willow Glen, this market has operated for more than two decades as a steady gathering point for locals who value direct access to fresh, local goods.

Around ten certified farmers bring seasonal California produce that shifts with the calendar, from spring strawberries to autumn squash and winter citrus. Shoppers also find flowers, honey, dairy, fish, and meats from nearby producers, while more than ten prepared food vendors offer pizza, baked goods, hummus, pasta, and international options that turn browsing into a casual meal.

Live music plays each week alongside face painters and market basket raffles, while a free playground keeps kids occupied as parents explore the stalls. The intimate scale creates a calmer experience than larger regional markets, with regulars chatting directly with vendors in an atmosphere that feels like an extension of the surrounding community.

The market runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. rain or shine, with free parking at the school and easy connections to nearby coffee shops and shops along Lincoln Avenue. It accepts EBT with market match incentives and welcomes a range of nutrition programs, making quality local food accessible to more households.

San Jose World Cup Watch Parties Surpass All Expectations at San Pedro Square

San Jose turned San Pedro Square into a global gathering spot during the World Cup with watch parties that pulled in far more fans than anyone anticipated. Hundreds of thousands of soccer enthusiasts filled the space in Downtown San Jose, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the city’s growing reputation for hosting large-scale public events.

The turnout demonstrated strong community interest in international sports and the appeal of shared viewing experiences in the heart of the city. Fans from various backgrounds came together to cheer, celebrate goals, and enjoy the vibe that only a packed public square can provide.

350,000 visitors were expected for the entire World Cup series, but it now appears that number will be exceeded by a great margin. The San Pedro Square area is quickly making adjustments to address the massive crowds, including easier bar access and extra screens. It's also music to my ears when hearing visitors from other countries telling others to go to San Jose to watch the games instead of SF. Check out the full video at the source link.

Source: Fox KTVU

Delta Adds Daily Nonstop Flights from San Jose to Austin

San Jose Mineta International Airport continues to expand its reach with Delta Air Lines set to launch daily nonstop service to Austin beginning October 6. The new "nerd bird" route operates on an Airbus A319 and brings Delta’s daily departures from SJC to a total of 23. Travelers have requested Austin as a destination for some time, and the addition provides more direct options. Currently Southwest is the only airline with a direct flight to Austin from SJC. Alaska Airlines cancelled their direct flight last year.

The service links two major innovation centers. Business and personal connections between Silicon Valley and the Austin area stand to grow stronger through this convenient daily flight. City leaders have highlighted how the route supports economic ties, tourism, and cultural exchange between these dynamic regions.

Delta already operates nonstops from San Jose to Los Angeles, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and other cities. The Austin flights are available for booking now.

Southwest Airlines will add its own seasonal nonstop to Orlando starting in November. This leisure-focused route responds to rising demand from families and theme park visitors seeking easy access to major destinations.

SJC’s ongoing growth in routes reflects efforts to match the travel needs of the region’s residents and visitors.

Source: SVBJ