October 2009 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are some juicy morsels from the latest Downtown Dimension:

• Several Downtown businesses are offering special discounts and improving customer service to help weather the recession.
• The Hotel Montgomery will be converted into a Four Points Sheraton, which will make it the first Starwood Hotel in San Jose (this chain includes Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, St. Regis, etc.).
• San Jose Museum of Art will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Oct. 17th, and now attracts over 200,000 visitors each year.
• The Tech is getting a new Star Trek themed exhibit which opens on Oct. 23rd.  They have also opened a "Hall of Fame" exhibit.
• San Pedro Square now features 515 new LED bulbs, making them much less likely to burn out and 10 times more energy efficient.
• The San Pedro Farmer's Market is open for business every Friday from 10am-2pm on San Pedro between Santa Clara and St. John streets.
• Downtown parking validation will soon be simplified.  Instead of using 20min stickers, you will receive either a 1hr or 2hr magnetic ticket that will be accepted at all of the automated parking payment machines.  There will also be a 3.5hr ticket for Camera 12 validations.
• More airport food is becoming available at the new SJC airport terminal.  The Brit, Le Boulanger, and Sora's Japanese are now open.  Sonoma Chicken Coup and Schurra's Candies are coming soon.
• Silicon Valley Restaurant Week is going to be from Oct. 14-21.  Downtown San Jose restaurants represent one fourth of the participants.  More info at http://www.siliconvalleyrestaurantweek.com.
• An Irish Innovation Center is coming to 177 W. Santa Clara near San Pedro Square and will house up to 35 Irish companies hoping to establish a US presence.