Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween San Jose! So where is the best place to go Trick-or-Treating? Willow Glen? Evergreen? Almaden? Post in the comments.

Photo is from the Annual Halloween Doggie Social & Costume Parade in Willow Glen

Awesome New Mural!

Check out the new mural below in the Japantown area!  Empire Seven Studios and Guadalajara Restaurant are throwing a party to celebrate this Friday from 5-7pm. I can't wait to see this in person.

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Empire Seven Studios (E7S), a local Art Gallery & Boutique located in San Jose, CA, recently established the E7S Mural Project. It’s a collaborative effort amongst local artists under the direction of the E7S team: Juan Carlos Araujo & Jennifer Ahn (Owners/Founders) and staff William Moran (Muralist, Project Manager), Luis Medellin Ochoa (Operations Manager). We are currently involved in the expansion of our dream at Empire Seven Studios, seeing art reach out into the streets and into our surrounding neighborhoods. We have developed this program as an idea amongst local artists to somehow get involved with the community and create an awareness of an artistic presence in the public. The E7S Mural Project’s focus was to spread awareness of the rich artistic culture that lives and breathes in San José. We are proud to say with the help of friends and local supporters, we have achieved the 4th mural in the neighborhood; one of which is the largest mural within this project. We would like to give a special “thanks” to everyone who has enjoyed participating in the production of these murals, and especially to the local neighborhood for embracing them. This hand painted mural is the design of lead artist, Jesus Rodriguez. The process was a collaborative effort amongst local artists William Moran (E7S Project Manager/Muralist), Abel Gonzalez, John Barrick, Ivan Gonzalez, Emillo Gallegos and Tamiko Rast. The design itself is inspired by Meso-American structural design, which has played a big part in Art culture of San José. Businesses and neighborhoods throughout the City have welcomed such pieces and the significance of this particular piece stems from the message in the title “La Gran Cultura Resonance.” Its English translation “The Grand Culture Resonance” is a tribute to its size and amplitude of design in its representation of an artist and his/her roots in the San José Art culture. Within the design is the face of the Maize God. Once held as one of the highest of God’s among the Mayan People, it was worshiped for the gift of the crop Maize (corn). There is a famous story in which the tribal leaders would hide the corn seeds from their people, which can be found as reminder to the people of this neighborhood today; that treasures such as this monumental piece by volunteer artists, should not be hidden, but shared and appreciated. Thoughts on the design and work by Jesus Rodriguez: “The initial approach to the space was one at the request of the owner with a Mayan Calendar occupying the wall top to bottom. With the obstructions of windows and lights it proved to be difficult to imagine, so instead I decided to take the idea and work with the architectural design of the Meso-American Era, as well as use influences of the ceramic statues that were made in those times. My first impression of the space was to occupy it with structural pieces that resemble large stones and create a few sculptural designs out of some of the available spaces that would allow me to do so. Upon the completion and approval of the design, William Moran and I vigorously worked to complete the sketch on the entire wall, which took a little over 24 hours to complete. Into to the 4th day we were blessed with the volunteer work of, Abel Gonzalez, John Barrick, Ivan Gonzalez, Emilio & Serena Gallegos, Tamiko Rast, Jennifer Ahn, and Carlos Araujo. It truly helped with the completion of the project that was finished in a matter of two weeks thanks to them. I look at this project as a monumental piece and it is greatly rewarding for not only the opportunity to design and paint such a large piece but also in sharing the experience of painting with all the other artists.” Special thanks to: ·       Dora Jacquez, Guadalajara Restaurant owner & Gloria Flores, building owner, for allowing us to share this with the community. ·       Stephen Ray Gordy, community leader, for his anti-graffiti clear coating. ______________________________________ Friday, November 1st from 5-7pm We would like to invite you to come out to the unveiling of this new mural. There will be food provided by Guadalajara Restaurant and a Firestone Beer Sampling  Guadalajara Restaurant 452 E Empire Street, San Jose, CA 95112 (between 10th and Empire Streets)

Petition for a Levitt Pavilion at St. James Park

A new petition has been kicked off to build a stage at St. James Park that would host 50 free live-music events each year. This would help revitalize the park, bring more people Downtown, and increase entertainment options for those that already live and/or work Downtown. The cost also seems quite reasonable for the amount of benefit it would add to one of our key parks.

To learn more about this proposal and sign the petition, click here.

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Levitt Pavillion is a foundation that focuses on transforming urban public spaces that are blighted into thriving Destination Centers through High Quality FREE music and entertainment events held all year long.  The Levitt Foundation has already expressed a sincere, written interest in adding a Levitt Pavillion in St. James Park and even intends to provide a healthy initial contribution of $500,000 with ongoing support and Funding every year, FOR THE LIFE of the Park.  The Levitt Model has already been proven in six other Major markets and radically transformed areas known for high crime activity to safe, fun, exciting family oriented environments.  The Levitt Model has also had a huge, positive economic impact in the markets that they reside in, filling vacant retail spaces, enhancing open park spaces, and attracting new residences.

The Darker Side of Rezoning: Part 2

Last week I posted about a redevelopment project that would consume a mobile home park for senior citizens behind the Winchestor Mystery House. I think it safely won the record for most comments on any single post this blog has ever had. This week, I have a video that goes along with that original post (below). I'm not sure if it will sway opinions one way or another for those that have already picked a side, but it is definitely worth watching.


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As you all know there is huge redevelopment project being planned for the land across the street from Santana Row and Valley Fair where the Winchester domes currently sit. Given how hot the area has become, this seems like an ideal spot to turn into a dense mixed-use village, but there is an unfortunate downside to redevelopment here. A mobile home park for senior citizens would likely be destroyed in the process. Please see the letter below that was originally intended for The Mercury News, but they refused to publish.

Also note that the letter below does not reflect my personal opinions about this project, but I think it is important for these citizens to be heard and hopefully there can be some sort of compromise between the developers and these senior citizens living in Winchester Ranch.

Mobile Home Park in Jeopardy

A few days ago Councilman Pete Constant visited the Winchester Ranch Mobile Home Park. We packed our clubhouse because we were all eager to hear what he had to say. Winchester Ranch is a senior mobile home park located in back of the Winchester Mystery House, hugging the Hwy 280 sound wall. It’s a small park, just over 100 homes and about 140 senior residents. The park was created in 1976 by Mark Cali. He meant it to be a safe haven for seniors. Unfortunately Mark is no longer with us. His children own the land now, and collect the monthly rent from us. They have decided to sell it out from under us to a developer (Pulte Homes).  Mark Cali is most likely spinning in his grave because he wanted the park to be here long after he died.

In case you haven’t heard, San Jose planners are working on a huge redevelopment that they are calling an Urban Village, to be located across the street from Santana Row. The Century theaters and Flames will be plowed under as well as any other businesses and adjacent land that the developers can get their hands on.

When the city planners first considered which property would be part of the redevelopment, our mobile home park was left out. Their first instinct was to leave us alone. When our owners, the Cali family, heard that they contacted the planners and asked that the park be placed on the redevelopment grid.

There is one stumbling block to the sale of our property to the developer. Our land is zoned for use as a senior mobile home park. Winchester Ranch’s only hope for survival is if the city of San Jose does not change the zoning. Pete Constant’s spiel was informative but not encouraging to us. He explained that the city has many things to think about. One of the things that the city should think about is fact that there is very little “affordable” housing for seniors. We will be in very difficult straits if we lose our homes.

Seniors prefer to live independently, but close to our friends and family. If you drive through Winchester Ranch you will find a very well-maintained park. We all own our homes and we all work hard to keep our little park looking its very best. We are a well-established community, we are good neighbors, and we help each other. We want to remain here in our homes. At this point it’s up to the city of San Jose to do nothing! If they don’t change the zoning we have a very good chance of keeping our homes for a long time.

San Jose Fire Department Video

Pretty cool video below featuring the San Jose Fire Department. I'm not sure what the video is promoting, but I like it.

Source: I Heart SJ

Saturday Stats: Best Cities to Trick or Treat 2013

Zillow's latest rankings of the top cities to Trick-or-Treat in has just came in and San Jose moved up to the #4 spot for 2013! This is up from 5th place last year (we overtook Seattle). San Francisco is yet again in the #1 spot.

The rankings are based on four equally weighted variables: Home Value Index, Population Density, Walk Score, and Local Crime Data.

See the full list below along with the top neighborhoods in San Jose for Trick-or-Treating.

Source: Zillow

Haunt History Park - Happening Today!

For those that want a more family-friendly Halloween experience, check out the event going on today at History San Jose:

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This scare-free event has become a tradition, with trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities. Trick-or-treating stations will be set up at the historic homes in History Park and are sponsored by History San José and History Park Affiliates.     History Park Activities 1:00pm - 4:00pm  Ride the Trolley Trick-or-Treating 2:30pm - Costume Parade & Contest 3:30pm - Wrap-a-Mummy Contest - Sponsored by California Janitorial Supply Admission Members:  Free! Children 2 and older $5.00; Adults with a paid child's admission free.    History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA (for GPS us 635 Phelan Avenue) City parking available for $6

About History San José History San José collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley.

Santana Row Updates

Two more stores are opening at Santana Row that you won't find anywhere else in the area. Scotch & Soda opening their first Silicon Valley store at the row on October 14th and C. Wonder is opening their first Northern California store on November 1st. For more info, check out the press release below. Also note the statistic: Santana Row gets 11 million annual visitors each year! Impressive.

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A New Generation of Santana Row

Fresh, New-to-Market Concepts Emerge and Shake Up the Retail Scene at

Silicon Valley’s Destination Center

San Jose, CA – Fresh, exciting and first-in-San Jose retailers have chosen Santana Row as their South Bay home. It’s what’s new and now in the fashion arena with the stores opening just in time for the holiday shopping season.

“A New Generation of Santana Row," is a fitting description for the lineup of new retailers that include coveted specialty store Scotch & Soda, which opened on Oct. 14. The Amsterdam-based brand offers high-quality, rich-in-detail clothing and accessories for men and women.

Opening its first Northern California location on Nov. 1 is C.Wonder, offering a wide assortment of versatile and spirited clothing, jewelry, accessories, housewares, personal electronics and giftware.

They join Madewell, Splendid, Calypso St. Barth and kate spade new york in giving shoppers a choice of nationally-prominent brands in one concentrated location.

“People come here to see what’s new and fresh,” said Collette Navarrette, director of marketing for Santana Row. She notes that the center’s strong foot traffic is directly related to the evolving retail mix. “We keep reinventing the property by bringing first-to-market retailers to San Jose.”

Having celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, Santana Row’s new emphasis is bringing in retailers that offer a fresh perspective to fashion and style. Santana Row continues to evolve with 11 million annual visitors, over 1,500 residents, 2,300 employees and new-to-market retailers; maintaining its fashion-forward and vibrant personality.  

About Santana Row
Santana Row a 1.5 million square foot mixed used development in the heart of San Jose, California, is Silicon Valley's premier destination for shopping,
dining, living and nightlife. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks and plazas, Santana Row features over 70 retail shops, more than 20 acclaimed restaurants, a 212-room boutique hotel and six-screen movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail collection, Santana Row offers 622 residential units featuring a fitness center, rooftop pool and resort-living accommodations, and 65,000 square feet of office space at 300 Santana Row, its newest office address. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.santanarow.com.

 
About Federal Realty
Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, and redevelopment of high quality retail real estate in the country’s best markets.  As of September 30, 2012, Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contained approximately 19.1 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.1% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of September 30, 2012, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.1% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 45 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For more information, please visit www.federalrealty.com.

Special Events & Programming for Star Wars at The Tech Museum

Stellar Programming Unveiled for

Star Wars^®: Where Science Meets Imagination

The Tech Museum of Innovation debuts new series of events

SAN JOSE, CA – An out-of-this-world lineup of lectures, workshops, and celebrations at The Tech will run alongside the popular exhibition, Star Wars^®: Where Science Meets Imagination, presented by Bose Corporation^®.

Beginning Saturday, October 19 through Sunday, February 23, 2014, the museum will host a variety of engaging special events, programs, and workshops that bring the magic of all 6 films alive. Guests will not only discover the science behind lightsabers and create their own flying hovercrafts, they will also explore the futuristic technologies depicted in the films and the real science behind them and the research that might someday lead to real-life versions.

The Tech’s Star Wars programming will include:

Jedi^™ Nights presented by ScholarShare College Savings Plan

Special evening celebrations of all things Star Wars! Grab your lightsaber and dress up in your favorite Star Warscostume. Re-create your favorite scenes, meet and take photos with Stormtroopers, R2-D2, and Jedi Knights, or train for the Jedi™ Academy. Tickets for Jedi^™ Nights include admission to the exhibition.

Hands-on Science Workshop - Jedi^™ Tech

Opening October 5, the science behind Star Wars becomes reality in The Tech’s hands-on workshops. Techsabers – where visitors will tinker with circuitry, LEDs, and various light diffusing and reflecting materials – and Skywalker Writing where guests leverage “the Force” for intergalactic light paintings and control their own hovercrafts. Workshops are free with museum admission.

The Tech Connects

An engaging new program that brings ideas and people together to explore and discuss the different intersections technology make with our world. Guest speakers will look at a range of topics including the phenomenon, visual effects, droids, and women of Star Wars. Lectures fees vary; members get discounted tickets. Tickets go on sale September 10.

“Hidden Universe”

Experience an extraordinary journey into space. Explore the earliest galaxies, travel the terrain of Mars, and peer deep inside the universe’s most mysterious nebulae where stars are born in The Hackworth IMAX^® Dome Theater – the largest dome screen in the West at 8-stories high. Extra fee applies to IMAX films

For more information on The Tech’s events, visit:http://www.thetech.org/ 

Tickets for the exhibition are on sale now. Tickets to the exhibition also includes admission to the regular museum galleries.

Schedule of Programming

Jedi^™ Nights presented by ScholarShare College Savings Plan

Thursday, October 31, 2013

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Friday, January 17, 2014

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 1 (for members only)

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Hands-on Science Workshop - Jedi^™ Tech

Please visit http://www.thetech.org/ for a schedule of workshop times.

The Tech Connects

Star Wars: Film to Phenomenon

Sunday, October 27, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

Steve Sansweet in conversation with Angie Coiro

The Star Wars Model Shop

Sunday, December 15, 2013, 2:00 p.m.

Lorne Peterson in conversation with Angie Coiro

Droids & Tales from the Set

Sunday, January 19, 2014, 2:00 p.m.

Don Bies in conversation with Angie Coiro

The Star Wars Women

Sunday, February 16, 2014, 2:00 p.m.

Kim Smith and Carol Bauman in conversation with Angie Coiro

“Hidden Universe”

Please visit http://www.thetech.org/ for a schedule of film showings.

San Jose Documentary!

Norman Kline, a local tech executive and entrepreneur, is launching a feature-length documentary about San Jose. He grew up in Downtown San Jose and was always proud of his city. Today he's partnering with CreaTV San Jose and History San Jose to produce what is the first full-length documentary about San Jose (90min).

The focus of the film will be on San Jose's role in Silicon Valley's evolution, but everything from the orchards to the mercury mines will be a part of the documentary.

The release is targeted for Spring 2014. Norman is hoping to premier it at a local theater and then distribute it via PBS and online for free. For more information on the firm, just head over to the Norman Kline Productions website over here.

Source: SVBJ, Norman Kline Productions

NORMAN KLINE PRODUCTIONS, CREATV AND HISTORY SAN JOSE TO PARTNER

September 9, 2013, San Jose, CA - Agreement has been reached between Norman Kline Productions, Inc., CreaTV San Jose and History San Jose to work in partnership to produce a major documentary on the history of San Jose. Acclaimed producer/director Michael Pierce has been tapped to direct the film based on an original script by Norman Kline.

“There has never been a documentary of San Jose of this scope and we believe it’s about time,” says Mr. Kline, project creator. “San Jose has rich history, amazing canvas of land and weather and the most innovative and creative people on the planet. We need to recognize the positive power and influence of our city and how we got here - with all the ups and downs along the way.”

“CreaTV San Jose is honored to provide the production facilities, staffing and fiscal sponsorship for this project. We look forward to producing an exceptional documentary worthy of our great city,” says Suzanne St. John-Crane, executive director of CreaTV San Jose. The ninety minute documentary will feature authentic archival footage and photography to illustrate San Jose’s past. Alida Bray, president and CEO of History San José, says “It always amazes me how many incredible stories come out of San Jose. You name it, and we have been there or done it. From the first State Capital, to first regular radio broadcast, to development of RAMAC the first magnetic disk drive -- San Jose has historically led the way in creativity and innovation. We can't wait to share these incredible stories with a larger audience!”

The project is possible with the partnership of the two nonprofits and financial backing of the wider community. Funding is being sought from businesses, civic groups and individuals. All contributions will be made directly to CreaTV San Jose and are one hundred percent tax deductible. Any remaining contributions from the production and distribution of the film will be donated to the two major sponsoring nonprofits. “After the premier, the film will be accessible to the public for free,” says Mr. Kline. “We want this to be educational for all San Joseans - something real to unite us.”

About CreaTV San Jose

Founded in 2007, CreaTV San Jose is a member-based, non-profit community media center that helps the residents, businesses, schools and organizations in San Jose to effectively communicate their message to a broader audience using our public and education television and Internet channels. CreaTV fulfills its mission to inspire, educate and connect San Jose communities, using media to foster civic engagement, by providing the free airtime and the low-cost training and tools that allow diverse and often under-served communities to tell their stories and express their views through video.

About History San José

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of the diversity and innovation in San Jose and Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish government records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.  

About Norman Kline Productions

Norman Kline Productions, Inc. is a startup film production studio specializing in historical documentaries of Silicon Valley. Norman Kline is a businessman, innovator, and community leader from San Jose who served in several public positions including the Santa Clara Planning Commission, Mayor of the City of Saratoga and the San Jose Planning Commission. Prior to founding his own internet company, LibraryWorld, Inc., Mr. Kline held technology and management roles with Lockheed Missiles and Space and Apple Computer.

San Jose Halloween Attraction Guide 2013

Wondering which events to go to this Halloween season? The San Jose Blog has got you covered:

Dead Time Dreams - San Jose

Back for their second year next to a pumpkin patch near Eastridge Mall. This time they have 3 full-blown haunts, up from 2 last year. These were very well done despite having fewer actors than some of the other places below. There is also a neat midway that connects all of the attractions and features a Halloween store.

World's Largest Haunted House - San Jose

They are known for a very long maze with seemingly never-ending black corridors that break up the scares. Admission is $20.

Halloween Haunt @ California's Great America - Santa Clara

Still the largest Halloween event in Northern California. Now in its sixth year, the word has gotten out on Halloween Haunt and the park is packed even on day 1. Sundays are probably your best bet if you want to hit all of the haunts. There are now 8 haunted mazes, a single haunted ride, 3 scare zones, and various shows (2 of the mazes are new this year, as well as the ride). Most rides worth going on are still open--including the new Goldrush--and the roller coasters are being run with all the lights turned off. 

Pirates of Emerson - Pleasanton

The preeminent Bay Area Halloween event for almost 2 decades is returning this year with an another great event. There are 5 haunted mazes this year, a Halloween Carnival, and several micro-attractions. This is MUCH MORE intense than Great America, so don't bring your young children. You'll get scares from every angle, including above and below you. The haunts are extraordinarily well done, and they only let in small groups. 

Shadow Hills - Los Gatos

This was the biggest surprise of last year and one of the best haunts I have ever done. The groups are limited to only 2 people, there is quite a bit of acting and storytelling, you have interactive elements like hidden doors, and finally there is one scare prop (think chain saws and air guns) that will blow you away.

Swank Farms - Hollister

I didn't do this one this year, but I heard it was great. Instead of doing 2 haunts they have one very large maze. The haunt should take 15+ min and incorporates part of their cornfield maze.  

Scotts Valley Haunted House - Scotts Valley

A high school production may seem out of place on this list, but I assure you that this one is 100% worthwhile. As opposed to your typical maze where you have people randomly popping out at you, each year there is a unique story with hundreds of actors, making you truly feel like you're immersed in the script. You can also forget the saying "don't touch the actors and they won't touch you." Past events have included surprises like receiving fake shots, being completely separated from your party, and even wet hands touching the back of your neck while you are in pitch darkness. Insanely scary and much more interactive than any of the other events. Plus the money connected is donated to charity. One caveat, due to how awesome this haunt is there may be a 2-3 hour wait. At least you'll have the high school dance team dressed up as zombies entertaining you (and performing Thriller in its entirety every 15min). The cost is $8 per person. Oct 24-26 only, starting at 7pm. 555 Glenwood Dr., Scotts Valley.

Winchester Mystery House Fright Nights  - San Jose

This was the single most impressive haunt attraction in the Bay Area last year, but unfortunately it has been put on hold this year and replaced with a hay maze. I'm really hoping that this one comes back in 2014.

Latest Hampton Inn Renders

The latest renders of the Hampton Inn project in Downtown San Jose look infinity times better than what was originally planned. For all those that complained when you saw the first draft, give yourselves a pat on the back. It's nice to know that San Josean's can now demand a bit more in the design department when it comes to future Downtown projects (the One South high-rise design was another example of this). I especially like the new down lighting that Hampton Inn added to the top floor. What do you guys think?

Thanks to Joseph Meduri for sending these in.

The Darker Side of Rezoning

As you all know there is huge redevelopment project being planned for the land across the street from Santana Row and Valley Fair where the Winchester domes currently sit. Given how hot the area has become, this seems like an ideal spot to turn into a dense mixed-use village, but there is an unfortunate downside to redevelopment here. A mobile home park for senior citizens would likely be destroyed in the process. Please see the letter below that was originally intended for The Mercury News, but they refused to publish.

Also note that the letter below does not reflect my personal opinions about this project, but I think it is important for these citizens to be heard and hopefully there can be some sort of compromise between the developers and these senior citizens living in Winchester Ranch.

Mobile Home Park in Jeopardy

A few days ago Councilman Pete Constant visited the Winchester Ranch Mobile Home Park. We packed our clubhouse because we were all eager to hear what he had to say. Winchester Ranch is a senior mobile home park located in back of the Winchester Mystery House, hugging the Hwy 280 sound wall. It’s a small park, just over 100 homes and about 140 senior residents. The park was created in 1976 by Mark Cali. He meant it to be a safe haven for seniors. Unfortunately Mark is no longer with us. His children own the land now, and collect the monthly rent from us. They have decided to sell it out from under us to a developer (Pulte Homes).  Mark Cali is most likely spinning in his grave because he wanted the park to be here long after he died.

In case you haven’t heard, San Jose planners are working on a huge redevelopment that they are calling an Urban Village, to be located across the street from Santana Row. The Century theaters and Flames will be plowed under as well as any other businesses and adjacent land that the developers can get their hands on.

When the city planners first considered which property would be part of the redevelopment, our mobile home park was left out. Their first instinct was to leave us alone. When our owners, the Cali family, heard that they contacted the planners and asked that the park be placed on the redevelopment grid.

There is one stumbling block to the sale of our property to the developer. Our land is zoned for use as a senior mobile home park. Winchester Ranch’s only hope for survival is if the city of San Jose does not change the zoning. Pete Constant’s spiel was informative but not encouraging to us. He explained that the city has many things to think about. One of the things that the city should think about is fact that there is very little “affordable” housing for seniors. We will be in very difficult straits if we lose our homes.

Seniors prefer to live independently, but close to our friends and family. If you drive through Winchester Ranch you will find a very well-maintained park. We all own our homes and we all work hard to keep our little park looking its very best. We are a well-established community, we are good neighbors, and we help each other. We want to remain here in our homes. At this point it’s up to the city of San Jose to do nothing! If they don’t change the zoning we have a very good chance of keeping our homes for a long time.

"Fifth Beatle" Brian Epstein was unsung hero Musical retelling of Beatles story through the eyes of manager, "In My Life", comes to San Jose Stage on November 3

SAN JOSE, CA Brian Epstein, the man who discovered and managed the Beatles, the most influential rock group in history and one of the dominant pop culture entities of the 20th century, can be considered one of the key global figures of the post-World War II era. “In My Life – A Musical Theatre Tribute to the Beatles” is a musical retelling of the iconic band’s story through the eyes of Epstein and features the live music of renowned tribute, Abbey Road. The award-winning production comes to the Montgomery Theater in San Jose on Sunday, November 3 at 7 pm.

As a lonely adolescent, Epstein longed to escape the dull, decaying town of Liverpool to make his mark in the arts and theater in glamorous London. However, his enrollment in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts ended in failure and disappointment.

In 1957, while in London, he suffered the humiliation of an arrest for “importuning” (soliciting men for sex). Though he avoided prison, he remained traumatized by the ordeal. He was also discharged from the military after ten months for being “unfit” to serve - most likely his homosexuality, which remained a crime in England until one month after his death in 1967.

A defeated Epstein reluctantly returned to Liverpool to work at his family's furniture store and took over the small record department. To everyone’s surprise, he excelled.

It was from this shop that Brian set out on November 9, 1961, to catch the lunch hour show at a dingy, dank former vegetable cellar, The Cavern Club, a few hundred yards away. He made his way past a queue of teenage girls in beehives and boys in skin-tight drain-pipe trousers, and down 18 damp stone steps to check out four sweaty young men playing guitars and drums.

Epstein was at least six years older than any of the Beatles and lived in a different socio-economic and cultural sphere. He favored the finer arts like opera, theater and chamber music, not the simple, raucous rock 'n' roll that was sweeping across Britain at the time.

During the Beatles’ time in Hamburg, they began wearing black leather jackets and adopted a look that conveyed the casual charm of hoods on holiday. During shows, they drank, smoked cigarettes and spiced their stage banter with profanity.

“Against all odds, he was instantly charmed by what he saw on stage,” said Alxander Jon (spelling is correct), who plays “Epstein” in the musical. “He then seized upon the idea of “cleaning up” the band and transforming them into something the world could embrace.”

Epstein had no experience managing entertainers and he did not he have any contacts in the music industry. However, the Beatles were desperate for someone to help them with their careers. Although they were the kings of Liverpool, but they were stuck in the UK's Merseyside County. In essence, Epstein and the group needed one another -- his eloquence, fine upper-class manners and wealth obviously impressed the Beatles, all of whom grew up in working-class environments.Within two years of first meeting Epstein, they were performing in collarless jackets and taking synchronized bows.

Everyone knows what happened next. Epstein landed them an audition with Parlophone, a small label under EMI, which led to the much-coveted recording contract. By the end of 1963, the Beatles were the hottest act in Britain, and, in the following year, they would become the most famous four people on the planet.

While he didn’t single-handedly invent rock management and promotion, Epstein clearly took the profession to previously unknown peaks with huge stadium concerts, global tours and publicizing his clients’ personalities, as well as their music.

Epstein had no musical talent of his own and he did not impart any influence on the Beatles' music, but it is safe to assume that if he had decided not to manage the Beatles, they would have never been unveiled to the outside world and society as we know it today might be quite different.

Over the next three years, as the Beatles' fame and public adulation escalated to unprecedented heights, Epstein, not even 30, attained a level of affluence and power he could not possibly have ever dreamed of.

However, riches and celebrity failed to soothe Epstein's fragile psyche. He managed the Beatles until his death at the age of 32 of a drug overdose.

“Epstein was a fascinating, complex figure who was a deeply troubled and insecure man who fought demons that ultimately ended his life in tragedy,” said Jon.”It is a challenge to play him,” he said.

Ironically, it was McCartney, not a great admirer of Epstein, who declared to the BBC: "If anyone was the fifth Beatle, it was Brian."

More than just a Beatles tribute concert, “In My Life” gives the audience a chance to “be there” at pivotal moments in the extraordinary career of the Beatles: Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, The Ed Sullivan Show, Shea Stadium, Abbey Road Studios and the final live performance on the rooftop of their Apple Corp offices. With Epstein serving as narrator, In My Life allows the audience to get a glimpse inside the world of the Beatles from their point of view, as well as hear some of the greatest songs ever written. Historical settings such as the Cavern Club are established on stage with videos and images which play behind the actors and musicians on a a video screen. The show has been touring for years and is widely considered by industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades.

“In My Life” takes the audience back to February 1964, when Americans saw the Beatles for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show, playing I Want to Hold Your Hand. Progressing through their various musical stages, the audience re-experiences the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the creation of the haunting Yesterday and the raucous rock and roll of Revolution.

“The show delivers!” said the L.A. Times. “If you see one tribute show, see this one – smart and loads of fun,” said the O.C. Register. “This is the ticket for you,” said the Idaho Statesman. “The most original of all the shows on the Beatles,” San Diego Theatre Review.

Merryhill Grade-Schoolers to Attempt to Break World Record During Save the Children’s Global Marathon on Oct. 23

WHAT:             Merryhill Elementary School students in San Jose will team up to take on Save the Children’s World Marathon Challenge at Penitencia Creek Park on Oct. 23. The World Marathon Challenge is a global relay in which teams of children from around the world band together to complete a full marathon distance of 26.2 miles, and attempt to break the world marathon record of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 38 seconds, held by Kenyan runner Patrick Makau.

 

Events will be held throughout the month of October worldwide, with hundreds of teams running simultaneously on Oct. 23, a global day of action. In all, 50,000 children in more than 60 countries will take on the challenge.

 

The goal of the race is to raise funds and awareness for programs focused on child survival and well-being. All funds will go to support Save the Children's work in the United States and globally. 

 

Save the Children’s vision is to make sure all children survive and thrive.  Achieving this vision is not a sprint, but a marathon – a world marathon.  To learn more, go here:  wmc.savethechildren.org

 

WHO:         Karen Cooper, Principal, Merryhill Elementary School, San Jose

                       Immie Van Etten, Save the Children

                    143 student runners

                       25 school staff members

                      

 

WHEN:            Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013

                        9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

 

 

WHERE:          750 North Capitol Avenue, San Jose, Ca.   

                                                                       

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Save the Children  is the leading, independent organization that creates lasting   change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Savethechildren, and on Facebook, www.facebook.com/savethechildren.

sjDance: Tango Fatal Today

Tango Fatal - October 18+19, 2013

Tango Fatal has a scenario by Lorenz Russo, Choreography by sjDANCEco Artistic Director Maria Basile in collaboration with Opera/Theatre Director Daniel Helfgot, and San Jose Chamber Orchestra Director Barbara Day Turner. Four additional World Premieres by Company Choreographers Heather Cooper and Hsiang-Hsiu Lin and guest choreographers Kara Davis and Margaret Wingrove. Pre-performance discussion with Artistic Director Gary Masters at 7:00pm before each performance.

STAR WARS Exhibit Opens This Saturday at The Tech!

This week, The Tech Museum of Innovation held a press conference for the upcoming exhibit, STAR WARS: Where Science Meets Imagination. If you've walked or driven past the Tech Museum lately, then you've seen the giant billboard with Yoda and Darth Vader wrapped around the corner of the building.

Well it's finally time to see what they've been hyping the last few months. Starting this Saturday, October 19th and running through February 23, 2014, fanboys and girls from all ages will have the opportunity to learn the science of Star Wars, and check out some pretty awesome movie props at the same time.

Throughout the 10,000-square-foot exhibition will be props, costumes, and models from all six Star Wars films. (Similar to the previous Mythbusters exhibit, if you attended it.)

"Visitors will be exposed to immersive, hands-on experiences and to topics ranging from space travel, mechanical prosthetics, robotics, and levitation technology."

There were many of these hands-on exhibits -- build a robot, ride what looks like a lawnmower that hovers a bit off the ground, and others.

One of the hyped features of this exhibit is the Millennium Falcon™ experience. It is a full-size replica of the cockpit. Which means it's fairly small since it only has four seats. If you or your kids are a big fans of Star Wars, try to sit in the front two seats to get the full experience. Inside this replica you get to learn about "real-world space exploration" narrated by Anthony Daniels (aka, C-3PO.) I glanced at my watch before checking this out and as it turns out it's about five minutes long. Because it's five minutes and only four people can experience it at a time, there might be a long wait to get in depending when you go.

Which is why there are separate tickets if you choose to check it out. At first, I thought it was merely a ticket that simply secured your spot in line at any point in the day. Let me clarify, I thought the ticket was free.

The difference between the two ticket packages, "Jedi Package" and "Star Wars" - tis that "Jedi" guarantees your voyage on The Millennium Falcon Experience while "Star Wars" does not. The price difference? Adult price for "Jedi Package" is $27, "Star Wars" is $22. If $5 is not much to you, buy the ticket and watch the 5 minute educational video on space. Or look at it as spending $5 to possibly sit in the front two seats and push fake buttons and watch the screen go all hyper-spacey in front of you.

I'm not a die-hard Star Wars fan (my husband is, therefore all my exposure to the movies is through his brainwashing influence) -- so personally, knowing what the "experience" is, I would not pay $5 for it. 

However, if you do decide, what the heck, and pay the $5 to sit in the cockpit (it does provide some fun photo opportunities and kids will enjoy it) -- then once you get into the exhibit, walk through the whole thing first, so you can check out the line at the The Millennium Falcon Experience (it's at the end, just before the merchandise area.) There were signs that will give you an idea of how long of a wait you will have - 30 minutes, 90 minutes etc. Check out the current wait, determine when you need to stand in line.

Overall it's a fun exhibit with plenty of things to entertain and educate everyone!

If you'd like to see a few more photos I took, follow this link to my Flickr set.

Where: The Tech Museum of Innovation
When: Oct 19 - Feb 23
Tickets: Various packages/prices

Jim Stump Expands The Table Restaurant and launches Stumpy's

After being open for only a year, Jim Stump--proprietor of AP Stumps and Los Gatos Brewing Co.--is already expanding The Table in Willow Glen. The restaurant has been booming lately and they are taking over 900 SQFT currently occupied by a neighboring dry-cleaner, where they will move their bar to. This also creates the opportunity for a massive outdoor patio (drawing below). Construction is slated for early 2014 with a 4-5 month build-out, just in time for summer.

Jim is also doubling down on Willow Glen with a second eatery called Stumpy's in the Garden Theater building. They will serve modern hamburgers and hot dogs in a small 700 SQFT space, but they are planning to convert two parking spots into an outdoor curb-cafe to make more available dining space.

Source: SVBJ

Sam Liccardo's Newsletter: Traffic Relief is on Its Way

In Sam Liccardo's latest newsletter, he talks about the plans for addressing increased congestion going forward. What do you guys think?

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Traffic Relief on Its Way

                If you’ve noticed that the traffic along your commute has become much worse, you’re not alone: in April 2013, INRIX announced that San José area congestion increased 25% over the prior year alone.   While a sign of the “good times” to be sure –a typical bellwether of our Valley’s rebounding economy—the impact of traffic on our quality of life cannot be ignored: more stress, less productivity, and fewer hours for family or recreation. 

         Doing the same things the same ways---i.e., expanding freeways and “hoping for the best”-- doesn’t amount to a winning strategy, for several reasons.  First, it costs between $3 million and $15 million to add a single mile of a single additional lane to a congested freeway,  and few discretionary dollars remain at any level—federal, state, or regional—to pay for more freeway expansion.  Second, SB375 and other legislation appropriately place the burden on regions like the Bay Area to reduce our per-resident greenhouse gas-emissions, and encouraging more people to find commuting alternatives to the automobile improves our environment and relieves traffic.  Finally, San José will see more population growth–about 400,000 additional people over the next quarter century—than the next three largest Bay Area cities (San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont) combined.   Job and population will outstrip any expansion of freeway capacity by a factor of three over that time.  So, if you think it’s bad now, just wait: it will be worse.

        Fortunately, we’re not doing the same things the same way.  As a Board Member of both the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), I’ve worked to push San José and the region toward innovative approaches that offer important alternatives: 

• BART is under construction!   Moving ahead of schedule and $105 millionunder budget (yes, you read that right), BART will open service in San José’s Berryessa station in 2017.   In 2000 and 2008,  I spent thousands of hours advocating for BART in the media, raising money to support those ballot measures, and speaking at community meetings, so BART’s arrival is happily anticipated by me, and by thousands of commuters stuck in rush hour traffic along 680 and 880.
• Last month, I was proud to join People Acting in Community Together (PACT) and the VTA in announcing a long-sought pilot project to expand the mobility of our working low-income neighbors, by reducing monthly transit passes fares by over 60%.   Residents making less than 200% of the Federal poverty level ( e.g., $47,000 for a family of four) can obtain the $25 monthly pass bycontacting one of the non-profits administering the program.
• In the last 30 months, we’ve introduced “express lanes” on southbound 237 and 680, using congestion pricing to provide commuters with travel time savings up to 15 minutes along those routes, and generating revenues for transportation improvements.   Look for Express Lane implementation to relieve long-suffering commuters on 101 and 85 in 2014-15.
• In the last year, we’ve seen the launch of both car-sharing (i.e., Zip Car) andbike-sharing services, providing our fast-growing Downtown with an antidote for the increased congestion and parking demand from the addition of roughly 2,000 housing units likely to be under construction by this time next year.  Now that my efforts to initiate these innovations over the last half-decade have borne fruit, we’ll continue to push to make these services available outside the Downtown.
• Within weeks, we’ll begin construction on a “Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, linking Downtown and East San Jose with dedicated bus-only lanes, and high-frequency, high-amenity service along Santa Clara, Alum Rock, and Capitol.
• As commuting trips along our trails system surges, we’re seeking continued investment in expanding our trails infrastructure.   Last year, I worked with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group to obtain state grants for two trail segments in North San Jose.  Last month, we successfully obtained $1,200,000 in funding from MTC for the expansion of Los Gatos Creek Trail in West San Jose.
• On the MTC Board, I’ve also recently voted to allocate regional grants to improve bike and pedestrian safety near San José elementary schools through our Walk N’Roll program, to retrofit streetscapes for better pedestrian and bike access along key corridors like The Alameda and San Carlos, and to boost our street repaving budget by $8 million.
• We’ve recently obtained regional grants for implementation of “smart intersections” technology, and have begun construction on a sophisticated transportation management center on 5th Street.  Exciting innovations abound.  For example, working with our Transportation Department staff, BMW is testing ways that “smart cars” and “smart intersections” will communicate to dramatically reduce red-light running, auto emissions, and congestion at key intersections.  

We’ll keep pushing to reduce the traffic burdens you encounter every morning.   Let me know how we can better do so by sending me your thoughts atsam.liccardo@sanjoseca.gov.

Sincerely,

Sam Liccardo