The Roosevelt Mural: A Towering Tribute to San Jose's Resilience and Community Spirit

San Jose is a city brimming with culture, history, and an ever-evolving art scene that continues to shape its identity. One of the most awe-inspiring examples of this is the Roosevelt Mural, located at the corner of East Santa Clara and North 21st Streets. Standing an impressive 77 feet tall and stretching 125 feet long, this mural is not just a visual masterpiece—it’s a powerful symbol of the strength, resilience, and unity of the San Jose community.

Created by the talented artist Shayne Martin Oseguera, the mural’s centerpiece is a striking Elephant Cactus, a plant celebrated for its ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions. This imagery is a perfect reflection of San Jose’s spirit—a community that has faced challenges head-on and continues to grow stronger and more vibrant with each passing day. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this mural invites you to pause and celebrate the city’s diverse cultures, rich history, and unstoppable drive toward a bright future.

What makes the Roosevelt Mural even more special is the story behind its creation. It’s a project brought to life by Empire Seven Studios (E7S), a cornerstone of San Jose’s art scene for the past 17 years. Based in the heart of Japantown, E7S has long been a champion of public art, transforming everyday spaces into canvases that inspire and connect people. As they beautifully state on their website, “It’s a place to reflect on the strength of the community, the beauty of the art, and the power of murals to transform not just walls, but lives.” This mural is a shining example of their mission in action.

The Roosevelt Mural didn’t come together by chance—it’s the result of a dedicated team pouring their hearts into this landmark project. Alongside Shayne Martin Oseguera, contributors like Marc Wallace, Haley Cardamon, Stacey Kellogg, Jennifer Ahn, Stephen Longoria, and photographer Lan Nguyen played key roles in turning a simple wall into a bold statement of San Jose pride. Their collective efforts have given us a piece of art that’s as much a gift to the city as it is a reflection of its soul.

Next time you’re near East Santa Clara and North 21st Streets—whether you’re exploring Downtown San Jose or just passing through—make time to see the Roosevelt Mural for yourself.

Source: Empires Seven Studios

Get Ready to Connect at Content Magazine’s Pick-Up Party 17.2 in Downtown San Jose

San Jose is buzzing with creativity, and there’s no better way to dive into the city’s vibrant cultural scene than by attending Content Magazine’s Pick-Up Party for Issue 17.2, themed “Connect.” Mark your calendars for Friday, March 14, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, because this event is happening at one of our city’s most stunning venues—The Rotunda at San Jose City Hall. If you’re passionate about local stories, art, and community, this is an evening you won’t want to miss!

The Content Magazine Pick-Up Party is more than just a chance to grab your copy of the latest issue—it’s a celebration of the people and ideas that make San Jose so special. Issue 17.2, “Connect,” shines a spotlight on inspiring locals like Vân-Ánh Võ, Vinh G. Nguyen, and Linda Le (aka @VampyBitme), whose stories of creativity and connection are captured beautifully in the magazine’s pages. With writers like William Jeske, Esther Young, and Vanessa Lara, and photographers like Jason Lew, Daniel Garcia, and Slim Summers bringing these narratives to life, this issue is a love letter to the South Bay’s dynamic spirit.

The event is free to attend, but you’ll need to RSVP via Eventbrite to secure your spot. Want to snag a copy of Issue 17.2? You can pre-order it here and pick it up at the party. It’s the perfect way to support local journalism while connecting with others who call San Jose home.

San Jose City Hall’s Rotunda is an architectural gem that perfectly embodies the blend of history and innovation that defines our city. Hosting the Pick-Up Party here is a reminder of how Downtown San Jose continues to evolve into a hub for creativity and connection. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, this event offers a chance to meet the movers and shakers featured in Content Magazine and discover why San Jose is a city worth celebrating.

So, grab a friend, RSVP today, and join us on March 14 for an evening of inspiration and camaraderie. Let’s toast to the stories that unite us and the future we’re building together in San Jose. See you at The Rotunda!

Get Ready to Run Green: The 2025 San Jose Shamrock Run is Coming!

Hey, San Jose fam! It’s time to dust off those running shoes, grab your favorite green gear, and get ready for one of the most festive events of the year—the 2025 San Jose Shamrock Run! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 15, because this isn’t just a race; it’s a full-on St. Patrick’s Day party that’s taking over downtown San Jose, and you won’t want to miss it.

Picture this: thousands of runners decked out in shamrocks and leprechaun hats, pounding the pavement through the heart of our city. Whether you’re a seasoned 10K champ, a casual 5K stroller, or bringing the little ones for the Kid’s Leprechaun Chase, there’s something for everyone. The race kicks off at San Pedro Square Market, a spot that’s already buzzing with energy, and winds through our vibrant streets before finishing with a post-race bash that’s pure San Jose magic.

What makes this event extra special? It’s not just about the run—it’s about community. Every step you take supports the San José–Dublin Sister City Scholarship Program, helping local students connect with their peers across the globe. Plus, you’ll score some awesome swag: a commemorative shirt and medal to show off your Shamrock pride, and if you’re 21+, a free beer with your race bib to toast your victory. How’s that for a win-win?

The post-race party at O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub is where the real fun happens. Think live music filling the air, Irish dancers bringing the spirit of St. Paddy’s to life, and a crowd of happy, sweaty San Joseans celebrating together. It’s the kind of scene that reminds you why this city is so incredible—we know how to work hard, play hard, and come together like nowhere else.

San Jose shines during events like this. The Shamrock Run isn’t just a race; it’s a chance to see our Downtown streets alive with laughter, energy, and that unmistakable Silicon Valley spirit. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just here for the good vibes, you’ll feel the pride of being part of something bigger—a city that’s always moving forward, one green-clad step at a time.

So, lace up, sign up, and let’s make the 2025 San Jose Shamrock Run the best yet! Head over to sanjoseshamrockrun.com for all the details and to snag your spot.