April 2023 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Read the APRIL 2023 Downtown Dimension
 
This month's highlights:

• SJDA's Street Life team plans to take strategic action that brightens downtown streets with enhanced lighting features meant to appeal to pedestrians, help them feel more comfortable and connect the more active parts of downtown that already exhibit nighttime vibrancy.
• Spirits are high as downtown's outdoor event season opens this month in San Jose with Viva Calle on April 23 and MACLA Family Art Day / SoFA Street Fair doubling up on April 30.
• Five ideas that would contribute to downtown's revitalization are winding their way through the City's budget process for Fiscal Year 2023-24, which begins in July.
• Brenda Zendejas assists with Business Resiliency in Downtown and Alum Rock areas.
• Javier Montoya becomes Groundwerx's first full-time painter.
• Hula Bar and Kitchen, which made its name with food trucks and as stadium food vendors, has opened its first full-time locations on East Santa Clara Street.

March 2023 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Read the MARCH  2023 Downtown Dimension
 
This month's highlights:

• A Downtown Vibrancy team of downtowners handed the Mayor and City Council  a list of recommendations of how downtown can improve, and the Council may consider some of them for additional funding in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 cycle. Four other teams dealing with other topics also had some downtown-related suggestions.  They are all outlined in the March edition.
• In keeping with the vibrancy theme, San Jose Downtown Association will host a Town Hall Meeting March 9 starting at 4:30 p.m. at Open San Jose, 38 S. Second St. Please attend to learn more about SJDA and how you can get involved in creating a more robust downtown. Register here.
• The other theme of the March edition is about downtown businesses that are going "all in:"
  • Cafe Eden and The Loft are back in business after prolonged closures due to Covid and its lingering effects. Their owners explain what got them back in the game.
  • New-businesses Slice of Homage pizza and Little Wine House, both grew from pandemic-related roots and feature chefs who spent their years of seclusion wisely in training.  
  • And "Littlest Little Italy" (Say that fast three times in a row!) just opened. It divides the 5,000-square-foot, former Enoteca La Storia restaurant into five businesses that pair very well with one another. 
• Say hello to Mark Michaud, who returned to San Jose and has made his mark in a very short time on keeping downtown clean with Groundwerx. 

Please share this subscription information with your neighbors and employees so they can stay up-to-date on downtown business news and information of general interest through Downtown Dimension:

• Click on E-News at the top of SJdowntown.com;
• Click on "Subscribe" near the bottom of most Web pages on SJdowntown.com, or
• Send an email to rjensen@sjdowntown.com with the subject: "Subscribe."

February 2023 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Read the FEBRUARY 2023 Downtown Dimension   This month's highlights: San Jose Downtown Association CEO Alex Stettinski has had a very busy and active first months and likes what he has seen so far of downtown San Jose.  Looking ahead, he's ready to take more important steps toward an improved and more prosperous center city. Downtown city council rep Omar Torres, who was sworn into his elected position in January, answers our questions in the tradition of our incoming District 3 representatives. To keep up with the times and bring news and information to downtown businesses and more downtown audiences, Downtown Dimension will make a transition to an all-digital format starting this spring. Workingman's Emporium is making plans to move. That store and its owner, Gary Wing, have seen it all after 54 years in downtown. Thang Le, owner of several local Lee's Sandwiches locations, is modernizing the menu and concept for a new generation of customers. Like so many Groundwerx Clean Team members, Joel Ramirez went beyond the call of duty during the recent storms to keep downtown "ship-shape." Please be sure you click through to read this edition! Business owners and subscribers: Please share this subscription information with your neighbors and employees so they can stay up-to-date on downtown business news and information of general interest. To subscrbe: Click on E-News at the top of SJdowntown.com; Click on "Subscribe" at the bottom of most Web pages on SJdowntown.com, or Send an email to rjensen@sjdowntown.com with the subject: "Subscribe."

January 2023 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Download the JANUARY 2023 Downtown Dimension.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:

• Downtown Property Owners approved more Clean and Safe services starting in 2023 and Dimension reports on what has already happened and what is planned as Groundwerx ramps up services.
• SJDA Board President Alan "Gumby" Marques writes a letter of hope and optimism for the new year.
• San Jose's City Council approved an extension of incentives for developers to build more residences downtown over the next seven years.
• Restaurateurs Carlos and Fernanda Carreira have ventured into the nightclub business with Noite, on the second floor above their SoFA restaurant Petiscos
• Entrepreneurs continue to invest in downtown. This time, it's The Selfie Spot, a special place to be creative.
• Groundwerx safety ambassador Victoria Manzanares shows how taking the initiative pays off.

December 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Download the December 2022 Downtown Dimension.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Raul Peralez reflects on eight years as San Jose's downtown councilmember.  "What we avoided was our biggest win for downtown San Jose," he says.  Find out what that is.   
• Lights are on along a key block of South Second Street as a collective of non-profits unlock the doors of Open San Jose.
• Restaurateurs continue to invest in downtown San Jose. Introducing the owners of Mommy's Banh Mi, Casa Guzmania and Egghead Sando Cafe.
• Sandy Gomez changed the trajectory of her career much to the benefit of downtown when she joined Groundwerx.
• Aloha Downtown Skate joins Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland at the top of the list of downtown events continuing through this month.

November 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The November 2022 Downtown Dimension is available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• During a month of transition -- the first of its kind at the San Jose Downtown Association -- our new CEO Alex Stettinski absorbed as much as he could from Outgoing CEO Scott Knies, who wrapped up as much as he could.  
• At the Annual Meeting Oct. 14, Stettinski expressed his excitement about coming to San Jose and a promise to give downtown his all.  And in his final State of the Downtown speech, Knies provided a list of things that have taken up his time and still have not been completed.
• Look for a new holiday tradition on skates and in the Circle of Palms when Aloha Downtown Roller Rink opens Nov. 19.
• Other traditional events return downtown for the holidays, including Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland.  In November, just about every arts group has something to offer for audiences of all kinds.  
• The entrepreneurial spirit is very much alive in downtown San Jose, where several businesses have recently opened.  Have a look at the thoughts and dreams of owners of Ashy Aromas, Suerte Eatery, Tiny Keyboard Shop and Woofboard.  The list is even longer, so look for more openings in our next edition.

October 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The October 2022 Downtown Dimension is available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• BART has made much progress this past month on its plans to bore under downtown to build stations along its line down Santa Clara Street to the City of Santa Clara.
• Caltrain moved to the front of the line, claiming "dibs" on 1.1 million square feet of office development on land it owns in front of Diridon Station.
• This year's Annual Meeting will be unique.  We provided a link in the pdf you can link to for easy access to voting for Board members and to fill out the end-of-year survey.  The electronic version of Dimension should have more links in the future.
• Celebrate a new batch of Downtown Doors.
• Learn more about Christina Ruiz doing what it takes to earn a nod as Groundwerx Employee of the Month
• San Jose Marriott has a new owner, part of a huge nationwide transaction of resort and upscale urban hotels.
• ABVE the Basics shows how to take over a kitchen to cook up modern Mexican food.
• Businesses can buy transit passes for all its employees for a year and be reimbursed from the City Department of Transportation
• Take a look back at our regular From the Archives feature, which offers glimpses at what was going on 10, 20, 25 and 30 years ago in downtown San Jose.

September 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The September 2022 Downtown Dimension is available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Learn about startup development company Nabr's plans for SoFA, starting with three towers of condos and breaking ground on the first 140 units this winter.
• Progress being made on BART design improvements to proposed lines under downtown San Jose.
• Juan Carlos Aguirre's background fits perfectly into his new assignment with SJDA as Community Engagement Manager, 
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month Jesse Velo is an ardent supporter of public transportation, resulting in a thorough knowledge of downtown that comes in handy when visitors request directions.
• SJDA's street life team creates an urban botanical garden.
• 1 Culture art store joins eclectic lineup of businesses along the block of East Santa Clara Street between Third and Fourth streets
• Do you have an idea for a community event or public activation? Apply this month for the Mayor's Abierto program, a celebration of the city's post pandemic re-opening.

August 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The August 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Meet Alex Stettinski, SJDA's next CEO, who answers some questions about his experiences in Southern California and Reno and how they could relate to his work starting soon in San Jose.
• The downtown event schedule for August includes some of San Jose's biggest festivals, and the total audience could approach 200,000.
• Business news includes a switch for 3Below, which plans to hold a musical Up on the Roof in August; and Serious Dumpling co-owner Phebe Shen, who worked through the first two years of the pandemic to create the menu and concept for her new and popular restaurant on San Pedro Square. 
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month Rico Montenegro wakes up every morning at 2 a.m. and pressure-washes downtown's city blocks before most people wake up.

July 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The July 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• PBID renewed by overwhelming majority
• Message from the president
• Dine Downtown returns July 21-31
• Council votes to remove parking mandates
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month is Safety Ambassador Dominic Asberry
• Al Fresco dining extended on San Pedro & Post 
• New business openings include Mama Kin, Serious Dumpling, and Scratch Cookery

June 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The June 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Housing mix planned for SoFA
• Event season heats up
• Chloe Shipp named SJDA Deputy Director
• Marketing committee gets real
• Groundwerx Employee of the Month is Safety Ambassador Stephen Crozier
• SP Social is a hit
• Natural Do opens on South First

May 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The May 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Public Meeting on Homelessness Draws Big Audience
• May is #dtsj Loves Month
• PBID Renewal Ballots are Out
• Groundwerx Employee Luis Martinez Looks Forward to Next Fanime
• Signia by Hilton Now Open
• Fox Tale Fermentation Soft Opening Draws Big Crowds
• Axe Throwing is Catching on

April 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The April 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• SJDA CEO Search is On
• New Day for Farmers' Market 
• Music in the Park Under New Management
• Cinequest’s Cinejoy Opens
• Groundwerx Employee Joel Ramirez is also a Competitive Dancer
• Con Azucar Cafe Finds Sweet Spot 
• SJDA Public Meeting on Homeless Solutions is April 15

March 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The March 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• As winter turns to spring, signs of hope and optimism bloom in downtown San Jose.
• SJDA's February meeting was rich with PBID Renewal information.  Here are 10 things good for property owners, businesses and residents to know from that meeting.
• Angelina Lopez shares her path to Groundwerx and her Employee of the Month honor.  
• Meet Lauren Nuttall, SJDA's Events and Promotions Coordinator.
• The Carlysle by Acquity Realty is the latest in a long line of developments receiving fee waivers.
• More signs of progress -- new retail, fitness and service businesses.

February 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The February 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Property owners sign petition to renew PBID / Groundwerx services
• CreaTV leads Second Street Renaissance in former Zanotto's/Tech Shop location
• SJDA Board President Alan "Gumby" Marques: "Bet on Downtown San Jose"
• Signia by Hilton set to open in former Fairmont
• New director of San Jose Opera explains what she found attractive about downtown before taking job here
• Groundwerx announces its Employee of the Year
• Axe-throwing, anyone? New entertainment options in store downtown
• San Jose is only big city in America to have four congressional representatives
• Poor House Bistro makes its move to Little Italy

January 2022 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The January 2022 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• After 33 years, SJDA rebrands and has a new logo
• Miro wins the Jim Fox Golden Nail Award
• Meet the 2022 SJDA Board of Directors
• Council redistricting results in downtown 2x representation, with boundary division at Guadalupe Parkway
• Attorney Michael Schwerin shares thoughts of his 33 years of the view from offices at Market and Santa Clara streets
• A new set of Downtown Doors dots the community landscape
• DashMart and Dr. Funk are added to downtown's business roster
• Nine days left to skate at Downtown Ice this season

December 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The DECEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Knight Foundation will support SJDA's Beautiful Tableau initiative, which will aid in downtown's recovery and transition, for the next five years.
• The Source Zero is the first MOMENT shop to transition to downtown San Jose retail store.
• SJDA Board President Katia McClain reflects on her two-year term during pandemic and downtown's future. 
• Holiday events are sure to bring good cheer to downtown this month.
• Adrian Ortega earned Groundwerx's top award by picking up a ton of leaves the past two months.
• In keeping with its August 2020 Stabilization Plan, SJDA has opened a business support center.
• Meet Chris Arkley, SJDA's new Community Engagement Manager.

November 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The NOVEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice returns for its 25th season. Skating under the palms begins Nov. 19. Christmas in the Park returns to Plaza de Cesar Chavez, too.
• Silicon Valley Turkey Trot and Santa Run Silicon Valley will both be run virtually this year.
• SJDA proposes Clean Community Fee to take care of messes.
• SoFA motel slated for homeless housing
• Original Groundwerx detailer earns Employee of the Month recognition
• Coming Nov. 5: Sonic Runway of Burning Man fame.
• SJDA spread Abierto funds among seven recipients who have some special events planned for downtown
• Newly approved crane fee is meant to take care of airline fee losses when construction cranes exceed maximum heights
• Dai-Thanh Super Market will have to move from downtown someday when it is redeveloped. The owners have purchased locations to the east and south of downtown and plan two new locations.
• Opening Nov. 1 at San Pedro Square Market:  Hella Good burgers and shakes.

NEXT SJDA PUBLIC MEETING:  Dec. 10 Year-in-Review meeting, starting 8:15 a.m.  You can attend in person at Hammer Theatre Center! Or by viewing it through Zoom or Facebook Live. Registration details will be posted here.

Agenda includes the year-end presentation on the big screen, Golden Nail awards and words board members reaching the end of their terms.  Hope you can make it.

October 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The OCTOBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.   This month's newsletter highlights:   The next step to our economic recovery -- big events extending to weekdays The return to the stage has not been easy.  Lisa Mallette of City Lights Theatre Co. explains. The Colbeck brothers of San Jose get inside a 19th Century home where their mother was born.  Google has plans to save the house by moving it to the Creekside Walk section of its Downtown West development. The fourth version of SJdowntown.com is launched and active. Take a look. Groundwerx' Employee of the Month Joel Ramirez loves his job, downtown and his Groundwerx family. New businesses include Gameshop Downstairs, Cash Bar and Punch King Fit.

September 2021 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The SEPTEMBER 2021 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
 
This month's newsletter highlights:  

• SJDA provides an overview of how it has responded to the Stabilization Plan released in August 2020 and meant to navigate the COVID crisis into economic recovery.
  Deemed most essential to recovery: Continued clean and safe services and the renewal of the Property Owners Business Improvement District.
  
• In August, SJDA hired a new Business resiliency Manager, Omar Torres, who will assist businesses with their economic recoveries.
• Groundwerx' Employee of the Month is Angelina Lopez.
• New businesses include Western International Securities, Rec Room, and Health Carbon
• An 87-unit affordable housing project breaks ground at Almaden Boulevard and Balbach Street.
• Newly named Barack Obama Boulevard will be part of Downtown West, surrounded by SAP Center, Diridon Station and Los Gatos Creek.