AVE Santa Clara Brings Elevated Apartment Living to Silicon Valley’s New Clara District

Silicon Valley just got a major upgrade with the grand opening of AVE Santa Clara, a sleek new residential community that’s raising the bar for apartment living. Announced on February 25, 2025, this project—brought to life by the award-winning team at AVE (a Korman Communities brand) and their partners at Ensemble Investments, LLC—is now open and ready for move-ins at 2240 Calle de Luna in the emerging Clara District. Located just steps from Levi’s Stadium, this isn’t just another apartment complex—it’s a lifestyle hub designed for the modern Silicon Valley crowd.

With 311 apartments spread across eight stories, the property offers a mix of traditional unfurnished rentals and fully furnished units with flexible lease terms—perfect for tech professionals, remote workers, or anyone looking for a hassle-free move. Studios start at $2,811, one-bedrooms at $3,110, two-bedrooms at $4,881, and three-bedrooms at $6,590. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit Samsung washers and dryers, and blackout shades in the bedrooms (great for young kids).

But the real star is a whopping 36,200 square feet of indoor-outdoor amenities. We’re talking a two-story fitness center, a resort-style pool with a hot tub and firepit lounges, a zen courtyard with a yoga lawn, and even a dog park and pet spa for your four-legged roommates. There’s also a game room, movie/sports lounge, private work pods, and conference rooms on every floor—because work-from-home life isn’t going anywhere. Oh, and the cherry on top: the AVEnture Hub, a first-of-its-kind perk where residents can borrow bikes, kayaks, and camping gear for free to explore the Bay Area’s outdoor treasures.

Right next door, Clara’s Junction is an 18,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor social spot that’s already shaping up to be a South Bay hotspot. It's a New American restaurant and bar with craft cocktails, Taz’s Tacos (a resident taco truck!), and The Pit, a live BBQ joint hosting guest pitmasters.

The Clara District is buzzing with potential, and AVE Santa Clara is right in the thick of it. You’re a stone’s throw from Levi’s Stadium, close to heavy hitters like Nvidia, Apple, Facebook, and Google, and just minutes from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Plus, the VTA light rail is nearby for an easy ride to Downtown San Jose. It’s the kind of spot that screams Silicon Valley convenience with a side of fun.

AVE Santa Clara is officially leasing now, so if you’re ready to level up your living situation, head to aveliving.com for more details and to apply. With its unbeatable location, next-level amenities, and a community vibe that’s all about connection, this place is poised to become a South Bay standout.

Cinequest 2025: San Jose’s Film Fest Glows Bright This March

Hey, San Jose film fans—mark your calendars, because Cinequest is back, and it’s ready to light up downtown with its Luminate Film & Creativity Festival! Running March 11-23, 2025, this is the 35th year of one of Silicon Valley’s most iconic events, blending cutting-edge cinema, tech innovation, and that unmistakable SJ energy. If you’ve been craving a dose of creativity to shake off the winter blues, this is your spot.

This year’s theme, “Luminate,” promises to shine a spotlight on bold stories and fresh voices from around the globe. We’re talking over 200 films—think world premieres, U.S. debuts, and those hidden gems you won’t catch anywhere else. It’s all going down at some of downtown’s best venues: the stunning California Theatre, the always-vibrant Hammer Theatre Center, and the cozy 3Below Theaters & Lounge. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile or just looking for a fun night out, there’s something here for you.

What makes Cinequest so special? It’s not just a film fest—it’s a vibe. Set right here in the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s where art meets innovation. Expect Q&A sessions with filmmakers, tech-forward panels (hello, AI in movies!), and maybe even a silent film with live organ music if they keep that tradition rolling. Plus, the festival’s famous Maverick Spirit Awards will honor some big names—last year it was Matthew Modine, so who’s next? Stay tuned!

The lineup and tickets are already live, so you can start planning your must-see screenings now. Head over to Cinequest’s official site to grab yours—pro tip: the All Access Pass is the move if you want VIP perks like express entry and party invites. Venues are spread across downtown, so you can make a whole day of it—hit a film, grab some eats at San Pedro Square Market, and soak in that SJ buzz.

Cinequest isn’t just a win for film lovers; it’s a boost for our city too. Tens of thousands of people flock here every year, filling up theaters, restaurants, and streets with excitement. It’s a reminder of why San Jose’s downtown scene is so unbeatable—world-class events with a local heart.

So, what’s your Cinequest plan? Are you chasing the next Oscar-worthy short or just here for the afterparties? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you’re hyped for. Let’s get ready to luminate San Jose this March!

The Hero of San Jose

AI is being used in all sorts of creative ways today, but this is one of the funniest things I have every seen. It's a sequence of San Jose-related prompts followed by AI-generated images. The first prompt is "Show me and image of someone from San Jose." That's followed by "Make him more San Jose" and that is the image below. The prompts eventually lead to "Make him the most San Jose person who ever existed" and then it gets crazy from there. I won't spoil it. Make sure you listen with the audio way up!

Click here to find out who is the hero of San Jose.

The San Jose AI Center of Excellence gets $2M in funding

The Knight Foundation awarded Plug and Play with $2M to help make a collaborative AI network in San Jose. The grant will help Plug and Play launch the San Jose AI Center of Excellence, which will attract AI talent to the region and hopefully create economic opportunities.

The San Jose AI Center of Excellence will be located in the heart of Downtown San Jose in the Bank of Italy Building. The space is undergoing renovations and the target date for a launch event is April 2nd.

Source: SVBJ

A dreamy escape at The Tech Interactive: exploring the Dream Garden exhibit

San Jose’s very own Tech Interactive has rolled out a mesmerizing new exhibit that’s got locals buzzing. Nestled in the heart of downtown, right across from Plaza de César Chávez, this iconic museum has long been a go-to spot for tech lovers and curious minds alike. But their latest addition, Dream Garden, takes things to a whole new level, blending cutting-edge AI with an immersive, surreal experience that feels like stepping into a living painting. Launched recently, this exhibit is a must-see for anyone looking to spark their imagination while getting a front-row seat to the future of technology.

So, what’s Dream Garden all about? Picture this: you walk into a vibrant, ever-changing ecosystem that responds to your every move. Powered by artificial intelligence, the exhibit transforms your gestures and ideas into a dynamic landscape filled with whimsical creatures, towering trees, and floating elements that shift as you interact with them. It’s playful yet profound, inviting visitors of all ages to co-create a dreamlike world that feels uniquely personal. After soaking in the magic, you can peek behind the scenes to see how AI brings it all to life—a perfect mix of fun and education that’s quintessentially Tech Interactive.

What makes this exhibit stand out in a city already brimming with innovation is its accessibility and charm. Whether you’re an AI nerd or just someone who loves a good Instagram-worthy moment, Dream Garden delivers. It’s the kind of place where kids can giggle as they “teach” virtual creatures to fly, while adults marvel at the seamless integration of tech and creativity. Located on the lower level of the museum, it’s easy to pair with a visit to the IMAX Dome Theater or a hands-on robotics session, making for a full day of Silicon Valley-style adventure.

As of today, February 22, 2025, Dream Garden is still blooming at The Tech Interactive, and there’s no better time to check it out. Admission is included with your general ticket, so you can dive into this AI-powered wonderland without breaking the bank. If you’re a San Jose local (or just passing through), swing by and see why this exhibit is sparking wonder in the heart of our tech-savvy city. Who knows? You might just leave inspired to dream up something groundbreaking of your own.

You can learn more or buy tickets right over here.