Photos from Epic First Friday (SubZERO)

While there wasn't a South First Friday this weekend, I do have a few photos from the phenomenal SubZERO First Friday in June!

Scott's Seafood Expanding in Downtown SJ

It looks like Scott's is the latest of many restaurants that are double downing in San Jose's cultural epicenter. This will make it the 5th Downtown restaurant to expand this year (Morton's, La Vics, Flames, and Diabolos/Azucar are the other four). It's pretty rare to see restaurants expand even in a strong economy, so seeing five expanding today within a few city blocks is a great sign for Downtown.

Scott's will be adding outdoor seating for up to 60 people. Keep in mind that this restaurant is on the top floor of a 6 story building, so a nice view will come along with that al fresco dining experience. In addition, Scott's is planning to upgrade the furniture, lighting, and paint in the interior portion of the 8,500sqft restaurant.

Happy Fourth of July 2010!!!

I hope everyone has an amazing Fourth with family and friends! If you are still deciding what to do tonight, below are 4 different venues providing major fireworks shows in the South Bay tonight. There is also a more extensive list over at SJ Metblogs. Have fun!

Central Park in Santa Clara 
http://santaclaraca.gov/index.aspx?page=41&recordid=2457
July 4th All City Picnic - Breakfast, entertainment, music, carnival games, face painting, swimming, food. Fireworks display at 9:30pm. Sunday, July 4, 2010. (408) 615-3140

San Jose Municipal Stadium 
http://www.sjgiants.com
San Jose July 4th Fireworks Celebration - San Jose July 4th Fireworks Celebration - 95.3 KRTY'S All-American Country Jam - concert featuring Country Music Artist Chris Cagle and a performance by Ash Bowers. Sunday, July 4, 2010. 588 East Alma Avenue, San Jose, CA. 408-297-1435.

Shoreline Amphitheater  
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/422326
The 24th Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular - featuring the San Francisco Symphony and music from Wicked, Rocky, West Side Story, Peter Pan, Titanic, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars and many more! 4-pack of Reserved Seats are only $79! Tickets at LiveNation.com

Cupertino 
http://www.cupertino.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=3418
4th of July Celebration - All Day Sunday July 4, 2010. 7am - 9:30am Breakfast at the Quinlan Community Center, 10am Parade with family concert to follow, 6:45pm musical entertainment at Creekside Park, Hyde Middle School or Sedgwick Elementary. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. (408) 777-3110, (408) 777-3120

Proposed ordinance threatens San Jose Bike Party

Worth of a read if you enjoy biking or supporting groups and organizations that add value to our community:

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The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has a proposed Special Event Ordinance on their June 22 agenda for discussion at 10am.
This ordinance threatens the existence of San Jose Bike Party, as well as any rides of more than 50 riders! It’s overreaching and possibly prohibited by the CVC.
The Silicon Valley Bike Coalition has posted its position on this issue, and have setup aFacebook event with information as well. We urge you to read the proposal and SVBC’s position statement, then take action.
Some of the ways you can help:

• Write, e-mail, or call your County Supervisor. SmartVoter.org has their contact information.
• Show up at the Board of Supervisors meeting, June 22 at 10am, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Chambers, 70 West Hedding St, San Jose, CA.
• Spread the word! Blog, tweet, Facebook, etc!

Update

At the June 22 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Supervisors voted unanimously to table the matter until August 2010. It will go back to committee for revision. The video from the meeting is available on the SCC Public Portal.A big thanks to all those that attended the meeting, contacted their Supervisors, and spread the word. Hopefully the ordinance will be reasonble and consistent with the CVC when it comes up again in August.

Proposed ordinance threatens San Jose Bike Party

Almaden retail plan estimated at $30M-$50M - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

There's a massive retail development being planned right around the corner from Westfield Oakridge and Almaden Plaza called Almaden Ranch. After being built, this should bring the total retail in the area to nearly 3 million sqft, perhaps giving Valley Fair/Santana Row some competition for shoppers' attention. Hopefully they're able to squeeze in a few unique stores and restaurants in between the anchors. Here's the summary from the Business Journal:

• 350,000 - 400,000sqft of retail on 40 acres of agricultural land
• 2 anchors, a few sub-anchors, restaurants, small shops, and a gas station (20-30 tenants)
• Speculated anchors include Lowe's, JCPenny, and The Home Depot
• Potential Spring 2012 opening 

For more information, have a look at the full article right over here: Almaden retail plan estimated at $30M-$50M - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal

BART to San Jose Inches Closer to Reality

According to the Transbay Blog, it looks like we are a tad bit closer to getting BART in our neck of the woods:

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Record of Decision issued for BART to San Jose

25 JUNE 2010

by Eric

BART to San Jose has advanced one step forward in the New Starts process.  The Federal Transit Administration has now issued a Record of Decision (ROD) for the BART extension, which marks federal approval of the project’s environmental impact statement.  The ROD only covers the initial phase between Warm Springs and Berryessa, including two new stations at Milpitas and Berryessa.

VTA seeks a $900 million federal contribution toward the $2.1 billion Berryessa extension.  The ROD qualifies VTA to move forward in the process, and the next step is to execute a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) in February 2011, which would allow VTA to obtain the federal funding it needs to build the project.  Construction could begin in 2012, and revenue service could commence in 2018.

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Latest San Pedro Square Market Video

Saturday Stats: San Jose ranks 16th in Volunteering

According to the Business Journal, we ranked 16th in volunteering among 51 large cities in the country. Looking at it from the state level, California ranks 41st in the nation. So essentially, we're a standout from a low-ranking state!  For the full article, click here.