San Jose Budget May See Surplus in 2012-2013 Fiscal Year

After 10 years of budget deficits, service cuts, and layoffs... it looks like we may have finally turned a corner. In the budget year beginning July 1st, San Jose has a $9M budget surplus. This means that the city will be able to staff 4 new libraries, a community center, Lake Cunningham Skate Park, and maintain programs to suppress gang activity.

For all of the details, just check out the source link below!

Source: The Merc

Cool Music Video with Multiple Downtown SJ Shots

Here is a popular music video (almost 4.7 million views) that uses shots from Downtown San Jose multiple times--can you spot them all? About 10 seconds in you'll find the coolest presentation of City Heights ever. Thanks to Tommy for finding this!

Cinco de Mayo in San Jose

For a list of recommended festivities today, check out the EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com website.

There are events going on at El Jardin at Santana Row (including outdoor food booths, carvinal games, pinatas, etc.), Chacho's in Downtown San Jose, and a new Santana Row restaurant called Hot Tamales (replaces Roux).

El Jardin, Credits: EatDrinkPlaySanJose.com

Saturday Stats: San Jose is #3 on Fastest-Growing Cities List

Based on Forbes list of fastest-growing cities, San Jose ranks #3 in the US. It should also be noted that cities were penalized for low median incomes and high unemployment rates while given an extra boost from high projected economic growth. To quote the article, "the result is a list of cities that aren't just growing, but creating opportunities."

Source: Forbes


Xin Zhu/istockphoto

South First Friday Today!

The weather should be pretty nice tonight. Great day for an art walk Downtown!  Today's South First Friday features 19 different venues open from 7pm-11pm. To see the full list of what will be featured, just click here.

Beauty Pop-up Brow Bar

First came pop-up retail, then pop-up eateries, and now we're getting into an age of pop-up services. I'm a fan of the whole concept and hope the trend continues. Studio Joule below is doing a pop-up brow bar in Downtown Campbell this Friday and is also doing a pop-up in Downtown San Jose this June.

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Event Details:

Who: Studio Joule & Simply Smashing Boutique

What:  Pop-Up Brow Bar 

Where:  Simply Smashing Boutique 241-B E. Campbell Avenue, Downtown Campbell

When:  Friday May 4th, 2012.  From 4:00 - 8:00 pm.

Studio Joule and Simply Smashing will be combining beauty & fashion one evening. Beautiful brows, boutique browsing and personal styling.

Come Party at the Tech Tonight!

The Tech Museum After Hours

Special Presentation
The Science of Suds
Sponsored by Gordon Biersch Brewing Company
With special musical guests Daze in the Green
Wednesday, May 2
6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
We are teaming up with San Jose's only local brewery, Gordon Biersch, for our first ever beer tasting event! Join us for lots of fun activities exploring the "science of suds".

Special Offer May 2 Only!
Purchase one Gordon Biersch beer glass for $10.00 and get 3 Gordon Biersch beers FREE! Choose from 5 different styles of beer: Marzen, Czech Style Pilsner, Hefewesizen, Blonde and SommerBrau. Mix and match!

Each month provides an exclusive and fun setting of music, games, hands-on exhibits, and more. Explore the entire museum with other adults under moody lighting and music as you play a bevy of giant games, discover more about science and technology, or just relax and have fun with friends! 

• Gordon Biersch beer tasting.
• GIANT GAMES like 4 Foot Tall Jenga-Style Blocks, Over-Sized Chess, and Giant Four in a Row.
• Live music and dancing.
• Limited cafe menu available for purchase.

This May, Daze on the Green is "in the house" and will be joining The Tech Museum After Hours to give us some beats to jam to! So bring your friends for an exciting evening of fun, games and music!

CELEBRATE your birthday a whole new way! If your birthday falls in between April 29 - May 6, YOU can get in for FREE (with a valid ID)!

Don't forget to go over to After Hours Photo Booth and share smiles with your friends. We'll post your photos on our After Hours Facebook page and share your pictures! Enjoy our new bar menu with tasty appetizers now for only $5 per item!

Admission Prices:
General: $10
Member: $8
Group of 10 or more: $8

For more information or to buy tickets please call(408) 294-8324. Or buy online now. (service charges may apply. Members service charges waived.)

Get directions and parking tips.

Like our After Hours Facebook page!   

Pagoda is Transforming into a Live Music Venue

Wow, I didn't see this one coming. Pagoda is going to drop their dinner service and instead feature live music by up and coming bands. I have to say this is a surprising and really cool idea. Along with the live music multiple times a week at the San Pedro Square Market, the big events at the remodeled Civic, and almost daily performances in SoFA... the Downtown live music scene is really growing and starting to become alive. Best of luck to Pagoda, I really hope they succeed with the new concept!

THE FAIRMONT SAN JOSE

FOLLOWS THE BEAT OF DOWNTOWN

THE ALL-NEW PAGODA

SAN JOSE, CA – After years of serving world-class Chinese cuisine in downtown San Jose, Pagoda is changing to meet the needs of our guests and local residents. Effective April 29, 2012, Pagoda will no longer be serving dinner.

“Pagoda is not closing, rather evolving,” says Mike Lerman, Food and Beverage Manager of The Fairmont San Jose. There has been overwhelming demand for an intimate and inviting space to enjoy San Jose’s burgeoning music scene.  Pagoda will provide guests access to international up-&- coming bands, a laid- back lounge scene and serve great drinks. The new direction will be more in line with market demands and consumer trends in downtown San Jose.

Pagoda will continue to serve as home to the Live at the Pagoda music series; now in its second year, Live at the Pagoda has become the South Bay’s preeminent live music venue. Live at the Pagoda’s music events supports 1^st Act Silicon Valley’s efforts to strengthen the arts and culture industry in the valley (a San Jose network group consisting of business, civic, and arts leaders).

Pagoda’s next music event is Friday, May 4^th, 2012. A live music schedule may be found online at liveatthepagoda.com; additional inquiries regarding private events may be directed to 408-998-3520 or email sanjose@fairmont.com

xxx

       

About The Fairmont San Jose

The Fairmont San Jose located in the heart of Silicon Valley, combines high-tech excitement with the elegance of Fairmont style.  The hotel offers 805 deluxe guest rooms, including 77 luxurious suites, and 65,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, presented with the perfect balance of contemporary and traditional designs.  The 20^th floor is devoted to a collection of grand penthouse suites, with its own private boardroom and spectacular city views. The 4^th floor (Cabana Level) features lavish -style rooms framing a 58’ swimming pool, sun deck, men’s and women’s saunas, steam rooms, health club and spa.