Japantown Art Walk Tomorrow

Come check out a new Art Walk in Japantown featuring Empire Seven Studios, Cukui, and 2Twenty5. The galleries will be open until at least 9:30pm and there are a ton of great places in the area to grab a bite before or after the walk. I hope this becomes a regular event like South FIRST FRIDAYS!

Silvery Towers Approved by City, May Break Ground in 2014!!!

My favorite news always seems to come from Nathan Donato-Weinstein from the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Once in a while something comes along that really makes my day, and this would qualify.

The city council approved Silvery Towers today, a dual tower 643-unit rental project with a whopping 20,000 SQFT of retail on the ground floor to compliment the neighboring San Pedro Square Market. The towers will be 228 feet tall and look phenomenal. This would be one of the most modern, Silicon Valleyish designs of any high-rises Downtown. I especially like the LED lighting on the 3rd to last render below. This would also be the largest residential project ever built in Downtown San Jose.

It gets better... the developer (KT Properties) is already meeting with potential partners to get the $250 million to fund the project and is planning to break ground in 2014 with the first units ready to lease in 2016. Ideally both towers would be built simultaneously, although one would start six months before the second.

The SVBJ article dropped a few other interesting nuggets of information. The retail pavilion in front of the towers will have a rooftop terrace and a basement bar (Singlebarrel 2 anyone?). They also might be doing a rooftop cafe (!) on one or both of the towers. Good day indeed.

Source: SVBJ

New Digital Music Exhibit at The Tech - REBOOT:music

The Tech is launching a new temporary exhibit focused around the art of making music in the digital age. This will include 14 installations by renowned artists that will let museum patrons collaborate and explore making music. They are also planning on having two evening concerts that will bring together cutting-edge live music performers from all around the world and various workshops to teach people more about music. The new exhibit is already open and will be available until August 17th of this year. More information in the press release below.

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SAN JOSE, CA –Time to turn up the volume! Bust out your maestro hat and mix it up. REBOOT:music, The Tech’s new interactive exhibition where you can partake in ultramodern digital music creation technology, debuts Friday, March 7, 2014. Unleash your artistic spirit with the help of 14 imaginative musical instruments created by visionary artists that allows you to explore the boundaries of how you experience music.

REBOOT:music provides collaborative, mesmerizing social music experiences with installations like:

• The Laser Harp Alembic: the musical sculpture that surrounds you with an orchestra of infinite sounds, each just a pluck of the air away.
• Red Hot and Sympathetic Resonance: two large-scale electro-acoustic experiences that bring a technological twist to familiar acoustic instruments.
• Stepping Tones: an immersive projection mapped out environment lets you create and visualize beats by hand.
• The Space Palette: the ultramodern musical and graphical instrument where futuristic soundscapes and digital designs are at your fingertips – literally!

To accompany the exhibition, the museum will create spin-off programs: two music performances and workshops featuring artists, musicians, instrument builders, and tech luminaries will be announced shortly.

WHAT:  The Tech’s new exhibition, REBOOT:music, unleashes your inner music-maker with 14 interactive digital music instruments. Free with museum admission.
WHEN:  Limited engagement debuts Friday, March 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. This temporary exhibition will run through Aug. 17, 2014.
WHERE: The Tech, 201 S. Market St., San Jose, CA
 
About The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum—located in the Capital of Silicon Valley —is a non-profit, experiential learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing applied technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge presented by Cisco, our annual team-design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech Awards presented by Applied Materials, The Tech endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.

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The Tech Museum of Innovation
201 South Market Street
San Jose, CA 95113
1-408-795-6321
mtran@thetech.org

Visit: thetech.org
Like: facebook.com/TheTechMuseum
Follow: twitter.com/TheTechMuseum

Electric Cloud Moving to Downtown San Jose!

Another hot tech company has decided to move Downtown, and they are taking over a very important building that has been vacant for two years. Electric Cloud is moving 70 employees from Sunnyvale to 18,600 SQFT at 35 South Market Street. This was formerly Xactly's headquarters (they are still Downtown, just needed more space). This is also one of the oldest buildings in the area, being built in 1889. Electric Cloud is going to turn it into a modern open-office floor plan which will be surrounded by historic character.

This spot is quite important since it sits right in the middle of Downtown and will be across the street from the new One South apartment tower. Activating this block is critical to connecting the islands of retail, residential, and office space.

Electric Cloud specializes in software-delivery optimization, essentially reducing time-to-market for companies to get their software in the hands of customers. They will be a very welcome addition to our city's core, and the employees won't be picketed or harassed like in other places around the bay.

Source: SVBJ, hat tip to Michael McAlister

Realtor.com Sharks Contest

If you're a Sharks fan, there is a contest running through March 13th that gives you a chance to win two VIP club-level seats to a Sharks game, a tour of the SAP center, and meet & greet with the team. All of the details are below.

Realtor.com® Users Faceoff with San Jose Sharks for Chance to Win Big

Grand prize winner receives once in a lifetime opportunity to spend the day with the Sharks, VIP seats to upcoming Sharks vs. Washington Capitals game, travel and accommodations

SAN JOSE, Calif., February 25, 2014 – Realtor.com®, a leader in online real estate operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), today launched “The realtor.com® FACEOFF,” an online promotion with the San Jose Sharks. The sweepstakes, which is running now through March 13, lets users vote on favorite home features based on choices previously made by San Jose Sharks players. The grand prize includes a day with the Sharks, two VIP seats to the Sharks vs. Washington Capitals game on March 22 and travel accommodations. Contest participants are also eligible to win one of five signed Sharks jerseys and five signed pucks. 

The grand prize winner and a guest will begin game day with a tour of SAP Center watching a Sharks team morning skate and then enjoying a meet and greet with select Sharks players. After which, they will tour Sharks Ice, the Sharks’ training and practice facility, including the locker room, gym and skate sharpening room. Lunch will also be provided by the Sharks at their restaurant, Stanley’s Sports Bar. Later that evening, the winner and guest will have the opportunity to high five players as they skate onto the ice for the game and will be seated in prime Club Level seats.

“We are proud to offer a once in a lifetime opportunity of spending a day with the Sharks as part of our FACEOFF sweepstakes. This is especially exciting after this past weekend of Olympic hockey where we watched Sharks players bring home gold for team Canada,” said Barbara O’Connor, chief marketing officer at realtor.com®. “As a San Jose-based company located a few blocks away from SAP Center, the team is important to many of our employees as well as our audience. Home is a very personal experience for consumers and this promotion offers participants the opportunity to connect directly with Sharks players and learn more about what is important to them in a home.”

 “It's beneficial for the San Jose Sharks to work with a company like realtor.com® that encourages fan engagement. This promotion is a perfect example of that,” said John Castro, vice president of sales and service for the Sharks. “The Sharks are excited to be working with realtor.com® and look forward to dynamic interactive promotions that benefit both organizations as well as our fans.”

To enter, participants can visit www.realtor.com/faceoff now through March 13to cast their vote by sharing their preferences on Facebook or Pinterest or via the alternate method of entry described in the official rules. After voting, contestants can compare their favorite features to the responses from the Sharks.

Sample home feature questions include:

·         After a bruising game where do you sink in to recharge?

·         When the team’s on the road and you're crashing at the hotel, what room do you miss the most?

·         With your teammates over, where do you like to eat?

·         When you’re reviewing the game tape, where do you watch it?

·         What room in your home is all yours?

·         What’s your favorite room in your home? What do you love about it?

The official rules for the sweepstakes are located at:http://marketing.realtor.com/faceoff/official-rules.html

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Santana Row March 2014 Happenings

Santana Row March 2014 Happenings

And a Look Ahead to April and Beyond

Events, Promotions, New Openings at Silicon Valley’s Premier Destination


 

San Jose, CA (Feb. 26, 2013) – Warm weather is coming and Santana Row is about to bloom with events that welcome spring. The third annual 408K run through San Jose ends at Santana Row where runners and supporters both can celebrate. Festivities are planned for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. In April, celebrity chef and author Carla Hall makes a personal appearance and in May, it’s time to make time for Beauty Bash, a day of beauty and style that’s also a benefit for Career Closet.

 

Third Annual 408K Race to the Row

Sunday, March 2, Park Valencia and throughout Santana Row 

The 8K road run has become a Silicon Valley hallmark, raising funds for the Pat Tillman Foundation and its Team Tillman initiative. Runners start at SAP Center, wind through the streets of San Jose and end at Santana Row’s Park Valencia for presentations and post race celebrations. The Row invites participants and their friends and family to stay for race-day specials such as breakfast/brunch deals, massages, cool down workout classes and refreshments. Stores will offer post-race promotions. The event is expected to draw 5,000 runners. For information and registration, go to: www.run408k.com

 

Rainy Day Rewards, through March 31, 2014

While we’re enjoying the sunshine, we’re hoping for much needed rain. But bad weather is in the forecast, that means shoppers can save at The Row. On days there’s a 70 percent or greater chance for rain, shoppers and diners  will be rewarded with discounts that include 15 percent off purchases at participating shops and restaurants, a free signature Santana Row golf umbrella for customers who spend $150 anywhere on The Row and a $20 gift certificate to a participating shop or restaurant for customers who spend $300 on a designated Rainy Day.

No need to get wet: On all rainy days, customers can pick up a complimentary umbrella to use while shopping and dining and then return it before leaving. The yellow umbrellas are conveniently located throughout The Row - outside Concierge, Via between Village California Bistro and Lark Creek Blue and the valet parking lot in the Winchester Parking Garage.

 

Nowruz 2014, Persian New Year Celebration

Tuesday, March 18, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Park Valencia

Celebrate the arrival of spring the first day and the 2014 Persian New Year at Santana Row with free live music and performances.

In partnership with the Iranian Federated Women's Club (IFWC), the public is invited to this event marking the Persian New Year. Called Nowruz, it’s the first day of spring and the beginning of the year in the Iranian calendar. The spring festival has been celebrated for more than 3,000 years and is celebrated by many people in the Middle East and Central and South Asia, but particularly by Persians.

 

A look ahead to April and beyond…

 

Personal Appearance by Carla Hall, Co-Host of ABC’s The Chew

and “Fan Favorite” on Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars

Saturday, April 12, 5 p.m., Sur la Table

Celebrity chef Carla Hall will be doing a cooking demo at Santana Row Park and signing copies of her new book at Sur la Table.

Carla’s Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World(on-sale April 1, 2014, Atria Books, $29.99) offers a delicious collection of imaginative new variations on soulful favorites from one of America’s favorite food personalities. Hall was a finalist in the fifth and eighth seasons of Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars, Bravo’s competition show. She is one of five cohosts of The Chew, a talk show centered on food.

Her new book was Inspired by her love of family suppers and international flavors and offers a mouthwatering variety of foods from around the world along with heartfelt stories of connecting with people through food.

 

Photos with the Easter Bunny

A Benefit for the Autism Diagnostics & Consulting Center

Sunday, April 13, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Hippity-hop on over and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny at Santana Row!

The holiday rabbit will be ready to strike a pose at Park Valencia for $10, with proceeds going to the Autism Diagnostics & Consulting Center.

Plus, enjoy face painting, cookie decorating for $1 and Easter egg decorating for $3.

 

Second Annual Beauty Bash: A benefit for Career Closet

Wednesday, May 7, 6 to 9 p.m.

For the second year, Santana Row brings together pampering and primping for a good cause. Beauty Bash is an evening of fashion fun and beauty tips with makeup, hair and fashion experts, retailers and salons. It’s an evening celebrating style to raise funds for Career Closet, a non-profit organization based in Silicon Valley that gives disadvantaged women advice, confidence and appropriate work attire, much of it donated to the clothing boutiques it operates in San Jose and Foster City.

The public is invited to shop, nibble and enjoy cocktails while talking to style experts and fashion bloggers who will be stationed at more than a dozen stops. Guests can try the latest hair and make-up trends from professionals and receive personalized consultations from the experts, a mini-magazine of tips from them and a gift bag.

Tickets are $20, or $15 with the donation of a gently used accessory (jewelry, bags, scarves) and available at  SantanaRow.com. Guests receive a "passport” for in-store events, a wine glass (wine will be poured in the stores) and a swag bag of goodies.

 

Lunch on The Row + A Matinee Show!

May 1 through 31

Enjoy a two-course $20 lunch special at a participating restaurant on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday and receive a free ticket to the movie of your choice at CineArts Santana Row.

Present your itemized same-day receipt to the Santana Row concierge from the participating restaurant and you’ll receive a voucher for a complimentary movie ticket that can be used for a matinee that day or at a later date.

Limit: one ticket per person, per day, while supplies last.

Restaurant choices include LB Steak, Left Bank, and Rosie McCann’s.

 

Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by Lululemon Athletica

Begins May 3 and held every Saturday through September

Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine at Park Valencia every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. each week. For more information, contact Lululemon, 408.557.8721.

 

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too

Begins May 13 and held every second Tuesday of the month through December

The popular kids’ club returns for the season with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Families will enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more.

Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visitwww.SantanaRow.com.

 

Save-the-Date: Santana Row’s Annual Summer Fashion Shows!

Saturday, June 7, two shows at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

This popular summer event returns for the sixth year with two runway shows and a venue change: For the first time, the shows take place poolside at Misora, the newest luxury apartments at Santana Row.

As always, the shows will feature the season’s best fashions for women and men as well as style surprises and special guests. Last year, Vernon Davis of the 49ers made a splashy appearance on the catwalk as a celebrity model.

Runway shows are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Included in the price of the $50 ticket is poolside seating to view the fashion show, access to the Beauty Lounge, pre-event champagne, wine and light hors d’oeuvres, a Passion for Fashion shopping card that entitles guests to discounts around Santana Row, prize drawings and in-store events. Tickets go on sale in April at the concierge office and online at www.SantanaRow.com.

 

Twitter Promotion @SantanaRow Invites Tweets #LifeOnTheRow

For a Chance to Win Gift Cards to Restaurants at The Row

Santana Row’s Twitter campaign and photo contest continues through the @SantanaRow Twitter handle. The contest invites anyone at Santana Row to Tweet photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then Tweet it to Santana Row with the hash tag #LifeonTheRow. Every month, Santana Row will post an album on Facebook with all of the photos with the #LifeonTheRow hash tag. The person who took the best or most original photo will win a gift card to a Santana Row restaurant.

 

 

About Santana Row

Santana Row a 1.5 million square foot mixed used development in the heart of San Jose, California, is Silicon Valley's premier destination for shopping,

dining, living and nightlife. Surrounded by landscaped gardens, parks and plazas, Santana Row features over 70 retail shops, more than 20 acclaimed restaurants, a 212-room boutique hotel and six-screen movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail collection, Santana Row offers 622 residential units featuring a fitness center, rooftop pool and resort-living accommodations, and 65,000 square feet of office space at 300 Santana Row, its newest office address. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visitwww.santanarow.com.

 

 

About Federal Realty

Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.3% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of September 30, 2013, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.4% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 46 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

History San Jose and Portraits of the Past Hosting Fashion Show

History San José and Portraits of the Past to Host

Reflections of Old San José – a Historic Fashion Show

San Jose, CA --- February 25, 2014    --- History San José and Portraits of the Past will present an historic fashion show on March 15 at 2 PM in the Renzel Room of the Pacific Hotel in History Park.  Reflections of Old San José will benefit HSJ educational programs and showcase costuming, as well as feature local historical characters.

“Portraits of the Past members always provide such a wonderful ambiance to History Park events," noted Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José.  “We are so appreciative that they put so much effort into their costuming and performances to help benefit HSJ's educational programs.”

The historic fashion show will feature mens’ and womens’ clothing and accessories, and offer volunteers in elaborate costumes who will present vignettes featuring local historical figures. A reception of light refreshments, dessert and champagne,  will follow the fashion show.

Tickets are $25 and will benefit educational programming at HSJ. The Renzel Room is inside the Pacific Hotel at History Park, and free parking on the grounds of the Park is available. Seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets online  https://historysanjose.ejoinme.org/fashion

History Park at Kelley Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes in San Jose. For GPS mapping use 635 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visit www.historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

  

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112      408.287.2290

Website:  historysanjose.org

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

Blog: historysanjose.blogspot.com/