Saturday Stats: San Jose is the #2 Job Market in the US for Recent Grads

The Atlantic has crunched some numbers to find what the best job markets are for recent college graduates. They took the largest 100 metros in the US and looked at the following five factors:

• The percent change in jobs requiring post-secondary education from 2010 to 2014. 
• The percentage of 25-34 year olds who hold these positions.
• The average wages for these jobs requiring post-secondary education.
• The concentration of these jobs based on their "location quotient," or LQ for short.
• The share of new jobs requiring post-secondary education that can be attributed to local economic conditions or competitiveness.

The San Jose metro crushed it, with a #2 ranking. The SF Metro took the top spot in this one, with New York in 28th. You can see the Top 10 below; head to the source link for the full list.

Source: The Atlantic, hat-tip to Dan De La O

BASIS Independent Now Open in Silicon Valley

BASIS Independent in North San Jose is off to a good start with the largest first-year enrollment recorded by any private school group in the country. BASIS Independent is a private school with a strong emphasis on STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and I'm sure will be a huge asset to the San Jose community. Check out the press release below.

BASIS Independent Schools open flagship schools on both coasts

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and BASIS Independent Brooklyn welcome founding classes in California and New York; Largest private school opening in history

September 16, 2014 (Silicon Valley, CA) – In an unprecedented move, BASIS Independent Schools announces the opening of not one but two new private schools in the most globally advanced and competitive educational markets in America. BASIS Independent Silicon Valley and BASIS Independent Brooklyn begin classes with the largest first-year enrollment recorded by any private school group in the country.

“The American demand for global quality education has never been greater,” said BASIS Independent Schools CEO Dr. Mark Reford. “Parents on both coasts recognize that an internationally benchmarked curriculum featuring rigorous studies and passionate faculty is critical to our children’s success and happiness.” 

The two new schools are based on the proven education model of the BASIS charter school network led by Michael and Olga Block, deemed by scholars, national rankings and international tests as amongst the best in the world. BASIS.ed schools offer a STEM-focused liberal arts and sciences curriculum benchmarked against the highest international standards and employing the most talented teachers from around the world.

On the west coast, BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, is a stunning redesign of a former IBM office building located in San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley. The state-of-the-art glass-front, three-story 80,604 square foot building will be completed with the additions of a 7,501 square foot gymnasium and 6,000 square foot cafeteria. The school opened to grades 5-11 with an enrollment of nearly 600 students, a record number for a first-year private school. The 12th grade will be added next year. The school can accommodate 800 students.

The east coast school, BASIS Independent Brooklyn, is completing construction of its brand new modular-constructed 90,000 square foot architectural masterpiece in Red Hook. Built 12 feet above ground level, the new high tech, six-story school will feature abundant indoor and outdoor learning spaces with views of lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and New York Bay. The school opened to grades k-8 with high school grades to be added over the coming years. Various transportation options are available. The school will accommodate 1000 students.

The new schools are founded on the educational leadership of Michael and Olga Block, known for their relentless pursuit of academic excellence and as the founders of BASIS.ed, the management company for the highly successful charter school network of sixteen schools and counting. The new Independent Schools will be the first of a separate network of private schools to open across the country. Michael Block is a Stanford-educated economist and former university professor and Olga is a former vice dean of Charles University in Prague. Their education model marries exemplary world-class standards with the American spirit of creativity.

BASIS Independent Schools CEO, Dr. Q Mark Reford, is an international school leader and educator. Born in Northern Ireland, Reford was educated at Oxford University and later taught there in their Stanford University program. He moved to America in 1993 and has since been a teacher, administrator and Head of School in some of the most outstanding independent schools in the country.

“As President Roosevelt said in his first inaugural address, ‘Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort,’ quoted Dr. Reford. “That describes the essence of BASIS Independent schools and the spirit you feel in our classrooms, hallways and playgrounds.  Our students are taught a love of learning that will serve them a lifetime.”

###

BASIS Schools were founded in 1998 by Michael and Olga Block. In 2009, they created BASIS.ed to manage the growing network of BASIS charter schools, with 2014 marking the introduction of their first two private schools. The Washington Post, U.S. News & World Report, and Newsweek consistently rank BASIS.ed schools among the best high schools in America. For more information, visithttp://www.basised.com/ or http://basisindependent.com/.

Real Escape Room San Jose

An interesting new attraction is coming to North First Street. "Escape from the Mysterious Room" is a game where you trapped in a room with 10 other people. Inside are mysterious codes and puzzles that needs to be solved in order to escape from the room. Essentially... it's a real-life video game.

The game being hosted at 777 N. 1st, Suite #740 and runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting October 3rd (next week). For more info click here.

Santana Row October 2014 Events

Santana Row October 2014 Happenings

And a Look Ahead to November and Beyond

Events, Promotions and Holiday Activities at Silicon Valley’s Premier Destination


San Jose, CA – Autumn traditions are in full swing at Santana Row this month with Halloween fun for children, a Hindu festival and a benefit for a local charity to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Events include a Halloween family fun fest; Diwali, the Hindu festival of light and “Sip. Strut. Support.” – a fundraiser for Palo Alto-based Breast Cancer Connections. In November, the holidays are ushered in with Santana Row’s annual tree-lighting event, a favorite South Bay tradition for families. Shuttle service continues to all home games at Levi’s Stadium with an added incentive: the price has been lowered to $40 per person!

Diwali  “The Festival of Lights”

Saturday, October 4, noon to 7 p.m., Santana Row Park

Santana Row celebrates Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival celebrated every year on Oct. 4 that
signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. Presented by WomenNow, Diwali Utsav 2014 will be the first Diwali carnival at Santana Row and will feature Indian cultural
activities for all ages. The entertainment program includes Bollywood dances and dramatic performances depicting the significance of Diwali. Food for purchase will be provided by Amber India restaurant. Festivities will take place in Santana Row Park, located in the center of Santana Row Boulevard, across from Left Bank Brasserie. This event is free and open to the public. For more 
information, visit SantanaRow.com.

Round Trip Shuttle to Levi’s Stadium

Service provided for all San Francisco 49ers home games

Oct. 5 (Kansas City), Nov. 2 (St. Louis), Nov. 23 (Washington), Nov. 27, (Seattle), Dec. 20(San Diego), Dec. 28 (Cardinals)

Take the stress out of driving to the new stadium and finding a parking spot on game days by taking the Santana Row shuttle! Make your individual or group reservation online and you’ll be set to go.

Ticket are $40 per person.

Buses leave Santana Row approximately two hours before game time and depart the stadium one hour after the game ends. Your ticket includes free parking in a special reserved lot for immediate access to the buses and the round trip to and from the game. Also included: Santana Row shopping and dining specials at select restaurants, such as bottomless mimosas, prix fixe menus, private tailgate pre-parties with cash bar and extended happy hour offerings.


Santana Row Pick-Up Location:
When you arrive at Santana Row, park your vehicle in the designated, secured parking lot located off Hatton Street, behind the Levare residential complex. The registration area and buses are in front of CineArts Theatre. Buses will depart at the scheduled time, two hours before kick-off and will not wait for passengers.


Levi’s Stadium Drop-Off Location:
The bus will park at the official shuttle drop-off location at Levi’s Stadium. One hour after the conclusion of the game, the bus will depart from the same location. All passengers not on bus at the specified departure time will not receive transportation back to Santana Row.

For more information, check SantanaRow.com or contact the Santana Row concierge office:408.551.4611.

Sip. Strut. Support.

An Evening to Benefit Breast Cancer Connections

Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Hotel Valencia Courtyard

Be among the guests at a fashionable evening of shoes, sips and style while supporting a great cause. Breast Cancer Connections is a Palo Alto-based organization that helps support those who have been touched by ovarian and breast cancers. Hotel Valencia is the spot to enjoy live music, light appetizers and special shopping opportunities as well as a raffle—all for a good cause. Complimentary pink-themed beverages, such as sparkling Rose and a specialty cocktail, will be served. Santana Row partners include Kash shoes and Donald J Pliner. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 408.423.5405.

Cars & Croissants

Fourth Saturday of the month: Oct. 25, Nov. 22 and Dec. 27

9 a.m. to noon

Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month for the rest of the year, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Halloween Family Fun Fest!”

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to noon

Trick-or-treat around The Row and enjoy pumpkin decorating, live musical performances and other activities during this popular fall event for children.

Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me and Daddies,Too is a free kids club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call408.551.4611 or visit SantanaRow.com.

A look ahead to November and beyond…

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Give Thanks”

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon

The holidays remind us to pull together and help those less fortunate. November’s program encourages kids to bring a canned food item that will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Holiday fun includes face painting, balloon animals, arts and crafts Kids will be entertained by music and live performances.

Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me & Daddies, Too is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call408.551.4611 or visit SantanaRow.com.

Santana Row’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Santana Row kicks off the 2014 holiday season with the annual Light Up the Row tree lighting ceremony, a joyous day of celebration for the entire family.

The day of holiday festivities begins at 3 p.m. with photos with performances by dancers from Ballet San Jose. The fun continues throughout the afternoon and evening with live music, costumed characters, special guests and performances by local theater and dance groups.

The highlight of the day takes place at 7 p.m. in Santana Row Park with the lighting of the 40-foot Christmas tree, one of the most anticipated holiday events in Silicon Valley.

Many of the restaurants will offer dining specials, kid-friendly menus and holiday-themed cocktails during the event. In-store parties, hot chocolate sampling, cookies and appetizers will also add to the festivities of the day.

Details: The celebration is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with tree lighting slated for 7 p.m. in Santana Row Park. More details about the entertainment will be available closer to the event atSantanaRow.com.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Let’s Shop! Black Friday events at Santana Row

Friday, Nov. 28

The day-after-Thanksgiving shopping tradition at Santana Row includes discounts, door buster morning specials and treats throughout the day.

Spend $1,000 or more on Black Friday and receive two tickets to the San Francisco performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Kurios. Many stores are offering customers 25 percent to 70 percent off merchandise all weekend with giveaways such as free totes, gift cards with purchase and holiday refreshments throughout the day.

Santana Row hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Black Friday, with many stories extending hours during the Black Friday weekend. For a comprehensive listing of retail and restaurant events and offerings, visit SantanaRow.com.

Santana Row holiday hours:

Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Christmas: Closed

New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“One Warm Coat” Drop-off with live broadcast by KTVU

Friday, Nov. 28 is the kickoff date; drive continues through Dec. 31

The annual coat drive begins at 6 a.m. on the day after Thanksgiving with KTVU broadcasting live throughout the day from Santana Row Park. Donate a new or gently used coat and it will be given to a needy family this winter. The first 100 people to donate a coat will receive a $10 Santana Row Gift Card. Drop-off locations include CineArts Theatre, Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table and the Santana Row Concierge. The charity coat drive continues through Dec. 31. For more information call408.551.4611 or visit SantanaRow.com.

Rainy Day Rewards, Nov. 1 through March 31, 2015

Here’s hoping the drought ends! Santana Row is optimistic and wants to reward shoppers and diners braving bad weather. When there’s a 70 percent or greater chance for rain, they will be offered 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: 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.

“Shop, Enjoy and Give” Holiday Wine & Dine Around

A Benefit for Second Harvest Food Bank

Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23

Help those in need while you complete your holiday shopping during Santana Row’s “Shop, Enjoy & Give” event that benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Purchase a $15 ticket on SantanaRow.com or at the Concierge center and receive complimentary food and wine tastings in Santana Row shops and restaurants between 6 and 8 p.m. on designated Tuesdays. Also included: a signature Santana Row wine glass and exclusive holiday shopping discounts. Bring a donation of canned food when you purchase your ticket and receive $2 off the ticket. (Customers must be 21 years or older.)

Menorah Lighting at Park Valencia

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Santana Row celebrates the first night of the Jewish Festival of Lights with kosher treats, entertainment and activities that include decorating dreidels, Jewish story time, arts & crafts and the lighting of the Menorah. The evening is co-hosted with the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and The PJ Library. The celebration will take place from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Park Valencia.

Santa Paws, a Benefit for Humane Society Silicon Valley

Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your canine and feline friends to Santana Row's Park Valencia for a keepsake photo with Santa Claus. Photos are $20 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Humane Society Silicon Valley. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. at Park Valencia.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Celebrate the Season”

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to noon

The last Mommy & Me of the year will be held in the lobby of the CineArts Theatre and will include live entertainment from Andy Z, story time with Mrs. Claus, sampling from Happy Baby Brands, mini manicures from Lavande nail salon, a raffle from The Container Store, arts and crafts with Action Day Primary Plus, Balloon Animals and Face Painting and more!

Details: 10 a.m. to noon at CineArts Theatre. Mommy & Me & Daddies, Too is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

#LifeOnTheRow

Twitter Promotion @SantanaRow invites Tweets and Instagram tags

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 or Instagram photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then tag it 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 647,000 square foot mixed-use development in San Jose, CA, is Silicon Valley’s premier destination for shopping, dining, living and working. Santana Row features over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, a boutique hotel and movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail & restaurant collection, Santana Row offers 615 luxury rental homes, 219 privately owned condos and 65,000 square feet of Class A office space. 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 June 30, 2014, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.2% 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 47 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.

Sharks Fan Fest this Weekend!

Right before the Saturday, Sep. 27 preseason game at SAP Center, the Sharks are hosting their first Fan Fest. This includes all sorts of activities for fans such as watching the Sharks practice at SAP Center, taking photos with the Shark Head on the ice [awesome!], and player/alumni autographs. There will also be roundtable sessions with players and coaches moderated by the new Sharks broadcast team and concessions will be open for meals and snacks. Outside of the Shark Tank, you can expect an entertainment area for kids and music.

It all starts in a couple days at 9:15am and complimentary parking is going to be available at SAP Center's A, B, and C parking lots. Speaking of free parking...the entire event is completely FREE, but you will need to reserve tickets here. This is a great way to say thank you to the fans for their support!

Source: San Jose Sharks

Summer in St. James Park Noontime Concert Tomorrow

San Jose Jazz, the San Jose Downtown Association, and the Saint James Park Pilot Urban Activation Team have all come together to create weekly outdoor concerts in Saint James Park. The goal is to create a communal safe space in the park and use arts as a method to inspire engagement. Two of these concerts have already happened, and the last one in September will feature Oscar Pangilinan.

The concert takes place tomorrow starting at 11:30am and is completely free. For more information, click here!

SUMMER IN ST JAMES PARK NOONTIME CONCERT: OSCAR PANGILINAN

St James Park
North 2nd Street (between St James Street and St John Street), San Jose | MAP
Free Admission

BIO

Join the San Jose Downtown Association for Summer in St James Park. Come enjoy cold beverages, live music and fun activities on select days, and a rotating cast of gourmet food trucks.

Special for this outing, San Jose Jazz is programming Bay Area saxophonistOscar Pangilinan. Whether performing with his self-led modern jazz outfit The Bad Ones, or joining established Bay Area musicians like John Worley, Aaron Lington, and Kristen Strom, Oscar’s creative musical interpretations and seasoned writing skills boosts him as one of the up-and-coming musicians on the scene.

This event is generously supported by the Saint James Park Pilot Urban Activation Team.

SEP 25THURSDAY11:30AM

SAINT JAMES PARK

GENRE(S):HOMEGROWN, MODERN JAZZ, UP AND COMING

September 2014 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• Downtown office vacancy has dropped to 18.8%, versus a high of almost 29% during the Great Recession. Some of the recent big leases include:
• Xactly in Riverpark II
• Intacct in Riverpark II
• ThreatMetrix's expansion to multiple floors at 160 W. Santa Clara
• Regus on Almaden Boulevard
• Electric Cloud in the Metropole building on Market
• Boston Properties is looking for a major tenant for its approved plans to build an 840,000 SQFT office complex Downtown.
• 46 sets of colorful banners celebrating Downtown's diversity are now on light poles along First and Second Streets.
• Silvery Towers were sold to Full Powers Properties, which intend to move full-speed ahead and break ground Spring 2015 with completion in 2017. The towers will have a total of 643 units and 20,000 SQFT of retail adjacent to the historic Fallon House and San Pedro Square Market expansion. Originally these were planned to be apartments, but they now may be built as condominiums.
• The San Pedro Square Market is planning to expand on a 13,045 SQFT lot across the street, next to the Fallon House. The new project is expected to be at least two stories.
• Symphony Development has already started construction of its student housing project at 27 N. 6th.
• Techmanity is bringing together technology and music on Oct 1st and 2nd at the Convention Center and various Downtown venues.
• LitBit is nabbing the last 8,000 SQFT at the Metropole building at 35 S. Market.
• Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition has moved Downtown to an office at 96 N. Third.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Review & Photos - 7th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival

Despite the fact we're in a drought, I am glad that it didn't rain on Saturday.

I know, I'm simply horrible to say such a thing.

But hear me out - on Saturday, it was the 7th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival.

The Luna Park Chalk Art Festival "is an annual nonprofit event organized by volunteers to increase support for the arts in local schools and the community. The purpose of the festival is to provide a family-friendly, accessible venue to showcase the talents of local artists and students, foster awareness of the critical need for arts in schools and organizations serving youth, and to raise funds for providing grants and scholarships to meet that need." [lunaparkchalkart.org]

Last year I wanted to attend. We were going to bring our one and a half month old out for a day at the park. But since it was raining that didn't seem like a good idea. And apparently rain and chalk, for the most part, are not friends. Not unless you get really creative…

Anyway, this year it was sunny! Sun sun shiny sun hot sun.

My hubby and I packed up our 13 month old and headed to Backesto Park. It was hoppin'! Lots of people wandering around, checking out completed and in-progress chalk art pieces, listening to live performances, buying handmade goodies, or snacking on some food from a couple food trucks.

I love events like this. I really do. It's family fun, artsy, and it's at a park. It really makes me love San Jose even more than I already do.



So we made our way around part of the artwork, snagged a lunch from the truck Banjara Bistro. Chicken tikka masala in a crepe with a side spinach salad for me, and my hubby had the chicken tikka masala in an omelette. Then my hubby, a donut purist, moseyed over to Rollo's Donuts to bring back TWO donuts. However, he arrived with a bag of five instead. Apparently it pays to go to a donut shop a short time before they close. (Generous freebies.)

On to the artwork!

I noticed a *lot* of sea and sea life - fish, octopuses, and mermaids-a-plenty.



Pop culture references FTW!

Trader Joes not only had some artwork going on, they were giving out free snacks and water. Very generous and awesome of them. Unfortunately I did not win the "guess how many brussel sprouts" contest. Boo.

Both Dave Cortese and Sam Liccardo showed up to say a few ones. Not even going to get political here, but one sounded more enthused to be there than the other.

There were a ton of vendors, many of which I've seen numerous times at SOFA district or SJ Made events. There was something for everyone. If you like candles and knickknacks - they had that. Want designed t-shirts with local messaging - that was there (therethere.com to be specific, and a personal fave of mine.) Many of the chalk artists had booths as well. Working on the Back to the Future pixel art was David Canavese from OtherLife Art. I made a mental note to purchase one of his mixed pop culture referenced art pieces.

While we stayed for several hours we did not stay until the end so I didn't get a chance to see the final outcomes of some of the work-in-progress pieces I saw. But thanks to the magic of the interwebs, those photos are out there.

Follow Luna Park Chalk Art Festival on Facebook for updates - many people have shared their photos/links to photos via the Event page as well.

Feel free to check out the rest of my Luna Park Chalk Art Festival album of photos on Flickr. There are a lot of great pieces of work (in various stages) in there!

Also - see you next year! I made ornaments two years ago (for The San Jose Blog) at Christmas in the Park - I think next year we should have a sidewalk space to draw on. What do you think? I'm excited to participate!