May 2015 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• Mayor Sam Liccardo laid out his vision to keep the momentum going Downtown, which includes:
• "Build the heck out of it" - the current housing boom needs to be encouraged. We also need to see major transportation investment in order to support it, especially with BART. He also mentioned we need more high-end hotel rooms to attract more major events to the Convention Center.
• "Take up the slack" - the existing commercial vacancy rate needs to come down and rents need to go up in order to see major new office construction Downtown. There are now 110 tech companies Downtown, and they want Class A space. Liccardo is encouraging converting Class B to Class A space in order to cater towards these tech tenants.
• "Bring it outdoors" - with 300+ days of great weather, we need to leverage outdoor space. This means improving the Guadalupe River Walk, St. James Park, and implementing Street Life Plan projects.
• The first Music in the Park concert this year will be June 18th and feature Grammy-nominated Reggae band Sister Carol.
• SoFA Market Update
• Two new SoFA Market venues opened: On The Flipside burger bar [Josh: had the Black & Blue burger there last week and it was great!], and The Fountainhead, a craft cocktail bar with architecturally themed drinks.
• Coming soon:
• Konjoe-Tei: Ramen from the owners of Konjoe
• Hawaiian Poke Bowl: specializing in Poke rice bowls and Acai bowls
• Milk and Wood: unique house-made gelato pops
• Vitamina Juices & Blends - fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks
• The Ritz is bringing live music to the long-vacant building at 400 S. First St. Corey O'Brien is the proprietor (who also ran the Blank Club).
• Red Rose Restaurant is now serving healthy Mediterranean fare at 30 E. Santa Clara St.
• The AFK Gamer Lounge is now open in the former Los Gatos Brewing space.
• SJSU construction projects totaling $320 million are currently in progress with more to come.
• The city is moving full speed to make San Jose the country's best city to bike. Currently there are 236 miles of bikeways, up from 197 in 2009. 69 more miles are planned by the end of 2016 and a total of 164 more miles of bikeways by 2020.
• The city installed 47 signs that encourage pedestrians to walk to a variety of Downtown destinations.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Burnt Almond Cake, a San Jose Specialty

Burnt Almond Cake was actually invented in San Jose in 1936. I'm sure most of us have had some slices at a birthday party or other event. Check out this KQED article to learn about Peter's Bakery in East San Jose, perhaps the most famous local spot that sells this delicacy.

Sources: KQED, I Heart SJ

Saturday Stats: San Jose Population Growth

New population estimates from the California Department of Finance were released at the beginning of the month. The department pegs the population of San Jose at 1,016,479. This puts us at a growth rate of 1.4% percent year-over-year, which is the second largest growth rate for all large California cities. San Francisco came in at 1.3%.

One surprise to me was the growth rate for Milpitas. 3.9% is a pretty impressive number for a city its size.

Source: usedmedia from the SSC Forums

Valley Brews on May 29th!

The New Leaders Council (NLC) Silicon Valley is a nonprofit that trains the next generation of political entrepreneurs and leaders. They are hosting a fundraiser and networking event featuring local craft brews (Good Karma Artisan Ales, Hermitage, Santa Clara Valley Brewing, and Camino Brewing Company). In addition to the great drinks, there will be a panel to discuss entrepreneurship and what it takes to start a successful craft brewery.

Tickets are $35 pre-sale and $40 at the door. For more information and to register, head over here.

Santana Row May-July 2015 News and Events

 

San Jose, CA  - Special celebrations and warm-weather activities abound at Santana Row in May! Mark calendars for Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day and a benefit fashion show featuring Silicon Valley executives and luminaries. Returning to The Row are annual favorites: Mommy & Me kids club, Yoga in the Park and the seasonal opening of Cielo on the rooftop of Hotel Valencia.

 

Summer Yoga Series

Every Saturday beginning May 2 and continuing through September 12

Registration at 8:30, yoga at 9 a.m., Park Valencia

Join yoga enthusiasts for free yoga every Saturday, presented by lululemon athletica.

Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine at Park Valencia, near Maggiano’s restaurant, from May 2 through September 12. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. each week. For more information, contact lululemon, 408.557.8721.

 

Alexis Bittar Trunk Show at Annieglass

Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Just-opened Annieglass presents the latest jewelry collection by Alexis Bittar, whose pieces are often featured in fashion magazines and coveted by celebrities. Known for his artfully crafted bracelets, earrings and necklaces using high-quality Lucite, metal and semi-precious stones, Bittar has been an Anniglass collector for almost 20 years while Annieglass designer and founder Annie Morhauser has worn Bittar’s jewelry for two decades, too. The store opened at Santana row in mid-April and is located next to Left Bank Brasserie. Stop by on May 2 and enter to win a special piece of Annieglass.

 

Cinco de Mayo at El Jardin

Tuesday, May 5, noon to closing

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with live mariachi, salsa dancing with Son de Kali and a tequila bar crawl that takes revelers from El Jardin to Thea Mediterranean and Consuelo Mexican Bistro. There’s also raffle prizes and free rides home with Lyft.

 

Mother’s Day Dining at Santana Row!

Sunday, May 10, various locations

Make your dining plans this Mother’s Day at Santana Row where mom has her pick of what she’s craving on her specialSunday.

 

Amber India: Offers a full buffet all day on this Sunday of menu favorites. Price is $40 to $50. Please contact restaurant for more details, 408.248.5400.

 

Fogo De Chao: Moms receive a complimentary lunch or dinner for her NEXT visit with a purchase of full meal on Mothers Day. For more information or reservations please call Fogo De Chao, 408.244.7001.

 

LB Steak: On Mother's Day, the restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving select regular menu items for brunch and lunch until 3 p.m. Additional special a la carte options will also be offered with mom in mind.

Brunch specials include:

• Banana French toast with candied walnuts
• Chantilly cream and Vermont maple syrup
• Prosciutto and asparagus quiche with San Daniel prosciutto and Delta Queen asparagus
Special for dinner includes Surf and Turf with a porcini-crusted filet, grilled lobster tail, lemon herb butter and asparagus. All prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. For reservations please call, 408.244.1180.
 
Left Bank Brasserie: The restaurant is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Mother’s Day and serving a limited regular brunch/lunch menu and specials from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the regular lunch menu from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and the regular dinner menu from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The brunch specials will include:
• The Farmer, His Garden, His Pig and His Hen with grilled house-made sausage, a three-egg scramble with scallions, cilantro, tomato, and cheddar cheese and roasted Yukon gold potatoes with fines herbs
• The BLT Sandwich with country Levain bread, goat cheese, tomatoes, arugula, bacon, a sunny side up egg, hollandaise sauce and a petite salad
• Lost Bread, a traditional thick French toast with orange cream, maple syrup and bacon
• The Eggs With The Eggs, smoked salmon and salmon hash with red onions, tomatoes, parsley, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce
• Ham and Spinach Quiche, a Parisian ham, onion and spinach quiche with organic mixed greens with a mustard vinaigrette
• Eggs Benedict, poached eggs with Parisian ham, English muffins and hollandaise sauce, served with Yukon gold potatoes with fines herbs (also a la Florentine - with spinach)
• The Cow and The Hen with a grilled skirt steak with two sunny side up eggs and Yukon gold potatoes with fines herbs. All prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. For reservations please call, 408. 984.3500.
 
Lisa's Tea Treasures: Open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and serving mimosas, tea, chicken wrap, salad, dessert, sandwiches and savory scones. Price is $35.95 per person. Reservations recommended, for more details, call,408.247.3613.
 
Rosie McCann's Irish Pub & Restaurant: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch, which includes one complimentary mimosa for mom. There’s special brunch and cocktail menus celebrating the day. For more information please call,408.247.1706.
 
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too, season kick-off event
Tuesday, May 12, 10 a.m. to noon
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. Special guest for the kick-off event is Buddy from Dinosaur Train. Families can also 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 visit www.SantanaRow.com.
 
Cielo Seasonal Grand Opening at Hotel Valencia
Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy warm San Jose evenings and a sunset view. Cielo opens for the season with a flair: live Latin music by Amy Dabalos, sangria, wine tastings, tapas and paella! Tickets are $30 and guests must be at least 21 years old.
Reservation required. Call 408.423.5405 for tickets.
 
Cars & Croissants
Saturday, May 23 and every fourth Saturday of the month
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 through December, 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.
 
B#SV! (Be Sharp, Silicon Valley!)
Thursday, May 28, Santana Row Park, across from Left Bank Brasserie
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
San Jose Jazz and the Silicon Valley Education Foundation team up to bring you an evening of fashion with a purpose with B#SV! Be Sharp, Silicon Valley features Silicon Valley executives and regional luminaries working the catwalk in the latest looks from Santana Row retailers.
The evening includes live music, wine and appetizers. Tickets are $30 and all proceeds benefit San Jose Jazz’s music education programs and the Silicon Valley Education Fund’s STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) education programs. To purchase tickets, go to www.sanjosejazz.org.
 
A look ahead to June and July…
 
Santana Row’s Annual Poolside Soiree
The annual summer fashion shows take place at a new venue with stylish surprises and special guests!
Saturday, June 6, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at Misora Resort-Style Residences
The popular summer event returns for the seventh year with an exciting venue change: for the first time, the two poolside runway shows will take place at Misora, Santana Row’s resort-style residences.
As always, the fashion shows will feature the season’s best fashions for women and men as well as style surprises and special guests.
Shows are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and tickets are $50. Included in the price is poolside seating to view the 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 The Row, prize drawings and in-store events.
Its also a chance to see what luxury living is like at Misora, the 212-unit luxury residential complex. Completed last year, it boasts such amenities as a lounging pool with cabanas and a lap pool, concierge services, private cinema, fitness studio, chef’s demonstration facilities, wine lockers and a wine tasting room.
Tickets go on sale in April at www.SantanaRow.com and at the concierge office.
 
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too, “Into the Wild Day!”
Tuesday, June 9, 10 a.m. to noon
The popular kids’ club features free entertainment, interactive games, hands-on activities and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Join us for “Into The Wild Day” where families are invited to take a walk into the wild side with a special performance from The Happy Birds. Also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Meet us in Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s to pick up your activity sheet.
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 visit www.SantanaRow.com.
 
Cars & Croissants
Saturday, June 27 and every fourth Saturday of the month
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 through December, 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: “Celebrate Summer!”
Tuesday, July 7, 10 a.m. to noon
The popular kids’ club features free entertainment, interactive games, hands-on activities and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Join us for live musical performances by Andy Z and take part in programs “Let’s Play in Spanish” and the San Jose Public Library. Also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Meet us in Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s to pick up your activity sheet.
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 visit www.SantanaRow.com.
 
Santana Row Beer Walk
Wednesday, July 29, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Stroll The Row and sample 20-plus beers while enjoying the shopping and dining incentives offered during the third annual Beer Walk! Cool off with a walk around Santana Row while tasting brews from microbreweries. The beer stops are stationed in a restaurant or shop for easy sipping and strolling. Tickets are $30 and available atwww.thebeerwalk.com.
 
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 ofwww.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visitwww.santanarow.com.
 
 
 
About Federal Realty
Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, D.C. to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Founded in 1962, our mission is to deliver long term, sustainable growth through investing in densely populated, affluent communities where retail demand exceeds supply.  Our expertise includes creating urban, mixed-use neighborhoods like Santana Row in San Jose, California, Pike & Rose in North Bethesda, Maryland and Assembly Row in Somerville, Massachusetts. These unique and vibrant environments that combine shopping, dining, living and working provide a destination experience valued by their respective communities.  Federal Realty’s 89 properties include over 2,600 tenants, in approximately 20.2 million square feet of retail space, and 1,500 residential units. 
 
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 shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT. For additional information about Federal Realty and its properties, visitwww.FederalRealty.com.

Sprouts Coming to North San Jose

A new Sprouts Farmer Market is going to anchor a new 150,000 SQFT retail center at the southwest corner of East Brokaw and Oakland Road in North San Jose. This will fill up a huge gap in grocery options for this neighborhood, which is a key area for mixed-use development in San Jose. While there are tens of thousands of tech jobs within a few square miles, residential projects have also started to infill the area. The New Home Company is building 239-units right behind the new retail center and KB Home is building out thousands of units at the San Jose Flea Market nearby.

Sprouts will take about 30,000 SQFT of the retail center, but their brand cache is strong enough to get the center renamed from Brokaw Plaza to Sprouts @ Brokaw. No other tenants have officially been announced, but the developer is in lease negotiations with about 30 tenants. Hopefully some will be unique or at least new to San Jose instead of the same old chains.

Sources: SVBJ, SiliconBeat

The Tech Wins a National Award!

A couple weeks ago The Tech landed the highest honor any American museum can achieve--the IMLS National Medal. It is only given to five museums each year and is based on the institution's impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities. For 2015, The Tech was the only museum in California to get the honor.

For more info, click here.

Today is truly one of the great days in the history of The Tech

I am thrilled to tell you that we have won the National Medal for Museum and Library Service — the highest honor an American museum can achieve. Each year, this award is given to five museums and five libraries nationwide. It is given based on the institution’s record for making a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities, and this year we were the only museum selected from California. (A list of the other institutions receiving the honor can be found here.)  

I will travel to Washington, D.C., to accept the medal on May 18. Accompanying me will be Maria Arias Evans, the powerhouse principal of Washington Elementary School in San Jose and a close partner of ours. Why Maria? Because our partnership with Washington Elementary represents a great deal about what we aspire to be and to do — to be a resource for teachers, families and the community in the effort to help young people achieve their potential. Maria’s students visit us regularly for field trips; in fact, a group of fifth-graders is here today learning about electricity in one of our hands-on labs. “The Tech has the STEM expertise that we don’t,” Maria said. “We may not have our own fab labs, science labs, and other STEM resources, but we have The Tech.”

We would not have achieved this honor without the deep and wide support of the Silicon Valley community — donors, our staff, board, volunteers, community and corporate leaders, educators and elected officials — including our beloved congressional representative, Zoe Lofgren, who nominated us for the medal. In particular, we would like to thank the South Bay residents who have never wavered in their commitment to The Tech. We share this honor with you.

Yours,

Tim

Tim RitchiePresident and CEO
The Tech Museum of Innovation 

San Jose Ranks as #1 Place for Tech Jobs in 2015!

In what should come as little surprise, San Jose was ranked as the top metro in the US for tech jobs. NerdWallet took a look at the largest 370 metro areas and analyzed the number of tech jobs for every 1,000 employees in the metro, the annual mean salary, and the median cost-of-living. Despite astronomical housing costs, San Jose took 1st place by a mile.

San Jose had far and away the greatest number of tech jobs per 1,000 employees (126.27) as well as the largest average tech salary in the country ($130k). San Francisco--despite including tech-heavy San Mateo and Redwood City--only managed 6th place. New York came in 67th.

To see the full list, head over to the source link below.

Source: NerdWallet