Huge development project proposed at former Garden City Casino site in West San Jose

When Garden City Casino moved their operations to M8trix, it left a huge land redevelopment opportunity behind. Now two developers are planning to build a mixed-use center on the 15-acre lot. The project would have around 300,000 SQFT of office, 870 apartment units, 15,000 SQFT of retail, and a 1.5-acre park. It would be the largest project built in West San Jose in a very long time.

Since San Jose has such a large imbalance of housing and jobs, I'm glad it sounds like a balanced proposal where the office side of the equation is not an afterthought. It would be nice to have a bit more retail included, especially since the project fronts Saratoga Avenue.

One unfortunate casualty would be Harry's Hofbrau, which has become a craft beer hotspot in recent years. The restaurant has been there for 36 years. At least they would look to either relocate in the neighborhood or use some of that new retail space after the project is complete.

It should take less than a year for project approvals to go through and construction is expected shortly thereafter.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row News and Events - February through May 2016

San Jose, CA - Sure signs of spring are popping up Santana Row is ready with a full roster of events beginning with special restaurant offerings on Valentine’s Day and the return of two of Silicon Valley’s signature events: the wine stroll to benefit the American Heart Association and the 408k Race to The Row, an 8k run to benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on The Row
Brunch, lunch or dinner for two…or more!
Sunday, Feb. 14

Enjoy an intimate dinner, or one with friends and family, to celebrate the day for love. Among the restaurants offering special menus:
LB Steak is serving its regular brunch, lunch and dinner menus plus à la carte dinner specials in the spirit of the occasion. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Menu includes:

• Hudson Valley foie gras ($24) with strawberry compote and warm brioche toast
• Tuna tartare ($19) with yellowfin tuna, Asian pear, mint, sesame oil, pine nuts, and harissa
• Prime Angus filet of Beef Oscar ($52) with Dungeness crab, asparagus and hollandaise sauce
• Valrhona chocolate fondue with cherry liquor ($12) with strawberries, biscotti and macaroons

All prices exclude tax and gratuity. Every couple dining at the restaurant for dinner will receive a complimentary rose.
Left Bank Brasserie serves its regular brunch, lunch and dinner menus plus à la carte dinner specials in the spirit of the occasion and a rose for every dining couple:

• Heart-shaped lobster, scallop and shrimp ravioli ($14) with roasted squash, spinach and cauliflower
• Foie gras mousse terrine ($18) with compressed honey pear, and mixed berry compote
•  Roasted filet of beef ($36) with Madeira sauce, gratin potato and asparagus
• Chocolate Pyramid ($12), a chocolate cake with dark chocolate mousse, raspberry filling and gold flakes.
• Taittinger, Brut La Francaise, Champagne, France NV will be offered for $18 a glass and $90 a bottle.

Maggiano’s Little Italy - Celebrate Valentine's Day the Maggiano's Way from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mommy & Me Valentine's brunch. Bring your appetites, creativity and Daddy too! Maggiano's serves a breakfast buffet with cookie and craft stations to make your own cards and gifts. There’s also a Polaroid photo booth, and more. Each $35 ticket includes one child and two adults.
Pasta Pomodoro – A prix fixe menu for two is offered on Valentine’s Day (and Friday and Saturday, too) for $60 and includes:

• A glass of wine
• An appetizer to share, either sauteed shrimp or caprese
• Entrée choice of Salmon Piccata, Chicken Marsala or shrimp and asparagus pasta
• A choice of dessert from the menu

Roots and Rye – A Special Sweethearts Valentine’s menu is offered. Check the website, www.rootsandrye.com, for details.
Sino and Straits restaurants - Special Valentine's Day menu is offered. Check the website, www.straitsrestaurants.com, for details.

Santana Row Wine Stroll: A benefit for the American Heart Association
Thursday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
An annual event at The Row, come out for winter fun and support a well-known cause!
Your $40 Ticket includes:

• Wine & Light Bites
• Exclusive Discounts Inside Santana Row Shops & Restaurants
• Signature Santana Row Wine Glass

* Must be 21 years or older to attend.
Tickets will be available online and inside the Santana Row Concierge Center. For more information please contact the Santana Row Concierge, 408.551.4611.

March and beyond…

5th Annual 408k “Race to the Row” 8k Run
Sunday, March 6
Join us for the San Jose 408k "Race to the Row,” an 8k run/walk that starts in downtown San Jose and finishes at Santana Row.
This fun, point-to-point course features the famous “Mariachi Mile,” that takes participants through some of San Jose’s most charming neighborhoods, including The Alameda business district and the historic Rose Garden, before an exciting finish on The Row! Stay and enjoy the post-race celebration that includes live music, watch the adorable 408kids Race and grab brunch before catching a quick ride back to the start.
Click here to Register for this event.
For registered runners, the “packet pick up” will be held in Santana Row on Friday, March 4 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The San Jose 408k is designating the Pat Tillman Foundation as its official charity for the fifth year. The foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships.

Hippity-Hop! Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny at Santana Row!
Sunday, March 20, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Hop on over and pose with the season’s favorite rabbit at Santana Row Park, across from Left Bank Brasserie. Photos, cookie decorating, face painting and egg decorating will be offered, with all proceeds benefiting the Autism Diagnostic & Consulting Center.

Cars & Croissants Kick-Off Event
Monthly gathering returns in March!
Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row again 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 from March 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.

Cars & Croissants
Saturday, April 23, 9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row again 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 from March 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.

San Jose Dancin’ Downtown Festival, Santana Row Park
Sunday, April 24, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Santana Row and sjDANCEco has partnered again this year to bring together local as well as regional dance artists to celebrate National Dance Week. The free outdoor festival features the diversity of the area’s dance community.
Enjoy performances by sjDANCEco (Maria Basile, Gabriel Mata), Diablo Ballet, Pointe of Departure, Erin East, Visual Rhythm and Zohar Dance Company.

lululemon Presents Yoga in the Park, May 7, 14, 21 and 28
Every Saturday through September, 9 a.m. Santana Row Park
Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by lululemon athletica begins May7 and is held every Saturday through September, taking advantage of the best weather seasons!
Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. 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, season kick-off event
May 10, 10 a.m. to noon, Santana Row Park
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 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 Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. 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, May 28, 9 a.m. to noon
Santana Row again 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 from March 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.

Rainy Day Rewards, through March 31, 2016
Here’s hoping the rainy season returns! 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.

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.

San Jose will host the 2016 MLS All-Star game

On July 28th, the MLS All-Stars will take on Arsenal FC at Avaya Stadium. Arsenal's draw is huge--people from around the world will be coming to see the team play. The best part is that the event will bring a whole week's worth of events that include parties at San Pedro Square to celebrate soccer and the MLS. It is expected to be a significant economic driver for San Jose.

This will be the Arsenal's first visit to play in the Bay Area. For more information hit the source link below.

Source: MLS

Feathers of Fury 6: A Valentine's Day pillow fight in Downtown San Jose

The 6th annual Downtown San Jose pillow fight is happening this Sunday on Valentine's Day! Nothing says I love you to your sweetie like a swift pillow attack. The event starts at high noon, but the location remains a secret until the day before the event. To give you some idea of where it might be, here is a list of previous locations:

2011 - Cesar Chavez Park

2012 - SJ City Hall

2013 - Circle of Palms 

2014 - SJ Rep

2015 - Camera 12 

2016 - ??????????????

More specifics as well as the rules of the event are below. To be the first to learn where the secret location is, follow this Facebook Page.

Photo from Content Magazine

PILLOW FIGHT:

HOW: An AIRHORN or WHISTLE or TOWER will signal the beginning of the event. We will proceed to charge a la Braveheart and let the flailing of laughter ensue. How long will it last? Well, that all depends on you.

THE RULES:

-Tell everyone about the Pillow Fight.
-Bring a pillow
-Wait until the whistle/airhorn signal to begin.
-Soft pillows only!
-NEVER swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
-Tell EVERYONE about the Pillow Fight.
-Remove glasses beforehand!
-Don't hit people with a pillow unless they want it.
-Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
-This is not a little kids event.
-If you don't want to participate, go outside the "play" area and you will be respected.
-TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THE PILLOW FIGHT! #Pillowfightsj

(Feathers are fantastic!) But it might be a good idea to wear a bandana to keep yourself from swallowing some Feathers of FURY. AGGGHHH!

Latex gloves and Garbage Bags will be brought out so that we may attempt to leave the park/area just as we found it ... which is impossible cause after we leave it will be AWESOME.

tweet. blog. FB. space. email. morse code. GET IT OUT THERE... #Pillowfightsj

Robots Less Likely to Replace San Jose Jobs

There have been several reports floating around claiming that robots are going to make a large number of jobs obsolete. The unfortunate reality is that those reports are likely correct. However, there is a silver lining.

San Jose will feel less of an impact on the robot uprising than other cities. Why is that? Skilled labor is the least likely to be replaced in the immediate future, and that is exactly where most of San Jose's jobs lie. A secondary, almost ironic reason is that San Jose area companies are most likely to be the ones designing and developing robot hardware and software. In this context, our region might end up becoming one of the largest beneficiaries of these upcoming changes.

Source: SVBJ

Robot at Orchard Supply in San Jose

February 2016 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• Super Bowl 50
• 400,000 of the 1 million visitors coming to the Bay Area for the Super Bowl likely visited San Jose.
• Several Groundwerx ambassadors volunteered to staff the information booth at Plaza de Cesar Chavez as well as helping with Downtown Super Bowl activities.
• The special event zone Downtown prohibited peddlers, drones, and people giving out handouts.
• Barry Swenson Builder has begun setting up infrastructure for what will be a 1,100 home development in the North San Pedro area. Part of the project will realign Julian to become a traditional street grid.
• Leasing has begun for 27 North (also known as the Symphony project), a new 119 unit project for student housing. The leasing office is at 96 E. San Fernando.
• UserZoom is a user experience optimization company that has moved from Cupertino to 10 Almaden Downtown.
• Downtown Ice has broken attendance records with over 55,000 skaters by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
• Cinequest 2016--voted the best film festival by USA Today readers--is coming to Downtown from March 1-13. Over 100,000 attendees are expected.
• The sixth annual San Jose Jazz Winter Fest will run from Feb 25th to March 8th.
• VTA rolled out 29 new 60-foot clean-energy buses that will serve the new Bus Rapid Transit corridor from Santa Clara Street to Eastridge and El Camino Real. The new hybrid buses have WiFi and capacity for six bikes.
• The City Council is discussing building a seven-field soccer complex in Guadalupe River Park off Coleman Avenue. Four fields would be publicly accessible and have lighting for use at night.

To read the newsletter, click here!

SJC Getting Nonstop Flight to Charlotte

While less exciting than an international route, any new nonstop from San Jose to the east coast is a welcome addition. San Jose International Airport received incredible traction in 2015, and this is the first significant news for the new year. American Airlines is adding a seasonal nonstop from San Jose to Charlotte, North Carolina. This also enables easy access to the Caribbean, Raleigh-Durham, and Florida.

Service will begin on June 2nd and continue until August 15th. The flight will use an Airbus A319 and leave from SJC each day at 10:45pm, arriving at 6:40am the next day (it's a red eye). The return flight leaves Charlotte at 6:10pm and arrives back at SJC at 8:40pm.

Source: The Merc

Apple's Big Plans for San Jose

A couple weeks ago the San Jose city council formally and unanimously approved a 15 year development agreement with Apple. This would give the company the ability to build up to 4.15 million SQFT of office space in North San Jose. To put that in perspective, that would be more than all of Apple's Cupertino offices including it's new flagship headquarters. That much real estate could accommodate 16,000 well-paid tech employees.

While there is no guarantee that Apple will fully build out this much space, this agreement opens up a huge door for San Jose. If Apple continues to grow, San Jose will be the obvious partner to fill the need for large amounts of space. Given the very real possibility that Apple may enter the auto industry, the demand for several million square feet of space could become imminent. In fact, Apple is already planning to occupy two projects totaling almost 500,000 SQFT in North San Jose: the former Atmel headquarters (296,000 SQFT) and a 200,000 SQFT office building under construction. Apple could have 1,000 employees in San Jose by the end of the year.

I have a feeling that 2016 will be a great year for getting more large tech companies into San Jose. Apple and Google are paving the way for others to enter the market and join the party.

Source: SVBJ