San Jose Getaway

Mark Haney from Think Bigger San Jose found a great article that highlights San Jose as a nice getaway destination. You don't see too many of these unfortunately. The Press Democrat article highlights various areas of Downtown San Jose, local museums, cultural institutions, and Santana Row. Read it over here and then forward it to any visitors coming into town!

Cellista performs Messiaen's "The End of Time" at Anno Domini Gallery on Feb 20, March 12, 13

San Jose cellist and musical entrepreneur Freya Seeburger, also known as Cellista, will be performing Olivier Messiaen's "Quartet For the End of Time," on February 20, March 12 and March 13 at Anno Domini Gallery in San Jose. This unique musical presentation is part of an installation she created with visual artist Barron Storey, illustrator of Neil Gaiman's Sandman Chronicles, that will be on display at Anno Domini starting February 5. 

Storey's artwork was created in response to Messiaen's famous quartet, which was composed and performed in a Nazi prisoner of war camp in 1941. Cellista and the Juxtapositions Chamber Ensemble will be performing the quartet nearly 75 years to the day of its premiere in Germany. Tickets to the February 20, March 12 and March 13 shows are available online at artful.ly/theendoftime. The February 5 art opening is free to the public; Cellista will be reading an introduction to "The End of Time" that explains its historical significance and relevance to San Jose. 

San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce announces unprecedented partnership with SJSU Career Center

San Jose State University's Career Center has been able to offer more job opportunities to SJSU students thanks to a new partnership with The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is playing matchmaker and helping local companies access the newest talent coming into the Silicon Valley labor pool. The benefits work both ways as 300 new organizations have been attracted to the Chamber of Commerce over the past three months because of the new partnership. It's a win-win situation that will benefit both students and employers in the Valley. For all the details check out the press release below.

San Jose, Calif.—In a continued effort to grow the local and regional economy, the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce has partnered with San Jose State University’s Career Center to create an opportunity for employers to find qualified candidates for open positions.

The partnership, a first of its kind, offers Silicon Valley businesses direct access to industry/academic partnerships, recruitment opportunities, and affordable talent acquisition services to help develop their first internship program or to fill open employment opportunities. SJSV Chamber members also gain discounted access to staffing and recruiting services by the SJSU Career Center via the only known university staffing agency in the U.S.: SJSU Spartan Staffing.

The SJSV Chamber and SJSU deploy a cross referral process upon registering with each organization, connecting businesses, non-profits, and government entities directly to each institution.


“As the region’s largest business organization, it is vital that we provide our members and the greater business community with the connections, information, resources and tools they need to be successful.  The San Jose State Career Center is the perfect partnership for us creating a direct pipeline between the business community and the talent pool that keeps our economy thriving.”
- Matthew R. Mahood, San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce President & CEO


After the first three months, this partnership has attracted and referred more than 300 organizations to the Chamber, allowing members the opportunity to sustain and grow their business by hiring an intern, part-time or full-time candidate through SJSU.

As a result of the partnership, SJSU has connected approximately 250 Silicon Valley organizations to services and resources to assist them in filling internships and jobs in technology, business, government, education, architecture and design, nonprofit, and various other sectors.


“As the leading supplier of talent to Silicon Valley, and a global access point for companies around the world, we understand the importance of industry collaboration. Our students and alumni provide the practical intelligence and entrepreneurial attitude that continues to make Silicon Valley a global hub of innovation. We are proud of our partnership with the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce; it’s a natural fit for us. Providing organization cross-referrals, recruitment and staffing solutions, while collaborating with local community initiatives are creative systems that will serve our student, employer, and community needs.” 
-        Dr. Reginald S. Blaylock, Vice President for Student Affairs, San José State University


SJSU refers jobs and internships to the SJSV Chamber for the Opportunity Youth Partnership and San Jose Works Initiatives; SJSU has referred 10,000+ jobs and internships in the past six months.

About the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce
The San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit business association representing nearly 1,500 employers and 250,000 employees throughout the greater Silicon Valley. Its mission is to create a strong local economy, provide premier business connections and visibility, represent the interests of business to government, promote the community and initiate political and community action.

About San Jose State University
The founding campus of the 23-campus California State University system, San Jose State provides a comprehensive university education, granting bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in 134 areas of study with 110 concentrations – offered through its eight colleges.

With more than 33,000 students and nearly 4,370 employees, San Jose State continues to be an essential partner in the economic, cultural and social development of Silicon Valley and the state, annually contributing more than 7,000 graduates to the workforce.

The university is immensely proud of the accomplishments of its more than 220,000 alumni, 60 percent of whom live and work in the Bay Area.

El Camino Hospital nabs land in South San Jose

El Camino Hospital just paid $23.4 million for a 16-acre lot on Santa Teresa Boulevard. The speculation for a lot that size is that El Camino might be interested in building their third hospital on this site (they already have full-service hospitals in Mountain View and Los Gatos). The amount of land is far more than what is needed for just medical offices, and South San Jose has enough population to support another hospital in the area--especially with more housing going up at the old IBM campus.

El Camino has been hesitant to announce any concrete plans and has indicated that we shouldn't expect anything to happen soon. I'm hoping they don't sit on the land for too long. If built the project would not bring in any new tax dollars since it would be exempt, but a hospital in the area would improve services for local residents, bring more jobs, and likely increase housing values in the area.

Source: SVBJ

Sourisseau News: February 2016

The latest edition of Sourisseau News discusses San Jose fires. In addition to some pretty spectacular photos, learn about early San Jose fire protection, firefighters, and fire houses. There is even a plug at the end for the San Jose Fire Museum that is coming soon to Downtown San Jose. It is only a two minute video and is well worth your time!


Sourisseau News February2016 from WMS media Inc. on Vimeo.

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