The America Center in North San Jose is expanding

The final phase of the America Center in San Jose's northernmost tip is breaking ground. Two more six-story buildings will add 450,000 SQFT of office space to the office center, bringing the grand total to 1.1 million SQFT.

Polycom and Flextronics both have their US headquarters in the office complex. There is also a new Aloft hotel onsite using the "Aloft Santa Clara" moniker (the naming really irks me since it is physically located in San Jose).

The new building will be wrapped in a massive amount of electrochromatic glass, which can tint the windows automatically based on the amount of sunlight or user preference. This helps cut down on HVAC costs and is also more convenient for people working in the building. Other cool amenities include a 16,000 SQFT fitness center/cafe, a roofdeck with putting green, an outdoor bar, and 36 electric vehicle charging stations.

The location is right off of Highway 237 and close to Highways 101 and 880, making it easily accessible by freeway from all directions. Transit access is nonexistent although there might be some corporate shuttles available to employees. For more information, visit the source link or watch the video below.

Source: SVBJ

America Center | ±1,100,000 SF Class "A" Office Opportunity for Lease from Newmark Cornish & Carey on Vimeo.

SJC is getting even more direct flights

Southwest Airlines, San Jose International Airport's largest carrier, has just announced several new nonstop flights. First off is a brand new flight to Baltimore/Washington (BWI). Not only will this be San Jose's only direct flight to BWI, but that airport is Southwest's hub for East Coast connections. It will open up several new routes with fewer stops.

Southwest is also adding two daily round trips to Salt Lake City. Here there is a bit more competition since Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines both already have direct flights to Salt Lake. However, more competition means better options and lower prices for San Jose travelers.

The new routes start Nov 6th and their schedules are below:

San Jose-Salt Lake City
Leave 9:15 a.m., Arrive 12:05 p.m.
Leave 8:40 p.m., Arrive 11:20 p.m.

Salt Lake City-San Jose
Leave 9:35 a.m., Arrive 10:35 a.m.
Leave 6:25 p.m., Arrive 7:20 p.m.

San Jose-Baltimore/Washington
Leave 6:35 a.m., Arrive 2:35 p.m.

Baltimore/Washington-San Jose
Leave 2:30 p.m., Arrive 5:35 p.m.

Source: SVBJ

CorePower Yoga Expands Presence in San Jose

(Denver, CO) May 5, 2016 – America’s leading yoga brand CorePower Yoga is pleased to announce a new studio opening in North San Jose, located at 55 River Oaks Place, Suite #10. CorePower Yoga roots an intensely physical workout in the mindfulness of yoga, helping students to change their bodies as well as their lives. Studio manager Jane Shim will officially open doors to the brand’s third location next month.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in San Jose,” said Tess Roering, chief marketing officer at CorePower Yoga. “The San Jose community has really embraced our classes, and with a third studio we’ll be able to share the physical and mental benefits of this practice with more people.”

Each CorePower Yoga class is designed to work every muscle and every emotion, creating a unique all-inclusive fitness experience. Offerings range from restorative classes to physically demanding, muscle-sculpting classes. In addition to the daily class schedule, CorePower Yoga offers a renowned Yoga Teacher Training program, along with special programs including boot camps, retreats and wellness cleanses.

Designed with green building practices in mind, using recycled products and sustainable materials, the new San Jose studio will mirror all others by employing the latest technology to efficiently heat the practice rooms. Class attendees will have access to spa-like amenities including spacious changing rooms with showers and private lockers, and a full retail boutique showcasing a stylish selection of men’s and women’s activewear and accessories.

San Jose community members are encouraged to take advantage of the studio’s limited-time founding rate on Black Tag Memberships. People who sign up prior to the studio opening will receive 25% off unlimited yoga. Black Tag Membership perks include unlimited classes and 20% off programs and teacher trainings. Black Tag Memberships following the grand opening will start at $155 per month. For more information, or to find out how to secure the founding rate, please visit http://corepoweryoga.com.

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About CorePower Yoga:

CorePower Yoga strives to show the world the incredible, life-changing things that happen when an intensely physical workout is rooted in the mindfulness of yoga. Through a variety of yoga classes, convenient times and more than 150 studio locations, CorePower Yoga provides a highly intense and incredibly mindful form of fitness.

CorePower Yoga classes are taught by passionate and encouraging certified yoga instructors who take a typical yoga practice and crank it up to 11. In addition to yoga classes, CorePower Yoga offers transformative Yoga Teacher Training programs to empower students to advance their individual practice or become instructors. The beautiful, spa-like studios are built with green practices in mind and operate to meet the highest standards of service and quality. For more information, visit corepoweryoga.com.

TheFitExpo, Northern California’s Largest Fitness Expo, returns to San Jose McEnery Convention Center today and tomorrow

Don’t miss 15 Free Competitions, Non-Stop Cutting Edge Classes, 300 Companies Selling the Hottest New Health & Fitness Products and Tons of Free Samples!

(San Jose, Calif.) – TheFitExpo™ San Jose, presented by Bodybuilding.com and sponsored by Subway Restaurants, is returning to San Jose for the fifth year Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2016, at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.

“This year we have added a number of new exhibits and events for our loyal followers as well as for first-time attendees,” said Erin Ferries, Executive Director, TheFitExpo/National Fitness Productions. “With summer only a month away, we want to invite people of all ages and from all fitness levels tocome out and experience everything TheFitExpo has to offer. We hope to inspire them to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Exciting attractions this year include:

Xtreme Top Box Throwdown – This athletic event provides the opportunity for area CrossFit-style teams and individuals to showcase their skills and test their abilities for $16,500 in case and prizes (Register online in advance)

Battle of the Bar 13 – Presented by World Calisthenics Organization, this competitive sports program has been created by Athletes for Athletes to elevate Calisthenics or street workout movements into a professional series of competitions in order to bring it to the forefront of competitive sports programs.

Extreme Tricking and Sports Karate – Bay Area’s Team LoopKicks will host this event, performing their aesthetic blend of kicks, flips, twists and intricate groundwork. And they’ll not only hold battles (contests) but they will teach you how to do it, too!

Special Kids and Youth Programming – Special kid’s and youth activities at the expo will feature a Spartan Kids workout, Kids and Youth Nutrition Seminar and Cooking Demo, a Martial Arts Workshop and Performance, and an anti-bulling Seminar and The Railey & Raifa's Kids Zone featuring a bouncy house ($10 charge for bouncy house).

Several fan-favorites competitions set to return include: Gracie Regionals 2016 (Jiu Jitsu Tournament), Odd Haugen Strength Classic (Strong Man Challenge, The Visegrip Viking Grip Challenge presented by Ironmind, North American USA Open MAS Wrestling Tournament), and USPA American Cup Powerlifting Championships. Plus, attendees can get into the action and compete for cash and prizes in the MAXREP’s 4 CA$H and TheFitExpo’s BEST! competitions.

Fitness greats slated to appear include: fitness icon and creator of the Tae Bo exercise program Billy Blanks; celebrity MMA Fighter and UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz; 5x and current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath; 6X World Champion Powerlifter CT Fletcher; top physique trainer and coach of 13 Olympia titles Hany Rambod; 2X IFFBB Olympian James Hurst; Oakland’s own Kali Muscle, bodybuilder with 27 million views on YouTube and successful author, actor, philanthropist, motivator; Northern
California’s Maria Kang, whose Facebook photo went viral and got over 16 million views with her "No More Excuse Diet;” top Hollywood physique expert Eric the Trainer; actor and fitness celebrity Roland Kickinger, and many more.

Attendees can also meet the cast of the new docudrama The Perfect Physique Saturday, May 21 at a special seminar hosted by T.J. Hoban (fitness model/actor/producer). Special appearances include Jeremy Buendia (2nd and current Men’s Physique Olympia Champion), David Kimmerle (cover model/fitness expert), Tonnell Rodrigue (IFBB Pro), David Morin (Cover model/actor/physique competitor), Hany Rambod (trainer and coach of 15 Olympia titles); Dennis James (IFBB Pro
Bodybuilder master trainer), and Kandice King (Producer/Director/Writer of The Perfect Physique). This show reveals what it takes to become a champion and allows viewers to get to know each athlete
and to understand his internal struggles and sacrifices.

Come dressed to work out as Evolution Fitness offers free express workouts and fitness challenges daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Group Exercise Stage. The areas top pros will offer sessions in POUND, Spartan SGX, R.I.P.P.E.D., Spartan SGX, Celebrity SweatPlus, everyone who participates will win a prize. Also, personal trainers and group fitness instructors can earn up to six Continuing Education Units. (Separate fee to participate).

The Healthy Living Pavilion will feature a variety of demonstrations by leading experts as well as unique products and services to help live a healthy lifestyle. Fun cooking demos will include: the Naked Chef from MTV’s Snack Off and author of 14 Minute Snacks Cookbook Jacques Laventure; the Fit DJ, Lauren Pappas, who has rocked the turntables for ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, the Sundance Film Festival Keeping up with the Kardashians and more; Silicon Valley’s Aaron Vaden, owner of an innovative healthy food truck and catering service called Lean On Wheels that specializes in gluten-free, dairy-free all-natural meals as well as sports supplements in the Bay Area and more. Innovative products will be available to sample and purchase including Daiya vegan cheese, Arctic Zero’s fit frozen desert, black bean pasta by Explore Asian, NuGo protein bars that are wholesome and naturally delicious, Chef’s Cuts Jerky, and much more. Plus, an online wellness platform by Kenzai and even a monitoring devise by Ernest Sports to help improve a golfer’s swing.

On Sunday, May 22, TheFitExpo has teamed up with Tickets for Kids Charities, Y Cares and Unity Care to bring 75 local at-risk youth for a free day at the expo to teach them about health and fitness.

TheFitExpo adult tickets are $25 per day or $40 for the full weekend. Children 12 years and under are $10 per day and children 6 and under are free. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Plenty of parking is available. Discount coupons are available at participating Subway Restaurants, GNC locations, Jamba Juice, Sports Authority, Nutrishop, and hundreds of local gyms.

TheFitExpo is produced by National Fitness Productions (NFP). Title Sponsor is Bodybuilding.com. Presenting Sponsor is Subway Restaurants. Supporting Sponsors are GAT, Monster Energy, GNC, MYO Buddy Products. Media Sponsors are ESPN Deportes 860 AM radio, Men’s Health Magazine and Women’s Health Magazine.

For full event information call 888-FIT- EXPO or visit www.thefitexpo.com.

Home8 Smart Garage Kit

I'm a huge gadget nerd and extreme early adopter of new technology and came across something that might be helpful for a lot of people. San Jose has one of the lowest violent crime in the country (if not the world) for a city of over 1 million, but we have obviously struggled when it comes to theft and burglary. Home8 is a Silicon Valley company that creates smart security systems. They have just release a garage kit that comes with a smart garage door opener, HD camera, and siren.

I have to admit that I've forgotten to close my garage door more than once. With this kit you can check on your garage in real time and also remotely open and close it with a smartphone app. There is also a sensor that can set off the siren if you do forget to close the door and someone happens to go into your garage. The tougher we make it for criminals to get into our homes, the less likely we are to be a target for burglars. Check out the release below for more info.

Home8 Gives Consumers Unprecedented Security Access and Control of Their Garages
Smart Garage Starter Kit Pairs with Mobile App to Deliver Remote Control and Video Capabilities for Anytime, Anywhere Access

FREMONT, Calif.-- Home8, a new venture by MivaTek, today set a new standard in home security and awareness with the introduction of the Smart Garage Starter Kit. The smart protection platform features the Shuttle intelligent hub with a built-in siren, HD camera, and garage door opener, allowing users to not only visually check in on their garages via the Home8mobile app, but also open and close the garage door regardless of location. The Home8 Smart Garage Starter Kit retails for $229.99 and is available for purchase at www.home8systems.com. “Our Garage Door Starter Kit serves a dual purpose by taking steps to help prevent break-ins, while at the same time giving users exclusive smart features that can be used for practical, everyday living.”

Garages remain an enticing target for burglars as it gives them quick access to goods or can be used as an entry point into the actualhome itself,” said Daniel Wong, Worldwide Vice President of MivaTek. “Our Garage Door Starter Kit serves a dual purpose by taking steps to help prevent break-ins, while at the same time giving users exclusive smart features that can be used for practical, everyday living.”

The Home8 Garage Starter Kit delivers peace of mind bygiving users full control of their garages no matter where they are. The HDcamera allows users instant visual access to their garage to make sure the door is properly closed or that no one has entered the property. The Home8 garage door pairs with the mobile app allowing users to open and close the door from their smartphones. Uses include opening and closing the door for a delivery person, using it as a failsafe in the event a user is locked out of the house, or simply reassuring one’s self that the garage door was closed minutes after driving away from the house. To see how the Home8 Garage Starter Kit works,watch this video.

The Home8 Garage Starter Kit Includes:

• Shuttle Intelligent Hub: The Shuttle intelligent hub serves as an integrated bridge and smart controller, providing wireless access between a user’s devices and the Home8 cloud. It creates a closed network, protecting data with bank-level encryption and anti-sniffing technology, so that only users and those they authorize can access the Home8 system. The Shuttle is also equipped with a 110db built-in siren and 4GB of memory storage.
• Mini Cube HD Camera: The Mini Cube HD camera features motion detection, night-vision, and 2-way audio. A ball-and-socket mount makes it easy to swivel the camera in any direction.
• Garage Door Opener: The Home8 garage door opener makes your garage door smarter. It pairs with the Shuttle and the existing garage opening system to give users remote access.
• Mobile App: The Home8 mobile app allows users to stream live video and open and close the garage door remotely.

A recent study by Parks Associates finds a growing demand for smart garage systems. According to the study, 15 percent of U.S. broadband households plan to buy a smart garage door opener in 2016, particularly homeowners under the age of 35. Further, of the 9% who already own a smart garage system, nearly 50% interact with it on an almost daily basis via a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

The Home8 Smart Garage starter kit is easy to install and works with most existing garage opening systems. Users can also purchase additional devices to customize their Smart Garage platform, control multiple garages from the same mobile app, and expand their system beyond the garage by installing HD cameras and sensors throughout the property for complete home security and awareness. For more information on the Smart Garage Starter Kit and other Home8 products and services, visit www.home8systems.com.

Social Media
Twitter: @Home8Systems
Facebook: facebook.com/home8systems
Instagram: instagram.com/home8systems
YouTube: https://youtu.be/vft_b0xR_rY

About Home8
Home8 delivers home awareness and smart protection through its smart living platform. Home8 solutions include sensor-initiated video recording, cloud and local storage options, notifications to multiple tiers of recipients, and can be used in multiple locations all accessible under one single mobile app. For Home8’s comprehensive and affordable alarm, awareness, and assurance solutions and services, please visit www.home8systems.com.

The Color Run Tropicolor™ World Tour Makes a Splash in San Jose, May 28, 2016

San Jose, CA – The Color Run®, the largest 5K event series in the world, will bring its 2016 tour theme, “The Color Run Tropicolor™ World Tour” to San Jose on May 28, kicking off at 8:00 a.m. The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour will combine the enjoyment of a 5k with all the fun leisure of an island-style vacation full of unforgettable memories, music, and colors. The San Jose run benefits the American Diabetes Association’s San Jose office, a non-profit organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy.

“We want to bring happiness and health to people’s lives and The Color Run does just that. We are excited to come to San Jose and give Color Runners the opportunity to step into paradise with us and enjoy a 5K vacation that only The Color Run can create,” said Louis Wills, The Color Run’s event director. “Our participants will experience palm trees, beach balls in the air, festive music, tons of color, island flowers and more at our Tropicolor World Tour. It’ll be a colorific experience you won’t want to miss!”

Brand new this year is the Tropicolor Zone™ on the course, where Color Runners will be bathed in a tropical array of colors and delicious island scents as they pass through the shade of palm trees, inflatable arches, and island-style music. Participants can expect to be whisked away to paradise and splashed with vivid colors every kilometer as they pass a different color zone. At the Finish Festival, Color Runners will enjoy even more fun at Rainbow Beach—an interactive island featuring music, dancing, unique photo opportunities, and massive color throws.

Each Color Runner will receive a custom race kit, including a limited-edition Tropicolor race shirt, finishers medal on a floral-printed ribbon, embroidered headband, and fun temporary tattoos. An option to upgrade race kits to receive additional gear is also available with the deluxe registration package. Participants can color it up with more accessories, clothing and fun paradise inspired items at The Color Run store.

Event: The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour in San Jose
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2016
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Arena Green East – Guadalupe River Park
330 West Saint John Street, San Jose, CA
Tickets: $44.99

The Tropicolor World Tour marks the fifth anniversary of The Color Run. The tour will be making stops all around the globe and is anticipated to visit more than 40 countries worldwide in 2016. Registration for The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour in San Jose is open and tickets are available until the start of the run. To purchase your ticket or for more information about The Color Run Tropicolor World Tour, visit, thecolorrun.com/san-jose. Join the #Happiest5K #Tropicolor journey on social media by following The Color Run on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Hellen Mirren will play Sarah Winchester in new movie

On this past Friday the 13th, it was announced that Oscar-winning actress Hellen Mirren will play the leading role of Sarah Winchester in a new thriller called "Winchester." The movie is based on the story of Sarah Winchester, the eccentric heir to the Winchester fortune that built the 600-room mansion now known as the Winchester Mystery House (San Jose's #1 tourist attraction).

Production is expected to begin in early 2017 and will be shot on location in San Jose as well as Australia. For more details read the full release below.

HELEN MIRREN TAKES AIM AT THE ROLE OF WINCHESTER RIFLE HEIRESS, SARAH WINCHESTER, IN THE SPIERIG BROTHERS’ NEW THRILLER ‘WINCHESTER’

Friday, May 13, Cannes, France – Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren is finalizing a deal to play Sarah Winchester, the millionaire heiress to the Winchester Arms fortune in the Spierig Brothers new thriller WINCHESTER.

The story follows the Sarah Winchester, who was convinced that she and her family were haunted by the souls killed at the barrel of the infamous rifle.  Her real-life obsession led to the 24 hour a day, 7 days a week construction of an enormous 600-room mansion, designed to keep these evil spirits at bay.  Her home, the Winchester Mystery House, still stands today and has been named one of the “Most Haunted Places in the World” by Time Magazine.  Studio System News (SSN) called the house one of the top “haunted house properties ready to scare up audiences.”

Michael and Peter Spierig were announced at Cannes this week as the writer/directors of the film based on a script first penned by writer, Tom Vaughan.

Diamond Pictures and Bullitt Entertainment are co-financing with Australia’s Blacklab Entertainment, with Diamond selling international territories and WME brokering the US rights deal.

IDW’s Brett Matthew Tomberlin and Blacklab’s Tim McGahan are producing, with Bullitt’s Benedict Carver, Diamond’s Daniel Diamond and Tobin Armbrust as executive producers.  Andy Trapani, Toni Lianos, Brian Gilbert, Marc Shipper and Simon Oakes are also executive producers.

Production is expected to start in early 2017 shooting at the historic house in San Jose, California and in Australia.

Mirren is repped by CAA; IDW is repped by Michael Black Management and Mark Temple Law, and Blacklab by Marshalls+Dent Lawyers.  Sheppard Mullin brokered the deal for Diamond and Bullitt.

About Winchester Mystery House:

A 160-room Victorian wonder, The Winchester Mystery House is one of California’s original and most popular historic attractions.  Since opening to the public in 1923, the house has welcomed nearly 12 million people from around the world and has taken its rightful place in American legend.  Popular belief holds that Sarah Winchester, heiress to the Winchester Rifle fortune, was convinced she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by her family’s invention.  Following a medium’s advice, Sarah built a massive house in Northern California to appease the spirits. For the next 38 years, she never stopped building believing that if she continued, she would live forever, and if she stopped, she would die. Known as the “house built for the spirits,” there have been many inexplicable ghost sightings there and to this day, visitors share their paranormal stories of having been in the presence of these departed souls who continue to roam the grounds of the labyrinth-like house. Various tours are offered daily with popular annual events including Friday the 13th Flashlight Tours (May 16, 2016), Summer Twilight Evenings (July), Halloween Candlelight Tours (October) and The Spirit of Christmas (December).

Wednesday Wishlist: smog-eating architecture

Italy has built a vertical forest to help combat rapidly escalating air pollution in the region. The 21,000 individual plats on the side of the building absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen, as well as help buffer some of Milan's "noise pollution."

Air pollution in San Jose may not be as bad as Los Angeles and is far better than some international cities like Beijing, but it is significant enough to cause serious health issues. It would be great if we can incorporate creative ideas into our future buildings that can help address the issue while at the same time making the architecture look more interesting. Building parks on top of buildings like Vancouver is another green way to help minimize our pollution.

Check out this "inhabitat" article for five more smog-eating designs that are reducing pollution around the world.

Source: inhabitat