The Dancing Cat pops up again

Silicon Valley's first cat adoption lounge is back at its original location, 702 E. Julian Street. The Dancing Cat is a great place to relax, have some snacks, and play with adoptable cats. The cat lounge opens on May 29th and will remain open until the fall. The organization is currently looking for a permanent location in the San Jose area and is seeking suggestions. For more info, read the release below or head over to The Dancing Cat website.

Announcing the Return of San Jose’s Creative Community Space for Felines and Those who Love Them 

SAN JOSE, CA - Silicon Valley’s first cat adoption lounge, The Dancing Cat, is back better than ever with the announcement of its re-opening in its original location of 702 E. Julian, San Jose.  From May 29 through the fall of 2016, Silicon Valley will have a fun venue for the community in which to relax, meet, and mingle while enjoying the company of adoptable feline friends.

The Dancing Cat is the perfect place for cat lovers and potential adopters who are looking for a place to socialize with friends, or just a respite from a hectic day.  Visitors can have fun with other guests, read, study or just lounge with adoptable cats in a comfortable, open room.  Guests are invited to bring their own food and beverage. A small selection of drinks and cookies from local bakeries is available for purchase. Wi-Fi and catnip are on the house.

Building on the organization’s success, The Dancing Cat's founders Mary Rubin and Ann Chasson have joined with Silicon Valley Pet Project to establish a permanent space for The Dancing Cat. This initiative expands Silicon Valley Pet Project’s mission to save at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement and education. The Dancing Cat will showcase adult cats who are looking for loving forever homes in order to reduce the number of cats euthanized in the South Bay.  Additionally, this initiative seeks to present a unique venue for cat-centered social and educational events in the community.

“The Julian-Saint James neighborhood is thrilled to have The Dancing Cat back for a few more months” said Robert Wright, local resident, cat lover and member of the 13th Street Neighborhood Association.  “I love the idea of stopping in, relaxing and hanging out with friendly cats.”

Even The Dancing Cat needs a forever home. While The Dancing Cat will return to the East Julian location through November, Silicon Valley Pet Project is currently searching for a suitable permanent location for the lounge in the San Jose area.  A larger space will allow for the expansion of Silicon Valley Pet Project's mission and programs. Anyone with information about a possible available location can contact thedancingcat@svpetproject.org. Financial donations are being accepted on The Dancing Cat’s website.

 “It was exciting to see how welcoming the neighborhood and the surrounding cities were to us last year.  Cat lovers from all around the Bay Area visited us and were inspired. We had many wonderful cats adopted, and we are eager to showcase even more this year.” Chasson said.  “We look forward to continuing The Dancing Cat with Silicon Valley Pet Project's contributions of both talent and support.”

About
The Dancing Cat is a passion project developed by a small group of cat lovers and creatives who work to improve the quality of life for the cats in Silicon Valley. We are dedicated to connecting these valuable members of our community with their forever homes in a responsible way. Recognizing that there are many cat lovers among us, we also hope The Dancing Cat will provide opportunities for new partnerships among people who are contributing to the vibrancy and creativity of our community. www.thedancingcat.org

Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of volunteers committed to saving local at-risk shelter pets through rescue, community involvement and education.
www.svpetproject.org

Eastridge Shopping Center is celebrating their 45th anniversary tomorrow with new tenants and free events

The mall I frequented as a child is celebrated their 45th anniversary with some big events and new tenants. The biggest addition to their retail mix is H&M, which is opening a 24,000 SQFT store in the fall. A 6,800 SQFT Payless will open in June, Valliani Jewelers just opened in a larger space, and Gong Cha (boba shop) has just opened.

Tomorrow from 4-6pm, Eastridge will host a celebration in the Center Court with live music, free cake and ice cream, dance contests, and gift card giveaways. This summer they announced that they will host a Job Fair on June 9th from 1-3pm featuring local non-profits, a dance break with DJ music every Friday from 4-6pm, free fitness classes, and a concert series. For more details, please read the press release below or head over to the Eastridge Center website.

San Jose, Calif. – Eastridge Center (http://www.eastridgecenter.com) located in eastern San Jose, is celebrating 45 years by welcoming new tenants, launching a Summer Event series and hosting a Free Anniversary Celebration on May 27. Eastridge is a major regional destination with more than 150 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues in the thriving Silicon Valley market.

“Eastridge has been hosting friends and families for 45 years as they make memories at our entertainment, dining and retail destinations,” said Eastridge Center’s General Manager John Petersen. “Now it’s our turn to give back with a free anniversary celebration and summer event series that will include valuable job fairs, enriching health and wellness activities and entertainment for local families.”

Anniversary Celebration

May 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., Eastridge Center will host a free anniversary celebration in Center Court. Guests can enjoy a live DJ and music, complimentary cake and ice cream, dance contests and activities as well as gift card giveaways and retailer prizes.

Summer Event Series

This summer Eastridge Center will host a number of events including:

• Community Job Fair on June 9th in Center Court from 1-3 p.m. featuring local non-profits, trade schools and opportunities for people to receive valuable job training and networking with area companies seeking applicants.
• Dance Break Friday: Every Friday in May, June and July, guests can enjoy Friday Night – DJ Night with complementary tunes, dance contests and giveaways with local DJs performing from 4-6 p.m.
• Fitness Fridays: San Jose can get fit for free at Eastridge Center this summer. Guests will enjoy free fitness classes in center court with local health and wellness professionals on Fridays in July, August, and September. Pre-registration not needed, simply show-up in comfortable clothes and shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.
• July Summer Concert Series – featuring a number of local performers throughout the month of July offering fresh free musical performances for Eastridge guests. Check http://www.eastridgecenter.com for full schedule of July performances a month prior.

Grand Openings, Relocations and New Tenants

• Valliani Jewelers hosted a grand opening this month for its new larger space in a prime location across from Best Buy next to Center Court. The popular jeweler features the latest styles and accessories for spring and summer.
• Gong Cha Tea and Beverages is a new Eastridge Center restaurateur opening in the Food Court this month. Gong Cha offers popular bubble tea, coffee, juices and other custom beverages.
• Payless Superstore is opening in June in a 6,800-square foot space and will offer an expanded collection of footwear and accessories for all ages and styles.
• H&M, offering fast-fashion clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women, teenagers and children, is anticipated to open fall of 2016 in a 24,000-square foot space.

Eastridge is a two-story, enclosed super regional mall set on 113 acres in eastern San Jose bounded by Tully Road, East Capitol Expressway and Quimby Road. Among the center’s distinctive mix of retail, restaurant and entertainment destinations are a 15-screen AMC Theaters, Round 1 Bowling and Amusement, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Macy’s, Sears, Forever 21, Tilly’s, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, Chili’s, Red Robin and Olive Garden.

To learn more visit http://www.eastridgecenter.com or its social media accounts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EastridgeCenter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/eastridgecenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastridgecenter/

###

About Eastridge Center
Eastridge Center is a 1.4 million square-foot shopping destination in eastern San Jose that features abundant shopping, dining and entertainment options. Featuring Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears, Barnes & Noble, Sport Chalet, Red Robin, and Chili’s, the long-standing center showcases 150 stores, an impressive 15-screen AMC Theatre and multiple restaurants. Highlights include Hollister Co., Tilly’s, Victoria’s Secret, crazy 8, Forever 21, a spacious Food Court and family restrooms. The grand Center Court offers two levels of shopping with superior store accessibility and visibility in between Tully Road, East Capitol Expressway, and Quimby Road in eastern San Jose, California. For more information, visit http://www.eastridgecenter.com

About Pacific Retail Capital Partners
Pacific Retail Capital Partners is a fully integrated, entrepreneurial organization with an unparalleled depth of knowledge in all aspects of retail real estate. Its team of executives and strategic partners draw on decades of experience with major national shopping center owners to deliver top-tier service as an operating partner and provide efficient oversight of the company’s own portfolio. Pacific Retail’s broad-based talent is versed in multiple disciplines from investment and development, which enables the company to quickly assess market opportunities, to management, leasing and marketing which allows it to effectively control costs and maintain the quality of its properties. Based in Southern California, the company operates nationally with a particular emphasis on large regional malls. Its investment and management portfolio includes the West Oaks Mall in Houston; Yorktown Center in suburban Chicago; Colonie Center outside Albany, New York; South Towne Center in Sandy, Utah; Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on Maui, Hawaii; and Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, California. To learn more visit www.pacificretail.com

The San Jose Sharks are going to the Stanley Cup Finals!!!

For the first time in history, the Sharks are the NHL Western Conference Champions! Fourth time's a charm. Next week San Jose will participate in the Stanley Cup Finals! Now's the time to paint the city teal.

Virtual tour of Adobe's San Jose headquarters

Did you ever wonder what is inside Adobe's three office towers in Downtown San Jose? You can now take a brief virtual tour of the largest company headquartered Downtown. Unfortunately, a few areas were omitted like the basketball court in the middle of the three buildings and the many terraces towards the top of the towers with amazing views.

Head over here and explore one of our flagship companies.

Source: SVBJ

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.

###

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.