San Jose has the fastest-growing economy in California

The San Jose metro continues to grow despite already having one of the most booming economies in the US (and perhaps the world). The Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy (CCSCE) released a report last month showing that our GDP--essentially how productive each worker is--increased faster than any other region in California.

We grew our local economy by 5.9% while SF grew by 5.4%, Sacramento came in at 3% and LA at 2.1%. While this is a great indicator for jobs and salaries in the area, it also will continue to put upward pressure on housing costs. Overall this is a big win and shows that we are still on an upward trajectory.

Oh, and there was also a random fun fact in the report. If the Bay Area was a country (not Califonia, but just the 9-county Bay Area), we would have the 18th largest economy in the world just behind Turkey and surpassing the Netherlands.

Source: SVBJ, CCSCE

Y2K International Live Looping Festival opens in San Jose on October 18

If you happened to stop by the October South First Friday, you might have noticed some live looping performers near Anno Domini. That was just a small preview to the main Y2K main festival that is set to start on Wednesday, October 18.

Y2K is the first and longest running live looping festival. This year it's Y2K17, and will bring a number of international artists to San Jose:

Otros Cronopios (Mexico)
ecNegru (France)
MIDI_Pipe (Mexico)
CIAN (Mexico)
Philippe Ollivier (France)
Entertainment for the Braindead (Germany)
Laura Stavinoha (Netherlands)
Martin Janíček (Czech Republic)
MANDOMAN (Japan)

The venue will be Anno Domini once again. This is the first leg of the festival, which continues in Santa Cruz for the weekend. Not sure how to expect? Here's a clip from the 2014 festival that demonstrates live looping.

For more information, visit the festival website.

-Lawrence Lui

AR and Human Anatomy Tango at The Tech Museum

An unprecedented new AR experience is coming to San Jose!

The Tech Museum of Innovation is proud to present Body Worlds Decoded – putting a Silicon Valley twist on the world-renowned plastinated human bodies exhibit through Gunther von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination.

In partnership with the Institute for the Future, The Tech created the Iris AR system, which allows visitors to view and interact with 3D models and virtual objects including a heart, eyeball, digestive tract and skull. Imagine walking all the way around a beating heart floating in front of you through the AR lens, or, wandering around an eyeball and optical nerve, and then being able to step inside for an internal view.

Funded by Ann and John Doerr, Body Worlds Decoded opens October 15, 2017.

For more information on Body Worlds Decoded, visit thetech.org/bodyworldsdecoded.

-Noe Sacoco

The Tech Museum of Innovation reinvents Body Worlds exhibit with unprecedented augmented reality experience

The Tech will premiere Iris, a custom AR experience that allows visitors to examine anatomy like never before, in Body Worlds Decoded, opening Oct. 15.

SAN JOSE, CA – October 10, 2017 – The Tech Museum of Innovation will open a new exhibition, Body Worlds Decoded, on Sunday, Oct. 15. This groundbreaking experience uses augmented reality (AR) and other emerging tech to put a Silicon Valley spin on Body Worlds, the display of plastinated human bodies that have sparked curiosity and awe around the world. The Tech will also debut Iris, its custom AR system that allows visitors to examine organs and body systems through immersive graphics.

“Body Worlds Decoded is an experience like no other, and it is only fitting that this blending of nature and technology should be celebrated in Silicon Valley,” said John Doerr, the chairman of Kleiner Perkins who with his wife Ann is contributing $5 million to The Tech to make the exhibit possible. “Ann and I are thrilled to help bring this experience to life, and it is our dream that it will inspire youth and contribute to a greater understanding of the life sciences.”

In partnership with the Institute for the Future, The Tech created the Iris AR system, which allows visitors to view and interact with 3D models and virtual objects including a heart, eyeball, digestive tract and skull. Iris uses ARtifactor — content authoring and management software developed by IFTF — and runs on the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro, a Google Tango-enabled mobile device. The Tech will add new 3D models, animations and other content to the 5,000-square-foot exhibition, so visitors will always have something new to discover.

“This is the future of museums —  AR is about to transform how we interpret our world and how we approach education,” said Toshi Anders Hoo, lead AR consultant and director of the Institute for the Future’s Emerging Media Lab. “The Tech has emerged as a leader in the exciting AR movement, offering a whole new world of immersive technology that will influence museums and exhibitions globally.”

The Tech aims for Body Worlds Decoded to become Northern California’s premiere public anatomy lab as well as an AR testbed. Teachers and professors will be able to take biology lessons out of the classroom, and doctors can recommend a visit for patient education. The AR industry will also be invited to use the exhibition to prototype advances in software and hardware with the community.

“Body Worlds Decoded is one of the most ambitious and exciting anatomy experiences ever created,” said Tim Ritchie, president and CEO of The Tech Museum of Innovation. “The human body contains so many mysteries, and the implementation of AR and all of its capabilities stands to provide valuable clues in unlocking those secrets and inspiring the next generation of advances in medicine and physiology.”

In Body Worlds Decoded, displays of real human bodies — eight full-body plastinates and more than 60 individual specimens — will help visitors explore the smallest organs to the most complex systems, including nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive, digestive and locomotive. They can participate in live demonstrations of Anatomage, a 3D virtual dissection used at the nation’s top medical schools. Body Worlds Decoded also explores the artistic side of anatomy with installations of art inspired by the wonder and mystery of the human body. Pieces by local artist Lauren A. Toomer will be displayed, and visitors will be invited to create their own artwork.

“The human form has intrigued artists throughout history,” said Lisa Incatasciato, Exhibit Content Developer at The Tech. “Despite technology giving us a more accurate look, there’s still something mysterious and inspiring about creating your own visual interpretation of the body. You don’t have to love anatomy to enjoy this exhibit, but we bet you’ll appreciate it before you leave.”

Body Worlds Decoded opens Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, and is set for an unprecedented 10-year run at The Tech. The bodies and specimens were preserved by Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ Institute for Plastination, which created BODY WORLDS exhibitions to help people better understand the human body and its functions.

For more information on Body Worlds Decoded, visit thetech.org/bodyworldsdecoded.

About The Tech Museum of Innovation
The Tech is a hands-on technology and science museum for people of all ages and backgrounds. The museum — located in the Capital of Silicon Valley — is a non-profit experiential learning resource established to engage people in exploring and experiencing applied technologies affecting their lives. Through programs such as The Tech Challenge, our annual team-design competition for youth, and internationally renowned programs such as The Tech for Global Good, The Tech endeavors to inspire the innovator in everyone.

Microsoft looking to build a 1M SQFT campus in San Jose

The latest big tech company to take a serious look at San Jose is none other than the 800lb gorilla from Seattle. Microsoft has purchased close to 65 acres of "farmland" in North San Jose bound by 237, Zanker Road, and the Coyote Creek. They want to use the space to build either 1.2 million SQFT of light industrial space or a 436,880 SQFT data center and 728,000 SQFT of light industrial space.

Either of the options on the table would not bring as many jobs and tax dollars to the city as a traditional office complex, but it would be a great foot in the door as Microsoft currently has zero presence in San Jose proper. Microsoft has 1,600 employees in the area, but most are in Mountain View. With a grand total of 71,000 employees, San Jose could provide a viable opportunity to move more of their workforce into the tech capital of the world. They would be in good company as both Google and Apple and considering significant operations in San Jose.

Source: SVBJ (Subscription Required)

Mom's Gift

Who: The Tabard Theatre Company presents

What: The Northern California Premiere of Mom’s Gift

   Written by Phil Olson

When: Friday, October 27 through Sunday November 19, 2017 (See schedule below)

Where: Theatre on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA 95110  (Parking is validated for most performances at the San Pedro Square Garage directly across the street)

Why: Everyone deserves a do-over. In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for eleven months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in It’s a Wonderful Life, she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings.

Box Office: 408.679.2330 or www.tabardtheatre.org/tickets

Tickets: $32 - $44

Cabaret Seating: $42 - $44  

* Tiered Seating: $30 - $32 

* (Discounts available for seniors and students)

Performance Schedule:

Friday, Oct 27 @ 8:00pm (Opening Performance)

Saturday, Oct 28 (1:30pm to 2:00pm. Free hands-on presentation for visually impaired patrons. Everyone is welcome.)

Saturday, Oct 28 @ 3:00pm

Sunday, Oct 29 @ 2:00pm

Friday, Nov 3 @8pm

Saturday, Nov 4 @ 3:00pm and 8:00pm

Sunday, Nov 5 @ 2:00pm

Thursday, Nov 9 @ 8pm

Friday, Nov 10 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, Nov 11 @ 3:00pm

Sunday, Nov 12 @ 2:00pm

Thursday, Nov 16 @ 8:00pm

Friday, Nov 17 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, Nov 18 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, Nov 19 @ 2:00pm (Closing Performance)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Director: Doug Baird

Cast: Rebecca Brownson Ray D’Ambrosio, Christian Hosler, Elizabeth McClelland, Heather Skelley, Amanda Vogel, and Charlotte Jacobs as Mom.

In this comedy with a heart, Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up at her husband’s birthday party as a ghost with a mission. Like Clarence in It’s A Wonderful Life, she has to accomplish a task to earn her wings. Only what the task actually is, is a mystery. There are so many things to fix. The problem is complicated by the fact that the only person who can hear or see Mom is her daughter who has been ordered by the court to spend Dad’s birthday with him as part of her Anger Management Program. One by one the family's secrets are peeled away revealing a shocking truth that surprises even our ghost.     

Mom's Gift was first produced at the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles, California, in December, 2013. It has won accolades from numerous competitions and festivals across the United States. Playwright Phil Olson is well known for his hilarious “Don’t Hug Me” play series.                

“An audience pleaser! …an always engaging, funny evening of love and laughter.” — Stage Happenings

“A crowd pleaser! …Mom’s Gift demonstrates playwright Olson’s gift at creating the kind of old-fashioned feel-good comedy that hardly gets written anymore…”  — Stage Scene LA

"If you love the comedy “It’s a Wonderful Life” this modern variant by playwright Phil Olson is just for you!” — Theatre Spoken Here

Theatre on San Pedro Square (The Destination for Arts Discovery) is located in the heart of historic San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose amid a bustling restaurant district. This intimate and unique venue brings a touch of Manhattan to the South Bay with its rustic yet edgy feel. Old brick walls, plush leather seats, antique wood plank floors, sweeping red velvet drapes and a 35-foot mahogany bar create a casual cabaret atmosphere. The full bar also offer a variety of food choices that may be enjoyed while watching the show.

For every production, The Tabard designates a local non-profit, that is in some way related to the theme of the show, to receive a portion of its concession proceeds. The designated non-profit for MOMS GIFT is Girls @ The Tech, a program of The Tech Museum which provides a pipeline of opportunities for girls that nurtures their interest, builds their skills and solidifies their confidence in STEM with the ultimate goal to dramatically increase the participation of girls in STEM activities and women in STEM careers. https://www.thetech.org/generationtech/girls

The Tabard’s mission is to provide live entertainment experiences that are enlightening, appropriate and affordable for audiences of all ages. We champion new works, innovative interpretations, and unique plays rarely staged. Tabard is an inclusive environment where the community can participate in every aspect of the plays, musicals, educational programs and music concerts we produce. With altruistic attention to the underserved, Tabard reaches out to communities such as the visually impaired and children in low-income areas, and donates a portion of each production's concessions proceeds to a designated local charity. 

The Tabard Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) California Corporation. 

October 2017 Downtown Dimension Highlights

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

• BART construction in Downtown is expected to start in 2019 and finish in 2026. The big debate is between using a double-bore tunnel (like every other subway in the US) or a single-bore tunnel that would greatly minimize disruption to Downtown but has only been used overseas.
• KT Urban proposed two towers:
• a 27-story, 285-unit tower with 6,105 SQFT of retail at 600 S. First in SoFA
• an 18-story, 302-unit tower in North San Pedro with 10,000 SQFT of retail
• Equus Capital Partners wants to build a 24-story, 260 unit tower with 1,500 SQFT of retail in CityView Plaza.
• ECI2 North Third wants to build a 26-story, 400-unit tower for student housing near City Hall.
• Taco Annex is now open at 287 S. First inside the SoFA Market.
• Earl of Sandwich opened their first Norther California location at the corner of Market and Santa Clara.
• Crewners Barber Shop moved out of the San Pedro Square Market and is now across the street at Community Towers, 111 St. John St., Suite 140. They also offer free beer in their larger space.
• The SJDA Annual Meeting is Oct. 13 at the San Jose First United Methodist Church (24 N. Fifth St.) from 8-9:30am.

To read the newsletter, click here!

Content 9.5 Pick-up Party at Forager Tasting Room

Content Magazine is hosting a party to celebrate their latest issues on Thursday, October 19th at Forager in SoFA (420 South First Street). Forager is a really interesting venue to begin with and this is the perfect opportunity to explore it.

The latest issue is entitled "profiles" and features:  Ryan Baird; Pilar Argüero-Esparza; Jimmy Fonseca; Robinson Wood; Danielle Rahe Fox of Give Me Cashmere; Viviane Ly; Gross Magazine; The Dancer of Peace, Khalilah Ramirez; Gemma Morgan; Ron P. Muriera; Lauren Baines; Cayce Hill at Veggielution; Joey and Gwen Reyes; Nate LeBlanc; Hive & Hum; Veronica Ruckman, co-owner of Social Policy; Voltaire Coffee House; Raul Peralez; Apis Floral; Alyssa Kompelien; Demone Carter; Nuria Feradez at VTA; Limon Salon; Carolina Villafane; Vero's Coffee Bar; Tim Lin; Chromatic Coffee; Umunhum Brewing; John Beaver; Liz Ruiz; Lorenz Mazon Dumuk; Moses Kinnah; Lake Stovall Music; Claudia Saenz, founder of Chulita Vinyl Club; Courtney Smith Kramer of Purematter; and more.

The event goes from 7pm-9pm and includes live music, refreshments, and signature beverages. You are welcome to attend even if you are not a subscriber. For more information, head over to the event's Facebook page.

Brand new Bay 101 Casino is now open for business

M8trix finally has some decent competition with the first phase of Bay 101's complex officially open. Of course, the casinos really don't see one another as competition--but as a part of complementary offerings that draw gamblers and entertainment-seekers to the area. Bay 101 even strategically located themselves on North First Street just blocks away from M8trix.

The new Bay 101 looks really sleek and is filled with modern touches like dynamic lighting, open spaces, and abstract art. The building spans 68,000 SQFT and has 49 gaming tables. Bay 101 also features a flagship Asian fusion restaurant called The Province, which is owned by the same people as Sino, Straits, and Roots & Rye at Santana Row. The restaurant will be higher-end than anything at M8trix (or the immediate area for that matter) and bring with it some nightlife and one of the most impressive outdoor patios in San Jose.

Future phases of the Bay 101 project include two hotels and a 237,000 SQFT tech campus. The first hotel is an Embassy Suites with 174 rooms in a seven-story building. For the development enthusiasts out there, yes that is a huge missed opportunity for one of the few parcels in San Jose where a 35-story building is not only economically viable but allowed by airport regulations. Perhaps they will think bigger for the second hotel. One thing is for sure, Bay 101 is going to help make North San Jose a lot more interesting.

Source: The Merc, hat tip to Arnold Kwok for sending this in!