PG&E is partnering with developers to expedite electrical work

PG&E is collaborating with developers and policy makers in order to power developments faster and help cut down the time it take a new project to be able to house residents. This includes improving turnaround time to schedule electrical connection, having centralized support, and providing interim power solutions.

The results so far include a 26% increase in the number of connections in the South Bay from 2022 to 2023. By streamlining process, they are hoping to sever 30% more customers in 2024 than 2023. For more details, head to the source link below.

Source: SVBJ

Community Development Partner's first San Jose housing project

A new 160-unit housing project has been approved in East San Jose by Community Development Partners. All of the units in the five-story building would be designated as low-income.

The units include 15 permanent supportive housing units and 25 units for Veterans. There will be a mix of plans ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. Amenities include a community room, bike and car parking, a community kitchen operated by San Jose's own Veggielution, and a communal outdoor courtyard.

Recently the company was awarded $4M from the California Department of Housing to help move this project along. This will be CDP's first project in Santa Clara County.

Source: Community Development Partners

San Jose Mayor Mahan's plan to revitalize Downtown

Mayor Matt Mahan wrote a guest post for the Silicon Valley Business Journal highlighting his plans for Downtown San Jose. The overall goal is not just to rebound from the pandemic but to rebrand and reimagine what Downtown should be and that is the Downtown of Silicon Valley--not just San Jose.

His plans include working towards ending homelessness in San Jose, improving safety, improving the pedestrian experience (such as closing San Pedro St. to cars and potentially closing Post St.), encouraging public art, and providing incentives to attract more high-rise development. 

It's well worth reading the article linked below to understand where the ship is being steered. Personally, I've never felt more optimistic about Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

New Residential Project approved for 210 Baypointe Parkway in North San Jose

A much-needed residential community has been approved in North San Jose. The plans include 42 townhomes and over 290 apartments in a seven-story building. 17 units would be designated as affordable housing. 

Part of the project would include a public paseo connecting to Casa Verde Street and the ground-floor apartments and townhomes would line that paseo. Amenities include a work-from-home space, plazas, and bike rooms. 84 parking spaces would be built for the townhomes and 332 spaces for the apartments. There would also be 146 bike parking spaces.

The site of the project is on E. Tasman Dr., a couple blocks away Light Rail and near multiple tech campuses in North San Jose. On site right now is a one-story industrial building that is 40 years old on a total land area of 4.83 acres. 

Source: SF YIMBY

Restaurant Gish

The Silicon Valley food scene continues to deliver numerous high-end options, but the downside is ever-increasing costs heading towards insanity. Restaurants like The French Laundry and SingleThread easily cost upwards of $500 PER PERSON. Wine tastings to go along with that fancy meal can easily cost upwards of $100 per person on top of that. That is why I was thrilled to find a great fine dining option that won't break the bank. It's called Restaurant Gish.

One of the reasons why the prices are not super high is that the area around it is not pretentious at all. The restaurant is in a nondescript Santa Clara strip mall facing an alley. It's one of the last places you would expect a fine dining establishment. It feels like you're going to a speakeasy.

Inside the ambiance is modern yet homely. Deciding on what to eat is simple, there is a single menu with 4-5 courses that changes each month. When I went it was $79 for 4 courses with an excellent wine pairing for $47. There was also an optional extra course if you were really hungry.

Everything was exceptional from start to finish, including the service. I might just become a regular.

San Jose State University planning Campus Village 3 Towers

SJSU already has 40,000 students, staff, and faculty and many of those are now living in Downtown San Jose. Now the university is planning it's next steps in allowing as many people as possible to live close to the campus. This is a tremendous challenge given the insane cost of housing in Silicon Valley.

SJSU drafted a new master plan that would house 20% of full-time students on or near campus. They already made some big strides this year by converting the former Fairmont Annex to student housing. When walking around a couple weeks ago I noticed that the students were adding far more vibrancy to the area.

The next big step will be Campus Village 3. This project will add 1,000 beds in a 12-story residence hall along with dining commons and a welcome center. SJSU will also turn the Alquist site from a three-story building to a high-rise rental property for faculty and staff.

Now that SJSU is skyrocketing up college ranking, I'd only expect more pressure in the future to accommodate more students as the university moves away from a commuter-school stigma. SJSU's best days are yet to come.

Source: SVBJ

El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina

The Downtowner has a plug for El Cabron this week, which is one of Downtown San Jose's newer Mexican restaurants. It has a fun vibe and central location close to Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Below is the description of the restaurant in the newsletter:

"Looking for great food, fantastic vibes, and a true taste of Downtown San Jose’s vibrant energy? El Cabron Cantina & Kitchen is the place to be! Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere that buzzes with excitement, this lively spot has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What sets El Cabron apart isn’t just its mouthwatering dishes—it’s the electric mix of fun, flavor, and community spirit. From casual diners to foodies seeking something special, everyone is welcomed with open arms, adding to the dynamic pulse of downtown.

Ready to experience it for yourself? Head over to El Cabron Cantina & Kitchen and see why it’s quickly becoming one of Downtown San Jose’s hottest spots. Whether you're looking to grab a bite or simply soak in the energy, this is the place to be!"

El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina is located at 155 W. San Fernando and open until 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Source: The Downtowner

Funny Face House and The Throw Ups playing at The Caravan

The Caravan in Downtown San Jose is hosting a night of weirdo art and loud rock and roll today featuring local San Jose artists: Funny Face House Lawnmower Band and the chaotic energy of The Throw Ups. It’s a free show, but bring a can of soup for their food drive, and they'll donate a box to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Come rock out for a cause and experience a night of wild live music.

The Caravan is located at 98 Almaden Avenue.