The San Jose AI Center of Excellence gets $2M in funding

The Knight Foundation awarded Plug and Play with $2M to help make a collaborative AI network in San Jose. The grant will help Plug and Play launch the San Jose AI Center of Excellence, which will attract AI talent to the region and hopefully create economic opportunities.

The San Jose AI Center of Excellence will be located in the heart of Downtown San Jose in the Bank of Italy Building. The space is undergoing renovations and the target date for a launch event is April 2nd.

Source: SVBJ

A dreamy escape at The Tech Interactive: exploring the Dream Garden exhibit

San Jose’s very own Tech Interactive has rolled out a mesmerizing new exhibit that’s got locals buzzing. Nestled in the heart of downtown, right across from Plaza de César Chávez, this iconic museum has long been a go-to spot for tech lovers and curious minds alike. But their latest addition, Dream Garden, takes things to a whole new level, blending cutting-edge AI with an immersive, surreal experience that feels like stepping into a living painting. Launched recently, this exhibit is a must-see for anyone looking to spark their imagination while getting a front-row seat to the future of technology.

So, what’s Dream Garden all about? Picture this: you walk into a vibrant, ever-changing ecosystem that responds to your every move. Powered by artificial intelligence, the exhibit transforms your gestures and ideas into a dynamic landscape filled with whimsical creatures, towering trees, and floating elements that shift as you interact with them. It’s playful yet profound, inviting visitors of all ages to co-create a dreamlike world that feels uniquely personal. After soaking in the magic, you can peek behind the scenes to see how AI brings it all to life—a perfect mix of fun and education that’s quintessentially Tech Interactive.

What makes this exhibit stand out in a city already brimming with innovation is its accessibility and charm. Whether you’re an AI nerd or just someone who loves a good Instagram-worthy moment, Dream Garden delivers. It’s the kind of place where kids can giggle as they “teach” virtual creatures to fly, while adults marvel at the seamless integration of tech and creativity. Located on the lower level of the museum, it’s easy to pair with a visit to the IMAX Dome Theater or a hands-on robotics session, making for a full day of Silicon Valley-style adventure.

As of today, February 22, 2025, Dream Garden is still blooming at The Tech Interactive, and there’s no better time to check it out. Admission is included with your general ticket, so you can dive into this AI-powered wonderland without breaking the bank. If you’re a San Jose local (or just passing through), swing by and see why this exhibit is sparking wonder in the heart of our tech-savvy city. Who knows? You might just leave inspired to dream up something groundbreaking of your own.

You can learn more or buy tickets right over here.

Single family homes proposed for Piedmont area of San Jose

Robson Homes has submitted a proposal for a 25 unit project at the Olivera Egg Ranch (3315 Sierra Road). Each single family home will range from 1,976 SQFT to 2,771 SQFT and several of the homes will include attached ADUs up to 444 SQFT.

I'm a huge fan of Robson Homes. Their build quality is exceptional and they feature smart and efficient floorplans with great integration of ADUs for multi-family living (or renting out a portion of your home).

Before the urbanists get up in arms over a new single family development in San Jose, this location is pretty deep in suburbia with no hope of mass transit in the future. The Berryessa BART station is an 8 minute drive away.

If approved, construction would take around 16 months.

Source: SF YIMBY

Downtown San Jose art installation will become a temporary skating rink

A temporary art project that was put up in the SoFA District in 2021 will soon become open to the public on a regular basis. The "Serpentine Pavilion" was supposed to be a placeholder for a three-tower project that was cancelled. Now it will become part of Unzipped Gardens Roller Rink and Beer Garden.

Today through Memorial Day, visitors will be able to rent skates and enjoy beer and food-truck bites while admiring the art piece. DJs and live bands will provide atmospheric music. The chain-link fences will also finally come down and be replaced with a more elegant permanent fence.

I have walked through the art project several times during special events and it is really impressive. I hope we find some way to preserve the tower or incorporate it into whatever future development takes place on this block.

The schedule for the roller rink and beer garden will be Fridays from 5-10pm, Saturdays from noon-10pm, and Sundays from noon-7pm. Skate rentals are $25 for adults and $20 for kids under 12, but skating is not required to walk in and hang out.

Source: The Mercury News

Rivian is officially coming to Santana Row

Santana Row has played a pretty significant role in the history of electric cars. It had the very first of hundreds of Tesla stores, which has been significantly expanded due to popularity. It's considered a flagship store and is usually the first location to get previews of new products such as the Robotaxi, Cybertruck, and many others. Porsche also has a presence on the Row, often highlighting their EVs such as the Macan Electric. There have even been numerous pop-up events featuring electric cars along the Santana Row park.

Now Rivian is jumping in on the action. They are going to launch a new electric vehicle gallery on the 300 block of Santana Row. This is right in the front near Yard House. They will likely be featuring their newest SUV, the R2. The vehicle launches next year and is designed for the mass-market with a starting price around $45k, putting it right in line with the Tesla Model Y.

Unlike Tesla, Rivian is not planning to do test drivers from the Santana Row location. However, they do have a service and demo center at 660 North King Road in San Jose.

Across the street, Valley Fair also has two EV stores: Lucid and Polestar. The general area has become quite the hotspot for electric cars.

Source: SVBJ

New vision with restaurants and retail along the paseo in Downtown San Jose

The real estate firm Hines has filed a proposal to revamp three blocks of commercial space in Downtown San Jose. The project is being called Paseo Place and it would transform the space that was once a mall called The Pavilion.

The goal would be to transform Paseo de San Antonio into a vibrant new hub and attract new restaurants, retail, and entertainment tenants. In order to create a more inviting pedestrian space, the project will add canopies, trellises, pots, street furniture, outdoor seating, planters, and lighting elements.

It should be noted that there are already several successful businesses in this area such as Eos & Nyx, Urban Putt, and Scott's Seafood.

I couldn't be more excited to see how this area will be transformed in the coming years!

Source: The Mercury News

Symphony San Jose presents BEETHOVEN’S EROICA

March “comes in like a lion,” and this tour-de-force program proves it. One of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, and the composer’s personal favorite of his compositions, Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) explores what it means to be human.  Newly-named Resident Conductor of the Nashville Symphony Nathan Aspinall will conduct. Richard Strauss’ tone poem, Death and Transfiguration, depicts the dying thoughts of an artist as he recounts the various stages of his life, all while awaiting the ultimate transformation. 

And Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, will mark Symphony San Jose’s first performance of a work by Arvo Pärt, the most performed contemporary composer in the world (beating out John Williams, John Adams, Thomas Adès, and Philip Glass).

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

What: BEETHOVEN’S EROICA

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets.

TICKET PRICES: $24 to $121.50 (Ticket prices include $2.50 City Fee and Order Fee of $4.00.)

Special Youth Ticket price: A ticket for concert goers, age 17 and under, can be discounted up to 50% when purchased along with a full-price ticket.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org    

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

THE PROGRAM:

Arvo Pärt: Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten

Richard Strauss: Death and Transfiguration

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica)

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Nathan Aspinall

Biography: http://nathanaspinall.com/ 

 

Symphony San Jose

www.symphonysanjose.org/

55/110 x MACBBQ Blantons & BBQ

MACBBQ is an award-winning competition BBQ team based in the South Bay that travels all over the US for events. Tonight they are hosting a special BBQ event at 55 South to celebrate a their new hand-selected private barrel of Blanton's whiskey.

The event includes all-you-can-eat BBQ beef ribs, brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, pork ribs, chicken, and sides along with drink specials, give aways, and live DJs. You might also get an opportunity to sample their special bourbon.

For more info, head over here.