The San Jose Blog

Strata is the New Fine Dining Benchmark in Downtown San Jose

2026-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Rollati was one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown San Jose. It's flagship corner spot anchored the neighborhood, sitting under the MIRO towers across from the iconic San Jose City Hall (which our logo is based on). While I was sad to see it go, I immediately lit up when I found out the proprietors behind it's replacement are the geniuses behind Eos & Nyx, Alter Ego, Still OG, Paper Plane, and Miniboss. Needless to say expectations were very high for Strata, especially since they are taking a huge risk on the menu.

It's the first restaurant in San Jose to open with a Michelin-style fixed price tasting menu. Some like ADEGA have evolved into this type of experience, but Strata is all-in from day one. In the elegant dining room, that is the only option. Fortunately, it's one of the most affordable ones out there at $75 for 5 courses (with some optional supplements). You can also sit at the bar or lounge and order a-la-carte off a more casual menu. In the dining room you can add extra courses from the a-la-carte menu as well (which we did because we were really hungry).

The first course was a tuna tostada with salsa macha chorizo, avocado, and cilantro and an al pastor torta with pineapple salsa. They were both delicious and felt like an upscale nod to San Jose's street food scene.

Second was our favorite dish of the night. A rockfish crudo in one of the most unique plates I have ever seen. It featured white soy aquachile, serranos, cilantro, and crispy rice. You can also add caviar for an extra $25. I was told it was 1oz, but this is perhaps the one mistake they made on opening day because it was maybe 1/5 that at best. That sauce was so good that we spooned up ever last bit.

Third up was a ricotta stuffed tortellini (optional shaved truffle for $15) and chicken friend morrels (extra $15). The morrels which we somehow didn't get a picture of were amazing. One of the best mushrooms I have ever had. I should also mention that this restaurant group is know for amazing craft cocktails. I got a Bollywood Old Fashioned with chikoo, popcorn (?), and aromatic bitters. It did not disappoint.

The 4th course was the main. We had the rockfish and the chicken roulade. Both were amazing, I'd get either again. The meat and veggies were perfectly seasoned and every sauce really stood out. There was a 3rd option we didn't try which was a Prime NY steak with garlic chive for an extra $25. We also added the burger from the lounge which we gobbled up too fast to get a photo of--it was super tasty and guaranteed we'd leave stuffed since we skipped lunch.

Last but definitely not least were the desserts. There was a choice of a soft serve passionfruit ice cream with toasted coconut and brown butter crumble or a chocolate hazelnut semifreddo with candied hazelnut and cherries. We got once of each and enjoyed both but the chocolate hazelnut was the standout option. I couldn't leave without trying one more cocktail so I also got a "Tan Lines & Deadlines" for dessert. This was their take on an espresso martini with vodka, cold brew, coconut, turbinado, mole bitters, cinnamon, and salt. Easily one of the best dessert drinks I've had anywhere.

To wrap up, this is the new king of date night in San Jose and the benchmark for Downtown San Jose fine dining. Their menu will change every 6-8 weeks, focusing on fresh local ingredients that are in season. It's pricey but overall a good value for the quality of food, service, and ambiance you get. My tip would be to avoid the upcharges and instead add a 6th or 7th course from the bar/lounge menu to try as many different dishes as possible. I hope I'll get try out a few of the different menus this year. I'm very happy to see Strata Downtown and wish them much success.

Free Concerts Keep the Music Alive in St. James Park This June

2026-06-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

St. James Park gears up once more for free, all-ages live music this June. Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose teams up with Viva Calle to extend the celebration, turning the park into a hub for an extra day of performances right as the street festival wraps up. The series already runs strong from May through September, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities that welcome kids and families.

On Sunday, June 14 from 2pm to 6:15pm, the energy shifts to Souldies with co-headliners Thee Heart Tones and Thee Marloes. Thee Heart Tones deliver sharp chemistry and a nod to their roots through soul, oldies, and Chicano influences. Their take on the classic bolero “Sabor A Mi” highlights a thoughtful approach that links younger listeners to heritage while pulling generations together on the dance floor.

Thee Marloes bring their own global flavor straight from Surabaya. Their debut album Perak moves between punchy funk grooves and warm soul ballads, with some tracks carrying Indonesian lyrics that still land with full heart. Songs like the dancefloor burner “Midnight Hotline” and the mid-tempo groove of “Not Today” keep the set moving, while the overall sound creates space for anyone to connect regardless of background.

The rest of the summer lineup keeps the momentum going. Latin Jazz takes the spotlight on June 20 to mark the FIFA World Cup, followed the next day by Make Music Day celebrations. Later highlights include a United Lowrider Council Souldies night in July, hip-hop in August, a Prince tribute, and a salsa evening co-presented with MACLA. Every show stays free, family-friendly, and open to the community.

These gatherings strengthen bonds across Downtown San Jose while Levitt San Jose pushes forward on plans for a permanent Pavilion. The music turns an ordinary park afternoon into something shared and lasting.

For the full schedule, updates, or ways to support the series, visit levittsanjose.org and follow @LevittSanJose.

Gaiascope Brings Interactive Kaleidoscope Sculptures to Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose

2026-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Circle of Palms plaza in Downtown San Jose has gained a striking new centerpiece. Artist Brooke Einbender’s Gaiascope installation has taken its place there, with three suspended kaleidoscope sculptures on view from May 22 through August 18, 2026.

Each six-foot structure hangs from steel cables and carries a laser-cut steel skin. Intricate cutouts let shifting LED light spill outward in changing colors while mirrored chambers inside project video art that moves from microscopic natural details to sweeping landscapes.

Interactive pedestals stand ready for visitors. People can adjust lighting sequences, pick different colors, choose video segments, and even change playback speeds. The setup turns the sculptures into responsive experiences rather than static objects.

San Jose’s Office of Cultural Affairs commissioned the work as part of its public art programming for major events this year. The location at 124 S. Market Street sits right beside the San Jose Museum of Art, placing the installation in a high-traffic spot where daily foot traffic and evening gatherings already happen.

This kind of hands-on light and video piece adds another layer to how people engage with public space in Downtown San Jose. It rewards curiosity and is very on-brand for "Silicon Valley" art.

JapaCurry Temporarily Steps Into Former Naglee Park Garage Space in Downtown San Jose

2026-06-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

Downtown San Jose restaurant spaces keep cycling through fresh concepts as one door closes and another opens. JapaCurry has moved into the former Naglee Park Garage location at 505 E. San Carlos St. with its made-to-order Japanese curry since April.

The arrangement lasts only until July 1. On that date Garage Enishi, an American bistro with Japanese influences, will take over the space. JapaCurry will then shift operations next door into the former Top Dog spot at 284 S. 11th St. to stay in the immediate area. JapaCurry also has another Downtown San Jose location inside of the SoFA Market.

Naglee Park Garage earned a steady neighborhood following for its American dishes and large outdoor patio courtyard. The restaurant gained wider attention after appearing on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives before owners closed it in September 2025.

The same patio will host activity again in early August. Plans call for FIFA World Cup viewing parties, games, music, and community events that will bring people together outdoors once more.

Source: SVBJ

New Affordable Apartment Homes Planned for Former Surface Parking Lot in Downtown San Jose

2026-06-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

A new affordable apartment complex that will convert a surface parking lot into 173 homes. The project sits at 143 South Third Street on a 1.3-acre parcel near Paseo de San Antonio and directly beside the Hammer Theatre Center. Developers propose a seven-story building with five stories of apartments stacked above a two-story parking structure.

Sobrato Organization, working with Pacific West Communities, has owned the lot since around 2010. The proposal calls for 171 of the units to serve extremely low-income, very low-income, and low-income households, with the remaining two reserved as market-rate units for on-site managers. Plans include a central courtyard plus dedicated spaces for a lounge, event center, and reading room.

Location advantages stand out. Residents will live steps from cultural programming at the Hammer Theatre Center and within easy reach of the walkable amenities along Paseo de San Antonio. This infill approach puts new housing on underused land in the heart of Downtown San Jose rather than pushing development outward.

The developers intend to use streamlining provisions under Senate Bill 330 to move the project through local review more efficiently. Land-use consultant Bob Staedler has pointed out that San Jose has spent years talking about towers, yet very few residential high-rises have actually been delivered over the last two decades. He suggests the city should focus less on height and more on achievable density when the goal is housing production, especially affordable housing.

Personally, it's always great to add more housing right in the middle of Downtown San Jose but this is a premier location that really should have been reserved for a flagship high-rise project. Originally it was supposed to be the 2nd tower for The 88.

Source: The Mercury News

T&T Supermarket to Open First California Location in San Jose

2026-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose welcomes a major new player in Asian groceries when T&T Supermarket opens its first California store on June 18. Located at 1600 Saratoga Ave. inside the Westgate Center, the market sits near Target and Ross Dress for Less. Local residents gain convenient access to an extensive range of products from across Asia.

The chain encountered construction hurdles that shifted the original fall 2025 target date. After adjustments to spring, the timeline settled on summer. The completed store now stands ready to serve the community with its full lineup.

Thousands of grocery items fill the shelves, covering Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian cuisines. Prepared foods, bakery selections and private label goods round out the offerings. Shoppers can expect both everyday staples and specialty finds that support home cooking and quick meals.

The company positions the store as a cultural hub. Asian families will have a place to reconnect with foods and traditions from their upbringing. The market also extends an invitation to the broader Silicon Valley audience for food exploration and discovery.

Expansion continues with planned locations in Millbrae, Chino Hills, Irvine and San Francisco by year's end. This San Jose debut anchors the brand's California presence. It contributes another layer to the diverse retail and dining options that define the city.

Source: SVBJ

Downtown San Jose Retail Updates at The Grad and Centerra

2026-06-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Grad just lost a tenant (Ding Tea) but picked up two new ones: Delah Coffee and Naz's Halal. Delah Coffee is a poular chain of Yemeni and Middle Easter cafes. They are known for culturally rich beverages and cozy interiors. Some of their specialty drinks include spiced Adeni Chai and Harazi Coffee along pastries like baklava and Turkish delights.

Naz's Halal is a rapidly growing fast-casual chain serving NYC-style halal platter and gyros. They're known for generous portions at affordable prices (perfect for The Grad).

On the other side of Downtown San Jose, Centerra finally has a new tenant next to Dr. Ink. Palmetto Superfoods is opening their newest location in that primo spot across the street from the San Pedro Square Market. They are a California-based chain featuring customizable Brazilian açaí bowls and superfood smoothies.

Source: Robertee from Skyscraper City

Bafang Dumpling Brings Authentic Taiwanese Flavors to San Jose with New Location

2026-06-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose has welcomed another addition to its growing selection of Taiwanese cuisine. Bafang Dumpling opened its second Northern California outpost on May 8 at 1078 E. Brokaw Road, roughly six months after launching in nearby Santa Clara.

The chain, founded nearly 30 years ago in Taiwan, specializes in potstickers, dumplings, and beef noodle soup. U.S. locations include expanded noodle and side options beyond the core offerings popular in its home markets across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

Expansion into the South Bay reflects the brand’s focus on Northern California as a priority market. With 15 U.S. locations already operating, mostly in Southern California, the company continues to add sites in key regions including further California growth planned for this year.

The arrival aligns with a broader wave of Asian-inspired dining concepts taking root across Silicon Valley. New supermarkets, food halls, and marketplaces have increased access to diverse flavors and ingredients for local residents and workers.

Those who enjoy well-crafted dumplings and comforting noodle dishes now have a convenient new option in San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Secures a Professional Women’s Hockey League Franchise

2026-05-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose has secured its place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as the league’s 12th franchise. The announcement marks another step in the rapid growth of women’s professional hockey and positions the city as a key West Coast hub for the sport.

The new team will play its home games at SAP Center, the same venue undergoing a major renovation. This addition brings the PWHL to four West Coast teams, easing travel demands that have challenged existing clubs in Vancouver and Seattle.

All PWHL teams operate under TWG Global rather than local NHL ownership. The structure supports the league’s independent expansion while San Jose prepares to welcome players, staff, and fans in the coming seasons.

City leaders have linked the arrival of the team to broader plans for a sports and entertainment district in Downtown San Jose. Such developments aim to increase activity and economic vitality around the arena through mixed-use projects and improved fan experiences.

The combination of a new professional team, arena improvements, and district planning signals continued momentum for San Jose as a destination for sports and entertainment. Residents and visitors alike stand to benefit from the added energy these investments bring to the urban core.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Ranks as the Fastest-Selling Housing Market in the United States

2026-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Recent research has placed San Jose at the very top of national rankings for how quickly homes sell. With a median of just 12 days on the market, the city outpaced every other major metro area in the country during the most recent data period.

The national median stood at 66 days. San Jose’s figure reflects an extremely tight supply, with fewer than one home available per 1,000 residents. In this environment, 62 percent of homes sold above their asking price despite median list prices well above one million dollars. The median listing price is a whopping $1,500,000 in San Jose.

Physical limits on new construction and sustained demand tied to high-wage industries have kept inventory low across much of the Bay Area. San Francisco followed closely behind San Jose with a 14-day median, reinforcing the region’s position among the fastest-moving markets nationwide.

This pace creates clear advantages for sellers who prepare their properties well. It also signals strong underlying interest in San Jose as a place to live. Buyers, meanwhile, face a competitive landscape where quick decisions often determine success.

Data like this underscores the city’s continued appeal and economic resilience. A housing market that moves this efficiently points to lasting desirability and supports San Jose’s trajectory toward becoming an even stronger destination for residents and investment alike.

Source: Best Interest

Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe Returns Near San Jose State University Under New Ownership

2026-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

A familiar name has returned to the streets near San Jose State University. Peanut’s Deluxe Cafe reopened its doors on May 6 after a period of transition, bringing back a longtime student favorite with more than six decades of history.

New owner Richard Hobbs, an SJSU alumnus, stepped in to revive the spot at 275 E. San Fernando Street. He has already created seven jobs and brought back a former cook to help restore operations. The cafe continues its tradition of generous portions and affordable meals aimed at the university community across the street.

Hobbs has expressed a longer-term vision of shifting the business toward worker ownership. This approach would allow employees to share in profits and participate in key decisions, offering a different model for local establishments.

The reopening required significant upgrades and effort over several months. Hobbs has focused on preserving the cafe’s role as a casual gathering place while meeting modern requirements for health, licensing, and staffing.

Those connected to SJSU will likely welcome the return of this neighborhood staple. Its location positions it well to serve the thousands of students who pass by daily, reinforcing the area’s character as a supportive environment for campus life.

Source: SVBJ

Knight Foundation Invests in San Jose’s Creative Future Through Arts and Civic Partnerships

2026-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose has gained structured support for integrating arts and culture more deeply into civic priorities. A new five-year investment from the Knight Foundation will work through Springboard for the Arts to help local artists and organizations partner with government and community systems on issues such as housing, health, economic mobility, and overall well-being.

The Creative Cities initiative targets eight communities with historic Knight-Ridder ties, including San Jose. It provides tools for cultural asset mapping, cross-sector training, pilot projects tailored to each city’s needs, and connections to a broader learning network. These resources aim to build lasting capacity rather than one-off programs.

Artists and cultural workers often face funding pressures and shifting public priorities. Research consistently shows that strong arts ecosystems foster social connection, support local economies, and encourage civic participation. This investment arrives at a time when such contributions have grown more essential.

Local partners in San Jose will shape their own strategies while drawing on proven approaches from Springboard’s two decades of experience. The focus remains on positioning artists as essential collaborators who can help address real community challenges through creative problem-solving and cultural engagement.

Those who care about a vibrant, connected San Jose will recognize the long-term value in treating arts and culture as core civic infrastructure. Investments like this strengthen the city’s ability to adapt, innovate, and improve quality of life for residents across neighborhoods.

Source: San Jose Inside

HIF Presents BBQ & Brews Festival in Downtown San Jose

2026-05-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose has gained its first annual BBQ & Brews festival, set to fill Plaza de Cesar Chavez with the aromas of competition barbecue and the sounds of live music on Saturday, May 30 from noon to 7pm.

Sixteen pitmasters and sixteen craft breweries will compete for top honors throughout the afternoon. Attendees can sample offerings from Northern California’s talented vendors while enjoying performances from several bands, including headliner Finish Ticket.

The event transforms one of Downtown San Jose’s most iconic parks into a vibrant gathering space. Organized by the Housing Industry Foundation, the festival emphasizes food, beer, and connection among neighbors and visitors alike.

Live music runs all day alongside the competitions. From mariachi to indie rock and DJ sets, the lineup keeps energy high from noon until evening.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Southwest Airlines Launches Seasonal Nonstop Service from San Jose to Orlando

2026-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose Mineta International Airport has gained a valuable new seasonal link. Southwest Airlines will introduce nonstop flights to Orlando International Airport beginning in November, opening direct access to major Florida leisure destinations.

The service responds to rising interest from Silicon Valley travelers heading to theme parks and family-friendly spots. Initial flights have already appeared for booking on several holiday-period dates stretching into early 2027. Previously, passengers needed connections to reach Orlando from SJC.

As the airport's dominant carrier by passenger volume, Southwest carried more than six million people through San Jose last year. That figure stands roughly four times higher than the next busiest airline. The new route forms part of the carrier's push into high-demand leisure markets.

Airport officials have indicated they will track results closely. Consistent demand across all seasons could turn the flights into a permanent offering. Southwest has expressed commitment to the broader Bay Area market and plans to evaluate performance as it does with other routes.

Source: SVBJ

Google's New Meadow Point Campus Positions North San Jose as a Leading Innovation Hub

2026-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose has welcomed another major addition to its technology landscape. Google has opened its Meadow Point campus in the Alviso district of north San Jose, establishing the company's largest facility in the city and a new home for thousands of employees.

The complex covers just under 800,000 square feet with six office buildings plus laboratory and industrial spaces. Teams responsible for core infrastructure and flagship products have begun settling into the curving structures. An extra building remains under development for a 2027 opening.

Thoughtful design elements set this campus apart. Lush plantings, courtyards, and natural views fill the grounds. The layout draws from Alviso's history of waterways and industry while creating spaces that encourage collaboration and connection to the outdoors.

City and company leaders gathered for the recent launch. Comments focused on the campus as a boost to local employment centers and a reflection of commitment to the community. Housing plans advancing on the north side align with this job growth to support a thriving area.

While it's not the flagship Downtown San Jose Google campus we have been waiting for, it is a significant step towards building a significant Google presence in San Jose.

Source: The Mercury News

Jojo's Hot Chicken Opens Its First Brick-and-Mortar Location in San Jose

2026-05-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jojo's Hot Chicken just opened the doors to its first brick-and-mortar location at 1601 Branham Lane on April 23. Yohana Gedam had stepped away from a stable car dealership role to follow a passion for food that led to this expansion. The grand opening marked the culmination of efforts that began with food truck operations.

Those trucks first set up in Almaden Valley at Kooser Road before adding a presence at 447 E Williams Street in Downtown San Jose. Recognition arrived when the operation ranked No. 4 among Yelp's top 100 food trucks nationwide in 2025. Diners discovered a distinctive mix of Nashville hot chicken heat fused with Ethiopian and Eritrean flavors in the sandwiches, bowls, and combos. Bottles of the signature JoJo sauce offered a way to extend the experience beyond the meal.

The Kooser Road spot will soon transition as Jojo's exits the location to make room for Zees Munchies, a dessert shop already operating in other major Bay Area cities. At the same time, the brand has its sights set on summer expansion into the Spark Social food truck park, a sizable 75,000-square-foot venue with a July opening on the horizon and interest from around 100 food truck applicants.

Source: SVBJ

Africa Day San Jose Lights Up St. James Park with Music and Culture

2026-05-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

St. James Park in Downtown San Jose hosts Africa Day this Sunday evening. From 4:30 to 8 p.m., AFRIICIONADO organizes a celebration that brings together live music, family-friendly activities, and the tastes of African cultures in an open park setting.

The lineup features Onye & The Messengers on Afrobeat and Kava Jah & The Remedy Reggae Band. Their performances create space for dancing and connection on the lawn as the Levitt Pavilion opens its summer series with this cultural event.

Attendees also enjoy arts and storytelling sessions open to all ages, a youth soccer showcase, food vendors, and community booths. The relaxed atmosphere encourages exploration and enjoyment of the rich traditions represented.

For tickets and additional details, check the Eventbrite listing for Africa Day San Jose.

SJMADE Fest 2026 Brings Hundreds of Local Makers to History Park for a Weekend of Creativity and Community

2026-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose's creative community will take over History Park at the end of May when SJMADE Fest returns for its largest outdoor gathering of the year.

More than 250 makers, artists, designers, and small businesses will set up across the historic grounds from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 30 and 31, offering everything from handmade goods and art to baked treats and unique crafts.

Free to attend, the event will also feature a dedicated K-Pop stage with all-day programming including live performances, dance classes, DJ sets, and fan activities organized by K-Pop-Up.

Animal lovers can reserve time in the Kitten Lounge presented by Mini Cat Town, where adoptable kittens will be available for supervised play sessions that support local rescue efforts.

Dozens of food and beverage options curated by Moveable Feast will keep visitors fueled, while the first thousand guests each day receive a special event grocery bag illustrated by local artist Megan Badilla.

This gathering highlights San Jose's vibrant maker culture and gives residents a direct way to connect with and support the talented people shaping the city's creative identity.

VTA Headquarters Relocation Opens Door to Hundreds of New Affordable Homes on North First Street

2026-05-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose will welcome a significant shift in land use later this year when the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority relocates roughly 500 employees from its longtime North First Street headquarters into a Downtown office space.

The move will open the agency's 17-acre campus, home to operations since the early 1990s, for phased redevelopment that begins with a 330-unit affordable apartment project on 2.5 acres led by Eden Housing.

Future phases across the full site hold potential for as many as 1,100 housing units alongside office and retail elements, turning underutilized agency land into vibrant, transit-connected neighborhoods.

Eden Housing brings experience from recent Bay Area successes such as Mitchell Park Place in Palo Alto, and the initial phase will draw on tax credits plus grants from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

This approach aligns with VTA's broader transit-oriented development efforts, including the upcoming Berryessa affordable housing project, all designed to increase ridership while delivering much-needed homes near existing transit infrastructure.

Coco Robotics Rolls Out Autonomous Delivery Fleet in Downtown San Jose Through Uber Eats

2026-05-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Residents who order through Uber Eats in Downtown San Jose will soon spot a new fleet of 20 autonomous robots navigating sidewalks as Coco Robotics expands its partnership into the Bay Area. The Santa Monica company deployed the bots earlier this week, bringing contactless, efficient delivery directly to local restaurants and customers.

San Jose stood out as an ideal launch point because of its dense urban core, deep technology heritage, and vibrant restaurant community. Tech and finance professionals concentrated here create steady demand for quick, reliable meals, while the city’s innovation DNA aligns perfectly with Coco’s purpose-built sidewalk robots.

Customers simply choose the automated option at checkout on Uber Eats and follow the bot’s progress in real time. Merchants receive brief training, then load hot dishes straight into the robot’s insulated compartment so food stays fresh and arrives on schedule. Owners like those at popular downtown spots have already noted how the system eases parking pressures and speeds up high-volume takeout during busy periods.

Beyond convenience, Coco shares sidewalk data with the city and BlindSquare app to help visually impaired pedestrians. When a bot senses an obstacle, it notifies users who can verify and update the map, turning everyday deliveries into contributions toward safer public spaces for everyone.

This rollout positions Downtown San Jose at the forefront of practical robotics adoption while supporting local eateries and reducing delivery vehicle traffic. As the global market for such technology surges, San Jose demonstrates how thoughtful integration of automation can enhance daily life and reinforce the city’s role as a leader in forward-thinking urban solutions.

Source: SVBJ

Waymo's Driverless Fleet Rolls into San Jose's West Valley with Expanded Service

2026-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

Residents in San Jose's West Valley will soon gain access to Waymo's autonomous ride service as the company prepares to launch operations across approximately 60 square miles in the coming weeks.

The expansion includes neighborhoods such as Willow Glen and Vista Park along with the cities of Cupertino and Campbell, building on the recent addition of San Jose Mineta International Airport to the network and pushing the total Bay Area coverage past 330 square miles.

Local leaders in Campbell, Los Gatos, and Cupertino have voiced a blend of anticipation and practical questions around safety data, liability, and how the vehicles will interact with existing streets and traffic patterns.

Waymo vehicles have already demonstrated strong safety performance compared to human drivers, and the service promises to offer efficient connections that complement public transit options like light rail stations.

This step forward in autonomous transportation positions San Jose to handle growing demand for reliable mobility, particularly as the city gears up to welcome visitors for major international events.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Santa Clara University Charts a Bold Course for the Region's Healthcare Future with New Medical School

2026-05-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Santa Clara University will soon add a transformative medical school to its distinguished lineup thanks to a record $175 million gift from alumna Mary Stevens and her husband Mark Stevens.

The Mary & Mark Stevens School of Medicine will partner closely with Sutter Health to train the next generation of physicians and tackle California's looming shortage of more than 4,000 primary care doctors by 2030.

Students will benefit from an integrated training model that keeps them within Sutter's extensive clinical network while gaining hands-on experience in an 82,000 square foot facility located near the health system's upcoming 272 bed hospital.

The curriculum will blend traditional medical education with cutting edge applications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to prepare graduates for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

This development not only addresses critical workforce needs across the Bay Area but also reinforces the region's leadership in combining education, technology, and compassionate care for generations to come.

Source: SVBJ

West San Jose's Food Scene Levels Up with Sweetgreen's Grand Opening at El Paseo de Saratoga

2026-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

West San Jose residents will gain convenient access to fresh, high-quality meals when Sweetgreen opens its Saratoga + Campbell restaurant on May 19 at El Paseo de Saratoga.

The new 2,406 square foot space will showcase the brand's commitment to transparency and sustainability through an open kitchen and a source board that highlights local California suppliers including Jayleaf for baby spinach and wild arugula plus Dynasty Farms for kale.

Guests can explore an expanded menu that introduces hearty protein-packed wraps in options such as Chicken Caesar and Bacon Club alongside limited-time offerings like the Chicken Sesame Crunch salad and Korean BBQ inspired proteins.

A full week of community activations will mark the launch with giveaways ranging from limited edition cycling merchandise and Cotopaxi fanny packs to hands-on experiences including a DIY plant bar from Little Green and a mini bouquet workshop from Sweet Pea the Flower Truck.

Sweetgreen will also extend its impact beyond the plate by donating a meal to Hunger at Home for every order placed on opening day to support food security efforts throughout Santa Clara County.

Early birds who arrive between 10 and 11 a.m. on May 19 stand to receive a complimentary entrée while supplies last with additional perks available throughout the celebratory week.

The restaurant will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. offering in-store dining along with online and app ordering for those who prefer to plan ahead.

Symphonic World Cup Brings World Class Music to Downtown San Jose

2026-05-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

As the FIFA 2026 World Cup prepares to descend upon Santa Clara County, Symphony San Jose will close its 2025-26 season with a celebration of international artistry through the Symphonic World Cup.

The two performances will unfold at the California Theatre in Downtown San Jose on June 6 at 7:30pm and June 7 at 2:30pm.

Carlos Vieu will conduct the orchestra in Carl Nielsen’s Helios Overture, which evokes the ancient Danish myth of the sun god. Harp soloist Katherine Siochi will then take the spotlight in Alberto Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, a vibrant work that showcases the instrument’s full dramatic range from Argentina.

Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 will bring the program to a stirring close, its triumphant strains echoing themes of resilience forged under historical pressure.

Events of this caliber will continue to elevate San Jose’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts, attracting diverse audiences and nurturing the creative spirit that drives the city forward.

For more information and tickets, head over here.

Free Summer Concerts Return to Evergreen Village Square

2026-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

San Jose gained another reason to look forward to longer evenings when the Music in the Square Summer Series confirmed its return to Evergreen Village Square. Presented in partnership with Councilmember Domingo Candelas, the free weekly concerts will run every Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. starting June 5 and continuing through August 28, with one break on July 4.

Local favorite Classic Rewind will open the season with a set of classic rock covers that have drawn crowds in the past. The band’s energetic style promises to get people moving right away and set a welcoming tone for the full summer run of performances.

Evergreen Village Square businesses have lined up special offers and promotions to coincide with each concert date. Shoppers and diners who arrive early or stay late will find extra incentives that turn a simple night out into a full evening of music, food, and local support.

Those who enjoy relaxed outdoor gatherings with family and friends will discover a perfect fit in this series. The central fountain, open plaza space, and consistent Friday schedule create an easy routine that brings neighbors together week after week while highlighting the southeast side of the city.