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*------------October 7, 1999------------*
*----San Jose News/Gossip Bulletin------*
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**The San Jose Convention and Visitor's Bureau confirms what we already know (from
sky-rocketing numbers of camera-toting downtown pedestrians): Tourism is on the rise in
San Jose. Over 6 million visitors played and did business here in FY 1999, up from 5.5
million two years ago. Average hotel rates are also up significantly (at $138) and
visitor spending has doubled over the last 7 years. The SJCVB attributes the numbers to a
strong economy, the incredibly successful Tech Museum of Innovation, the
perpetually-booked Convention Center, and to greater awareness of the revitalized
downtown. [Thanks to the San Jose Convention and Visitor's Bureau for info. for this news
item.]
**San Jose 2000!! Finally, someone has stepped forward with a big end-of-the-century
celebration for downtown. It's about time; New Years Eve 2000, however you feel about all
the hype, is a big deal...And lots of San Joseans would prefer not to hop on a plane or
drive far on that fateful night. Word has it that a downtown restaurant is going to
announce a major Caribbean-themed block party. If you liked Post Street Mardi Gras last
February (which drew thousands even in the rain), you'll really love this bash...
**The History Museums of San Jose are working with the City on a plan to expand the
Museum's presence downtown. Currently, the organization operates the Peralta Adobe,
adjacent to San Pedro Square. For a while, the picture looked bleak, even though a move
downtown is clearly necessary, as the majority of the Museum's archives are infrequently
accessable to most folks. Besides providing more exhibition space for the public as well
as a research center for scholars, the move would also substantially increase the
cultural attraction of downtown (specifically San Pedro Square, which is trying to
establish itself as a destination spot for dining AND entertainment). Well, things are
looking up, as the Museum has raised much of the funding needed to purchase the Peralta
Square building on W. St. John Street.
**San Josean's don't even consider walking along streets like Blossom Hill Rd. or Bascom
Ave. These wide, four-lane roadways are polluted with anonymous strip malls, and set back
from the road with ugly, gigantic parking lots. Even San Jose's local streets can be
uncomfortable and threatening to your average pedestrian. But now a group of concerned
residents called Walk San Jose is committed to making San Jose a better place to walk.
This group will advocate for stronger traffic calming, better pedestrian amenities such
as crosswalks, and safe streets for kids. To join the group, or for more information,
e-mail trafficcalming@yahoo.com; or attend the upcoming "Walkable and Bikeable
Communities
Workshop" in San Jose on November 13. To register, contact Stephen Ferro at (408)
370-0413.
**Speaking of urban blight, few will argue that much of North 13th street could use some
beautification. Fortunately, with the help of councilwoman Cindy Chavez, the area could
very well get the face-lift it deserves. Chavez is working with local business leaders
and residents to demonstrate that the area meets the criteria of blight (and thus will be
eligible to receive state funding). If all goes well, the next step will be to identify
portions of the street to serve as a neighborhood business district and thus create a
walkable zone, with streetside retail, for locals to stroll, shop, and hang out. The best
bet may be centered around 13th and Empire, adjacent to Backesto Park.
**Light Tower II: Following the item two weeks ago musing on a possible tourist
attraction in St. James Park involving a replica of the historic Electric Light Tower,
word arrives of an actual proposal to build the Tower downtown. Local restauranteur Bill
Carlson (Bella Mia) has been lobbying the City to reconstruct the early 1900's Tower in
Discovery Meadow. Carlson points out that, unlike the original location at Santa Clara &
Market, the Meadow is relatively unobstructed by tall buildings, which would allow the
250-foot monument to be visible for miles. Furthermore, the height restrictions are less
stringent as you move further away from San Jose International. As I mentioned earlier,
this is one of the best ideas circulating for creating a distinct, REAL identity for the
city of San Jose. The Tower is a unique symbol, rooted in reality, that has the potential
to draw thousands tourists and locals downtown. Let's hope someone out there is
listening. At this point, it looks good.
**In the wake of another successful History Days Festival last Sunday, the Alameda
neighborhood is flexing its muscles for the rest of San Jose. The latest improvement: the
restoration of an old railroad bridge on Stockton (near the Alameda). The RDA kicked in
some cash to plant the usual palm trees, reintroduce antique lamps, and to build
retaining walls on either side of the bridge. This is significant, because it could
encourage retail to start cropping up on the more homey side streets off the Alameda.
**A Clean SOFA District: A decade or so ago, pioneers like Fil Manesca (club-owner
turned event-company CEO) battled drunkards, garbage, and prostitution on South First
Street. Now San Jose's bustling club, cafe, and art center, the SOFA District teems with
life Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights till 2am. And look for the streets and
sidewalks (recently refurbished with the help of RDA funds) to be even cleaner, as they
will be powerwashed weekly and spot-cleaned daily.
++Correction from 9-30-99: The Ice Centre is operated by the San Jose Sharks and the San
Jose Arena - not San Jose State University.
++The San Jose News/Gossip Bulletin will be on VACATION NEXT WEEK, and will resume on
October 21, 1999.
++ The eighth annual South Bay Jewish Film Series kicks off October 10th, with several
international films from Israel, France, Austria, and the UK. The three-week long series
includes the US-premier of the critically acclaimed Yana's Friends, a romantic comedy set
in Tel Aviv, just before the Gulf War. For more information, please contact
the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center at (408) 793-5222.
++ Keep the gossip coming!! I want to emphasize that all sources shall remain completely
anonymous.
++ And, last but not least, past issues of the San Jose News/Gossip Bulletin are now
available at www.wgna.net/todd-nl.htm.
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Please send all news or gossip regarding new business openings, redevelopment projects,
celebrity sightings, and other interesting gems concerning San Jose to
todd_95130@yahoo.com.
To be added to the weekly bulletin, please email the above address.
The San Jose News/Gossip Bulletin is a free weekly newsletter intended
to boost city pride, to foster a vital link between city districts, and
to provide information on current and future plans for downtown and the
neighborhoods. Information is gathered from a variety of sources,
including non-profit organizations, neighborhood business
associations, local and national newswires, as well as city government
meetings and documents. All items are written by myself, unless otherwise noted.
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