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*-----------December 30, 1999-----------*
*---San Jose News and Gossip Bulletin---*
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**The much-anticipated opening of "Fantasia 2000" at the Tech starts off the new year on
the right foot. With New Year's Day showtimes already sold out, the Museum is sure to be
packed on the first day of the new Millenium. And while Disney's magic graces the
eight-story domed screen, filming is underway this spring on an IMAX film that puts San
Jose in the spotlight. SBK pictures will be shooting a signature film (meaning it will be
shown before every IMAX feature at the Tech) on the history, the geography, and the
culture of San Jose and the surrounding Valley. Look for Lick Observatory, the Arena,
Stanford's Linear Accelerator, and, of course, the downtown skyline to be included.
**Keeping us in the spotlight, rumor has it that two movies (based on recent bestsellers)
are up for bid to be shot in San Jose. One film, based on David Kaplan's "The Silicon
Boys and Their Valley of Dreams" (1999), could very well be shot in our own backyard
sometime next year. Unfortunately, nothing is etched in stone, with many production teams
opting for Canada over California because of cost incentives. But, we're not alone; a
recent article in Los Angeles Magazine, points out that the Southland has the very same
problem.
**On a more certain note, the downtown restaurant scene continues to explode. La Perla
Oyster Lounge finally opens at Santa Clara & Market; Ocean Harbor Seafood Restaurant
(original location on the West Side) sets up shop at Plaza de San Antonio; and, in about
four months, Balau serves up Italian and French cuisine at 3rd and San Carlos. [Credit to
the Downtown Residents Association "Voice" newsletter (Winter, '99) and the San Jose
Mercury News (12/22/99) for some of the information in this item.]
**As mentioned in an earlier Bulletin, the Montogomery Hotel move should be an exciting
spectacle for downtowners and visitors alike. An RDA spokesperson comments on the hard
choice to be made between the last Superbowl of the century and the relocation of a
1930's hotel 100 feet to the South. No word if it will coincide with halftime as of yet,
but it should be fascinating to watch.
**Midnight Mass drew over 1,500 people to downtown's St. Joseph's Cathedral on Dec. 24th,
reflecting a remarkable cross-section of the city's ethnic mix. But, the real story was
outside the 150 year-old church, where even in the sleepy hours of Christmas Eve.,
hundreds strolled about - returning from a walk around Christmas in the Park, filling
local nightclubs, or trekking back from a late dinner. The pulse of the city's heart is
becoming more and more evident, and this echoes much hope for the years ahead.
**On a sad note, in the Willow Glen neighborhood, Julian's Bakery announces it will be
closing on December 31st for good. The one-year old new kid on the block is not closing
for financial reasons, but more for personal ones. Their cheery service (and to-die-for
Blondie Brownies) will be sorely missed. No word on who will replace them, though there
is some indication that another bakery may be on the way.
++Warmest wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to you and your loved ones. For VERY
last-minute plans, check out www.postst.com for information on San Jose's outdoor &
indoor Milennium celebration. All in all, over 100,000 partygoers are expected downtown
on that fateful night of nights. And for other city happenings, check out today's Silicon
Valley Metro or San Jose City Search at http://sanjose.citysearch.com/.
++Who says you can't hear great live jazz music in the cold winter months? The San Jose
Jazz Society kicks off its Sunday concert series at the beautiful Hyatt St. Claire on
January 9th at 3pm. The renowned Chuck Travis Quartet fires up the Hotel's Palm Room. The
cost is just $5. For more information, check out the Jazz Society's web site at
www.sanjosejazz.org, or call (408) 288-7557.
++The San Jose News & Gossip Bulletin is on the Web. The site includes the Bulletin's
mission statement, past issues, as well as numerous links to San Jose neighborhoods.
Check out www.angelfire.com/ca4/sanjosengb for details. ATTENTION: Online neighborhood
groups, business associations, and city promotions organizations -- if appropriate,
please provide a link to the Bulletin from your own site.
++ Keep the gossip coming!! I want to emphasize that all sources shall remain completely
anonymous.
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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 bimonthly bulletin, please email the above address.
The San Jose News and Gossip Bulletin is a free bimonthly 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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