The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced it will provide the funds over a five-year period and work with the San Jose Downtown Association to build a downtown that is “innovative, vibrant, equitable and inclusive.”

The half-acre park to be located near San Pedro Square is inspired by the plum orchards that once grew in the area and is named after French immigrant Louis Pellier who is considered the founder of the prune industry. 

The San Jose police investigation, dubbed Operation Flat Tire, was launched six months ago after the burglary prevention unit noticed an increase in thefts of expensive bikes and construction equipment, especially in the downtown area.

San Jose businesses, like emerging butterflies, slowly began unfolding out of their cocoons this week. Like their fluttering counterparts, the retail, service and hospitality sectors have a new look and are still cautiously testing their wings. Some didn’t survive the metamorphosis, and various observers said it is too soon to tell what the pandemic’s final business survival rate might be in San Jose.

San Jose Inside editor Josh Koehn sat down with Mayor-elect Sam Liccardo last week to discuss the recent election, what accomplishments he'll cite when running for re-election in four years and how he plans to mend relationships with political adversaries.

In a deal reached Thursday with the Oakland Athletics, San Jose just bought more time to try wooing the team to a new ballpark in downtown.

Blackbird Tavern announced Monday that it will be closing a little more than a year after opening its doors. The restaurant, which also served craft beer and cocktails, and hosted regular live music events, opened in downtown San Jose on July 1, 2013.

The mayor's race is on, so of course there are going to be fireworks. But the latest tiff in San Jose's quadrennial contest actually involves fireworks.

Statistics show that the number of people under 25 who have drivers licenses has decreased steadily over the last 20 years. This may seem like random trivia on its face. But a closer look reveals a social trend that has significance to San Jose and other metropolitan areas across the country.

After voting to raise taxes on pot clubs earlier this year, San Jose Councilman Sam Liccardo has found a new vice to tackle: nudie bars. Spurred by the imminent opening of a gentlemen’s club in downtown, Liccardo has asked the city to impose more restrictions on San Jose’s adult establishments. The city already bans nudity in downtown businesses, which leaves us to presume that the Gold Club, slated to open up Aug. 8 in the historic 81 W. Santa Clara St. building, will operate as a bikini bar.

Downtown San Jose appears poised to add a new entertainment venue next month. The question is whether some of the workers will be topless, fully nude or neither.

I often hear it said that San Jose lacks culture. I’d like to say that the speaker is invariably not from around these parts. But more often than not, I hear it from San Joseans. It’s reached the point where I’m not surprised anymore. In fact, I have a speech polished and ready to go for these very occasions. When you’re wearing an Arts Commissioner badge, it never hurts to be prepared. Thankfully, some news arrived at last week’s monthly commission meeting that will add some heft to my argument.

San Jose needs to grow up more than out, according to city leaders who want to extend high-rise developer incentives another few years. Other items going before the Rules and Open Government Committee on Wednesday include budgeting, lowering traffic fees and a potential name change for the San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant.

Santana Row will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. It has provided a new destination for Bay Area residents as well as additional tax revenue for San Jose. On Tuesday, the City Council will consider approving a large office building at Santana Row instead of housing. This new 240,000 square foot office building will provide an attractive option to companies locating in San Jose.

Downtown San Jose will be celebrating 22 years of the San Jose Jazz Festival over three days beginning this Friday. Music festivals are held all over the world and provide the unique experience of bringing musicians from across the globe to perform in one city. The San Jose Jazz Festival is one of the best outdoor events showcasing the Downtown.

Will the last one out shut off the lights—and sound? Four downtown nightclubs—Wet, Pearl, Toons and Motif—have “closed for remodeling,” taken a break or gone dark for good in recent days. The closures follow a series of enforcement actions, and more could be on the way