Learn about one of the oldest motorcycle clubs in the country. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Did you know that San Jose has an almostcentury-old motorcycle club? This Sunday, Sept. 25, the San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club will be celebrating its 90th anniversary.
That day, the public is welcome to the clubhouse (523 Columbia Ave.) at 1 p.m. for the occasion — which will include a barbecue, history tours, raffles, and ashowcase of their rides, of course.
For today, we’re exploring the Dons’ impressive history and what the club is up to today.
🏁 Roots in racing
The club traces its origin to two 1930s racing legends: Tom Sifton + Sam Arena.
The pair started the club out of Tom’s San Jose Harley-Davidson dealership to reinvigorate the local motorcycling community during the Depression.
The club recruited top racers like Al Rudy, Larry Headrick, and Joe Leonard (known collectively as the “San Jose Bunch”). By the 1950s, Sam claimed the Oakland 200 record at the Pacific Coast Championship + Joe had won eight Grand National victories in a single season. 🏆
Along with racing himself, Tom’s impressive engine building helped lead the club to many National + Northern California competition victories.
Since those wins, the Dons’ membership declined asflat tracks like San Jose Speedway + Bay Meadows were taken over by other sports.
🤝 Still riding
The 48 current members are still riding, of course — but they’re also shifting efforts toward volunteerism + fundraising. To them, it’s important to keep a positive legacy.
“There’s only 1% of [motorcycle clubs] around that do local charities, [and] really try to get into the community, and look what’s needed,” Dons President Mike V. said.
Currently, the Dons are planning a Ukraine relief donation + a project to gathering blankets, hats, and gloves for a local children’s center in December.
“You feel proud, because [...] it really teaches you to be mindful of how you act [...] just knowing that I’m upholding a standard that’s 90 years old.” Road Captain Devin Wayman said.
🔎 Learn more
There’s more written about the club’s storiedhistory, and if you’re interested in bikes or joining, contact the Dons on Instagram, Facebook, or through their website.
Spread the word about the Dons to your family and friends.
Track Bike Racing at Hellyer Velodrome | Wed., Sept. 21 | 6-8 p.m. | Hellyer County Park, 985 Hellyer Ave. | Free entry | Hit the track to see this season’s bike action. 🚲
The PlayGround | Wed., Sept. 21 | 6 p.m. | Mama Kin, 374 S. First St. | Free entry | Don’t miss this funky musical fusion of DJs + live instruments. 🎶
Whisk{e}y Wednesday | Wed., Sept. 21 | 4 p.m.-1 a.m. | Five Points Bar, 169 W. Santa Clara St. | Free entry | Enjoy more than 20 different whiskeys from different countries at 50% off. 🥃
Thursday
Short Film Showcase | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 7-9 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Attend Q+A sessions with filmmakers featured in Women in Film San Francisco Bay Area’s showcase. 🎬
Aleman, La Banda Baston | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 8 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St. | $45 | Bounce to these Latin hip-hop beats.
Every Thursday with UVI | Thurs., Sept. 22 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Locations vary | Free entry | Enjoy live music across seven different restaurants + bars around Downtown.
Friday
Jeff Ross | Fri., Sept. 23-Sun., Sept. 25 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St. | $25+ | “The Roastmaster General” has arrived. 🎙️
Disney Trivia at the Plex! | Fri., Sept. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | The Plex, 800 Embedded Wy. | Free | Celebrate all things Disney + prove that you’re the superior mouseketeer. 🪄
Sunset Series - The Alaya Project | Fri., Sept. 23 | 8 p.m. | Hammer Rooftop Terrace, 101 Paseo de San Antonio | $15+ | This Oakland ensemble bridges Indian classical music with contemporary jazz + funk. 🎷
Friday Fun Games | Fri., Sept. 23 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Rd. | Free | Test your skills with various games during this community-building event. ♟️
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
Revamp work is well underway for the historic San Jose Water Co. building at 374 W. Santa Clara St. as part of Google’s Downtown West village — signaling a punctual start to construction. The structure will serve as a gateway into the forthcoming mixed-use neighborhood. 🏗️ (The Mercury News)
Community
Yesterday, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley + Lowespartnered to renovate three Santa Clara County war veterans’ homes. This is a part of Rebuilding Together’s goal of completing 300 renovations this year, and Lowes’ national initiative to support veterans this fall. 🤝 (The Mercury News)
The Overfelt Royal Gardening Club is seeking financial assistance to bolster its mission in educating East San Jose students on effective gardening methods + benefits of gardening. You can help the club reach its goal of $800 through its GoFundMe. 🌱
Opening
The Hilton Garden Inn near Mineta Airport will celebrate its grand opening next Thurs., Sept. 29 from 4:30-7 p.m. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony, free food + drinks, and games. RSVP ahead of time. 🛎️
San Josean
San Jose native + WWE superstar Bayleyreturned home on Monday night to compete at WWE Raw at the SAP Center. She attended Independence High School before pursuing her wrestling career, and has now moved back to San Jose. (ABC 7 News)
CBS News recently sat down with South Bay artist Carlos Pérez David — the creator behind the infamous Apple logo. He currently lives in San Jose, and his artwork can be found all over the city, including Mineta Airport, the Veterans Memorial, and the Mexican Heritage Plaza. 🎨
Health
Mosquitos in Santa Clara County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Areas within ZIP codes 94024, 94040, and 94087 in Mountain View, Los Altos, and Sunnyvale will be treated to reduce these populations on Thurs., Sept. 22 around 10 p.m. 🦟 (KRON 4 News)
Playful People Productions is bringing its Taiko drumming classes back for four sessions beginning Sat., Oct. 8. The outdoor class will accommodate 6-14 students ages 10+ and meet every other Saturday — more information can be found on the website. 🥁 (The Mercury News)
Real Estate
When the Menard family decided to move home, the hot CA sun wasn’t the only thing heating up Orange County. Learn how an Opendoor-backed offer landed them the house of their dreams.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
The City Hall Rotunda in Downtown San Jose. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Can you believe election season is just around the corner?
Well okay, you’ve still got some time. But we like to plan ahead, so we’re going to equip you with everything you need to prepare for the Tues., Nov. 8 election.
🗳️ Registering to vote
The last day to register to vote is Mon., Oct. 24, and if you’ve changed your name or political affiliation since last voting, you must re-register to vote.
City Council District 3: Irene Smith vs. Omar Torres
City Council District 5: Nora Campos vs. Peter Ortiz
City Council District 7: Maya Esparza vs. Bien Doan
🗳️ State propositions
California is known for its numerous propositions, many of which can be challenging to understand as voters. Luckily, this year there are only seven propositions on the ballot — the fewest since 1916.
One of our SJtoday readers — Cathy J., aka The Proposition Lady — is currently sharing non-partisan, educational videos that explore the pros and cons of each proposition. Pro tip: Cathy recommends hosting ‘proposition parties’ with friends + neighbors to discuss the issues on the ballot.
You can also review proposition guides from CalMatters and KQED.
🗳️ Get involved
Wanna take your passion for the electoral process to the next level? The Santa Clara County Registrar of voters is actively looking for poll workers — learn more + apply.
Editor’s pick: While doing my research for the San Jose Dons story, I learned that the famed Sam Arena and I share a birthday — October 30. He was born 86 years before me in 1912, but was inducted in the AMA Hall of Fame the same year I was born. How cool is that?
I also just wanted to thank the Dons’ president, Mike V., who took me around the Dons’ clubhouse, shared their rich history, and even showed me his own ride. 💪
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
* This content is paid advertising, or contains links to our Six & Main marketplace, or affiliate partners which we may receive a commission from. ^ This content is created by our content studio.