We’re soarin’, flyin’... 🎵

Santa Clara startup unveils a new kind of flying car

A flying car on its side soaring above forested mountains.
Beep beep. | Photo courtesy of Alef Aeronautics
Picture this. You’re commuting on 101 during rush hour, and to make matters worse — there’s an accident blocking multiple lanes. Instead of sitting in this gridlock, you flip some switches and take off in your now-flying car.

It might sound like something out of “The Jetsons” — but flying cars aren’t new for Silicon Valley, thanks to local startups like Joby Aviation + Archer Aviation.

The difference? Santa Clara-based Alef Aeronauticsnewly unveiled design is the first to look like and have the capability to be driven as a traditional car. 🚗

Media footage of a press unveiling event featuring crowding photographing a silver, futuristic car.

Alef Aeronautics’ Oct. 20 press event turned a lot of heads.

Video via CNET Highlights

👀 Tell me more

The Model A will be an entirely electric vehicle with a 200-mile driving range + 110-mile flying range.

It can take off + land vertically, meaning that it could operate within the same infrastructure as traditional cars. When flown, the car rotates to its side, with seats pivoting to face forward. And yes, you would need a pilot’s license in addition to a driver’s license.

While the $300,000 Model A can only seat two people, Alef Aeronautics is working towards a Model Z, which will be a four-person sedan with twice the distance range, priced at $35,000 + scheduled for introduction by 2035.

A rendering of cars driving on the Bay Bridge, with flying cars commuting above the bridge in the air.

Could this be the future of Bay Area commuting?

Video rendering via Alef Aeronautics

💸 When can I buy one?

The Model A won’t be available until late 2025, but the company is already accepting pre-order deposits starting at $150 + up to $1,500 for a priority position in the queue.

Let us knowwould you take to the skies to avoid traffic? What are your thoughts on flying cars in San Jose?

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Monday, October 24
  • Karaoke Nights | Mon., Oct. 24 | 9 p.m. | O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, 25 N. San Pedro St. , San Jose | Free | Sing your favorite tunes with friends at this weekly karaoke night.
  • The Who: Hits Back! Tour | Mon., Oct. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center at San José, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | $37.00 - $157.00 | Whoooo are you... who, who, who who...
Tuesday, October 25
  • The Cornetto Trilogy Trivia Night! | Tue., Oct. 25 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expressway, San Jose | $10.00 - $30.00 | Come show your love for “Shaun of the Dead,” “Hot Fuzz,” and “The World’s End” — and then let the whole thing blow over.
  • #LaPlazaEs: Career Fair | Tue., Oct. 25 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Mexican Heritage Theater, 1700 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose | Free | Network with local businesses, and potential employers.
  • San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights | Tue., Oct. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center at San José, 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose | $21.00 - $452.00 | Take to the Tank.
Wednesday, October 26
  • Alfred Robles | Wed., Oct. 26 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 South 2nd Street, San Jose | $20.00 - $70.00 | Nobody is safe from the good-natured teasing of Gabriel Iglesias’ frequent opener.
Thursday, October 27
Friday, October 28
  • Rock with You: The Michael Jackson Tribute | Fri., Oct. 28 | 9 p.m.-2 a.m. | Mama Kin, 374 South 1st Street, San Jose | $20.00 - $25.00 | ‘Cause this is thriller, thriller night...
  • Trunk O’ Treat | Fri., Oct. 28 | 4-7 p.m. | Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch , 3090 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose | Free | Bring the kids to trick or treat, enjoy a display of lowriders, and grab free books.

We have a monthly 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.
THE END OF OCTOBER

Weather
  • 74º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain ☀️
Trending
  • It’s deer mating season and there are a few local hotspots where deer collisions triple this time of year, including I-280 and Hwy 17. Experts recommend using caution while driving during dawn + dusk, using high-beams, and slowing down through deer habitats. Some locals also swear by their car-mounted deer whistles. 🦌 (The Mercury News)
Community
  • The City of San Jose, the San Jose Public Library, and the East Side Union High School District announced an expansion to the SJ Access Community Wi-Fi. Free Wi-Fi will now be available in areas surrounding eight local high schools. Check our list for more places to get digitally connected. 📶
Sports
  • Last week we shared tips on how to make a Sharkie Halloween costume. Take your Sharks love to the next level by getting a new Sharks-branded library cardnow available for free at all 25 library branches. 🦈
Art
  • If you know (or are) an early career artist — consider applying for SVCreates’ Content Emerging Artist Award, which offers $5,000 to three local creatives in any genre. An applicant info session will take place on Wed., Nov. 2, and applications are due by Fri., Dec. 2. 🎨
Jobs
Announced
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Seasonal
  • Don’t let chilly temperatures keep you from visiting the pumpkin patch or going to outdoor sporting events. Stock up on HotHands Hand Warmers + keep the feeling in your fingers all season long. Or try this rechargeable electric hand warmer with three different heat levels.*

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From A to ‘za

Answered: San Jose’s favorite pizza spots

A small pizza with fruit, pancetta, and a bright blaze.
Tony & Alba’s limited-time fall special includes Fuyu persimmons, mozzarella, feta, pancetta, and local honey. | Photo via Tony & Alba’s Pizza and Pasta
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore... 🎵

After featuring a few top local pizzerias, we asked for your suggestions. So, grab another slice of these local pizza recommendations from our readers. 🍕

William S. gave a shoutout to Tony & Alba’s — noting that its Sicilian-style pizza has won national + local awards, including the annual Mercury News “Best of” Readers Poll.

Sharon G. + Nancy both recognized Kukar’s House of Pizza, a San Jose staple since 1953. Nancy added: “Their pie toppings are chopped then covered in a blanket of cheese, and cut into squares. YUMMY.”

“For great Indian pizza, it’s hard to go wrong with Bossman’s Pizza. Friendly staff and delicious pies!” - Jeff C.

Absolutely NO pizza list in the South Bay (or Bay Area for that matter) is complete without a mention of The Last Round Tavern — best in the biz!!!” - @bayareapizzareview

To round out this list, Mike P. recommended Bibo’s NY Pizza, and Scott B. + Jeff B. recommended Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria.

Know another local pizzeria that should be listed? Let us know.
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Nicole.

Editor’s pick: One of my favorite things about being one of your City Editors is that I learn so much about cool events around town. On Thurs., Oct. 27, I’m going to Eataly’s Wines of Campania Festival, on Fri., Oct. 28, I’m getting my scare on at the Winchester Mystery House, and on Thurs., Nov. 10, I’m returning to the Visual Philosophy Studio for a clay class. What upcoming events are you excited about?

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Nicole Calande, Trevor Peters, Britt Thorson, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Julie Brown | Advertise with us.

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