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Reporting for jury duty in San Jose, CA

The Santa Clara County Superior Court in Downtown San Jose. | Photo by SJtoday staff

It’s happened — you got the little postcard saying that you’re up for jury duty. Whether it’s your first time serving, or it’s been a few years — it’s common to have questions.

So, we’re breaking down what to expect when you report for jury duty in Santa Clara County.

A postcard with instructions about jury duty. — City Editor Nicole’s postcard requesting her service for jury duty.

⚖️ Getting the call

You’re in luck — everything’s online now. Log in to Santa Clara County’s online portal using the badge number printed on your summons postcard.

You can request a postponement or disqualification at this time — but only the judge may formally excuse you from jury duty.

⚖️ Reporting for duty

As your summons date approaches, you’ll need to take it day-by-day. On Sunday night, log into the portal to see if you have to report to the court house on Monday. If not, you’ll check each day after 5 p.m.

If you are not called to report within that week, then your duty is complete — you shouldn’t be summoned for another year.

If you are called in, note the specific court address + parking instructions. You could be assigned to:

Downtown Superior Courthouse, 191 North First St.
Hall of Justice Courthouse, 190 West Hedding St.
South County Courthouse, 301 Diana Ave., Morgan Hill
Palo Alto Courthouse, 270 Grant Ave., Palo Alto

When checking in with your summons card, you’ll receive a “proof of attendance” form to give to your employer.

⚖️ To serve or not to serve

In the courtroom, you’ll hear basic information about the case, then the bailiff will hand out “hardship forms” for those who are seeking excusal. In most cases, the judge will defer the juror to a later date.

If you are not seeking excusal, you’ll have to answer a series of questions so the defense + prosecution can determine whether you’re a good fit for the case.

Let us know if there are other civic topics — like registering a marriage or getting a business license — that you’d like us to break down next.

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Friday, October 28

Field To Table | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 5:15-10:30 p.m. | PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose | $119.00 - $149.00 | This dining series features 12 of the best chefs from around the Bay Area.
Gary Owen | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 South 2nd Street, San Jose | $35.00 - $95.00 | This comedian boasts over a decade of experience and several Showtime specials.
History Park’s Halloween Haunt Light Show | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sun., Oct. 30 | 5:30-8 p.m. | History Park, San Jose | $5.00 - $10.00 | Enjoy an epic light show at the Pacific Hotel, eat local food, listen to Halloween-themed music, and engage in family-friendly crafts.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Tucson Roadrunners | Fri., Oct. 28 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S Tenth Street, San Jose | $13.00 - $50.00 | This minor league hockey team knows how to bare its teeth.
Wait Until Dark | Fri., Oct. 28 - Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St, Ste 200, San Jose | $37.00 | Catch this psychological thriller about a blind, yet capable woman who is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment.

Saturday, October 29

Qmunity Night Circus | Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m.-1 a.m. | Qmunity District, Post Street, Downtown San José, San Jose | Free | Come in costume for a chance to win $500 — with games, meet-and-greets, and more.
Trunk O’ Treat | Sat., Oct. 29 | 4-9 p.m. | Vito’s Pizza, 1040 S. White Rd., San Jose | Free | Check out a trunk display + costume competition from the Lowrider Council.

Sunday, October 30

Levitt San Jose Fall Concert Series 2022 | Sun., Oct. 30 | 3 p.m. | St. James Park, 2nd Street & St. James St, San Jose | Free | Catch funk + soul group Orgōne, while enjoying food trucks, vendors, and a beer garden.
The Night Before Halloween | Sun., Oct. 30 | 2-8 p.m. | Blanco Urban Venue, 12 N. San Pedro St., San Jose | $36.00 - $62.00 | A spooky night of costumes, drinks, and a full lineup of local DJs.
Oakridge Farmers Market | Sun., Oct. 30 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Drive, San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce, live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.

Friday, November 4

Donny McCaslin | Fri., Nov. 4 | 7 p.m. | Rothschild Performing Arts Center, The Harker School , 500 Saratoga Ave., San Jose | $25.00 | Grammy-nominated composer Donny McCaslin brings elements of jazz and alternative rock influenced from his work with legendary artist David Bowie to the 2022-23 Harker Concert Series.*

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.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

68º | Partly cloudy | 5% chance of rain

Eat

Chomp on this, Sharks fans. The SAP Center has unveiled its new arena menu — which includes boozy slushies, dessert tacos, and the only poutine served at a NHL stadium in the US. SJ’s own ABVE the Basics + El Halal Amigos are also new to the Tank this year. 🍽️ (The Mercury News)

Environment

This week, City Council voted to spend $530 million to increase the city’s battery storage for solar energy. This move — and several upcoming renewable energy decisions — will help the city stay on track to meets its carbon neutral goals by 2030. 🔋 (San José Spotlight)

Closed

There are reports that Downtown’s Ozu Ramen Kitchen has closed. While the reason is unclear, we’ll keep an eye out for updates. In the meantime, send in your local ramen recommendations to be featured in a future newsletter. 🍜

Active

Beware where you tread... The Mercury News recently shared the Bay Area’s most haunted hikes — and featured San Jose’s Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Between local urban legends + creepy mining infrastructure of yesteryear, the park’s 37 miles of trails might make a good Halloween hike... if you dare. 🥾 (The Mercury News)

Try This

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo is bringing back its Member Mornings starting this Saturday, Oct. 29. This event will give members exclusive access for an hour before the general public. Not a member yet? Stop monkeying around. 🦥

San Josean

Popular TV ghost hunter + SJ native Nick Groff was recently interviewed by Metro Silicon Valley about his supernatural experiences, and his take on several local haunts: the Winchester Mystery House, Toys “R” Us, Chuck E. Cheese, and Dottie’s Pond. 👻 (Metro Silicon Valley)

DYK

Here’s a scary fact... Halloween decorations with lights, batteries, or electronics, and makeup, face paint, and glue shouldn’t be thrown in the trash. Instead make an appointment to drop-off your Household Hazardous Waste. 🚯
Did you know we want to share your Black Friday deals with our SJtoday readers? Promote your business with us by submitting a deal to be included in our Fri., Nov. 25 newsletter. Pricing varies by market + must be submitted by Wed., Nov. 16.

Biz

A Beverly Hills real estate firm has purchased the Centerra — a 21-story residential tower next to San Pedro Square — for $185 million. This, among other recent deals, points to a strong interest in Downtown’s apartment market. 💰 (The Mercury News)

Celebrate

We want to wish a happy birthday (on Sunday) to our teammate Alyson, SJtoday City Editor. Happy birthday, Alyson!

Drink

Getting groceries delivered is great, but getting your favorite beer, wine, and liquor delivered is even better. With Drizly, you can order your go-to libations as well as mixers, party supplies, and snacks + they’ll be delivered to your door in under 60 minutes. Order now. 🥂*

The Buy

Real talk: You’re an adult, and it’s time to say goodbye to those sad, flat pillows and invest in bedding that supports your neck and back. Marlow designed a pillow specifically for side sleepers with customizable firmness, three angles to support your neck, and cooling technology — code 6AM saves you 10%, plus buy-more, save-more discounts up to 40%. ☁️ *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

We’re going out on a limb here...

Urban legends and ghost stories from San Jose, CA

An outdoor cemetery with white picket fences around gravesites.

Bert Barrett rests in San Jose’s Hacienda Cemetery — well, some of him. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know — there’s a grave at Hacienda Cemetery that contains just one arm?

In 1898, a 13-year-old local named Richard Bertram Barrett lost his left arm in a hunting accident. Due to laws at the time, his family buried the limb at the Hacienda Cemetery — located at 21440 Bertram Rd. (later named after Richard).

He lived a successful life following the incident + even served as the Chief of Sanitation for the Santa Clara County Health Department. He died in 1959 at the age of 74, and was buried 11 miles away from his left arm at the Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Legend has it that on Halloween night, his left arm comes alive to try and find the rest of its body at the other cemetery. So if you see a traveling limb… now you know.

Do you believe in these legends? Know any others we should feature? Let us know.

THE WRAP

City Editor Nicole is a striped shirt, denim overalls, and red hair. — Here’s Chucky...

Today’s issue was written by Nicole.

Editor’s pick: I love Halloween, and for me — it’s all about the scares. So this year, my costume is based on one of my favorite horror franchises: “Child’s Play.” What are you dressing up as?

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Enjoy a tiramisu dessert latte, courtesy of Jiaren Cafe.

Connect with us.

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

Sales: Allie Wetteland | Advertise with us.

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