Get a road of this history

15 historic street names in San Jose, CA

A screenshot of the City of San Jose map displaying the streets of The Alameda.

Let’s dive into the history behind some historic street names. | Screenshot via City of San Jose

The city of San Jose was founded on Nov. 29, 1777, as el Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe, and became the first town in the Spanish colony, Nueva California. Now that 245+ years have passed, the city and its streets are chock-full of vibrant history.

It’s safe to say that over the years, the city has been touched by countless historical figures and happenings — many of which have shaped the names of San Jose’s buildings, parks, and streets. In this guide, we’re delving into the history of San Jose’s streets — specifically how they were named.

Willow Glen

What was once incorporated as its own town in 1927 is now a prominent area that became a part of our city in 1936. It offers a small-town feel with streets lined with small cafes, vintage boutiques, clean parks, and more.

Curtner Avenue — named after early San Jose pioneers, Henry and Lucy Curtner. In 1852, Henry arrived from Indiana with $20 to his name, but quickly rose to millionaire status and was one of Santa Clara Valley’s most notable philanthropists.

Dry Creek Road — following a devastating 1866 flood, the Los Gatos Creek filled + flowed along the Los Gatos North Water Ditch and into an old channel east of Meridian Avenue. It later became a dry creek river bed, which eventually converted into a road.

The outside wall of Crema Coffee. — Crema Coffee sits along Race Street. | Photo by Jessica Te

Sunol-Midtown

Nestled along the Alameda is this urban village that is mainly residential, but offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee shops, thrift stores — and even an axe-throwing spot.

Sunol Street — named after Spanish settler Antonio Marie Suñol, who opened one of San Jose’s first mercantile shops and worked with Henry Morris Naglee to convert Mexican land grants.

Race Street — between 1859 and 1901, there was a 76-acre site along this street that was known as Agricultural Park. It included a horseracing and bicycle track, but was later redeveloped into the Shasta Hanchett Park neighborhood.

11 MORE HISTORIC STREETS

You have the opportunity to name a street in our city. What do you name the street after?

A. A loved one
B. My pet
C. My favorite athlete
D. Someone who’s made an impact in the community
E. Me, duh
F. Other

LET US KNOW

Click here to have your event featured.

Friday, March 3

San Jose Barracuda vs. Ontario Reign | Friday, Mar. 3 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. 10th St., San Jose | $13+ | Our local minor league hockey team is ready to bare teeth.
Ari Shaffir | Friday, Mar. 3-Saturday, Mar. 4 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25+ | Hear the writer and comic best known for the Comedy Central storytelling show, “This Is Not Happening.”
Our Planet Live in Concert | Friday, Mar. 3 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, 255 S. Almaden Blvd., San Jose | $63+ | Watch breathtaking HD cinematography with orchestrations by Oscar-winning composer Steven Price performed by a live orchestra.
First Friday | Friday, Mar. 3 | San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy a lounge-like atmosphere with music, drinks, and open galleries.

Saturday, March 4

Friend Fest | Saturday, Mar. 4-Sunday, Mar. 5 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Westgate Center, 1600 Saratoga Ave., Ste. 501, San Jose | Free | Celebrate friendship at SJ Made’s third annual festival with 175+ makers, artists, and creators.
Sweet & Street | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 3-9 p.m. | 1545 Parkmoor Ave., San Jose | $40 | Celebrate Women’s History Month at this all-female art show featuring live paintings, vendors, and more.
This Is Now: Bernie Sanders and John Nichols | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 7-8 p.m. | California Theatre, 354 S. First St., San Jose | $25+ | Catch the senator’s only in-person appearance for Northern California on behalf of his book, “It’s OK To Be Angry About Capitalism.”
First Anniversary Party | Saturday, Mar. 4 | 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. | San Pedro Social, 163 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose | Free | Celebrate the milestone with live sets by DJ Umami and DJ Custo.

Sunday, March 5

Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, March 5-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce, live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.
Will Burkart | Sunday, Mar. 5 | 7 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $20+ | This comic has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers and over 120 million views through his stand-up clips on social media.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

MORE TO EXPLORE THIS WEEKEND

Weather

59º | Partly cloudy | 13% chance of rain 🌦️

Development

The former Fry’s Electronics headquarters at 550 E. Brokaw Rd. will soon begin a transformation into a 2 million-sqft office space. While the future tenant of the building is uncertain, the developer will now begin a year-long, four-phase construction planning process. 📐 (San José Spotlight)

DYK

Did you know that Monopoly will soon debut a San Jose edition of the classic board game? The company is now accepting submissions on how the properties and 38 spots on the board should be labeled — so submit your idea and see if it sticks when the game is released this fall. 🎲 (Silicon Valley Business Journal)

Sports

In case you missed it, the San Jose Sharks recently acquired veteran winger Vladislav Namestnikov from Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for forward Mikey Eyssimont. Namestnikov has recorded 251 points + 610 NHL games since being selected by Tampa in the 2011 draft. 🏒

San Josean

San Jose native and voice actress Candi Milo was recently featured by Metro Silicon Valley for her memoir, “Surviving the Odd,” which recounts her childhood in the great 408. Candi has voiced characters on “Looney Tunes,” “Phineas and Ferb,” and “The Wild Thornberrys.” 📖 (Metro Silicon Valley)

Outdoors

Following recent stormy weather, many San Jose parks are closed until further notice. This includes Alum Rock Park and several areas within the Coyote Creek, Penitencia Creek, and Guadalupe River trails. Find more information on the city’s website. ⛔

Job

Do you eat, breathe, and dream about editorial content? We’re hiring a Managing Editor to support the strategic growth and development of 6AM City’s editorial team, specifically as it relates to content management, creation, and strategy. See details + apply.

Travel

Did you know? Going, the travel membership that saves you money on flights, offers veterans, teachers, and healthcare professionals special discounts. Get 25% off a premium membership and take that well-earned vacation with discounted flights to Spain, Mexico, Ireland, and more.*

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

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We are (ice) screaming

Humphry Slocombe opens at the Pruneyard

A bunch of Humphry Slocombe pints stacked in a fridge.

Eat some at the store, take some to-go. | Photo via SJtoday staff

Here’s the scoop — Humphry Slocombe is now open at the Pruneyard. 🍦

The shop has expanded to the South Bay for its seventh location — which also boasts being the company’s first brick-and-mortar south of Redwood City and Oakland.

The Bay Area ice creamery was founded 15 years ago in the Mission District in SF, and is known for its unique flavors. Haven’t had a lick? Expect fun scoops like:

🍦 “Vietnamese Coffee” — made with Blue Bottle beans, chicory, and sweetened condensed milk.

🍦 “Secret Breakfast” — made with bourbon, caramelized cornflakes, and vanilla bean. (Psst, this was the shop’s very first concoction.)

And we’re in for an even bigger treat. During the month of March, Humphry Slocombe will offer a limited edition flavor, “Champagne & Strawberries,” as part of a partnership with Broadway San Jose in promotion of “Pretty Woman: The Musical.”

Ice cream and Broadway? Sounds like a win-win to us.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: This weekend, I’m heading to the Westgate Center in South SJ for SJ Made‘s Friend Fest. It’s happening both Saturday + Sunday, and is quite literally, the largest South Bay craft fair with 175+ vendors. If you know me, I love supporting local makers and seeing all the unique goods that our community creates. It makes me feel a lot better about spending all my money... 🤭

Missed the last newsletter? Find some great meals on wheels.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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