June 23, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

57º | Mostly sunny | 5% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:22 a.m. | Sunset: 5:06 p.m.

Things to sip while reading SJtoday

Care for a cup of joe? | Photos via @kobusxyhana, @four.oh.ate, and @conazucarcafe

For richer or pour over, San Jose’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Our city ranks among the top coffee cities in America thanks to factors like cafes per capita and the price of beans.

The great 408 has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in San Jose.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

Specialty drinks

Spectra Coffee, 5353 Almaden Expy., Ste. 52 | This cafe begs you to go outside of the box with fun-flavored latte choices like honey lavender, banana creme, and orange blossom. Got a hankering for chocolate? Try the Dandelion Chocolate Mocha infused with oranges.

Coffee & Water Lab, 603 Saratoga Ave., Ste. 40 | The baristas craft each cup with scientific precision, with pour-over techniques like no other. Get a taste of the single-origin cold brew mixed with maple cream, or one of the coffee floats for a sugary kick with your caffeine.

A plate of avocado toast and a latte on a table from Con Azucar. — Check out the latte art and avocado toast from Con Azucar.
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Photo via @kikive72

Best bites

Con Azucar Cafe, 101 E. Santa Clara St. | Along with delicious horchata lattes and Jamaica refreshers, this cafe specializes in conchas — offering concha ice cream sandwiches and a “Concha Gigante.” You’ll never guess how gigantic it really is.

Dr.ink, 77 N. Almaden Ave., Ste. 70 | Yes, the Butterscotch Latte is to die for and we can’t get enough of the Blue Coconut “Lattea,” but you’ve got to try the soft serve — either the Black Nougat or Ruby Black Tea — with honey boba in the cup.

HannahsCoffee — The creative latte art at Hannah Coffee is IG-worthy.
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Photo via Mandy Healy @makemovesmandy

For latte art lovers

Hannah Coffee, 754 The Alameda, Ste. 80 | It’s the attention to detail that keeps us coming back. Along with whimsical latte art, Hannah Coffee also specializes in adorable handmade cupcakes to go with your cutesy cup of joe.

Voyager Craft Coffee, various locations | Nothing is more gorgeous than this cafe’s rainbow latte art. Voyager specializes in coffee aesthetics, sprinkling each of its lattes with some edible glitter for that extra shine.

12 more coffee shops

Asked

Do you prefer to make coffee at home or get your coffee from a local business?

A. I brew coffee at home
B. I stop by a local coffee shop
C. I get my coffee from a large chain

Let us know

Events

Friday, June 23

B-Park Night Market | Friday, Jun. 23 | 4-8 p.m. | Backesto Park, 602 N. 13th St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy a local makers market that fuses nostalgia with new-age crafts.
Vintage Market by Pop-Up SJ | Friday, Jun. 23-Saturday, Jun. 24 | Times vary | Garden at the Flea, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose | Free | Thrift apparel, shoes, dresses, sports gear, collectibles & more from a wide range of vintage sellers and creative artists.
The Hunger Games Trivia Night | Friday, Jun. 23 | 7 p.m. | The Plex, 800 Embedded Way, San Jose | Free | Volunteer as tribute to prove your knowledge on Katniss, Peeta, and the rest of the gang.

Saturday, June 24

Quicksilver History Hike | Saturday, Jun. 24 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Almaden Quicksilver County Park, 21785 Almaden Rd., San Jose | Free | Discover how the processing of cinnabar into mercury was significant to the success of the California Gold Rush.
Tech Tails Weekend: Mini Cat Town | Saturday, Jun. 24-Sunday, Jun. 25 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Tech Museum, 201 S. Market St., San Jose | $15-$25 | Enjoy an array of fun activities for all ages, including pet-themed crafts, kitten adoptions, and the amazing IMAX movie “Superpower Dogs.”
San Jose Reptile Show | Saturday, Jun. 24-Sunday, Jun. 25 | Times vary | Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Rd, San Jose | $5-$12 | See thousands of live reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and tropical plants — and maybe take one home.
Avenues in the Square | Saturday, Jun. 24 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | San Pedro Square Market, 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose | Free | Enjoy games, activities, and live performances from various community organizations.
Sticker Fest 2023 | Saturday, Jun. 24-Sunday, Jun. 25 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Westgate Shopping Center, 1600 Saratoga Ave., Ste. 403, San Jose | Free | Browse 150+ artists, makers, and creators, and enjoy special DIY activity areas, a photo booth, and more.

Sunday, June 25

Japantown Certified Farmers Market | Sunday, Jun. 25 | 8 a.m. | 357 E. Taylor St., San Jose | Free | Grab fresh produce + mingle with the community at this weekly summer market.
Farmers Market at Westfield Oakridge | Sunday, Jun. 25 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Free | Get fresh produce, enjoy live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Civic

San Jose is deploying a pilot program in August called Focus Area Service Team, or “FAST,” to assist with the community’s complaints on blight. The team will work with property owners in parts of downtown to resolve issues like vacant, damaged buildings + illegally dumped junk. (NBC Bay Area)

Sports

ESPN senior insider Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed that the Golden State Warriors will trade Jordan Poole for Chris Paul from the Washington Wizards. The deal also includes the Warriors’ top-20 protected 2030 first-round pick and a 2027 second-round pick. (CBS Sports)

Coming Soon

Comfort-food eatery Lazy Dog will open next month at the former Chevys Fresh Mex site at Almaden Plaza. This will be the restaurant’s first location in San Jose and sixth location in the Bay Area. (The Mercury News)

Community

The City of San José and San Jose State University are partnering on a citywide branding strategy + student fellowship program to encourage graduates to pursue local careers. A total of $210,000 will fund the effort, plus a survey for students to give feedback on the public safety of downtown. (San José Spotlight)

Outdoors

Join San Jose officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly expanded Rotary PlayGarden (438 Coleman Ave.) on Saturday, June 24, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The all-inclusive play features include a labyrinth, upside-down tree, motion play areas, and zip lines.

Pets

The San Jose Animal Care Center will waive adoption fees until Monday, July 31 as part of a promotion to find homes for over 900 dogs, cats, and other small animals in the shelter. Browse adoptable pets on its portal.

Edu

Out of the California State University system’s 23 campuses, San Jose State University was found to have the largest increase in students graduating after four years. The graduation rate went from 11% in 2014 to 37% in 2022. (The Mercury News)

Asked

Recently, we asked you to get creative + make San Jose into a unique flavor of ice cream using one to three locally procured ingredients. What flavor are you crafting up? Share it with us and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.

Wellness

This line of natural adaptogen supplements is formulated to help you achieve specific outcomes, like: Clarity (entering flow state), Energy (powering through busy days), Motivation (to stop procrastinating), and Logic (for deep, analytical thinking). Take their quiz to find your perfect blend and get 15% off with code 6amcity.*

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.*

Community

Make a splash

South Bay Shores offers unique thrills + family-friendly attractions. | Photo via @montereybayparent

The great 408 is heating up and we can expect temperatures to continue climbing during this hotter-than-usual summer.

But don’t sweat it. We’ve gathered several San Jose community + club pools, and local water parks so you can stay cool in the summer heat.

💦 Club pools

Almaden Valley Athletic Club | 5400 Camden Ave. | $125+/month | Pool hours vary | Get physical with group aqua classes + professional coaching.
San Jose Swim & Racquet Club | 1170 Pedro St. | Memberships vary | Sunrise to sunset, daily | Enjoy a family-friendly wading pool, heated Junior Olympic-sized pool, and spa.

🌊 Water parks

South Bay Shores at California’s Great America | 4701 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara | $45+ | 11 a.m.-6 p.m., days vary | Experience a negative G-force at Mission Falls — or spend a relaxing afternoon along the Rushin’ River.

More spots to cool down

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

While I love hanging out in San Jose, this weekend, I’ll be heading to SF Pride for the big celebration and parade. It’s my third year attending, and my second year as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Crowds of more than half a million are expected this weekend, so... it’s going to be a party.

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