06.26.2023

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Today’s Forecast

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

🌵 Let’s head to the desert

Hit the road: A desert getaway to Joshua Tree

A mural that says, "Welcome to Joshua Tree start your trip here"

Care for a desert getaway to Joshua Tree? | Photo by SJtoday

City Editor Alyson here — within the last year, I’ve been trying to adventure to in-state destinations that don’t hurt my wallet, but are still an escape from my normal day-to-day reality.

My favorite getaway? Joshua Tree. It’s the coolest spot to plan a weekend trip (or longer) with a unique backdrop that’s unlike anything you’ll see in the South Bay.

Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.

Drive time: ~7 hours
Est. population: 7,400
Avg. high in June/July: 95°-100° (pack lots of sunscreen)

A hiking trail of Joshua Tree National Park. — This specific hiking trail was called “Hall of Horrors.”
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Photo by SJtoday

🥾Things to do

Joshua Tree National Park
The biggest draw to this small town is the park which spans ~800,000 acres and is filled with those quirky-looking Joshua Trees. Pro tip: Survey the map to see what points you want to hit, and be prepared for a lengthier drive in for popular spots like Skull Rock.

View art installments
With so much empty desert space, Joshua Tree invites artists from all walks of life to plant their installments around the city. See the large stone goddess of “Transmission,” the welded steel sculptures of Simi Dabah, or the world-famous Crochet Museum.

The Kitchen in the Desert sign. — Kitchen in the Desert is best at night with live music.
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Photo by SJtoday

🍽️ Grab a bite

Natural Sisters Cafe
Fuel up before a day’s hike at this organic, locally sourced cafe with vegetarian and vegan offerings. Along with fresh juices + smoothies, you can also grab breakfast sandwiches, plant-based burgers, and loaded wraps.

Kitchen in the Desert
Just a short drive next door to Joshua Tree in 29 Palms is this New American restaurant and bar. Set in a 1940s-era building, this vintage eatery is a great spot offering live music, outdoor fire pits, and a tropical desert oasis setting.

Where to stay

Asked

Which road trip destination would you like us to explore next?

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Events

Monday, June 26

Art Meets Coffee: Ceramics Sale | Monday, Jun. 26 | 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Jiaren Cafe, 1171 Homestead Rd., Ste. 140B, Santa Clara | Free | Browse a variety of beautifully crafted pieces, including bowls, mugs, and more.

Tuesday, June 27

Pow Wow Song & Dance Classes | Tuesday, Jun. 27 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose | Free | The Indian Health Center hosts lessons to inspire cultural pride and connection.
“Grey’s Anatomy” Trivia Night | Tuesday, Jun. 27 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expy., San Jose | $8-$24 | Test your knowledge on the first 10 years of medical happenings at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital.

Wednesday, June 28

Magic Hour at Momstera: Meditation & Sound Bowl Healing | Wednesday, Jun. 28 | 6 p.m. | Momstera Lounge, 428 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell | $35 | Learn an introduction to meditation, breath work, chakras, and crystals.
Floral Libations Mixology Workshop | Wednesday, Jun. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Florra, 350 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell | $95 | Explore using lavender syrup, pea flower-infused gin, and other fresh herbs and fruits to create unique concoctions.
Tom Arnold | Wednesday, Jun. 28 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25-$75 | This actor and comedian is best known for his roles on “Roseanne,” “Austin Powers,” “Soul Plane,” and “True Lies.”

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

The city is considering demolishing a Depression-era boxing venue + home that could date back to the Civil War, to make way for a temporary parking lot. The controversial move would make way for more parking near the SAP Center for the BART extension + Downtown West village. (The Mercury News)

Development

Developers announced new details about a 210-unit, 8-story apartment complex being proposed on a 1.4-acre site near the Berryessa BART station. About 11% (or 23 units), are expected to be set aside for “very-low income” residents, and 20% (or 42 units), for “lower-income” residents. (The Mercury News)

Sports

Mr. Shark will stay in the Tank. The San Jose Sharks announced that Patrick Marleau will re-join the organization as a player development coach + hockey operations advisor. Marleau recently became the first Sharks player to have his number retired by the team.

Plan Ahead

The Rose, White & Blue Parade will return to The Alameda on Tuesday, July 4, 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m. La Cumbiamba Colombiana + the United Lowrider Council will be among various community organizations participating in the parade.

Wellness

Thinning hair? You’re not alone. This No. 1 dermatologist-recommended hair growth supplement brand is physician-formulated with science-backed ingredients to target root causes of thinning for faster-growing, visibly thicker hair. (Pro tip: This five-minute quiz will help you get to the root of your thinning.)*

Answered

And the mystery person is...

Guess the San Josean

A graphic displaying Councilmember Omar Torres with three clues about him.

Did you guess Councilmember Omar Torres? | Graphic by SJtoday staff, photo via City of San Jose website

Last week, we asked you to participate in the second installment of our trivia series, “Guess the San Josean,” — a game where we give you 3-4 hints about influential leaders, business owners, artists, and other local movers and shakers in our community.

If you guessed District 3 Councilmember Omar Torres, you’re correct.

Last fall, Councilmember Omar Torres was elected to City Council to represent the greater downtown area — securing 66% of votes. Formerly, he was on the Board of Education as a trustee representing the San Jose, Evergreen Community College District. He comes from a working-class background, where both his parents + grandparents worked at the Del Monte Canneries.

You can catch him speaking at the Holistica Arts birthday celebration this Sunday, June 25, 12-2 p.m., at 855 S. Fifth St.

Shout out to readers Marjorie B., Christine M., Peggy F., Terri, Erica M., and Kathy H. for answering correctly. 👏

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

SF Pride was so much fun this past weekend. The celebration makes me excited for Silicon Valley Pride in August, which is so different in its own little way. I’m really happy that there’s many opportunities in the Bay Area to celebrate Pride — the community is here, and we show out.

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