For an easy idea, snap a photo of one of San Jose’s incredible murals. | Photo by SJtoday staff
Anyone else still writing 2023 instead of 2024? Last year left a lasting impression + we want to commemorate it the best way we know how — through our inaugural SJtoday Picture of the Year contest.
Between our newsletter and Instagram, you’ve already seen tons of our photos, so we want to see (and share) some of yours — and give a prize for the winning shot. Here’s everything you need to know to participate.
The rules + details:
Photo submissions are open today through Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11:59 p.m. You are allowed to submit up to five photos, but each must have been taken by you during 2023. To sweeten the pot, anyone who submits a photo will receive 20% discount to use in our online marketplace, Six & Main.
Photo submissions must include a visual element that directly connects to San Jose. Examples include a photo from a local sporting event, music performance, festival, or other 2023 happening; a picture taken at a local park; or a shot that highlights a landmark in our city. Photos that do not include a local element will not be considered. Additionally, photos that include nudity or offensive language or visuals will not be accepted.
Finalists will be selected by our team and announced in the newsletter on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and you, our readers, will have the chance to vote for SJtoday’s 2023 Picture of the Year. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30, and will receive a $25 gift card to use at Six & Main.
Want some inspo from some of the best photographers in the world? Check out Time’s 2023 Pictures of the Year.
Polar Play Days | Through Monday, Jan. 15 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Tech Interactive, 201 S. Market St., San Jose | $28-$34 | Enjoy the final week of these STEM workshops, including building ice hotels, creating snowmen with mushroom bricks, and catching special features in the IMAX Dome Theater.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Tucson Roadrunners | Wednesday, Jan. 3 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. Tenth St., San Jose | $13-$62 | The ‘Cuda are kicking off the new year with a face-off against the No. 2 team in the Pacific Division.
Trivia Night | Wednesday, Jan. 3 | 8-10 p.m. | O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, 25 N. San Pedro St., San Jose | Free | Grab a crew, put on your thinking caps, and test your knowledge on a wide range of topics.
Thursday, Jan. 4
Read, Write, Recite Open Mic | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Fox Tale Fermentation Project, 30 E. Santa Clara St., Ste. 120, San Jose | Free | Writers are welcome to share their poetry, journal entries, book reviews, and more in this cozy community space.
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7:30 p.m. | SAP Center, 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose | $21-$422 | See the Sharks continue their comeback streak against the Central Division’s second-ranked team.
Rachel Scanlon | Through Sunday, Jan. 7 | 8 p.m. | Rooster T. Feathers Comedy Club, 157 W. El Camino Real, Sunnyvale | $25 | Enjoy comedy from this LA-based comedian, writer, and host of “Two Dykes and a Mic” podcast.
Welcome to the world, Albert. The very first child born in the Bay Area in 2024 was born right here in the great 408. Baby Albert was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose at 12:05 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 1, at 6 pounds, 11 ounces. (ABC7 News)
Tech
Five San Jose students are being nationally recognized in the Congressional App Challenge. The first place winner, Caitlynn Sue from Leland High School, created “Oakli,” an app that helps people reduce their environmental impact through an educational, game-like system. Sue will be invited to Washington’s “#HouseofCode” event in the spring. (San Jose Inside)
Sports
San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture says he wants to complete two practice sessions before he plays a full game again. The injured captain has been out the entire season with an undisclosed lower-body injury. The team is optimistic he’ll return before the end of the season. (The Mercury News)
Development
South County will be getting a new “turbo roundabout” at the intersection of highways 25 + 156 — only the second of its kind nationwide. Caltrans hopes the project will reduce the number of accidents at this dangerous intersection. Construction is expected to finish by the end of this month. (The Mercury News)
Plan Ahead
Bay FC is taking over the SAP Center this Saturday during the Sharks game. As Team Teal takes on the Toronto Maple Leafs, attendees can win a Bay FC shirsey, commemorating the Bay Area’s newest women’s soccer team.
Try This
Voting is still open for the Mercury News’ “Best in SV” 2024 contest. You can vote on your favorite businesses, from restaurants to shops, and write in any that are not listed. The survey is open until Sunday, Jan. 7. (The Mercury News)
Legacy
Tom Smothers, one half of the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” and SJSU alum, died last week at 86. The comedy legend hosted multiple TV shows throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s with his brother, Dick Smothers. The duo were awarded honorary doctorates from SJSU in 2003. (AP News)
Plan Ahead
🎆 2024 is going to be your year, San Jose
Things to look forward to in San Jose in 2024
The Shamrock Run is one of many fantastic events returning to San Jose in 2024. | Photo via SJtoday staff
While there’s definitely a lot we can look forward to in this new year, here are some top celebrations + festivities to get excited for in 2024.
🎉 Milestones
Apple Macintosh’s 40th | The Computer History Museum’s exhibit: “Hello: The Apple Mac @ 40" runs through Sunday, Feb 25.
Earthquakes’ 50th | The Quakes will take over San Pedro Square with meet-and-greets, merch reveals + giveaways, live music, and skill challenges.
🎶 Festivals
San Jose Jazz Winter Sessions | Feb. 2-March 9 | Get ready for the talents of James Francies, Delgado Brothers, and more.
Cinequest Film and Creativity Festival | March 7-17 and March 21-31 | The massive film festival returns to San Jose both in-person + virtually, celebrating and awarding creative achievements in film.
I was today-years-old when I learned Eucalyptus trees were non-native to California, and, in fact, are an invasive species — one the state is attempting to remove. The trees were originally brought into California during the Gold Rush to supplement the state’s wood supply.
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