January 24, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

61º | Morning rain | 91% chance of rain | Sunrise: 7:16 a.m. | Sunset: 5:23 p.m.

🛩️ This guy’s pretty fly

A black-and-white photo showing aviator John Montgomery on one of his early experimental flights off Montgomery Hill southeast of San Jose.

This was one of John Montgomery’s early experimental flights off Montgomery Hill southeast of San Jose. | Photo via History San José

You’ve heard of Montgomery Hill Park and Montgomery Theatre, and John J. Montgomery Elementary School. But, do you know where the name comes from?

Considered as one of the fathers in aviation, John J. Montgomery tested many of his experimental flights right here in San Jose’s backyard.

Let’s look back at how this South Bay trailblazer set the course for future aviators.

A pioneer in aviation

After studying physics at St. Ignatius College in San Francisco, Montgomery + his family moved south of San Diego in 1880 where he began looking at birds in flight and creating early machine models.

By 1883, he had test flown his glider — the first-ever controlled flight of a “heavier-than-air machine” — and coined the design, “aeroplane.” This was, in fact, 20 years before the Wright Brothers flew their plane at Kitty Hawk, NC.

For the next 10 years, Montgomery continued his studies in wing design, air control, and more — the foundation for what became modern aviation.

A sculpture that looks like a plane wing stands in the middle of the Montgomery Hill Evergreen Park on a clear, sunny day. — This was erected in 1967 to mark the site of 55 successful flights of the “aeroplane” Montgomery flew.
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Photo via Wayne Hsieh

Back in town

In 1897, Montgomery began teaching wireless telegraphy at Santa Clara College, all while continuing his aeronautic research. By the early 1900s, he — along with several associates — began developing + running tests of his tandem-wing glider, later named “The Santa Clara.”

The glider became the first successful manned gliders to fly, and had performed figure-eights, spirals, and more in front of hundreds of people — at a time when the Wright Brothers had only been maneuvering turns.

With all the data gathered from previous flights, Montgomery developed a new glider called “The Evergreen” in 1911 — named after the area that he tested 50+ successful flights.

Unfortunately, a test flight gone wrong on October 31, 1911 resulted in his untimely death. Montgomery was 53.

His lasting legacy

Events

Wednesday, Jan. 24

Open Mic | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $5 | See local comedians hone their chops, or step up to the mic yourself in this weekly comedy showcase.

Thursday, Jan. 25

Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio between 2nd and, North 3rd St., San Jose | $31 | Enjoy a live performance of classics from Queen against a backdrop of flickering candles.
2024 Desi Comedy Fest | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 8-9:30 p.m. | Improv Comedy Club, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $25-$50 | Celebrate diversity in the comedy scene at the biggest South Asian comedy festival in the US.

Friday, Jan. 26

Character Select | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Art Boutiki, 44 Race St., San Jose | $20-$25 | Enjoy a video game music showcase with this band that blends jazz with electronic music.
Gimme Gimme Disco | Friday, Jan. 26 | 8 p.m. | The Ritz, 400 S. First St., San Jose | $15 | Groove under the lights of the disco ball.

Saturday, Jan. 27

Ask an Arborist | Saturday, Jan. 27 | 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Crema Coffee Roasting CO, 1202 The Alameda, San Jose | Free | Learn about tree care, pruning techniques, and more from SavATree arborist Kaitlyn Shelton.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

An eight-story apartment building with 160 units could rise at 1190 Hillsdale Ave., and include affordable units. The project calls to demolish an empty retail center that occupies the site — a construction timeline has not been announced. (The Mercury News)

Sports

Bay FC revealed their first-ever uniforms kit. The team is filling their roster with many young players through college + expansion drafts, and has begun preseason prep in Santa Barbara. The team’s first exhibition is Feb. 7 in Coachella Valley. (The Mercury News)

Real Estate

A downtown apartment complex just changed hands. The Diridon West building at the corner of Stockton Avenue + West Julian Street was purchased by Texas-based developer Hines Interests. The bottom floor of the mixed-use building was originally slated to be converted into more residential units, but the timeline is unclear. (The Mercury News)

Plan Ahead

It was a cruel summer when you missed the Eras Tour — but now you’ll get to see TayTay in IMAX. Don your favorite cardigan and experience the Love Story Lounge Experience & Eras Tour, which will include Taylor-themed drinks, “girl dinner,” and friendship bracelets. Are you ready for it?

Today Is

Library Shelfie Day — snap a photo of yourself in front of the shelves at a local library, bookstore, or with your own personal collection of books, and post it on social media with #LibraryShelfie. May we suggest booking it to one of the 25 San Jose Public Library locations?

Tech

ICYMI, registration is open for The 2024 Tech Challenge, presented by Amazon. The challenge invites teams of students in grades 4-12 to use the engineering design process to solve a real-world problem. Interested? Learn more + register.*

Read

🏙️ From one big city to the next

A collage of two images showing author Kyla Zhao (left) and her novel, "Valley Verified," standing alone on the right.

Author Kyla Zhao also found major success in her first novel, “The Fraud Squad.” | Photo via Kyla Zhao

From haute couture to coding. That’s the journey that San Jose-based author Kyla Zhao took moving from Singapore to Silicon Valley — and a similar path that her main character, Zoe, experiences.

“Valley Verified” is a new novel (officially released Jan. 16) that follows a Manhattan-based fashion worker who takes up a new job at a tech startup in Silicon Valley. Not only is Zoe faced with a change in career, but a whole culture shock to the Bay Area.

The South Bay connection

The Buy

The best baking supplies to cook up something cozy and comforting this winter. Think: a sourdough starter helper, lemon lavender scones baking mix, and Herbes de Provence focaccia mix.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

Valentines Day may seem far away, but it’s closer than you think. If you or a business you know is offering Valentines Day specials, experiences, prixe fixe menus, or other treats — let me know.

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