February 15, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

66º | Partly cloudy | 8% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:57 a.m. | Sunset 5:47 p.m.

📍 Honoring local Black history

A display of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection at the MLK Library in downtown San Jose.

Learn about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK Library in downtown. | Photo by SJtoday staff

Black history in San Jose should be celebrated every day. Across our county, there are many places that reflect the Black experience. Here’s where you can see some of those legacies.

King Collection | Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library

Our city’s largest library pays tribute to the civil rights leader in more ways than just its namesake. A bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — made by Sascha Schnittmann — sits in the library lobby, and just three floors up, you’ll find a collection dedicated to his efforts in the Civil Rights movement. Browse books, audio recordings, and more to learn about his legacy.

Iola Williams Banquet Hall | Seven Trees Community Center

The south SJ center’s banquet hall honors Iola M. Williams, the first African American woman elected to San Jose City Council + San Jose’s former vice mayor. The trailblazer was committed to civil and LGBTQ+ rights, and was part of the 1970’s movement that ushered more women into Santa Clara County’s offices.

A white house with green accents on a cloudy day. — See the African American Heritage House at History Park.
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Photo by SJtoday staff

African American Heritage House | History Park

This over 145-year-old Zanker House is now home to the AAHH, which was established in honor of San Jose native Lula Briggs Galloway — the former CEO of the National Association of Juneteenth Lineage, Inc. Galloway also founded the Juneteenth Creative Cultural Center and Museum in Michigan, which commemorates the emancipation of slaves. Now, the house hosts community meetings, art exhibits, festivals, and more to showcase the history of African Americans in the South Bay.

Two more historic highlights

Events

Thursday, Feb. 15

Teatro Musical: “Aladdin” | Thursday, Feb. 15-Friday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | School of Arts & Culture, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose | $0-$5 | It’s a whole new world + a whole new rendition with the bilingual musical theater class for youth.
Drink and Draw at Art Boutiki | Thursday, Feb. 15 | 7 p.m. | The Art Boutiki, 44 Race St., San Jose | Free | This month’s edition features record collector Amalia, who will play banda + cumbia as you doodle.

Friday, Feb. 16

Silicon Valley Auto Show | Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 17 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Pkwy., Santa Clara | $0-$15 | Rev it up for this year’s convention featuring the latest 2024-model vehicles, information on hybrids + EVs, and custom rides from Spider Custom Cars.
Black Cab Jazz “Loston Harris” | Friday, Feb. 16 | 7 p.m. | Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose | $35-$45 | Get ready for a night of jazz, gospel, and blues inspired by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Bobby Short.
Tumua | Friday, Feb. 16-Saturday, Feb. 17 | Times vary | San Jose Improv, 62 S. Second St., San Jose | $35-$ | The Oahu born-and-raised comedian + actor has sold out clubs, theaters, and arenas nationwide, and has gained a large social following for his online sketches and stand-up bits.

Saturday, Feb. 17

Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 12-3 p.m. | Great Mall, 447 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas | Free | Join in the celebration featuring red envelope giveaways, culturally inspired arts + crafts, tea leaf reading, and complimentary calligraphy fans.
7th Annual Silicon Valley Locals Only Tap Takeover | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 3-10 p.m. | Taplands, 1171 Homestead Rd., Santa Clara | Price of purchase | Try craft beer from breweries a part of the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Bay Area Brewers Guild.
Whose Live Anyway? | Saturday, Feb. 17 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Civic, 135 W. San Carlos St., San Jose | $39.50-$59.50 | Get ready for a hilarious night of improv from cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

A 25-story housing project may soon get a site development permit at 439 and 451 S. Fourth St. near San Jose State. It would replace the Metro Station apartment complex, but current tenants will be eligible for relocation expenses. (Silicon Valley Business Journal)

Civic

A new pilot program called Capture Crime has been introduced by the city, and it provides local businesses with free security cameras. The aim is to reduce crime + boost security at busy shopping centers. There are 50 cameras available + business owners can apply through the San Jose Crime Prevention Unit. (NBC Bay Area)

Outdoors

A new pedestrian + cycling bridge will be built in Los Gatos. The Highway 17 & Pedestrian Overcrossing project’s plans detail a 20-ft-wide bridge designed by SJ-based BKF Engineers. The project will break ground in 2025, with an expected completion by 2026. (San José Spotlight)

Opening

Still OG, a new vinyl bar in downtown San Jose, will host a soft opening this Saturday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. The listening bar replaced the former site of Original Gravity, and future plans include a swanky cocktail bar in the back named Alter Ego. (The Mercury News)

Community

The demolition of the former Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) has been postponed for six months. Community activists have pushed to renovate the building instead. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees are considering allocating $1 million toward the renovation. (San José Spotlight)

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Wellness

Regain’s couples therapy is accessible via phone, text, and video call and is FSA/HSA-friendly. Get 25% off your first month for Valentine’s Day.*

Travel

🧳 Plan a staycation

Beneath a tree, an outdoor patio set, complete with fireplace and ottoman, overlooks the South Bay hills.

This country gem’s views are one of the many perks for staying at this paradise. | Photo courtesy AirBnB

Whether you’re a San Josean feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special SJ experience, here are some spots for a memorable getaway.

Rooms with a view

Airstream with gorgeous views of Silicon Valley | San Jose foothills
A sleek, vintage, view from above with some staggering vistas. With a kitchen, a full-size bed, and a surprisingly spacious living room + flatscreen TV, it’ll be like sleeping in the sky.

Hideaways with history

Former mayor’s mansion | Newhall
Once a part of the San Jose Mayor’s Mansion, this beautiful Victorian with unique furnishings is close to all of the downtown action along the Alameda.

Cabin fever

Fig Tree Cabin | Northside
A private, backyard, DIY cabin featuring a mini-golf course, tiki hut, sauna, and a hot tub. This hideaway is definitely a hole in one.

13 more unique spots to stay

The Buy

Some stylish sunglasses by Rheos or I Am Girl Stephanie, because we’re dreaming about summer and soaking up sunny rays. Pro tip: With the days already getting longer, it’s never too soon to start protecting your eyes.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Alyson

From the editor

I have to give a big shoutout to local baker Anayanzi of Adorned Cakes, who customized a red velvet, heart-shaped cake for my partner yesterday. Mini cakes are super trendy right now, so I suggest heading to her Instagram page for your next celebration.

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