02.23.2024

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Today’s Forecast

66º | Cloudy | 8% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 6:47 a.m. | Sunset 5:55 p.m.

Defining a San Josean

What does geopsychology say about a city’s personality?

How San Jose is your personality? | Photo via @bennys_journey

Does where we live have any bearing on our personalities? A growing field of psychological research called geopsychology says “yes.”

According to geopsychology, those from San Jose, CA are likely more introverted than our friends across the nation in, say, Charleston, SC. And while you may have heard about that good ol’ southern charm, now there may be a form of scientific proof to back it up.

What is it?

ResearchGate defines geopsychology as “the relationship between the complex matrix of static and time-varying geophysical and geochemical variables within a locality and human behavior.”

In other words, there’s a correlation between one’s geophysical space and one’s mind. In particular, research on the “Big Five” traits — conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness, and extroversion — has led researchers to create a set of personality maps for the US.

Conscientiousness

Here in San Jose, we’re more flexible — and perhaps a bit more careless — according to the map. Who knows, that flexibility might just be why we have so many fantastic yoga studios in town.

Agreeableness

San Joseans tend to be less agreeable, meaning we’re often more rational or critical. Use those critical talents for good by getting involved to make our city better.

Neuroticism

As a city of more emotionally stable residents, San Joseans tend to experience fewer negative emotions. That doesn’t mean that we can’t have a good cry, though.

Openness

We’re more likely to try new things and often have a decent awareness of our own feelings. If you’re looking for an interesting new activity, try a staycation at one of these unique accommodations.

Extroversion

As a more introverted city, those of us here in San Jose sometimes prefer quieter, solo activities. We’ve got your back: Check out our guides to hiking trails and local authors.

Asked

How San Jose are you?

Take our personality quiz to find out.

Take the quiz

Events

Friday, Feb. 23

Cartoon Network Trivia Night | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-9 p.m. | The Plex, 800 Embedded Way, San Jose | Free | Dress in costume + prove your knowledge on animated favorites like “Power Puff Girls,” “Courage the Cowardly Dog,” “Teen Titans,” and more.
The Black Joy Project: Author Talk | Friday, Feb. 23 | 7-10 p.m. | MACLA/Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana, 510 S. First St., San Jose | Free | See 117 full-color photos + eight essays about resistance in Black Joy, and hear from creator Kleaver Cruz.

Saturday, Feb. 24

Vintage Market | Saturday, Feb. 24 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Garden at the Flea, 1590 Berryessa Rd., San Jose | Price of purchase | Find vintage faves and unique treasures at Pop-Up SJ’s fair of 50+ thrift sellers, creatives, and collectors.

Sunday, Feb. 25

Oakridge Farmers Market | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Westfield Oakridge, 5420 Thornwood Dr., San Jose | Price of purchase | Get fresh produce, live entertainment, and more at this year-round market.
Comedy Showcase & Open Mic | Sunday, Feb. 25 | 6-8 p.m.| Fox Tale Fermentation Project, 30 E. Santa Clara St., Ste. 120, San Jose | Free | See local comedians hone their chops, or step up to the mic yourself in this weekly comedy showcase.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Development

The City of San Jose + land developers of the Berryessa BART urban village site have made a deal. Instead of scaling back the project, as decided last fall, the city will set up a commercial financing district to help fund the $100 million needed for the site’s infrastructure improvements. (San José Spotlight)

Number

$125.6 million. That’s the total amount of the construction package that the affordable residential development within Stevens Creek Promenade secured. The project would bring 171 units of housing for households making 30%-70% of the area’s median income. (The Mercury News)

Civic

The Lord Mayor of Dublin is coming to San Jose. To celebrate our cities’ sister city relationship, there will be a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 12 p.m. at City Hall.

Transit

Curious about upcoming paratransit projects? Join the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority for its open house on Feb. 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., at the Eastridge Transit Center. See the new ProMaster 3500 vehicles, plus the unveiling of the next stage of the Mobility Assistance Program.

Art

Applications for the Dr. Jerry Hiura Next Gen Visual Artist Award are open until Thursday, Feb. 29. High school students in Santa Clara County are invited to submit work that fits under the theme of “Embracing Identity” for the chance to win $3,000. Apply online.

Seasonal

Getting a head start on your taxes? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is available at the Hillview, Pearl Avenue, and Seven Trees branches on certain dates. Or, Tax-Aid can help at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library this Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the schedule.

Rank

San Jose took the No. 10 spot on WalletHub’s list of “Most Culturally Diverse Cities in the US.” Rankings were based on residents’ ethnicity and race, language, and birthplace.

Finance

These four credit cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 18 months — meaning that when life piles up (unexpected tax payments, medical appointments, picking up the bill for the whole table at GrandView...) — you could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.*

The Buy

The Buy 2.23.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

Chips and salsa, because honestly, is there a better snack? Sobremesa’s salsa is well worth the chip dip with flavors including layered, complex Mole Poblano + spicy Smoky Salsa Oaxaqueña.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jessalin

From the editor

My personal favorite place to cry is on public transportation. There’s something very freeing about being that person on the bus. Sorry, not sorry, VTA.

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