Ride a historic trolley past a replica of the Electric Light Tower at History Park. | Photo courtesy of History San José
You can’t look at the history of San Jose without looking into History San José (HSJ), the local organization that strives to highlight our region’s diverse cultural history through engaging experiences, exhibits, festivals, educational programs, and research. Let’s go inside the group’s 75+ years of history and its ever-expanding work today.
At a glance
Today, History San José is a huge organization that operates in three main areas:
History Park — which includes 32 original and reconstructed buildings + 19 affiliate museums across 14 acres of Kelley Park
Using these distinct branches, HSJ manages one of the largest collections of regional history in California. So how did this all come to be?
Humble beginnings
History San José would not exist without one man — Clyde Arbuckle. Born in 1903, his family was among the early pioneer-settlers who came to the Santa Clara Valley in 1846. These deep roots inspired a deep love for history...
Jorge Medina + Josi Cuen | Thursday, June 12-Friday, June 13 | 8 p.m. | SAP Center at San José | $78+ | The Mexican singers have joined forces for their “Juntos” tour — we love a little teamwork.
Friday, June 13
Orlando Pride vs. Bay FC | 7 p.m. | PayPal Park | $16+ | The club will honor and celebrate Juneteenth at tonight’s match; there’s a clear fanny pack giveaway, too.
Saturday, June 14
Makers Market | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Santana Row | Honestly, SJ’s makers just know what they’re doing — browse handcrafted finds from local artisans and small businesses while enjoying live music and family-friendly fun.
“Lights Up!” New Works Festival | 12-7 p.m. | City Lights Theater | $10+ | This makers fair features script-in-hand readings of two new plays, “The Soulmate Play” and “Helicopter Typhoon Carabao! or To Survive an Apocalypse Now.”
San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival | Saturday, June 14-Sunday, June 15 | 12-8 p.m. | Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park | $32+ | The big festival’s headliners are Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and blues-rock legend Walter Trout; catch the music on two stages.
Dia de Portugal Festival | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | History Park | Free | Food, museum exhibits, live entertainment, a children’s carnival, art, and a parada await at this celebration of Portuguese culture.
My Dad’s iPod | 8 p.m. | The Art Boutiki | $20+ | This tribute band is all about those ‘90s covers — and that’s hella fly.
Tuesday, June 17
Concacaf Gold Cup: Curacao vs. El Salvador | 5:15 p.m. | PayPal Park | $50+ | The Confederation’s premier men’s national team tournament takes over PayPal Park, just one of 14 stadiums in the US + Canada where the action is happening this month.
Wednesday, June 18
San Jose Scam Jam | 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Santa Clara County Department of Aging and Adult Services | Free | Join AARP California, community partners, and experts to learn how to identify, avoid, and report the top scams in Silicon Valley before they happen.
Here’s the scoop — Petals Creamery is now open in Los Gatos, specializing in handcrafted ice cream made with local ingredients in flavors like rose yuzu lemonade and biscotti almond torte. The menu also includes pretty pastries + coffee drinks. It’s open Tuesday-Sunday starting at 11 a.m. (The Almanac)
Travel
East Coast, anyone? Southwest Airlines recently launched a new nonstop route between San Jose Mineta International Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport. Don’t forget — Southwest Airlines is now operating out of Gates 18 + 19 in Terminal B at SJC.
Plan Ahead
Dine Downtown, aka Restaurant Week, will return to downtown San Jose Thursday, July 3-Sunday July 13 with prix fixe menus, specials, and fun pairings across local hotspots. The list of participating restaurants is growing daily — start making your dining wish list.
Civic
San Jose launched its first Citywide Data Strategy, a three-year plan that guides how the city collects, manages, and uses data to improve public services, equity, and innovation. Check out the plan Mayor Matt Mahan says is designed to build “the digital foundation for the future of local government.”
Development
A redevelopment proposal could preserve the historic Burbank Theater while giving the shuttered building a new purpose. The project wants to turn the blighted movie palace into medical outpatient offices and ground-floor retail spaces. The theater’s existing lobby would be converted into a community activity center. (The Mercury News)
Ranked
Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and Milpitas are all great cities for recent graduates, according to a study by CoWorkingCafe that gauged metrics like unemployment rate, average income, and job availability. Sunnyvale ranked No. 2 among mid-sized cities while Santa Clara landed at No. 3 and Milpitas at No. 5 among small cities.
Outdoors
The Bay Area’s wild pig population is steadily increasing, causing major issues for local parks, homeowners, and water districts because “they eat everything.” Wild pigs can birth up to 20 piglets per year, and those little piggies are digging up gardens, eating plants + animals, and occasionally charging at people. (The Mercury News)
Announced
Comedian and actress Ali Wong will perform four more shows at San Jose Improv on Thursday, July 3 + Sunday, July 6 at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on both dates. Snag tickets to her “Work in Progress” tour while you still can.
Biz
Cosentino Family Farm will celebrate its 80th anniversary with its first-ever picnic at the farm on Saturday, June 21, 4-6 p.m. The outing includes blanket or table seating and a picnic basket packed with local goodies, including a charcuterie board and fruit harvested from the farm. Get your tickets.
Arts
Music lovers, take note. Piano company Steinway & Sons will bring its “Steinways of the Stars” tour to Los Altos Thursday, July 24-Tuesday, July 29. Music enthusiasts ages 18+ will be able to play pianos used by artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Jacob Collier — sign up to tickle the ivories.
Real Estate
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New sheets at a great discount. Get 70% off these cooling bamboo blend waffle hem sheets, with a queen set only costing $28.99. The 1800 thread count sheets are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and crafted from bamboo-derived fabric that keeps you cool in summer.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
CaliBunga — the waterpark formerly known as Raging Waters — will open for its second summer season this Saturday, June 14 with attractions like its wave pool + lazy river, plus some upgrades like a Skittles vending machine. The park will be open daily through Wednesday, Aug. 6 before switching to weekend hours through Sunday, Sept. 7. Grab tickets.
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