Have you been out to the San Pedro Square Market recently? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on one of downtown San Jose’s most unique venues. Vino Vino Wine Bar, Pizza Bucca Lupo, Crewners, and the San Pedro Market Bar have all been open for a while now. Vino Vino features wines-on-tap and a delicious menu of panini and other small bites. Pizza Bucca Lupo serves authentic Neapolitan-style pizza served searing hot from their gorgeous imported pizza oven. The San Pedro Market Bar recently started their $4 happy hour weekdays from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and all day Sunday. And Crewners Barbershop is serving customers in their vintage single chair shop.

Several other food shops have recently opened in the San Pedro Square Market. B2 Coffee serves custom brewed coffees as well as traditional espresso drinks. Little Chef Counter is a micro-bistro serving fresh California-style cuisine. And Robee’s Falafel serves a wide-variety of authentic Mediterranean food. On a recent weekday lunch hour, the market was hopping! Other shops coming soon include Treatbot (ice cream), Veggie Box (locally grown produce, dairy, and eggs), Crepe-Paris (crepes and Belgian waffles), Loteria Taco Bar, Blush Raw Bar & Lounge, and The Little Cheese Shop (selling cheese, charcuterie, and other gourmet foods).

Venture out before a San Jose Sharks hockey game for pizza and beer, stop by for a weekday lunch, or enjoy a drink with friends after work. You just may discover your new favorite place to hang out in downtown San Jose.

What: San Pedro Square Market

Where: 87 N. San Pedro Street
In downtown San Jose across from City Heights high-rise condominium complex

For more information check out their website at http://www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com/

There are so many great holiday-themed productions happening in December in various downtown San Jose venues, it’s hard to choose which one (or two, or three) to attend. Here’s a sampling of some of the great entertainment available this holiday season.

A Christmas Carol
San Jose Repertory Theater
Now thru December 24

Relive Charles Dickens’ merry olde England in this classic play about redemption and the holiday spirit. The Rep’s version is a “feast for the senses” and features traditional carols and lavish period costumes.
Ticket prices range from $12.50 - $79.00. For more information, visit www.sjrep.com.

The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris
City Lights Theater Company
Now thru December 18

An irreverent and outrageous portrait by beloved satirist David Sedaris, the Santaland Diaries tells the story of an out of work slacker who takes a temporary job as a Macy’s elf. He shares his observations about badly behaving parents, even worse behaving children, and even drunk and lecherous Santas.
Ticket prices range from $15.00 - $28.00. For more information, visit www.cltc.org.

The Nutcracker
Ballet San Jose – Center for the Performing Arts
December 10 – 23

The classic Tchaikovsky ballet returns to downtown San Jose. The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to see Maria and her beloved nutcracker. Even the theater itself is a wonderland of holiday surprises with lavish decorations, a boutique filled with holiday goodies, strolling carolers, and the “Pocket Lady” passes out free toys to the kiddies.
Ticket prices range from $30 - $100. For more information, visit www.balletsj.org.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told
The Stage
Now thru December 18

Every holiday pop culture icon from Frosty to the Grinch is featured in this fast-paced, irreverent rendition of everyone’s favorite Christmas stories.
Ticket prices range from $14.00 - $40.00. For more information, visit www.thestage.org.

It’s a Wonderful Life
The Tabard Theatre Company at the Theater on San Pedro Square
Now thru December 18

Join George Bailey as he experiences the highs and lows of life on his way to redemption and finding the true meaning of Christmas as this holiday icon is staged as a 1940s radio play.
Ticket prices range from $10.00 - $35.00. For more information, visit www.tabardtheatre.org.

As a downtown San Jose business owner and high-rise condo resident, I have been eagerly anticipating a new ballpark in downtown San Jose. Several developments in the past few weeks point to a resolution to the A’s moving to downtown San Jose. Mark Purdy, a sportswriter for the San Jose Mercury News, wrote an article on November 21 that made the following points:

• In early November, MLB commissioner Bud Selig met with A’s executives in Arizona to discuss the downtown San Jose ballpark plan. A request to increase the seating capacity from 32,000 to 36,000 was discussed, with the A’s owner, Lew Wolff, agreeing to the seating increase. The city of Oakland’s latest proposal for a new ballpark was apparently never discussed.

• As reported by the Fox Sports website, the commissioner has scheduled a meeting with the San Francisco Giants to discuss the territorial rights to the South Bay.

• At a MLB owners meeting in Milwaukee, Lew Wolff voted in favor of Giants’ team president Larry Baer taking over operating control of the franchise after Bud Selig recommended a “yes” vote. Could Selig have asked Baer to be more amenable in regards to the territorial rights? We shall see.

• With the collective bargaining agreement between owners and players extended through 2016, and the Los Angeles Dodgers sales issue being resolved, the commissioner’s calendar seems to have room on it to discuss the downtown San Jose ballpark situation. Perhaps there will be some movement when the MLB owners meet in Phoenix in early January.

• The early January meeting could coincide nicely with San Jose’s ability to place a ballpark referendum on the spring ballot. Any ballpark proposal will have to be approved by San Jose voters.

And on November 8, the San Jose City Council, with a vote of 10-1, agreed to give Lew Wolff and the Athletic Investment Group, LLC, an exclusive right to purchase 5.5 acres of downtown San Jose land for $6.9 million – on the condition that the land sale be put to a public vote once Bud Selig and MLB agree to an A’s move to San Jose. Many local residents cried foul over the $6.9 million price tag, which is less than 1/3 of the cost the Redevelopment Agency spent to purchase the land. But Mayor Chuck Reed quickly pointed to the HP Pavilion as a shining example of the positive impact a new baseball stadium could have on the downtown San Jose economy.

Could the new year finally bring a shiny new ballpark to downtown San Jose? Keep your fingers crossed!

Kick off the holidays in style at downtown San Jose’s Fairmont Hotel. Join them Friday, December 2 for the Winter Wonderland Opening. From 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm there will be holiday entertainment for the whole family.

The festivities will start with the unveiling of the Fairmont’s two giant white chocolate Nutcrackers created by Executive Pastry Chef Fernando Arreola. Also on display will be the Gingerbread House City by Bijan Bakery. And the Fairmont’s famous Chocolate Train will be making stops throughout the festively decorated hotel lobby. Entertainment will be provided by the Leigh High School Marching Band, the Los Merry Mariachis, Ballet San Jose, and the Harker School Choir.

The Fairmont San Jose is also your place for fine dining this Christmas. Brunch will be served on Sunday, December 25, in both the Imperial Ballroom and the Fountain Restaurant. Later that day, an elegant plated four-course dinner will be served in the Fountain Restaurant. And if you prefer to celebrate at home, you can have the Fairmont chefs prepare a full turkey or prime rib dinner to go.

Make the San Jose Fairmont hotel in downtown San Jose your premiere holiday destination this holiday season.

Just in time for the holidays, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) historic trolley makes its debut this Friday, December 2. The festively bedecked historic trolley only comes out once a year, offering free rides to all the downtown San Jose holiday merriment like Christmas in the Park and Downtown Ice. The Candyland Express will be draped with boughs of holly, and all the stops between the Civic Center and San Jose Diridon stations will be festively adorned as well.

The historic trolley will run hourly every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the month of December. The trolley will not operate December 23 - December 25 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

A holiday kick-off event is happening this Saturday, December 3 at the Paseo de San Antonio and Santa Clara stations in downtown San Jose between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Free giveaways, including tickets to the Retro Dome’s You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, will be available. Arrive early at the stations as tickets are limited.

Car 2001, this year’s featured historic trolley, was built in Milan, Italy in 1928. It operated in Italy until the mid-1980s when it was donated by the Italian government to the San Jose Trolley Corporation.

For more details on the Candyland Express, visit the VTA website at www.vta.org.

Do good for your community and your waistline by running in the 7th Annual Silicon Valley Turkey Trot Thanksgiving morning in downtown San Jose. The Turkey Trot benefits three local charities – Second Harvest Food Bank, Housing Trust of Santa Clara County, and Santa Clara County Children’s Health Initiative. Over $1.5 million has been raised for local charities in the last six years.

There is both a 5K run/walk and a 10K run. There’s also a Kid’s Fun Run for kids as young as 2! The start/finish line is on Santa Clara Street in front of the HP Pavilion. The course winds its way down Santa Clara Street, then heads towards Japantown, returning to downtown San Jose and making its way past City Heights and Axis high-rise residential complexes. The 5K ends at the HP Pavilion, while the 10K race continues on to the Rose Garden and back. If you don’t feel like running, grab some real estate along the course and cheer on the participants. And don’t forget your costume - fabulous prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes. Registration is still open. Visit svturkeytrot.com for more information.

Next week downtown San Jose and the HP Pavilion will be hosting not one, not two, but three world-class events. Starting Thursday, May 19, the enigmatic Prince will be bringing his hugely popular Welcome 2 America tour to downtown San Jose for two nights (Thursday and Saturday). On Friday, our San Jose Sharks begin their two (possibly 3) game home stand in the Western Conference Finals of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Sharks will face the fierce Vancouver Canucks for Games 3 and 4 on Friday at 6:00 pm and Sunday at Noon. And, if needed, the Sharks and Canucks will return to downtown San Jose Thursday, May 26 for Game 6. Lastly, thousands of “Gleeks” will descend on downtown San Jose Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24 and 25 for Glee Live! In Concert! Join Rachel, Finn and the rest of the cast of Glee as they sign tunes made popular by the TV show. Anyone who’s anyone will be in downtown San Jose next week. Will you be?

What: Prince’s Welcome 2 America Tour
When: Thursday, May 19 and Saturday, May 21, 7:30 pm
Where: HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose

What: San Jose Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals
When: Friday, May 20, 6:00 pm, Sunday, May 22, Noon, Thursday, May 26, 6:00 pm (if needed)
Where: HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose

What: Glee Live! In Concert!
When: Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24 and 25, 7:30 pm
Where: HP Pavilion in downtown San Jose

Another #1 ranking for San Jose from Forbes.com. In their latest study, Forbes has listed San Jose as the Happiest U.S. City in which to work. They list a tech-centric economy, high compensation, good benefits packages, and a work-life balance as the top reasons why we San Joseans are happy with our jobs. They go on to say that cities like San Jose with bigger tech presences are markedly happier than other cities because they tend to have populations with strong educational backgrounds who are pulling in high salaries. Other factors include growth opportunities, career advancement, senior management, job security and whether employees would recommend their company to others. So, if you hear your co-workers whistling while they work, you’ll know why.

To read the full article on Forbes.com, click here.

Looking for something different to do this Valentine’s Day? How about a big ole pillow fight in downtown San Jose! Feathers of Fury takes place this Sunday, February 13 at Noon. The downtown San Jose location will be announced at 12:01 am on the Pillow Fight San Jose website. Costumes are highly encouraged.

The sacred commandments of the Pillow Fight are as follows:

1. Tell everyone about the Pillow Fight.
2. Wait until the whistle/airhorn signal to begin.
3. Smile.
4. Soft pillows only!
 No buckwheat or special surprises hidden in your pillow.
5. NEVER swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
6. Tell EVERYONE about the Pillow Fight.
7. Remove glasses beforehand!
8. Don’t hit people with a pillow unless they want it.
9. Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
10. This is not a little kids event.
11. If you don’t like it … just walk across the street.
12. SMILE and TELL EVERYONE ABOUT THE PILLOW FIGHT!

Pillow fights can be messy. Please set a good example and help clean up afterwards. Garbage bags will be provided. Please do your part.

For more traditional ways to celebrate with your Valentine, Maceio Brazilian Steakhouse, Azúcar Latin Bistro Mojito Bar & Lounge, The Grill on the Alley, and Fahrenheit Restaurant and Lounge are just a few of the restaurants in downtown San Jose that will be featuring special Valentine’s Day menus. If oldies are your style, The Valentine’s Super Love Jam featuring Heat Wave and Rose Royce rolls into the HP Pavilion on Valentine’s evening. For the adventurous type, the Blank Club and the Silicon Valley Roller Girls present The Valentine’s Day Burlesque Show with Whiskey Avengers and Pimpsticks on Saturday, February 12. Is comedy more your speed? The downtown San Jose Improv has a Valentine’s Day dinner featuring the comedy of John Witherspoon. Of course you can always spend the whole weekend in downtown San Jose. Hotel De Anza is offering Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Packages. Enjoy a romantic getaway for two with overnight valet parking, chilled champagne, chocolate amenity, a lavish breakfast for two in La Pastaia and a “raid our pantry” late night snacking. Great package rates start at $179.

Feathers of Fury
Sunday, February 13 at Noon
Location: TBA – Click here for more information about Pillow Fight San Jose

Maceio Brazilian Steakhouse
72 S. First Street
For reservations call (408) 293-1215 or go to www.maceio-restaurant.com

Azúcar Latin Bistro Mojito Bar & Lounge
71 and 81 E. San Fernando Street
For reservations call (408) 293-8482 or go to www.azucarsj.com

The Grill on the Alley
Fairmont Hotel
172 S. Market Street
For reservations call (408) 294-2244 or click here.

Fahrenheit Restaurant and Lounge
99 E. San Fernando Street
Reservations required. Call (408) 998-9998 or go to www.fahrenheitsj.com

Valentine’s Day Super Love Jam
HP Pavilion
Monday, February 14, 7:30 pm
For tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com

The Blank Club
44 S. Almaden Avenue
www.theblankclub.com

The Improv
62 S. Second Street
For tickets call (408) 280-7475 or go to www.sanjoseimprov.com

Hotel De Anza
233 W. Santa Clara Street
For reservations call (800) 843-3700 or go to www.hoteldeanza.com

Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen has recently been appointmented as Vice Chair of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency. Since her election in 2005 to San Jose City Council District 7, Madison has worked tirelessly to promote affordable real estate housing, economic development, public safety, education, and transportation in District 7. We’re sure she will bring that same level of commitment to the entire city of San Jose with her work with the Redevelopment Agency and the Redevelopment projects in downtown San Jose. We wish her success in her new endeavor.

But with newly-elected Governor Jerry Brown trying to ax Redevelopment Agencies up and down the state, who knows what will happen with the San Jose Redevelopment Agency. The San Jose Redevelopment Agency is working on plenty of great projects in downtown San Jose such as the San Pedro Square Market (aka Urban Market), building a Major League Baseball stadium in downtown San Jose, and helping to bring current high rise buildings such as The 88 and 360 Residences to downtown. Let’s hope Governor Moonbeam and the City of San Jose can figure a way to keep the Redevelopment Agency going.

For more information about Vice Mayor Nguyen and her work in District 7, please visit her website at www.sanjoseca.gov/district7