The Capital of Silicon Valley

San José is the warmth of the golden sun, high in the bright blue sky. It is the striking green of the rolling hills surrounding the valley I call home. It is the Palm trees that line the boulevards and avenues. It is a hub of transportation, and a crossroads of sorts. Only a 45 minute drive from foggy San Francisco on the scenic 101, or a train ride away from the ocean.

It is the apricot and peach orchards that once stretched as far as the eye could see. Whose remnants can now be found in photos, bronze monuments, museums, or simply in the stories passed, on generation to generation with reverence equal to the sharing of folklore or cultural traditions. It is Prusch Park, providing a glimpse into the world of farming in the midst of city life, with its barn of animals and orchard of rare fruit trees, imparting a sense of peace and tranquillity. Meanwhile outside its gates, you’ll find the hum of voices and traffic with its honking horns, and both businesses and street vendors contributing to the swirl of sound. It is the single water tower standing in a sea of townhomes that is what remains of the Del Monte factory. Now it is Silicon Valley, a different kind of orchard, producing innovation in place of fruits.

It is the dazzling murals, imaginative graffiti, and magnificent local talent of past and current generations that reminds us of the struggles and triumphs of days gone by. It is the music of the passing cars that remind you of either your childhood or of those who’ve passed on. It is the multitude of festivals, conventions, and competitions that pre-pandemic would attract visitors far and wide. It is the annual Jazz festivals, poetry slams, and Film festivals. It was the Fifth of May celebrations with beautiful low riders and the Reggae festivals of the 90s. It is the thriving scene of local musicians, actors, playwrights, artists, athletes, novelists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and civil servants that originated here. It is the spooky and complex history of the Winchester Mystery House. It is the Art Deco architecture of the Hotel de Anza and the technologically inspired Dome of the The Tech Museum and countless other landmarks.

It is the many different and unique neighborhoods that unite to persevere or cheer. It is the multitude of Mom and Pop shops that are intertwined with our families, providing the foundations of birthdays and celebrations, past and future. It is the smell of fresh baked bread and grilled steak burritos on the East Side. It is the hand crafted sushi and bento boxes of Japan town and the delectable BBQ of West Saint John Street. It is the comfort food of my childhood, Pho, of Little Saigon and Falafels from my favorite spot on San Carlos Street. It is the Frosty Snowman Hot Cocoas and sweet, crunchy churros from Christmas in the Park. Food as diverse and rich as the many different cultures that reside in San Jose that I’d need to dedicate an essay just to name even half of them.

It is earthquakes, both the natural and the soccer team. It is the teal, black, and white of the Sharks Hockey team that unifies die-hard fans and newcomers, both young and old in the quest for that elusive Stanley Cup. It is also skating the ice rinks with The Barracudas and enjoying Fourth of July fireworks after an SJ Giants baseball game. Teams that are as much a part of the fabric of the valley, as the food and the art and the culture.

It is the familiar feeling of an old friend greeting you with a warm embrace. San José, San Josie, Capital of Silicon Valley, Shark City, and countless other nicknames but no matter the name used, Heart is home and home is San José.