Breeze of Innovation Updates
Dear Friend, Creating a dynamic city center involves lots of blood, sweat, and tears. In 2023, we’ve worked hard to collaborate with our fellow Plaza de Cesar Chavez stakeholders on plans to dramatically improve the most historic piece of property in San Jose. In 2024, we want to take the next step. Great parks are the secret sauce for successful downtowns around the world. For more than two centuries, Plaza de Cesar Chavez has been waiting for us. This is our chance to finally take Downtown San Jose to the next level by working together with our city’s diverse and amazing citizens for the greater good. Along with many others who are deeply committed to Plaza de Cesar Chavez, we will reveal our shared vision for the park in the next six months. This vision will include Breeze of Innovation, elements to dramatically honor Cesar Chavez, and vastly improved park infrastructure that will amp up and elevate events of all kinds — including Christmas in the Park and the San Jose Jazz Festival. The mission for 2024 is tightly focused; we plan to join with the family of Cesar Chavez, concerned citizens, park event producers, and neighbors to begin to dynamically improve Plaza de Cesar Chavez and maximize the joy experienced by all park visitors. Downtown leader Gary Dillabough says: “Sometimes to create an exceptional place, you need a catalytic event or a catalytic project. Our belief is that the Breeze of Innovation is that project.” Will you please continue to support our game-changing project for downtown San Jose? Your donations will help us create this inspirational vision for Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Please donate HERE or by mailing a check to Urban Confluence Silicon Valley, P.O. Box 720813, San Jose, CA 95172. Your financial support is deeply appreciated. Please call Steve Borkenhagen any time with questions and comments. Happy New Year! Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Executive Director Steve Borkenhagen Steve@ Please take a moment to watch this video of Mayor Matt Mahan as he discusses Breeze of Innovation.