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Hey San Jose, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: New Japanese grocer, a viral Costco bike challenge, and First Fridays at the museum + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New downtown shopping option: Sakura Market, a 5,000-square-foot Japanese grocer under the Osaka Marketplace brand, has opened downtown below SJSU dorms near the Signia hotel, offering grab-and-go meals, produce, meats and specialty drinks -- read the full story.
Housing help for public workers: San Jose introduced a LIVE pilot subsidizing rent for teachers and other public employees earning $100,000 to $140,000, aiming to curb long commutes and recoup costs through owner repayments -- read the full story.
Citywide bike challenge: San Jose cyclist maps a viral 50-mile loop connecting all six Costcos. Starts at Upshift Cycles on The Alameda and includes Coyote Creek Trail. The creator recommends going counterclockwise -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Time for a reset: When the week has your shoulders auditioning for a boulder role, Burke Williams Day Spa brings the original day spa experience to the South Bay with personalized massages, results-driven facials, hydrotherapy, and thoughtful body treatments. Go solo or with a friend this week, step in frazzled, leave genuinely renewed.
Cocktails, but better: Since 2013, Paper Plane has been the downtown hang for artfully crafted cocktails and tasty bites, backed by a wildly curated bottle library. Slide onto a stool, tell the bartenders your mood, and let them find your next favorite sip. Low effort, high reward.
Weekend kid magic: Happy Hollow Park & Zoo mixes pint-sized rides, a charming puppet theater and real-deal animal moments, including Twix the red panda, plus hands-on education programs that turn curiosity into giggles. Low-stress, high-smile San Jose staple when you need an easy kid win this week.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌙 National Night Out @ Berryessa Community Center | Tuesday (8/4) at 6:00 PM – National Night Out is taking over Berryessa Community Center with bounce houses, giant lawn games, arts and crafts, music, free snow cones, and community resources. Meet the public safety folks, swap stories with neighbors, and enjoy a block party, minus the HOA drama.
🛝 Free Park Playdate @ Almaden Parents' Pre-School | Wednesday (8/5) at 10:00 AM – Cahalan Park is toddler HQ this summer, with free playdates for ages 1-5 and activities each week. Pack a picnic blanket, snacks, and patience, let the littles roam, and swap grown-up chatter under the red canopy. You still do the supervising, of course.
🏛 Welcome In Wednesdays @ History Park | Wednesday (8/5) at 12:00 PM – History Park throws open the doors every Wednesday this summer, free, for an easygoing wander that beats a quick sync. Peek inside vintage homes, chat with sharp-eyed docents, and let streetcar bells, rose garden, and blessed shade handle the nostalgia so you can handle relaxing.
🎶 Live Music @ Palm & Ember | Friday (8/7) at 5:00 PM – Palm & Ember is serving up live music every Friday and Saturday, plus Chef Macaluso doing his thing. Think local artists, cozy vibes, and the kind of dinner that makes you forget your email. Free to get in, priceless to linger.
🎉 First Fridays @ San José Museum of Art | Friday (8/7) at 6:00 PM – First Fridays at SJMA deliver a cultured night that will not ding your wallet, with free evening admission, open galleries, and entertainment. Hit El Cafecito for late bites and a cash bar, browse the Museum Store open late, and members snag café and shop discounts.
🧘 Yoga & Pilates on The Row @ Santana Row Park | Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 AM – Take a breather from errands and roll your mat out Saturday mornings for a free yoga and Pilates session in Santana Row Park, by the chess board. lululemon’s in the mix, bring your mat, it’s open to everyone, and we’ll earn brunch and happier hamstrings.
🍽 Feed the Hungry People in San Jose Downtown @ St James Park | Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 PM – Saturday at St James Park downtown means neighbors showing up with vegetarian meals, then handing them to people who actually need lunch. Low fuss, high impact, and no committee meeting required. It runs weekly, a tidy one hour that somehow fills the whole week.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — San Jose report Weather forecastToday — High: 93°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 93. West southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. West southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 89°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 60. This house is wildThis updated 5-bed, 3.5-bath Willow Glen gem offers about 3,537 square feet on a generous cul-de-sac lot in coveted Dry Creek. Renovations bring hardwood floors, granite and quartzite counters, recessed lighting, a gas fireplace, and a stylish built-in bar with beverage center and copper sink. Outside, the private backyard shines with a pool, BBQ, bocce court, and easy access to top schools and downtown favorites.
Take a peek inside → |
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