Profiles 8.4

CONTENT

Silicon Valley’s Innovative and Creative Culture

Issue 8.4

profiles of 45 south bay cultural influencers

Erin Salazar Exhibition District

C CONTENT

Issue 8.4

“Profiles”

Nov / Dec 2016

The Makers:

Cultivator

Daniel Garcia

Editors

Odile Sullivan-Tarazi

Johanna Hickle, Emily Wenzl

Vila Schwindt, Elizabeth Sullivan

Circulation/Distribution

Elle Mitchell

Brand Director

Julia Canavese

Production

Kristen Pfund

Sponsorships

Alyssa Byrkit

Designers

Elle Mitchell, Maggie Moore

Photographers

Stan Olszewski, Arabela Espinoza

Scott MacDonald

Writers

Tad Malone, Kate Evans

Mark Haney, Shannon Amidon

Michelle Runde, Nathan Zanon

Kevin Biggers, Giselle Tran

Diane Solomon

Interns

Johanna Hickle, Brandie Alvarez

Publisher

Silicon Valley Creates

As we plan and produce each issue of CONTENT, I discover new people who I would love to feature and so I add them to the list of stories I'd like to do. In addition, there have been others we've been wanting to profile but have had to push out to future issues because of limited space and/or time. The result is a list that has been growing by leaps and bounds each year. Hence, this issue, Profiles.

This issue gives us the opportunity to highlight a few more people than we normally can. With larger images, shorter articles, and personal quotes, we are looking to honor the growing number of influencers, makers, and leaders in our community. I'm excited to have partnered in this issue with Tad Malone, who has exclusively conducted the interviews. I hope as you sit with this issue you have the same feeling that Tad and I had in putting it together, that these people are more than characters in a story, but now our friends.

Enjoy.

Daniel Garcia The Cultivator

IN THIS ISSUE

Agency / Mark Ritchie / Bird and Willow / Roan Victor / San Jose Taiko

To participate in Content Magazine: daniel@content-magazine.com

Subscription & advertising information available by contacting elle@content-magazine.com

The School of Visual Philosophy provides artists a full catalogue of classes in a range of options. We offer one-day workshops in focused topics such as welding or intro to printmaking. We offer full-length courses for in-depth topics such as paper sculpture, bronze casting, and lithography. And we offer facilitated group studio sessions exploring a variety of media, from painting to stone carving to clay sculpture.

The School of Visual Philosophy

425 Auzerais Ave

San Jose, CA 95126

831.239.7449

Dress-Up, pg. 88

Jai Tanju, pg. 24

Lola Saba, pg. 72

Roy and PJ Hirabayashi, pg. 56

Design

32 Graphic Designer, Jeff Gardner

38 You And I, Greg Tariff & Sarah Capello

40 MTCA, Julius Bercasio

FOod & Drink

50 Chromatic Coffee, Hiver Van Geenhoven

54 Devout Coffee, Jon Fisher & Stevie Pape

82 Forager, Heinz Jones

Music

56 San Jose Taiko, Roy & PJ Hirabayashi

62 Bird and Willow, Jared Kauk & Shiloh Kauk

Style

14 Stylist, Stephanie Chatfield

66 Tween Model, Laneya Grace

70 Fashion Designer, Rachel Riot

86 Agency, Peter James & Linnaea Holgers James

88 Dress-Up, Daniel Garcia

Writers

16 Writer, David Ma

64 Author/Professor, David James Keaton

100 Content Contributors

101 Content Calendar

102 Content Partners

Tyson Johnston, pg. 12

David Ma, pg. 16

Kerry Adams Hapner, pg. 80

Henry Chang, pg. 34

PROFILEs

issue 8.4

Written by Tad Malone

Photography by Daniel Garcia

In the pages that follow we offer a look at the broad spectrum of movers and shakers in the artistic and cultural world of the South Bay.

Often the pulse of the South Bay has operated beneath the surface, but the Valley’s reputation for innovation and imagination has always been fueled by those with the spirit of DIY...even before “do-it-yourself” was a concept. These were the people who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, who defined their own realities. And it is from this fertile ground—seeded by pioneering predecessors— that their artistic peers are beginning to emerge.

This new generation is beginning to fill the offices and towers of the Valley. And they are builders: they grew up in a world of robotics competitions, Burning Man, and Maker Faires. They are a DIY generation—and because of that, they have a closer affinity to the creative arts. They hunger for the arts, and they dream of using their skills to make the world a better place. By the same token, their creativity, their culture is not limited to the arts. And so you will see in these pages lawyers, painters, and musicians, property developers, ministers, even coffee-roasters.

If there is a common theme, it is that rather than be intimidated by the sheer economic power of Silicon Valley, these creative individuals thrive on and around it. They use the latest tools to reenergize established models, combining everything from computer animation and live performance to food and social networking. They draw also upon the region’s energy, youth, and wealth. Some shout from the rooftops, others work quietly, but all burn with ambition, energy, talent—just like their peers in the tech startups. And it is not just what they do individually, but also how collectively they invigorate and celebrate our community. They are making their own paradigm shift. And we will all be the better for it.

The poet Robert Browning once said, a man’s reach should exceed his grasp. That’s been the story of Silicon Valley and the South Bay from the beginning, and that is the quality that defines the men and women here profiled. We are lucky to have them as our neighbors.

It is to these creators, these makers—both up and coming and established—that this issue of Content is dedicated.

Need an escape? Don’t have a lot of time? Living in Silicon Valley provides you with all kinds of options for a short getaway. From the beach to the mountains, wineries to windsurfing, the South Bay is one of the best hubs for launching into world-class scenery and activities. So why not take a day trip?

Palo Alto, Ca.

Article and Photography by Taylor Melody

Day tri p 408

Head out to the birthplace of Silicon Valley, where you can walk the historic streets that helped shape the technology industry of today. Visit the landmarks, sample fresh and local menus, satisfy that sweet tooth. There’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. Start your journey, naturally, on the tree-lined streets of downtown, just to the east of the Stanford campus.

Welcome to Palo Alto, CA Population: 66,955

The city takes its name from a coast redwood tree within its borders that stands more than a hundred feet tall and is more than a thousand years old, an historical landmark for all of California. Home to Hewlett-Packard and the Stanford Research Institute, close neighbor of the former Xerox PARC, Palo Alto was a key player in the early development of Silicon Valley’s technology industry.

Blue Bottle Coffee

Begin your day with a smooth latte from Blue Bottle Coffee, one of the largest and finest specialty coffee roasters in Northern California. Housed inside Palo Alto’s historic New Varsity Theater, now the HanaHaus shared tech workspace, Blue Bottle serves a range of sustainably grown coffees from around the world, including single-origin beans—all served within 48 hours of roasting.

Although the interior of the building was recently remodeled, the early 20th-century Spanish Colonial Revival exterior remains intact: white stucco curves and arches, distinctive terracotta roof tiles, lines reminiscent of California’s famous missions. bluebottlecoffee.com

@bluebottle

Chantal Guillon

Just down the street is Chantal Guillon, a purveyor of French-style macaroons baked in-house, served with teas from Mariage Frères, a Parisian tea company founded in 1854. The combination is beyond compare. In the macaroons, look for flavors such as lavender and black currant, Persian rose, salted caramel, and jasmine green tea. In the teas, all the classic varieties, as well as speciality blends.

chantalguillon.com

@chantalguillon

Lemonade

If you’re in the mood for a lighter beverage, and perhaps a meal, then stroll over to Lemonade. The setup is colorful and cafeteria-style, the lemonade freshly squeezed and ice-cold, the quick-order menu seasonal and surprisingly healthy. Try the orecchiette pasta with cherry and sun-dried tomatoes. Or the ahi tuna and avocado poke with tangerines and icicle radish. Or a selection from their marketplace veggie dishes and slow-simmered braised meats. Pair your meal with a not-so-strictly-lemon lemonade. Expect variations such as guava limeade and carrot ginger. lemonadela.com @lemonadela

Local Union 271

If you prefer something a little less casual, you might give family-owned, farm-to-table Local Union 271 a try. Their mission is etched in their name: the food is fresh and local and sourced from a circle of member farms, ranches, dairies, bakeries, and other area producers. The experience is delectable. Even the interior decor is local, handcrafted by Bay Area artisans. Truly a must-stop restaurant for lunch or dinner. Note they also serve Verve Coffee from Santa Cruz.

localunion271.com

@local_union_271

Stanford Theatre

Next, walk down University to the Stanford Theatre. Completed in 1925, this historic theater offers a portal to the past, with its neoclassical Persian and Moorish architecture, its vast ceilings and lush art nouveau interior, the scalloped red velvet curtains over the screen, and matching red velvet seats. Purchased in 1987 by the Packard Foundation, it was restored to its original splendor, reopening two years later. And it’s been entertaining audiences ever since with film classics from the silent era up through 1970. It’s one of the finest theaters on the Peninsula for experiencing Hollywood’s Golden Age.

stanfordtheatre.org

Scoop Microcreamery

After all this walking around, particularly if the day is warm, it might be time for something sweet and light. With locally sourced ingredients and ice cream that’s handcrafted, Scoop Microcreamery is the obvious choice. The shop is a tiny—well, micro—mom and pop affair, and they make their ice cream to order, using liquid nitrogen to flashfreeze the mixture to velvety, creamy goodness. Ice cream made this way packs more flavor. The creamery serves an incredible banana split in a range of artisanal flavors—green tea with mochi, bourbon vanilla with salted caramel swirl, and speculicious, to name a few. Prepare to be delighted.

scoopmicrocreamery.com

@scoopaloalto

Stanford University Tour

Palo Alto is also home to one of the largest research universities in the country. If you follow University Avenue out past the shops, towards the hills, and continue along the long expanse of park, you’ll arrive at the Stanford University campus. Getting there from downtown is a bit of a hike. If you’d prefer, you can take the Marguerite shuttle from the Caltrain station at the top of University into the campus. The shuttle leaves frequently throughout the day, running from 6am to 7pm. Call 650.724.9339 for times. Once on campus, you can take a walking tour or just wander around on your own. Either way, there’s plenty to see.

stanford.edu

@stanford

Hoover Tower

Whether you take a guided tour of the campus or see the sights on your own, be sure to check out the view from the top of Hoover Tower. The observation platform is on the 14th floor, and there’s a tour guide stationed by the elevator who can point out university landmarks, as well as landmarks throughout the Bay Area. The view is stunning. The tower stands 285 feet high and its lobby houses exhibits of historical memorabilia from alums Herbert Hoover and Lou Henry Hoover. Pick up your tickets for the tour (less than the price of a cup of coffee) in the tower lobby. No reservations required.

visit.stanford.edu/plan/guides/hoover.html

Cantor Arts Center

Another must-see on the university grounds is the Cantor Arts Center. Originally built to house the personal collections of the Stanford family, the museum has long since expanded upon that early conception. With collections of modern and contemporary art, a significant collection of the graphic arts on paper— prints, drawings, photographs—from the late 15th century to the present, and art from the old world and the new, the museum covers a broad range of art history. Its entire Rodin collection is also on view. Closed Tuesdays. museum.stanford.edu

Stanford Dish Hike

In the hills behind the university sits a massive radio telescope known as the Dish. Built in 1961, originally for the purpose of studying the chemical composition of the atmosphere, the Dish spans 150 feet in diameter, antenna pointed to the sky. It has been used to communicate with satellites and spacecraft, including remotely recalibrating them. Today, it continues to be important for both academic and research purposes. Today, too, locals know the Dish largely for the nearly four-mile paved path (called the loop) that circumscribes the moderately hilly terrain and leads eventually to the telescope. Weekday or weekend, rain or shine, you’ll find them running, biking, or walking the loop. The trail is open roughly from sunrise to sunset.

Dish.stanford.edu

Pace Art + Technology Gallery

Only a five-minute drive from downtown Palo Alto is the immersive experience of the Pace Art + Technology Gallery. Here, you do not view art so much as become completely enveloped by it. Opening just this year, the gallery is devoted solely to contemporary digital art in installations that are sometimes interactive, always expansive. Recent exhibitions have explored the influence of Zen thought on visual and conceptual linguistic systems in contemporary art, as well as highlighted the work of individual artists such as Nigel Cooke, Michal Rovner, Louise Nevelson, and Richard Pousette-Dart.

pacegallery.com

@pacegallery

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

If you’ve got kids with you (even maybe if not), you might want to check out the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, whose mission it is to engage and encourage a child’s natural sense of wonder about science and nature. The JMZ is like two stops in one—an imaginative museum full of hands-on interactive exhibits, and an expansive child-friendly zoo with natural habitats designed for exploration. Home to over 50 species of animals, the zoo alone could fill an afternoon. Fun for the young at heart of all ages.

friendsjmz.org

@friendsjmz

Tyson Johnston

Although he's currently the assistant manager of the Whole Foods in Palo Alto, Tyson Johnston has his sights set on a full-time career in the art world. He’s a painter, and his paintings—with their bold fantastical images in thick layers of watercolor and other media—reach out powerfully to audiences, in both theme and style. Inspired by influences as diverse as Tibetan Buddhism, skateboarding graphics, and tattoo art, Johnston’s work is steeped in allegory and symbolism. And the former head of the tattoo shop Death Before Dishonor is constantly perfecting new techniques to express his fierce, dynamic visions. Calling him meticulous would be an understatement.

“I’ve been doing art my whole life, but at a certain point I figured out that I liked painting more than tattooing. Tattooing definitely put me in a different direction, but really it just made me feel bad about myself, whereas painting makes me zen out. It’s much more meditative. And since it’s not delicate, I normally like working on wood, being able to really sit into painting. But it’s always cool to get out of your element and do something different. I look to everything for inspiration—I’m always trying to challenge myself. It’s kind of like organized chaos, right?”

instagram: bloodyloveletter

“...painting makes me zen out.”

David ma

You may not know it, but the guy serving you drinks from behind the counter at The Fountainhead Bar can also serve up slices of fascinating musical history. David Ma runs The Fountainhead Bar by night and works by day as a freelance journalist with a long background in music, writing for such publications as The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and SPIN. Whether he’s spinning records at Cafe Stritch or hunting down the likes of Chuck D for an interview, Ma is always absorbed in music. His newest project is developing a record label—in conjunction with San Jose vinyl records and albums shop Needle to the Groove—to emphasize emerging, overlooked, and local artists.

“Out of high school, my friend started a magazine. I started writing for it and it really grabbed my interest. It coincided with me getting heavily into music during the rise of the indie rap movement, at a time when you could just hit up big names in the industry and they would get back to you. I started writing for free, over time got my name out there, and have been lucky enough to work with writers and editors that I really look up to. It’s a passion project and always has been.”

instagram: _davidma

Max DeHart

maxdehart.com

instagram: maxdehart

The art of local graphic designer, artist, and muralist Max DeHart strikes a fine balance between the unembellished and the visceral. Working mostly in acrylics, DeHart takes classical painting elements, mixed with calligraphic stylings, to create vibrant but slightly haunting pieces. Originally from the Central Valley, DeHart moved to San Jose when he was 17. Now, at 26, DeHart has established himself as an artistic force in the city, maintaining a longtime studio at the Citadel, showing his work in numerous local galleries, and creating graphic designs for different companies and musical acts. But in the end, he wants to work large scale, setting his sights primarily on murals, live painting, and public commission work.

“I actually got into art by playing a lot of video games. In high school, me and my friends started this clan for the game Starcraft, and we needed artwork and logos for our team, so I started drawing stuff out and got really into it. After school I would go home and play computer games. It was this whole online world of different people, which was great because I was pretty quiet and kept to myself. Over time, I just kept drawing, and it really became my outlet, so my transition into being an artist just happened kind of naturally.”

“...my transition into being an artist just happened kind of naturally.”

Roan Victor

thearsenalsj.com

instagram: roanvictor

Since 2011, The Arsenal has been quietly creating an atmosphere for art quite unlike anywhere else in the area, acting as a one-stop shop for most artists’ needs. Although the day-to-day maintenance of the shop wears on a quiet person like Roan Victor, she’s thankful for a day job co-owning and operating the place with her husband, artist Sean Boyles. But make no mistake, Victor is utterly dedicated to her art. Sublime, ethereal paintings in oil, and lately watercolor, her work expresses—often through flowers, linens, and obscured faces—the camouflage or privacy we all seek in an increasingly changing world. The Arsenal began as a retail store, class workshop, and art gallery. Recently the two artists downsized and now mostly focus on teaching kids to draw, giving everyone—Victor included—a chance to breathe and concentrate on their craft.

“Oil is my favorite medium, but I’ve been working a lot in watercolor. It’s like, if there was this little person in my brain, you know, then painting in watercolor feels like this person with a notepad saying, ‘The highlight is right there, the shadow is right there,’ always talking to me about where I’m supposed to put pigments. Painting in oil is this little person that’s just, like, dancing and twirling around in my head, saying, “Nah, don’t do that, you can do that later! Put some drips on there!’”

Haley Jensen

haleymjensen.com

instagram: haleymjensen

Haley Jensen’s art is a glimpse into the delicate and the surreal. And that may be a catch-all term for things that seem extraordinary, but her work bears witness to the shadows that exist between moments in time, reconciling the irrational into understandable, highly symbolic, and starkly visual expressions. When she’s not drawing, Jensen is exploring different ways to make her art more functional through craft-making, weaving, and other disciplines. She also spends a good portion of her time giving back to the community, collaborating with neighborhoods around the Bay to help meet their particular needs.

“It’s funny because all of my works are different. Some pieces are full of heavy, really thought-out meaning, and others don't mean anything at all. But they all kind of have to do with this feeling I have. When I’m drawing, I try to capture the feeling or vibe of when people are growing and learning positively—but simultaneously that process of change feels like some sort of hell, this awful activity that you want to be done with.”

“Some pieces are full of heavy, really thought-out meaning and others don’t mean anything at all.”

Jai Tanju

Seeing Things Gallery

751 West San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95126

seeingthingsgallery.com instagram: seeingthingsgallery instagram: iajujnat

If you run into Jai Tanju, he’s either somewhere in San Jose on his bike, camera in hand, or out on a skate or photography trip in some serene and strange landscape, or he could be in Seeing Things Gallery, which he owns and operates.

In recent years, Tanju has built the gallery into a constantly revolving showcase of compelling artists, and—other than a really good library—one of the largest zine and art book collections in San Jose. But the sprinklings of the skating world in the gallery offer only a glimpse into Tanju’s long and prolific career as a photographer for top skateboarding publications, his extended relationship with Enjoi Skateboards, and what he credits for giving him an eye for finding and exploring the art in his own photography.

“I really didn't get into photography until I was in my 20s. After high school, I traveled, finally ending up back in San Jose, and decided to take a photo class at West Valley. At the same time I was living with skater Jason Adams, and I was getting more into photography because my friends were skating. They were just turning professional, so people would come shoot photos of them. I would watch, thinking, okay, this isn't anything special. What changed was that someone had come to actually do that work— take the photos—and it occurred to me that I could do that too.”

Not too long ago, Drew Roulette was into esoteric manuscripts and books, and painting bold, psychedelic but naturalistic figures peppered with abstraction. He works from words to images, with each painting’s inspiration and eventual shape coming from a witty—sometimes hilarious—title. Recently, he’s received commissions from different companies and organizations and has expanded his artistic horizons further by adding portions of manuscripts and text into these larger paintings. Conversely, the Los Gatos native has taken to doing his “pun” paintings on canvases as small as two-inch square, to focus his bright, trippy aesthetic even more. As a side gig, he also makes art on the stage, playing bass for Dredg, the criminally underrated and arguably most successful band to come out of the South Bay.

“I’ve always read weird psychedelic stuff. Recently I found this book by an Italian guy, who’s old now, but the book is full of a fake language and strange alien-like drawings. People have pored over it for years, calling it a hoax, and the author agreed. He said before he learned to read, he’d look at a book and make up a story, pretending he could read, Then, when he’d actually learned, he’d get so upset at the difference between his story and the original that he just made his own book. I thought what a cool idea—it struck me that I could create something that might free our imagination to tap those deep, inner-child stories.”

Drew Roulette

drewroulette.com instagram: drewroulette

“it really struck me that I could create something that might free our imagination...”

Natalya Burd

natalyaburd.com

instagram: natalyaburd

Natalya Burd’s paintings capture glassy memories from the ghosts of history. Admittedly a bit obsessed with the American Civil War, her work—usually in metallic paint layered heavily on paper—involves dreamlike, but painstaking examinations of moments from the tainted past. A native of Kyrgyzstan, Burd later moved to Russia to get her first art degree. It was there she met her (would-be) American husband, eventually leading them to move to the States, where she earned an MFA from the University of Washington. Although she continues to be fascinated by the visual expressions of strife, division—and paradoxically—beauty, Burd has begun to experiment with plexiglass, re-creating lost scenes of the past to stunning effect.

“I like old photographs, and I’m drawn to black and white movies for their sense of light. But in my head, when I’m painting, it’s always a similar story. I have countless images of soldiers from the Civil War, and the more I was dealing with that subject matter, the idea of an ‘America’ or a ‘Russia’ or an ‘Italy’ wasn’t important to me anymore. Rather it’s the people and the specific circumstances that I’m drawn to. I think it’s the ugliest thing ever, a time where your brother can become your enemy. I felt that was always the struggle: relating the peace and beauty of where you live to the horrors that can occur in that same place.”

Erin Salazar

exhibitiondistrict.com instagram: the_exd

People say we should be the change we want to see in the world, but rarely do those people take any kind of action themselves. Erin Salazar is San Jose’s artistic fulfillment of that sentiment. The artist, muralist, and seamstress is on a quest, advocating for large, public artworks in San Jose, with a particular emphasis on the rights of artists to be paid professional wages for their work. So far it’s been a success: with the help of a Knight Cities Challenge grant and a grant from San Jose Made, Salazar has created the Exhibition District, a group with an end goal of transforming over 40,000 feet of blank walls into original works of art. A graduate of San Jose State, Salazar is also an artist and she still creates, but she’s found almost a higher calling to beautify the city while simultaneously advocating for the rights of local artists.

“As of now, the murals that Exhibition District has done are kind of organized with one artist and a bunch of assistants, but we are working to be more inclusive in our selections. We also want to make sure that we are curating in a way that every mural is an extension of the artist’s portfolio, instead of forcing an artist to fit a certain mold. When it comes down to it, the goal of the Exhibition District project really is a collective want to make San Jose, and the whole area for that matter, look as beautiful on the outside as I feel it does on the inside.”

Jeff Gardner

jeffgardnerdesign.com

There’s a chance a Jeff Gardner design is resting in your pocket right now. Over the last 20 years, the San Jose–based graphic designer and illustrator has created designs for the likes of Hewlett Packard, Adidas, and Motorola, earning him numerous awards for his sleek identity work. Gardner got his start as a freshman in high school making T-shirts for his brother’s company, Liquid Agency, which has now grown into one of the most sought-after design companies in the Bay Area. While most of his design work comes through Liquid Agency, Gardner also tries to freelance when he can, creating show flyers, logos for metal bands, and even coasters for local bars.

“I never went to school for design. I always did artwork, and I liked design even before working at Liquid’s art department. I also liked drafting because my dad was an engineer, so I have this really technical side about me. My mom was a fine artist, so I kind of grew up in both worlds. When I got into college, even though I didn’t know anything about the design world, I knew I was going to do something artistic. Then when analog turned to digital, I just went with it.”

Foto Express

Henry Chang

Although newer buildings loom large around it along bustling Santa Clara Street, Foto Express has survived relatively unscathed, providing an environment for photographers to rent equipment and develop film photography since 1987. The eminent owner of the shop, Henry Chang, is known for his wizard-like knowledge of photography, his acumen for developing rare types of film, and a magnanimous personality, a winning combination that has kept customers coming back for decades. While the Valley builds up and out, Chang has learned to adapt to the digital age, but Foto Express—known both for its customer service and its specialties—still stands as an icon of a more traditional and intimate style of business.

“Over the years I’ve worked with a lot of students, and it’s great to see some of them nurture a real passion for photography. Some of those students have become teachers or even fine art photographers who show in galleries and museums across the world. That’s a really nice thing to see: all those young kids who use their talent and creativity so they can create a full career. Watching that passion grow is probably the most rewarding part of my job.”

Wood-Taylor

instagram: terrafirmation

Terra Wood-Taylor is the proverbial, but quiet, jack-of-alltrades. Although she considers her full-time job to be at Whole Foods, Wood-Taylor is intimately involved in her community. Whether it’s driving a pedicab downtown, introducing movies for Cinequest Film Festival, working for Team San Jose or the First Unitarian Church of San Jose, or putting on the San Jose Zombie Crawl to fundraise for cancer awareness, she works in every nook and cranny of the city. A Wisconsin native, Wood-Taylor originally moved to the South Bay after a family loss, only to find and subsequently embrace a community that she feels is complex, historical, and vital.

“I really try to be involved as much as possible in our community. It’s unfortunate that we are losing places like Camera 12 to rent increases, but if we just show up and participate in our community, it shows leaders and property owners what the people want. I really think that’s what you have to do, no matter where your community may be. You have to show up and you have to be involved—because that’s the only way anything is ever going to get solved. And for me to end up in San Jose is—I don't know—it’s part of what makes me, me. My light gets brighter from the city.”

“You have to show up and you have to be involved...”

You and I

sarahcappello.com gregtariff.com

youandi.design instagram: you_and_i_design

Greg Tariff and Sarah Capello met after Greg searched on dogs and design on OkCupid and found Sarah. Both artists and dog lovers, they were a match. Now three years in, they’re carving out notable careers for themselves in art and design. Sarah started out as a pet photographer in Seattle, but eventually she found her passion in art of all mediums, with a focus on design. Currently, she is a user experience and interface designer at Shutterfly, as well as a fine artist and painter. Greg has worked for numerous agencies also as a user experience and interface designer, in addition to working on his own product—Fetch My Pet—a smart ID tag. Greg and Sarah share a studio space, dubbed You and I Design, where they focus on their respective art projects outside of design, both together and as individuals.

“I believe both art and design are judged and critiqued harshly, but the underlying difference is intention and expression. Art asks a question: it is loud, personal, demanding, expressive, and passionate. Design solves a problem: it is subtle, so simple it’s difficult, and crossplatform. Both are necessary in life, and when creating, you can apply design in art and art to design.”

_Sarah Capello

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people around at some of the largest tech companies, which has been an amazing experience. Currently, I am living the startup life, and I could not be more excited. However, when I walk into our art studio, I instantly disconnect from my day-to-day work life and get straight to experimenting with my current art projects. Our art studio is a place where I can truly escape and take the time to try new things while expanding my creativity.”

_Greg Tariff

Julius Bercasio

mtca.co instagram: mtca.co

Julius Bercasio has had a mind for art and business since he was a little kid, selling his own drawings to classmates for a nickel. By the time he was a junior in high school, he already had a design gig at Hewlett-Packard. He credits both his work in youth ministry and his vocational training in high school for making him the multifaceted artist, designer, and business leader he is today. As the founder of Mighty Thredz—now MTCA—Bercasio has created a design company with an emphasis on thinking outside the box and developing relationships beyond the traditional client-contractor dynamic. Located in the heart of the SoFA district, MTCA aims not only to meet clients’ design needs but also to provide creative solutions to the problems they are trying to solve.

“I took five years off of design to do missionary work for my church, and it changed my life. While I was working at the church, I learned a ton of things about leadership and community development. But, really, the two big take-aways that have helped me in my business are understanding the importance of relationships and understanding how you respond to those relationships. That was my biggest thing, like, no matter what. How do you see your relationship with God, your relationship with family, friends, or the community? And how do you add value to those relationships in your own way?”

Keay Edwards

Keayedwards.com

instagram: keayedwards instagram: sjsuphotography

A photographer for more than 40 years, Keay Edwards has seen the entire medium change before his eyes. Originally from back east, Edwards moved to California in his teenage years. After bouncing around schools and in and out of various studies, he found a real interest silkscreening, an unlikely pathway into his future as a photographer. After working at a firm called PhotoGraphics, which did professional photography for companies like Oracle, Edwards kind of fell into an arts position at San Jose State. There, he has created a fascinating career for himself as an arts department teacher and problem solver, a meticulous visual cataloguer of all types of artwork, particularly glass and ceramics, all the while working also as a freelance photographer for a number of artists and organizations.

“I have a talent and a desire to support others in their art making. This is why I find doing what I do at the university fulfilling. And I like art as discovery—meaning, I like to find interesting sounds or visuals that the standard tools and processes don’t, or can’t, pick up. At its most simplistic, I am drawn to using imaging (and sound) tools to explore the world in ways that regular physical physiology doesn't allow. I guess I can expound a little about art as a way of interpreting or relating to the world, but, really, I appreciate the levels of metaphor and experience in life that is way more interesting when viewed through that filter.”

jennydolaw.com

facebook: jennydolaw

Maintaining a law practice in downtown San Jose since 1997, Jenny Do has grown into something of a patron saint for the city. Starting with the Green Rice Gallery adjacent to her law offices, Do has developed her role as a community advocate both by supporting the arts and through work for the dispossessed and marginalized. She ran for city council in 2015, but dropped out when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer and given less than a year to live. But the illness only emboldened and sharpened her focus on activism, motivating her to become an outspoken advocate for breast cancer awareness in the Vietnamese community. Recently, Do’s cancer was declared in remission. Her close call with death has given her a new lease on life, solidifying her need to help her community.

“There is still a lot of work to be done. I began to see my role in the community as somebody who motivates others not only to take action themselves, but to encourage others to action too. I realize this is much more important because often people aren't aware of the issues. I feel like I should serve as a catalyst for engaging those who might be very effective in their specialities, but who might not be aware of how those specialties can help resolve specific issues in the community. I would say, even today, my job is to get people involved. To activate people through kindness in a positive way.”

DAnny Sanchez

thecitypeaceproject.org instagram: thecitypeaceproject

A lifelong resident of San Jose, Pastor Danny Sanchez has always loved his city. And though many people come from a turbulent upbringing, rarely are they able to take that darkness and turn it into something positive and vibrant for those around them. Sanchez—a full-time youth minister and a member of the Mayor’s Faith-Based Gang Prevention Task Force—has worked tirelessly to help the often-overlooked populations of San Jose. Starting with the City Peace Project, Sanchez has filled roles as peacemaker, Latino community advocate, and a pastor of action in the streets of the city. He has received a number of honors for his community involvement, including being awarded the 2012 White House Champion of Change for his work with youth violence.

“The city and the community are a part of my heart, my passion. The types of problems I deal with will always be there, and we can’t fix them, but we can help. I don’t ever see myself not doing this, this type of ministry within the community, because I think it’s so vital. But another important part is training the people that I’m working with and equipping them—especially the youth—so they can go out and empower their own neighborhoods. I’ve seen people come out of it, but a large portion of the community is just stuck in negative cycles. I think it will always be important to be there for support. I’ve seen through Christ that everyone has the potential for transformation.”

Maryles Casto

casto.com

instagram: castotravel

Since its creation in 1974, Casto Travel Inc. has grown into the largest privately owned travel management agency in the western United States. At the helm is Maryles Casto. Getting her start in the industry as an in-flight service manager for Philippine Airlines, Casto moved to the US in the early ’70s, after meeting her husband. Since then, she has developed her business into one of the fastest growing companies in Silicon Valley, making it the go-to corporate travel management firm. Besides being a model for women in business, Casto has a hand in many other local philanthropic ventures. The business leader currently serves on the board of directors for The Commonwealth Club, the Bring Me A Book Foundation, and Silicon Valley Creates. Casto is also a member of the Committee of 200, a worldwide organization of female business leaders that seeks to empower women in business.

“We’ve always wanted to be here, but the company moved around for a long time in the Bay Area. Then, about ten years ago we moved and I said to my son, ‘Finally we are in San Jose!’ I mean I love San Jose. I think there’s so much here, and it’s great how our city is evolving. I also strongly believe in making sure we are part of the community, I’ve always believed in that. I think the more art we have in San Jose, and the more things that our children can get involved in, the better it is for all of us.”

“...I LOVE SAN JOSE.”

Hiver van Geenhoven

chromaticcoffee.com instagram: chromaticcoffee instagram: hiverkairos

Although he studied political science in college, Hiver van Geenhoven was always drawn to the multifaceted world of coffee. In 2009, van Geenhoven found a job at Barefoot Coffee Roasters in San Jose. Out of the ashes of Barefoot rose Chromatic Coffee Company, a collaboration between three former employees, including van Geenhoven. The three friends share the purpose of creating an accessible atmosphere with incredibly high-quality variation brews. His day-to-day duties involve brewing beans, but van Geenhoven also manages the buying and sourcing of beans from all around the world—as well as designing the logos and ornamentation for each variety. Now four years in, be it coffee or art, Chromatic has indubitably become a focal point for innovation and culture in the South Bay.

“There are amazing individuals out here in this valley who do amazing things, but it seems like we are always fighting against the odds to make it really happen. So when we started Chromatic, we wanted to do it our way, but we wanted to demonstrate that we were still very rooted in all the aspects of San Jose that we love, from culture to history. One thing I love to say is innovation is our tradition here, and we are always trying to make a place where artists, musicians—and culture—can flourish.”

“...innovation is our tradition here...”

Heather Lerner

hhpz.org

instagram: heatherlerner

instagram: hhpzoo

“We have our own cool vibe happening here.”

Heather Lerner believes in finding the careful equilibrium between leading and following, and also in having fun. Since 2009, she has been executive director of Happy Hollow Foundation, the fundraising branch of Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, which has been delighting San Jose residents with its wild mix of animals and attractions since 1961. But Happy Hollow is only one part of her life. A lifelong resident of San Jose, Lerner has been active in the community for over 20 years and is dedicated to making her city shine. Besides her work at Happy Hollow, Lerner serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of San Jose, City Lights Theater Company, and the SV Creates Local Arts Grant Panel.

“I love seeing how the younger generation is coming out for things. There is this group of kids, those raised in San Jose, that are fiercely territorial about their hometown. They want to define it, and they are defining it. They aren’t going to let it be the biggest town with the lowest self-esteem anymore. And it’s not that we are the heart of Silicon Valley like everyone says—I don’t agree with that. We have our own cool vibe happening here. The kids of this town are now the adults owning San Jose’s identity, and I couldn’t be more proud of that.”

Devout Coffee Jon Fisher and Stevie Pape

37323 Niles Blvd

Fremont, CA 94536

devoutcoffee.com

instagram: devoutcoffee

What started as a pet project in a garage has grown into one of the area’s premier coffee shops truly dedicated to the roast. Devout Coffee in Fremont, founded by Jon Fisher and his brother-in-law Stevie Pape, has been about serving amazing handcrafted brew since its inception. Bridging the gap between the heavy coffee scenes in Oakland and San Jose, they aim to be more than just another Bay Area coffee pit stop. The partners are devoted to creating an inclusive environment that sources the finest quality beans, and perfecting the art of coffee making and extraction. Although they initially roasted their beans in a converted barbecue, they now are planning to open a coffee bar in the new, evolving Forager Tasting Room and Eatery in San Jose, with a future set on spreading awareness of just how amazing stripped-down coffee can be.

“In a lot of ways we approach coffee like wine. We really don't have any vanilla or flavors, it’s just coffee. We’re looking for the inherent flavors of coffee, as well as showcasing the origin and development of coffee from the producer or grower. So we look for coffees that will shine all by themselves. Like, a good day for us is when somebody orders a pour-over from us, and says, ‘You know, I normally always put sugar and milk in my coffee, but I’m not even going to!’ It feels good.”

San Jose Taiko

Roy and PJ Hirabayashi

taiko.org

instagram: sanjosetaiko

Not many folks can say they have evolved—if not created—a new type of art. But starting in 1973 when Roy Hirabayashi cofounded San Jose Taiko, a professional performing company, Roy and PJ Hirabayashi have cultivated a new Asian-American art form. Taking the traditional rhythms of the taiko—a type of Japanese barrelshaped drum—and infusing Western and other musical influences, San Jose Taiko pioneered the American taiko sound, which has since been met with traditional Japanese approval. The Hirabayashis have performed around the world, receiving countless commendations both for their efforts in cultivating and showcasing a new art form and for consistently advocating for San Jose’s Japantown. These awards include arguably the highest arts honor awarded in the United States—the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship in Folk and Traditional Arts, in 2011—as well as the highly prestigious City of San Jose Cornerstone of the Arts Award, in 2016, for enduring and effective leadership in the arts.

“In the early ’70s we worked with the Buddhist temple in San Jose, and the minister there was really interested in doing something to bring more youth back to his temple. He suggested we look at using the taiko—the Japanese drum—as perhaps a way to do that. So we started with the intention of involving the youth, but it rapidly became more of a community group because people in the area heard about what we were doing and wanted to come check it out and participate. We use the taiko as a tool to organize people, but it has also given us a chance to learn more about our heritage.”

Ben Alexy

benalexy.com instagram: benalexy

On meeting, Ben Alexy gives a relaxed, gentle impression. His paintings tell a different story. And the results are stunning. His paintings are large, if not giant, none less than four feet by four feet. Using both oil and acrylics, he captures stagnant moments in capsules of chaos. Helicopter explosions, sword fights, and motorcycles crashes are just some of the scenes Alexy paints in thick, expressionist hues, with almost baroque lighting, giving his paintings a breathtaking quality, both in scale and—in some ways— poignancy. He’s methodical in his composition, spending hours on sketches for parts of a painting, working from a photographic study through astonishing levels to create grand and disarming expressions of the wild and fleeting.

“The common thread I can find throughout six or eight years of painting, for me, is failure. That seems to be the one underlying thing—the imagery changes pretty drastically: like, one is a motorcycle crash, another is a guy in street clothes battling with a man on horseback, or people bailing on skateboards… It’s all these freeze-frame still shots of scenarios where shit is going wrong. It’s not chaos, but the aesthetics of the fall that I’m really drawn to. I’ve always approached failure through a sense of softness with an interest in the grace that can be present even in the worst moments.”

Dalia Rawson

newballetschool.org instagram: thenewballetschool

Dalia Rawson is the South Bay’s authority on all things ballet. A longtime performer with the now defunct Cleveland San Jose Ballet Company, the Saratoga native has performed for numerous companies in addition to holding backstage management positions with the Silicon Valley Ballet. With the closure of that company, Rawson founded The New Ballet School in March of this year. Less than a year later, the school has grown to over 300 students and is the only school on the West Coast that’s been certified by the American Ballet Theatre. The New Ballet School’s first production this winter, featuring Rawson’s choreography, will be a San Jose–inspired rendition of The Nutcracker

“It’s been since 2006 that I last danced professionally. Of course I miss it, but the career doesn’t last forever. I was just really lucky to work with people I looked up to. It’s been 11 years now, but I certainly get a lot of joy and inspiration from teaching young people and working as a choreographer and director. Our newest production is the San Jose Nutcracker, which tells the classic story with local inspiration. Set in the city around 1905, it will feature a glowing replica of the historic San Jose Electric Light Tower, as well as the historic skyline. It’s something I’m really excited about.”

Bird and Willow

birdandwillow.bandcamp.com instagram: birdandwillow

Jared Kauk is a classically trained violinist, and his sister Shiloh learned to sing listening to the radio. Together this brother-sister folk-rock duo creates poignant, delicate melodies braced by lush orchestral soundscapes. To pay the bills, both brother and sister work day jobs: Jared is a violin and viola teacher, and Shiloh works at a coffeeshop. In the last year, Bird and Willow have made their presence known through internet releases and copious live shows around the area. This summer, they released their first extended play, Place to Land, which features brothers Bryan and Kevin Valko on bass and drums. As for the future, the brother-sister duo hope to embark on a West Coast tour and are currently writing songs for what will be their first full-length release in mid-2017.

“We started recording songs before we had a name or a plan or anything. We figured we’ve been playing these songs for awhile, so let’s try to make them into something bigger. And then when we named ourselves, we decided on Bird and Willow. Those are the cross streets in Willow Glen where we were both born. We could have used just our names or whatever, but I think Bird and Willow is significant because a lot of our songs tell stories about our lives and reflect the place where we come from.”

David James Keaton

davidjameskeaton.com

twitter: spiderfrogged

He’s been called an indie crime writer, a horror novelist, a man of grit lit, even a zombie hipster. And while people try to make up their minds, David James Keaton is steadily producing a creative output that most writers would envy or perhaps even fear. The University of Pittsburgh alum’s strange and hilarious short fiction has been published in a veritable smorgasbord of publications (over 50 journals and magazines), with a judicious selection appearing in the award-winning 2013 short story collection Fish Bites Cop! Stories to Bash Authorities. His most recent novel, The Last Projector—a labyrinthine meditation on dogs, John Carpenter’s The Thing, and paramedics—has been met with stellar reviews. Keaton currently teaches composition and writing at Santa Clara University. In his summer downtime, Keaton is compiling Hard Sentences, a collection of Alcatraz-inspired crime fiction.

“When I had for five years a job closed-captioning movies and television shows, that is where I really learned grammar. I was an undergrad for 12 years, and I was in grad school for five, and I didn’t learn anything about grammar. Then I did closed-captioning for five years, and that had the best effect on my work. My writing got tighter and tighter. With captioning, you’re forced to distill what someone is saying in the amount of time they’re saying it, real time. It’s a great exercise that taught me editing tricks, even the nuts and bolts of commas! If I hadn’t closed-captioned, I wouldn't have been able to construct a novel.”

Laneya Grace

jemodel.com instagram: official_laneya_grace

Laneya Grace’s modeling career started out relatively innocuous. When she was three, her parents had a second child, and they let Laneya model so she wouldn’t feel like she was getting less attention. The first picture her father, Thomas, sent in to the esteemed Ford Models agency was accepted immediately and the rest, as they say, is history. Now 11, Laneya is arguably one of the top models for her age group in the country. She’s been featured in campaigns by GUESS and Maleficent Toys, as well as appearing in the music video for Avicii’s Wake Me Up Her father helps to keep her grounded, in addition to running her increasingly popular Instagram profile.

“I'm always a dad first in any hat that I'm wearing. Everything I do as a dad is protecting and teaching. I want to protect her, her time, her image, but there is no point in protecting her if I'm also not teaching her what I'm doing. Self-image is a huge topic for us. I do it so she will be able to recognize those things for herself as well. I want to build her confidence in herself and also respect for herself and others.”

_Thomas Stevenson

“I love when I'm able to meet new people and see new faces. I also like seeing what clothes they have picked out for me to wear because they are generally really comfortable, cute clothes. I want to be an actress one day and possibly model still when I grow up. I won't live forever, so I probably won't be modeling forever but until I die, yes, I will be modeling. Not forever because a ghost isn't always attractive.”

_Laneya Grace

Laneya is the featured model in this issue's fashion spread, pages 88–98.

Randall King

thestage.org

instagram: sanjosestage

Randall King is the kind of artistic director that most theater companies dream of having. With a focus on the importance of the midsize theater companies and an ability to work both backstage and front and center, King has transformed San Jose Stage Company into one of the finest theaters in the area. In his 19 years with the company, King has directed nearly 200 plays and musicals, including 39 new works and 9 world premieres. King is also a veteran actor. Although he works mostly on stage, he’s appeared in a number of television series and films, including Mumford and The Rainmaker. Under King’s direction, San Jose Stage’s latest production We Are Proud to Present… is a dark comedy that revolves around the early 20th-century genocide of the Herero and Namaqua peoples in Namibia.

“At our level, if you’re not able to express yourself artistically because you’re stuck in some administrative job—you get frustrated. So I always try to find ways to give everyone in the company creative outlets. Having everyone suggest titles and help formulate the season gets them fired up about the plays we’re going to do. It generates an investment in what we are doing at a whole new level, and I think the audience gets more bang for their buck.”

Rachel Riot

shoprachelriot.com instagram: rachel_riot_designs

Even as a child, Rachel Riot was embroidering and reworking her sister’s old clothes. She always saw a life in fashion, eventually attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco. But after graduation, faced with no prospects in her field, Riot decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and create her own fashion line. Always drawn to metal music and a darker aesthetic, she infuses her designs with these distinctive qualities, designs that overlay a range of textured minimalism with subtle layers of quiet intensity. Six years into the venture, Manic Designs became simply Rachel Riot.

Riot approaches her brand with a Valley entrepreneurism— holding pop-up shows at malls and street fairs, in addition to being featured in trunk shows at area clothing stores. In the future, she plans on expanding, creating a wider online presence as well as getting her clothing line sold in boutiques.

“I started to feel more established when people were able to recognize my work without me actually being there. I would hear people say, ‘Did you get that from Rachel? It totally looks like her style.’ Or if it was on display when a friend was selling it for me and they’d say, ‘That looks like Rachel Riot.’ Conquering a distinct and recognizable style is a huge step for a designer or artist, and it was so exciting to see it happen with my work. Manic Designs was the last vestige of an unsure emerging designer who was hidden behind a brand name and still finding her purpose. Rachel Riot is absolutely, unapologetically me in both style and purpose.”

Lola Saba

lolasaba.com

instagram: lola.n.s

Lola Saba is a San Jose native and a graduate of San Jose State with a BFA in photography. Since taking her position as curator—and barista—for the art gallery that by day serves as the downtown San Jose coffee joint Social Policy, Saba has found a calling of sorts. Being a curator allows her to do what she’s always loved: seeing art, showing it, and sharing it with those around her. A creator of zines herself, she’s also recently been collecting and expanding a zine library for Social Policy to give the shop an even more artful, inquisitive space.

“After I did First Friday for Social Policy, I just loved doing it, so luckily they let me do it more full-time. I’m always reaching out to diverse artists and presenting a space for the community to show art, talk about art, and really be a part of the art community. I’m all about emailing artists and getting into people’s faces and just doing the damn thing. I don’t want to say this place fell into my lap, but it’s such a beautiful space with great walls. I try to elevate the work and show art properly, even at a coffee shop, in a way that it should be.”

“I try to elevate the work and show art properly, even at a coffee shop...”

Reyes Muertos

Reyes Muertos Klothing was originally the brainchild of artist and lifelong San Jose resident Carlos Rodriguez, who wanted to create an artistic identify for himself. Drawing artistic inspiration from both music and streetwear, the clothing brand has now grown into a three-man-strong creative force. Rodriguez has enlisted the direct help of his Citadel Art Studios neighbors— tattooist Brandon Ronald and artist Steven Martinez— who bring their specialized skills together to spread the ideals of Reyes Muertos across the globe. The brand celebrates Meso-American identity and tradition with an emphasis on anti-oppression. In the grand scheme, the three artists see their work as encouraging like-minded artists and individuals to engage in an artistically and politically mindful lifestyle.

“In the last couple of years, we have brought together an army of people. Behind the name Reyes Muertos, which means dead kings, we have found an identity of support and love for art and culture. We are all independent artists, but together we have really grown into this movement focused on the evolution of the mind: learning to live your legacy while supporting each other. Each one teaches the other, where I wouldn’t be who I am without them and vice versa. So together, we are a support system that focuses on pushing boundaries, living healthy lifestyles, and helping each other in rough moments. And our message of love, art, and anti-oppression has ignited people around the world.”

rmklothing.com

Steven Martinez instagram: stock_tipin

instagram: rmklothing

Brandon Ronald instagram: nativsioux

Steven Martinez

Carlos Rodriguez

Brandon Ronald

Mark Ritchie

You’ve most likely seen the Ritchie name emblazoned across new buildings, construction projects, and more. That's because Ritchie Commercial is the largest familyowned regional commercial real estate firm in Northern California, with a reputation for large charitable donations, and a green business philosophy that emphasizes developing environmentally friendly properties. The business is headed by Mark Ritchie, who took over the business from his father in the ’90s. As boss, Ritchie runs the day-to-day operations of the company, but he’s so much more. Besides having arguably one of the larger collections of memorabilia from early California history in his downtown office, Ritchie has also served on numerous public art boards and art councils in San Jose, including History San Jose and the San Jose Museum of Art. He is also, oddly enough, the honorary consul to Uruguay for the United States, a job that he inherited from his late father, John Ritchie.

“California history is a bit of a family disease, and like my dad, I’ve always had an interest in it. People forget the history here. Before San Francisco, San Jose was the dominant commercial center in the state. This is where people came to farm. I always point out to my friends that the city didn't burn in 1906—so we have these wonderful old buildings all around town. Our offices are in a space built by the pioneering real estate company James A. Clayton & Co. in 1867. There have been only three owners, so apart from a brief interruption, it’s been in service as a real estate building for almost 150 years.”

Ritchie Commercial 34 West Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113

Tasi Alabastro

instagram: tasialabastro

Tasi Alabastro has the performance mentality to take on anything and everything. An actor of all trades, he switches off each year between film and theater work, always on the lookout for a project that might be a good fit. The theater affords him the time to cultivate a role, whereas the acting on film doesn’t offer the luxury of more than maybe one rehearsal. To change things up, he has stepped behind the camera, writing and directing a number of short films, including the award-winning Stuffed Most currently, you can find him performing with Epic Immersive, an experimental performance group that creates transcendental and interactive theater experiences on a grand scale.

“I was always sort of looking for it without knowing I was looking for it. But when I actually stepped into the theater world, it came after a breakup with my then college girlfriend. I was living in Daly City and really needed a change of scenery, so I moved to Hawaii with my brother. Then I was like, ‘Let’s try that acting thing.’ There I took an acting class and within the first five minutes, I was like, ‘Game over. I should have been here in the first place.’ ”

Kerry Adams Hapner

instagram: sjculture

Anytime a sizable space in San Jose is temporarily hidden, and then transformed into a vibrant new piece of public art, you can thank Kerry Adams Hapner. As director of cultural affairs for the city of San Jose since 2008, she spends her days and (nights) working to maintain and expand the city’s already robust and highly regarded public arts program. Adams Hapner approves public art grants, coordinates special events, and manages contracts with nonprofit partners who run different cultural theaters.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Adams Hapner earned a degree in art history at UCLA. From there she worked for different city governments in California. In 2008, she was given the chance to do what she loved in her hometown— and hasn’t looked back since.

“I love my job, I mean it’s extremely rewarding. Our mission is to champion the arts in San Jose, for residents, and for visitors. We have a very robust and highly regarded public art program that hopefully more people experience in their daily lives. Most public art projects take a few years to see to completion, so being patient is part of my job. Recently, I am very proud of a major project that came out of our office that covered the underside of Highway 87, ‘Illuminating Downtown.’ I just feel so honored to be able to do work like this here.”

“I love my job...”

Heinz Jones

Forager Tasting Room & Eatery

He may be most immediately recognizable by his flowing, Walt Whitman-esque beard, but like the famous poet, Heinz Jones is also something of a visionary. As CEO of Forager Tasting Room & Eatery, one of the newest and more exciting businesses to come to the South Bay, Jones is creating a massive culinary space to act as a living, working launchpad for entrepreneurs in the food, beverage, and entertainment industries. With a background in education, Jones began consulting for tech companies in the late 2000s, which has lead to work as an analyst and project lead for a number of clients across the globe. Although he still holds a position as a clinical informatics analyst, Jones has his sights set on transforming the way local food and entertainment businesses can succeed beyond their wildest expectations.

“We took a look at what happens in Silicon Valley in terms of incubation of tech companies and we’re like, yeah, we’ll take that! We’ll take that model, apply that to food, throw in some art and music, add it all together. We really want Forager to be a place where the arts are celebrated and artists can develop a fanbase, while simultaneously allowing chefs a place to thrive and launch into their own businesses. Moreover, I really believe in downtown San Jose. That’s why we focused on this area. When we found this building, we were, like, thank you! It’s the perfect site for what we want Forager to do.”

Erik Kostelnik

textrecruit.com

twitter: textrecruit

After graduating with a degree in finance, Erik Kostelnik had his sights set on Wall Street. So Kostelnik moved from Pennsylvania to New York, but this was also right after 9/11, which means he arrived in a New York City reeling yet from the experience. It wasn’t the life he was looking for, and so he made a proposal to his then employer and got a gig out west. Since then—with a background in sales—Kostelnik has gone on to develop successful sales teams for organizations like Careerbuilder and Wrike and to found two prosperous companies of his own, Textrecruit and Texting.AI, all the while raising a family. Though markedly different, both of his companies emphasize creating efficient communication and workflows for the business environment. While the proverbial meal ticket of Silicon Valley is venture capitalist money, Willow Glen resident Kostelnik has found great success through the traditional bootstrap approach, starting with assessing the needs of his customer base before building out a product.

“I don't know what it is really, but I love where I live. Maybe it’s because San Jose feels more blue collar? I don’t know, that may be anecdotal, but it just feels like there are an incredible number of hardworking people around here who go unnoticed. And there are more jobs than just in the tech industry for San Jose, so in that way I think it’s kind of untapped. Right now, I think we have a good opportunity to make the town more unique than it already is—to make it really stand out.”

Agency

Peter James And Linnaea Holgers James

1519 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 95060

shopagencyhome.com

instagram: shopagencyhome

Peter James got his start in contracting before eventually progressing to woodwork and furniture making. His wife, Linnaea Holgers James, started working at Santa Cruz’s Artisans Gallery as a teenager before eventually taking over management of the space after college. With their combined acumen for art and design, they formed Agency, a Santa Cruz–based design shop carrying stylish furniture, linens, and other home and style accessories. Since opening, Agency has delighted residents with its breezy, but measured showcase of different design products— including some of the couple’s own designs. Otherwise, Peter is focused on his own wood furniture, which he puts out through the line Telegenic California, and Linnea too is incredibly active with the Santa Cruz business association, as well as putting out her own line of jewelry boxes, The Lion in the Box.

“People say we have sort of a house style at the Agency, which my wife Linnaea was really instrumental in creating. Long term, the plan is we would like to sell more stuff that we design, and do more industrial type design work. But in the short term we have found all the things we really love, and we’ve tried to put it together and present it in a really nice way. It’s kind of a concept, though it’s not too elaborate. But we definitely had a vision for the kind of store we wanted to have. We’ve pursued it pretty avidly and I think we are moving in the right direction.”

dress-up

photographer: DANIEL GARCIA

art director/stylist: ELLE MITCHELL

model: LANEYA GRACE for JE MODELS

producer: KRISTEN PFUND

Look 1

Topshop Formal Joggers, Nordstrom Valley Fair $75

Topshop Pink Heels, Nordstrom Valley Fair $120

Look 2

Shelli Cuff Bracelet in lapis, Kendra Scott $150.00 Velvet Boots, Donald J Pliner $248

Look 3

Black Patent Oxfords, Donald J Pliner $248

Kate Spade Purse, Nordstrom Valley Fair $398

Moon Disco Sunglasses, Nordstrom Valley Fair $300

Topshop Pinafore Jumpsuit, Nordstrom Valley Fair $125

Joel Ring Set in mixed metals, Kendra Scott $90

look 4

Naomi Double Ring in rose gold druzy, Kendra Scott $130

Para Necklace in gold, Kendra Scott $120

Prada Winged Oxfords, Nordstrom Valley Fair $975

look 5

Topshop Denim Dress, Nordstrom Valley Fair $74

Charlotte Olympia Starman Oxfords, Nordstrom Valley Fair $895

B.P. Minimal Flap Backpack, Nordstrom Valley Fair $49

Pink Sunglasses, Nordstrom Valley Fair $45

look 6

Blush Baseball Cap, Nordstrom Valley Fair $25

Topshop Pinafore Jumpsuit, Nordstrom Valley Fair $125

Lace Bracelet in gray granite, Kendra Scott $95

Kenny Ring in gray granite, Kendra Scott $85

Joel Ring Set in mixed metals, Kendra Scott $90

Contributors

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With Tad Malone writing all the profiles, me doing all the photos, you'd think that it would make an issue easier to produce. But the editors and proofreaders are hard at work behind the scenes, not only for CONTENT but on any publication. They are the unsung heroes: working behind the scenes, fact checking, spellchecking, story smoothing, and grammar fixin’

For Content, Odile Sullivan-Tarazi has been the glue behind each issue for the last couple of years. She has assembled a great team of editors to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.

Thank you, Daniel

Garcia

ODILE SULLIVAN-TARAZI

Odile is a brand editor at Contently and a content editor at Google. Her specialties are developmental editing, line editing, and ghostwriting. In off-hours, she can be found sculling the channels of the bay, contemplating yet another bookshelf reorg, or binge-watching/reading grit lit.

ELIZABETH SULLIVAN

Elizabeth is a copyeditor and poet with an MFA from the University of Washington and a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She lives with her husband and numerous bees, chickens, and goats on an island in the Puget Sound. She is fond of making and eating cheese.

EMILY WENZL

Emily is a writer, editor, book nerd, marketer, and designer. She holds two bachelor’s degrees, one in English and one in journalism, and she’s actively becoming an expert in digital media. When she’s not immersed in work, you can find her reading, writing, and learning.

twitter: emilywenzl

JOHANNA HICKLE

Johanna is a freelance editor and writer. She is an idealist constantly on the hunt for silver linings. Her blog, Jumping Off The Page, is dedicated to discussing fictional characters.

twitter: johannahickle

TAD MALONE

Originally from Sunnyvale, Tad attended Homestead High School in Cupertino and moved to the United Kingdom after graduation. Two years later, in 2014, he transferred to Santa Clara University, which he currently attends. Tad ’ s professional writing career began at age 15 as a columnist for ABCNews.com, and he was previously an intern for Santa Clara Magazine. Tad is currently a contributing writer for news publication Metro Silicon Valley and music and lifestyle magazine Cypher League, and he’s the editor/ publisher of the literary magazine PAPINO. In his free time he enjoys skateboarding, art, and history. This is his first contribution to Content Magazine

VILA SCHWINDT

Vila wears many hats: editor, writer, wife, jazz fan, gardener, church lady. Her home turf includes the Bay Area, Colorado, and New Mexico. She holds a BA in English from Mills and has worked for several Bay Area corporations, including Apple. She enjoys words, fine cuisine, whiskey, and horses.

TAYLOR MELODY

Originally from Morgan Hill, Taylor is a passionate and creative photographer who loves well-designed architecture, solid interior design, and good aesthetics. Now living in Phoenix, Arizona, for school, he spends much of his time making and serving delicious coffee at a local coffee shop.

instagram: taylormelody_

03

X Factor Arts 2016 Finals

Be part of the audience as innovative ideas for new arts and creativity programs are “pitched” to a panel of nonartists for a chance at grant funding.

11/3 School of Arts & Culture @ MHP svcreates.org

11 Sandra Antongiorgi in Concert

An accomplished singer, songwriter, and painter, Sandra has gathered influences from around the world to create her own expression of a world, Latin, neo-soul sound.

11/11–11/13 MACLA maclaarte.org

13

Look Back in Time

This exhibition is a unique project based on a multi-visit artist residency by Russell Crotty at the Lick Observatory and a collaboration with astrophysicists.

11/13–2/19 San Jose ICA sjica.org

18 The Outer Space Ride

San Jose Bike Party is a place to ride bikes, make friends, and have a good time. Before joining this outer space–themed ride, riders without lights can get free lights installed.

11/18 Announced 24 hours prior to event sjbikeparty.org

19 3rd i Film Festival

From art-house classics to documentary films to next-level Bollywood, 3rd i Films promotes diverse images of South Asians through independent film.

11/19 Bluelight Cinemas thirdi.org

19 Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Enter the world of Charles Dickens and revel in a Victorian London with over three acres of lamplit lanes, pubs, theaters, dance floors, music halls, tearooms, and shops.

11/19–12/18 Cow Palace dickensfair.com

25 Christmas in the Park Stroll through a holiday fantasy with over 60 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights, and a 60-foot tree. Enjoy holiday performances and events like the Santa Run.

11/25–1/1 Plaza de Cesar Chavez christmasinthepark.com

02 Frida & Friends

This silent art auction featuring donated pet-inspired art by local and international artists will benefit animals in need during the holiday season, as will the blanket drive.

12/2 Seeing Things Gallery seeingthingsgallery.com

02 Hairspray

Tracy Turnblad, a progressive and irrepressible teenage outsider, fights social injustice and the status quo in this bright and bold musical set in 1960s Baltimore.

12/2–12/11 Montgomery Theater cmtsj.org

07 The Christmas Ballet

From classical to cool, Smuin offers an evening filled with a stunning and original array of dance. Celebrate the season with this “Nutcracker alternative.”

12/7–12/11 Mountain View CPA smuinballet.org

10 Annual Benefit Auction

Support community art and performance by bidding in one of the region’s most accessible and eclectic art auctions. Start or grow an art collection—or find a great gift.

12/10 Works/San José workssanjose.org

13 9.0 Pick-Up Party

Content Magazine celebrates five years of highlighting the innovative and creative culture of Silicon Valley with light bites, holiday cookies, and a toast to the future.

12/13 Art Object Gallery content-magazine.com

16 The San Jose Nutcracker

Presented with History San Jose, The New Ballet School tells the well-loved story of Clara and the Nutcracker, while featuring historical references to San Jose.

12/16–12/24 Hammer Theatre Center sanjosenutcracker.com

17 The Burning Tale

This is a comfy, intimate open mic where everyone is encouraged to share their words—be they well-crafted poems, stories or songs, or spontaneous anecdotes.

12/17 Studio-Bongiorno facebook.com/groups/burningtale

Thank You

This issue is made possible with the support of our partners—companies and organizations who share our desire to support and develop the creative community of the South Bay. We are grateful for their contribution and support and for actively taking part in the betterment of our region.

Filco Events has been working on festivals, fundraisers, and events in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1988.

Each event is individually tailored to the special needs and goals of the organization. While fundraising is always a significant part of festivals, other priorities include media attention, corporate support, and volunteer building, as well as the opportunity to showcase specific programs and services to the community.

In all cases, advancing long-term goals while still raising significant revenue gives each event purpose and recognition for many years into the future.

From logistics to concessions to volunteer coordination, we can coantract key elements of large festivals, provide consultation, or actually direct the entire production.

We are also available for national and multi-city events.

filco.com

Proud Sponsor of Content Magazine Pick-Up Parties for 2016

Telly Award–winning Tabrizi Productions is downtown San Jose’s leader in event and commercial videography. Led by Farran Tabrizi, the company has expanded quickly since its introduction to San Jose’s SoFA district. Combining a creative eye with expert editing, Tabrizi Productions excels at capturing what makes your product or event special. Our team has produced online advertisements, instructional videos, music videos, and TV shows, and covered weddings, nonprofit events, festivals—and everything else in between.

tabriziproductions.com

Founded in 2009 by San Jose native Tony Santos, Tony Caters is a fast-growing custom caterer doing business in Silicon Valley. We pride ourselves on from-scratch cooking and impeccable client service to help clients achieve their goals and be stars in the eyes of their guests.

Our team is small, but mighty. We have lots of fun, and put heart and soul into the guest experience. We’re passionate about what we do, and pride ourselves on staff who are passionate about the industry and who invest in our shared goal—to satisfy our clients!

www.tonycaterstoyou.com

instagram: tonycaters 408.263.4366

THAnK YOU

As a boutique-style catering company, Organicopia is best known for multi-course food and wine pairings with complete customization of menus. Starting as an in-home private chef, founder Molly Bravo cooked for busy families who had no time to shop or prepare nutritious meals for dinner. Over time, she became known for her warm hospitality and her genuine love of the craft. In 2015, Bravo was approached by FoodyTV to host a cooking and lifestyle show. The first season recently wrapped up production in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The second season is slated to begin filming in early October 2016.

myorganicopia.com

instagram: organicopia

Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery grows Rhone varietals, using sustainable farming to reflect the area's terroir. Our vineyards are within the area once known as Lion Ranch, originally a Spanish land grant from the 1800s. Family-owned and handcrafted, the wines of Lion Ranch are a modern expression with a nod to history. Visit us the 1st and 3rd weekends of the month in our outdoor tasting pavilion to taste our Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Lion's Share, and Grenache Noir.

Bay Maples creates low-impact, water-saving gardens through the use of native plants, recycled or repurposed materials, and irrigation strategies involving greywater and rainwater collection. Alan Hackler created Bay Maples Wild California Gardens to address a very specific regional issue: the chasm between California’s ongoing water needs and people’s desire to maintain a beautiful landscape. Bay Maples takes pride in crafting both aesthetically pleasing and cost-effective designs.

lionranch.com

instagram: lion_ranch

baymaples.com

facebook: baymaples

Lupe, 2015

Artists: Greenememe - Freya Bardell and Brian Howe

Fabricator: Paramount Roll and Forming

Commissioned by the City of San Jose Public Art Program

Office of Cultural Affairs

www.sanjoseculture.org

Photo: Yvonne D. Williams

Sal Khan

Founder, Khan Academy