San Jose Mid-Covid Is Apocalyptic
Christmas in the Park is back this year in downtown San Jose. However, it feels much different. Many of the traditional displays are not there, with exception of the Caribbean Frogs and the ice ring. The experience is a light version of the typical San Jose Christmas celebration. Nevertheless, it is great to be out there, bundled up and to continue the tradition since the kids were small.
What struck me a lot more was the carnage the pandemic left downtown. Many businesses have closed. Storefronts are boarded up. Establishments are emptied out. The downtown Safeway is gone. And shocker, the iconic Fairmont hotel has been closed. Wowzie! Downtown is empty and a bit scary.
Add to this the tents from the many homeless people, people living in their vans on many street corners, and the camperville near the San Jose airport and it looks quite apocalyptic.
If the capital of Silicon Valley is going through such a rough time, imagine how many other places must be fairing. San Jose isn’t a typical tourist destination. This is all tech business. San Jose businesses and hotels depend a lot on business travel and conventions. That has been on hold for more over two years.
Omicron is delaying the hoisting of the “We’re back!” banner a bit longer. If there is some solace in the prolonged pandemic it is that early results show that this variant, while more contagious, is less potent and lethal. Hope gives life, no? I am looking forward to a bustling and happening downtown San Jose again.