San Jose

San Jose
City
City of San Jose
Nickname(s):  Capital of Silicon Valley
Country	United States
State	California
County	Santa Clara County
Founded	November 29, 1777
Time zone	UTC-8 (Pacific (PST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-7 (PDT)
Area code(s)	408, 669

San Jose is the largest city in Northern California, located in Santa Clara County. It is often referred to as the "Capital of Silicon Valley" due to its prominent role in the technology industry. Founded on November 29, 1777, as a Spanish mission, San Jose is one of the oldest cities in California and was its first state capital.

History

San Jose was originally inhabited by the Ohlone people before the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 18th century. The establishment of Mission San José marked the beginning of the city's European settlement. The city served as the first state capital when California gained statehood in 1850. During the 20th century, San Jose experienced significant growth due to its burgeoning agriculture industry and, later, the rise of the high-tech industry.

Economy

The economy of San Jose is heavily influenced by the high-tech industry. It is home to numerous major technology companies, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the United States and the world. The city's economy also includes significant contributions from the healthcare, education, and retail sectors.

Demographics

San Jose is known for its diverse population, with significant Hispanic, Asian, and other minority communities. It is a multicultural city with a wide range of cultural, religious, and community activities.

Education

San Jose is served by several higher education institutions, including San Jose State University, which is the oldest public university on the West Coast. The city also has a variety of public and private schools serving its younger residents.

Culture

San Jose hosts numerous cultural events and institutions, such as the San Jose Museum of Art and the annual San Jose Jazz Festival. The city's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its vibrant arts scene, diverse cuisine, and dynamic community events.

Transportation

San Jose is served by a network of roads, highways, and public transportation options, including the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), which operates bus and light rail services. The city is also home to the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Government

San Jose operates under a council-manager government system. The city council includes a mayor and council members representing various districts within the city.

See also

• Silicon Valley
• Santa Clara County
• California