Author: Ann Zeise

Official Ballot Drop Box and Vote Center Sites in Milpitas

While you MAY mail in the ballot for free, some are concerned that the Post Office may not be to handle the deluge of ballots, some may wish to use a drop boxThese are the locations of the ONLY ballot return boxes in Milpitas and in nearby cities.

Vote by Mail Ballot Tracking Vote by Mail Ballot Tracking
Use this link to find out if your ballot has been received by the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

See also Vote Centers in Milpitas to Vote in Person

City Hall Ballot Drop Off
Milpitas City Hall Ballot Drop Off
455 East Calaveras Boulevard
Make either first or second right turn on Milpitas Blvd just north of the Calaveras intersection. Box is at south end of the parking lot just outside the City Hall building.
Library Ballot Drop Off Box
Milpitas Library
160 North Main Street
Use visitor drop off along N. Main Street. Use photo to guide you. Park briefly to drop off your ballot.

Young woman posting her ballot.
Milpitas Innovation Campus
1331 East Calaveras Boulevard
Drive into the west (lower, downhill) parking lot. Follow curb into drop off area. See photo. Has handicapped ramp close to the box.

This is what an official ballot drop box looks like.

Ballot Boxes

Should you see something that looks like a ballot drop box, but not at a Milpitas location in the list above, do NOT leave your ballot there!

This Is Voter Fraud! Calif. Republicans Roll Out Fake Ballot Drop-Off Boxes

So far this has not been seen in Santa Clara County, but keep a look out, and report to the Registrar of Voters by calling 408-299-8683 should you see a box claiming to be for ballots, but NOT in one of the three places listed above.

Yes, you may still mail in your ballot, but it must be postmarked on November 3, 2020. If you turn your ballot in very late, it may not get postmarked as being sent on September 14.

Returning Vote by Mail Ballots

Sign Your Envelope

Sign your name by the red  X, and then print your address and the date on the back of the return envelope.

If your signature is missing or does not match your voter registration card, your ballot cannotbe counted.

Return Your Ballot on Time

By Mail

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before Election Day AND must be received no later than ​17 days after Election Day.

NO POSTAGE REQUIRED!  All Vote by Mail return envelopes are now postage paid. You do not need to use a postage stamp if you are returning your ballot by mail in the return envelope.

In Person

Ballots that are returned in-person must be received by 8 pm on Election Day.

Ballots can be returned at:

  • The Registrar of Voters Office1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose
    For your convenience, there is a white 24-hour drop box in the parking lot.
  • Any Santa Clara County Vote Center:  A complete list of locations and hours will be announced before each election.
  • Official Ballot Drop Box Site​:  A complete list of locations and hours will be announced before each election. See list above for Milpitas locations.

Summer Programs and Camps

Milpitas

Milpitas has several camps and summer schools within the city limits or quite close by. Fun places for kids to spend a week or more right here in Milpitas. Call before sending in any funds.

Enrichment

Otherwise known a “Summer School,” these programs help children stretch their imaginations.

MUSD Extended Learning Opportunities
The 2023 Summer Academy is a five-week academic summer program for current TK-12th grade students (grade in the Fall of 2022).  In alignment with MUSD’s Strategic Goal. Students invited to summer school will receive a letter and registration information from the District Office.
​Location: Randall Elementary School

Ohlone for Kids Summer Enrichment Program
A fee-based enrichment program, for students entering fourth to ninth grade, offered through Ohlone College in Fremont. This program is designed for students who are academically at or above grade level. Catalog available in March. Registration begins April 1.
43600 Mission Blvd.Fremont, CA 94539

Camps – Indoors and Out

Camps in the woods, or by a lake. Mosquitos, poison oak, swimming, crafts, sleeping bags… or an in-city day camp close to home.

South Bay Area Summer Camps 2023
A huge variety of summer camps are offered in the Bay Area. Click on the categories on this link to find fun and enriching camps for children of all ages and interests. If you’d rather find a camp nearer to your place of work outside of Milpitas, check here.

Bay Badminton Center Summer Camp/Academy Training
A Non-profit Organization Promoting the Sport of Badminton.Now Accepting Registrations for 2023 Badminton Summer Camp! To register, please click on the corresponding registration links according to child’s experience level.
1191 Montague Expy. (Inside Montague Court at Flemings Business Park)
408-942-2888

Bay View Junior Golf Summer Camps – Half & Full Day Options
We offer expert coaching from PGA and U.S Kids Golf certified coaches with an emphasis on learning and fun. We offer camps for beginners, intermediate and advanced golfers and are the only program we are aware of that includes TRACKMAN golf simulators, the best golf tools in the industry, as part of our curriculum.
1500 Country Club Drive
408-262-8813

Bodhi Meditation Center Young Adult Summer Program
Free all day workshops (such as digital painting and photography and video editing), vegetarian lunch, for high school and college folks. Week of July 15-21, 2023 (and future years).
919 Hanson Ct.
650-308-9265

Camp Zone Summer Camp
We’re designing the perfect summer camp for your child, complete with all the fun, enriching activities they love, and the important safety measures you expect. Save the Date: Summer Camp registration opens March 15. Camp activities include sports & games, arts & crafts, science & cooking, songs & skits, field trips and swimming. For more information, call 408-945-9090 or email brenda.alvarez@nlcinc.com or kevin.dy@nlcinc.com.

theCoderSchool
Our camps are held at theCoderSchool Milpitas and are run weekly from 9am-12pm Mon-Fri. Kids bring their own snacks and water bottles and we’ll take care of the rest! Kids code throughout the week then demo their week’s creations on the last day of camp.
1683 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-657-0623

Cricket Store Kids’ Summer Camp
Summer camps for kids in age groups 7-10 amd 11-15, Mondays-Thursdays, morning or afternoon sessions at McCarthy Ranch store. Coaches needed if the camp will run in 2023.
121 Ranch Dr.
510-244-8109

Destination Science – Milpitas
Rescue Robot Mystery Camp, Artemis Moon Mission Camp, and BioBot Roller Coaster Camp.
25 Corning Ave
(800) 854-3684

Horseback Riding Summer Camp
Join our fun-filled, week-long horse camps at beautiful Ed Levin Park. Camps are for children ages 6 and up. Campers will ride a horse for one hour each day. During the rest of the day they will learn about things such as horse grooming and care, history of the horse, horse colors and markings, parts of the horse, how to saddle, and much more. Campers will also play a variety of games and do arts and crafts.
3077 Calaveras Road, Milpitas.
408-726-8453

ICC Summer Camp
Join the ICC Cultural Immersion camps to learn Yoga, Indian arts and crafts, Bollywood dance, theatre, new sports and more.
525 Los Coches St.
408-934-1130

Milpitas Recreation Summer Day Camps
We offer two full-day summer day camps, Camp Golden Arrow (ages 5-6) and Camp Winnemucca (ages 7-12). For Summer 2022, camp will be hosted June 13 August 5.
457 East Calaveras Blvd.
408-586-3210

Most of our local day care and preschool centers also have summer programs, as do some places of worship,  and public and  private schools in the area.

Passport Services at Milpitas Library

Milpitas Library is an official Passport Acceptance Facility

Come to the Milpitas Library to plan your next trip and take care of your passport. Appointments must be booked in advance online. At that link you can get full detail, including forms, required documentation, and fees, and will be able to book an appointment.

Milpitas Library
160 North Main Street
Milpitas, CA 95035
408-262-1171

Services Offered

  • First-time passports.
  • Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged, opens a new window passports.
  • Passport Photo Service, described in section 5 below.
  • Renewal of passports issued before applicants were 16 years of age.
  • Renewal of expired passports issued more than 15 years ago.
  • Other types of renewals are not offered by the Library, and you may use directions at the U.S. Department of State’s “Renew my Passport by Mail, opens a new window” webpage to apply for renewal by mail.  Please also note that the Library does not accept visa applications.

Routine or Expedited Options*

  • Routine Service: Averages 6-8 weeks processing time only, following the appointment.
  • Expedited Service, for added fees (see section 6 below): Averages 2-3 weeks processing time only.
  • The San Francisco Passport Agency, opens a new window serves those needing passports sooner.

*Processing times are estimates and subject to change; check Travel.state.gov, opens a new window for most recent processing times.

Book an Appointment

Appointments must be reserved online and can be made up to two months in advance.
The Passport Application Requirements (below) outline what you MUST bring to the appointment.

To Book:

Review all passport application requirements before booking an appointment.  Please arrive 10 minutes early with your ID, payment, and all required documents.  Arriving to your appointment more than 10 minutes late may forfeit your time slot.  A separate appointment is required for each passport applicant.

Please Note: At 12am midnight a new day of appointments becomes available at the end of the 60 day booking window. At times, all appointments within the 60 day window are booked. Dates with no more available times are greyed out and have no link. If no appointments are available, please check back after midnight.

Milpitas Library

Milpitas Library now offering “Library of Things”

By Eric Shapiro, November 10, 2023

The Milpitas Library is now the site of a pilot program launched by The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) called The Library of Things.

The idea behind The Library of Things is that it offers borrowers a chance to bring home items other than books, such as kitchen equipment, health and wellness aids, and cool stuff for use by children. All SCCLD library card holders can borrow every “Thing” available in the library.

Ask Us: Account Questions, or Ask a Librarian.

The Milpitas Community Library
Where, When Open, Events, and Phone Number

160 N. Main St.

Phone number links work with cell phones.
408-262-1171

Phone Renewal:
(800) 471-0991

TDD for Deaf:
408-364-1528

Hours

Monday – Thursday
10:00AM – 9:00PM
Friday and Saturday
10:00AM – 7:00PM
Sunday
10:00AM – 7:00PM

The daily fine for items returned late will be $0.25. There are no daily fines for children’s materials. Senior Exemption: Persons age 65 or older may request exemptions from fines. Cost of item plus non-refundable processing fee will be assessed for lost items.

The maximum fines before checkout is restricted and raised to $20.00
Items returned on time are free.

About The Milpitas Public Library

Online Events during Covid-19
Check here for events being held by the Milpitas community Library.

Checking Out

Library Card & PIN
Library card applications are available at all County libraries and the Bookmobile. Cards are free to anyone with a valid form of identification showing name and current mailing address.

My SCCLD

  • Find what you want with a better search.
  • Track your borrowing.
  • Rate and review titles you borrow, and share your opinions on them.
  • Get personalized recommendations.

Materials returned on time and in good condition are free!
Fines: Items should always be returned promptly. All adult materials are subject to fines. If children’s items are overdue more than six weeks, a processing fee is charged for each item. Borrowing and renewing privileges are restricted if balance owed is $10 or more. Accounts may be referred to the rebilling service when balance is $50 or more. Individuals sent to Rebilling Agency may not check out until a zero balance is reached. All payments must be cash or check. Loan periods and fines.

Online Library
Enjoy FREE access to eBooks, emagazines, audiobooks, music, streaming video, online research, The New York Times digital subscription, online classes including Lynda.com, Rosetta Stone, and much more! When prompted, log-in with an eCard or Library Card. The app Libby is available for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from our library and reading on your mobile Apple or Google device.

Directions

Directions to the Library
Near the Calaveras Blvd. overpass, northwest side.

If heading WEST, take the Main St. offramp on the east side of the railroad overpass. Head STRAIGHT through the light, when green, into the Library parking garage.

If heading EAST, take the Carlo Street exit just before the overpass, turn LEFT on N. Main St. At the next light, turn RIGHT into the Library’s parking garage. (You could also continue on Carlo St. and just before it ends, take a left and head straight into the other entrance to the parking garage. You will most likely also use this way to get out of the library.) Map.

Transit Directions: The Community Library is easy to reach by car or by the #66 VTA bus or the #217 AC Transit bus.

Movies – YouTube


Grand Old Tyme at the Milpitas Library

Tour the Milpitas Library with Fast Addy
Fast Addy, resident monkey docent, gives an inside look to the Milpitas Library.

Milpitas Library Olympics 2014
Part of our 2014 Staff Development Day film fest, Milpitas Library performing library Olympics.

Milpitas Library – Sharing Library Stories

Policies

Get a Library Card
You may get a card in person at the library or apply online and later provide documents when you visit. You must provide your date of birth and present a valid form of identification showing your picture, name, and proof of your current address to complete your registration.

Placing Holds
Depending on your personal account preference, you will receive a message by phone, email, or mail when the requested item is available for pick up at your local community library.

Programs

Book Group
Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Not held in the summer. For additional information please contact Terye Riley at 408-262-1171. Check out the Milpitas Library Book Club Book Shelf.

Vision Literacy
Formerly the Santa Clara County Library Reading Program, we are dedicated to improving the community in which we live by helping adults improve their literacy skills. 408-262-1349

The Reading Program
A service of the Library that teaches adults basic reading, writing, math and computer skills for free.

Support

The Library is grateful for your donations of money, materials, and memorial gifts.
The library is not currently accepting book donations at this time. Learn more about how you can support the Library District and associated Library support groups.

Friends of the Library
Book Sale Dates for 2019! The Friends of the Library have been getting so many book donations that we will continue to have three book sales in 2019! The dates for these book sales will be: January 5th, 26th and 27th, 2019; June 7th, 8th and 9th, 2019; September 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2019.

Library Advisory Commission
This Commission helps determine library activities and levels of service. Meets 7:00 pm at the Milpitas Public Library on the 3rd Monday of odd numbered months.

County Library Resources

NoveList K-8 Plus Book Recommendations
NoveList K-8 Plus is a database about books specifically for younger readers. It helps kids find books that are just right for their reading level and interests. Use your favorite books and authors to find new adventures! If you can’t think of a book you’ve liked in the past, simply choose a topic of interest and explore lists of recommended books.

Santa Clara County Library Teen Blog
Librarian-recommended sites for homework, transportation, reading and just plain fun.

Silicon Valley Reads

Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program that features books and an annual theme to bring people together by providing more than 100 free, public events each year in February and March. Events for all ages include author talks, book clubs, art/music events, community activities, arts and crafts, movies, and creative events or activities based on the theme each year. 

Silicon Valley Reads is back in 2024 with a renewed commitment to foster collaboration and create awareness around the importance of sustainability. Our theme is “A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today“. To ensure a thriving world for future generations, we’re committed to fostering meaningful conversations and offering practical ideas for individuals to take action towards sustainability.

Visit our Calendar of Events page to sign up for free programs for all ages from now throughout March.

Marijuana Dispensaries near Milpitas

Health Services in and near Milpitas

Milpitas does, however, have one marijuana delivery service in town, but it is not a storefront. You can’t visit it.. Marijuana dispensories are nearby in San Jose and Fremont.

Milpitas introduces strict regulations on cannabis deliveries within city limits
By Eric Shapiro, Milpitas Beat, February 23, 2024
“The ordinance,” said a City of Milpitas press release, “establishes sensible regulations that comply with State law and provides access to medicinal cannabis products to qualifying patients while ensuring controls are in place that maximize community safety. It remains unlawful to deliver recreational cannabis within the City.”

Democracy dies at last Milpitas City Council meeting
Here in Milpitas, in 2020, a small, but loud group, some Milpitas Residents, some not, continue to echo 1930s propaganda to try and control the narrative of Cannabis in our wonderful city. The group known as Better Milpitas, over the last couple years, has been successful, using hints of the same rhetoric designed to inspire fear and control from over 90 years ago.

Top Shelf Express
Canabis delivery service in Milpitas, but not a storefront.
Medical & Recreational Marijuana
Adult-Use Nonstorefront: C9-0000255-LIC
408-703-4420

Nearby Marijuana dispensaries in Fremont.

Must be 18 or older to enter site to order and pick up marajuana products at store.

Fremont Botanicals
We offer a complete line of Broad and Full Spectrum CBD options for your wellness. It can be difficult and confusing for consumers to find safe and effective CBD products. We bring them to you. Massage with CBD products, too.
37317 Fremont Blvd.
Fremont, CA
510-797-2774

Nearby Marijuana dispensaries in San Jose.

Must be 18 or older to enter site to order and pick up marajuana products at store.

Airfield Supply Company
A full service cannabis dispensary. Our boutique style retail store offers a wide selection of the finest cannabis strains, concentrates, edibles, and clones. We strive to provide a retail experience that excels with quality and professionalism.
1190 Coleman Ave.
San Jose, CA 95110
408-320-0230

Caliva
Looking for the perfect cannabis product? Schedule a phone or video consultation with one of our expert Wellness Consultants. They’ll ask a few questions and guide you to your next favorite find.
1695 S 7th St
San Jose CA 95112
888-688-0303

Elemental Wellness
You’ll enjoy our spa-like atmosphere and superior customer service; to boot, our expansive product offerings differentiate us from other collectives operating in the area. We’re proud to serve as a model, not just for the community, but for the entire state of California.
985 Timothy Drive
San Jose, CA 95133
408-433-3344

Purple Lotus
We offer daily sales on a variety of products, as well as a 15% discount to Seniors (65+) and Veterans, along with a 10% discount for disability. In addition, we offer a 5% student discount to guests enrolled at San Jose State University, Evergreen, Foothill, De Anza, Stanford and UCSC. Please present valid identification during check-in to receive proper discounts.
752 Commercial St.
San Jose, CA 95112
408-456-0420

See also ~ Medicine and Drugstores in Milpitas

Music in Milpitas

Whether you wish to learn to play an instrument or sing beautifully, or just come to hear some wonderful music or find a venue to play in, welcome to the world of Milpitas Music!

Instrumental Music & Vocalists
Live Music
Music Lessons
Recording Studios
Other Silicon Valley Musical Resources

Instrumental Music & Vocalists

Community Concert Band
Schedules and upcoming performances, email list, membership info, performance repertoire and music library. Facebook page. For information, contact Lauri Flynn, 408-586-2778.

Manuel Romero
Many of us know this fine young Milpitas singer from his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at the City Hall Grand Opening and such.

Milpitas High School Music Program
Participation in a music ensemble demonstrates teamwork, focus, and dedication – all of which are invaluable traits for college applicants. Boosters number is 408-945-5543 for band information.

Silver Strings Guitar Group. Learn music on guitars.
Silver Strings Guitar Group (Now Defunct)

DONATE A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Music in Schools Today (MuST)
Whether you give your time, your money, your expertise, or an instrument that is no longer needed, with MuST there are many ways to contribute to the music education of children everywhere. If an impoverished child needs an instrument, look here! 582 Market St., Suite 213, San Francisco, 415-392-9010.

Live Music

Blue Note Lounge
Yelp review. “There’s an awesome live jazz show every Sunday evening with just a $5 cover charge.”
765 E Capitol Ave.
408-262-8363

Music Lessons

Darrell Leffler’s Academy of Music
Group and private lessons for piano, voice, guitar, and violin.
1209 S. Park Victoria
408-942-7943

Milpitas Guitar Lessons
Learn Guitar Without Feeling Lost with Phil Johnson. Landess & Piedmont Roads.
408-539-5423

South Bay School of Music Arts
Silicon Valley’s music education facility. (Instrumental and vocals) Site down temporarily, so linked to Yelp Reviews.
330 South Abel Street
408-945-8014 or jsantoro@sbsma.com.

Veksler Academy of Music and Dance
We offer dance classes in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, violin, flute, saxophone, clarinet and drums.
91 S Abbott Ave.
669-252-0277

Recording Studios

Bill Hare Productions
Located in the hills above Milpitas, and established in 1984. Specializing in Contemporary Professional and Collegiate A Cappella.
4001 Calaveras Road
408-942-5580

Stoneman Studios
Services include Recording/Tracking. Post Production, ADR, Voice Overs, Videos, Film, Podcasts, Music Recording and Production, Commercials, Arrangements, and Field Recording.
930 Wrigley Way
650-799-1355.

Other Silicon Valley Musical Resources

Meeting Halls for Events in Milpitas
Whether you need a meeting hall for business, a wedding, or large event, there’s a place to rent in Milpitas!

Metro Active | Silicon Valley Music This Week
Metro lists and links by type of music the hottest spots this week in Silicon Valley.

San Jose Chamber Music Society
The San Jose Chamber Music Society is dedicated not only to keeping the old masters alive, but also to bringing fresh sounds to the Bay Area.

Restaurants in Milpitas Square

Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai Restaurants – with reviews. Milpitas Square has the largest selection of Asian restaurants in Milpitas in one place. Free parking, though at meal times parking can be hard to find.

Some of these restaurants have call ahead for take out or delivery at this time. Several of those here before and since Covid-19 have permanently closed, and will be missed.

Chinese – Taiwanese – Shanghainese

CD BBQ 成都烧烤
Sichuan BBQ. Scallops w/garlic & vermicelli, big squid and Oysters skewers are the most popular seafood skewers. Facebook.
510 Barber Ln.
408-324-1107

Darda Seafood Restaurant
Takeout and Delivery available for lunch. Chinese Islamic style cooking. Halal.
296 Barber Lane
408-433-5199

Fen Cuisine
Classic Guilin Rice Noodles. Chinese restaurant chain project operated by Transon Investment Group Inc in Bay area. Comfort food, fast food, small plates, healthy options. Good with kids.
542 Barber Ln.
408-383-9933

Kung Fu Noodle
Yelp. Heads up!! This isn’t the original Kung Fu Noodle that was here before! They changed the name by adding the Chinese words in front of Kung Fu Noodle!
278 Barber Ct.
408-922-6898

Mayflower Restaurant
Dim sum and banquet meals are always good here.
Yelp
428 Barber Lane
408-922-2700

Nutrition House
Offers takeout and delivery. Medium sized, northern style chinese food. lots of sizzling platters, decent quality, massive servings and more then fair pricing. Left of Hot Pot City.
496 Barber Ln.
408-428-9285

Perfect Chinese Food
Takeout, delivery and curbside pickup available. Order good belly pork, beef with broccoli and fried fish at Perfect Chinese Food when you happen to be near it. Try tasty pancakes. Great milk tea is a right choice for the first time you come to this place. Menu for takeout, Sunday’s only.
550 Barber Ln.
408-922-6882

Shanchenglameizi
Our company was established in Beijing and has been mainly focusing on Chongqing hot pot. 20 kinds of free special snacks. Yelp reviews.
286 Barber Ct.
No local phone number available.

Shanghai Delight
Chinese. Menu only.
218 Barber Ct.
408-434-6888

Shihlin Taiwan Street Snacks
Offers takeout and delivery. Casual, counter-serve cafe serving fried chicken, rice combos & other Taiwanese street snacks.
522 Barber Ln.
408-922-7271

酸爽一碗-Suanlafen Noodles
Yelp. Ate here 3 times, hasn’t disappoint yet. Caution: you have to like the extremely sour & spicy soup to like their noodles. No service provided at all.
662 Barber Ln.
408-571-0888

Top Cafe
We pride ourselves on offering high quality Hong Kong- and Cantonese-styled cuisine at an affordable cost. We believe that our passion for good food brings happiness to our neighbors, families, and community members. Open until 3am.
650 Barber Ln.
408-922-0382

Shanghai Delight
Yelp reviews. Seems to be well-liked. Good food and low prices.
218 Barber Court
408-434-6888

Won Kee BBQ Restaurant
Offers takeout and delivery. Authentic Hong Kong style Chinese restaurant with Chinese BBQ in Milpitas.
206 Barber Ct.
408-955-9666

Xian Kitchen
Yelp. First time here. My prediction. Is that this restaurant will not be around for long. The dishes are cater mostly for ancient taste buds. If they some key changes it may survive! “The beef soup is the only saving grace.” Beef is tough.
300 Barber Ct.
408-526-1500

Yummy Yummy Bao
Order online and pick up at restaurant. Appetizers, seafood, specialty items.
402 Barber Ln.
510-324-9928

Japanese (Think Sushi) Dining

Pepper Lunch
Teppanyaki restaurant. Japanese franchise specializing in fresh steak, seafood and vegetables cooked by clientele at individual high-tech speed grills.
408 Barber Lane
408-577-0778

Korean BBQ

Gen Korean BBQ House
Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.
190 Barber Ln.
408-955-0228

See also McCarthy Ranch Restaurants and Ulferts Center

McCarthy Ranch Restaurants

These are all the restaurants in McCarthy Ranch, Milpitas, California.

Take the McCarthy Ranch Rd. exit off 237 (near I-880) and head north (turn North at end of exit) to one of McCarthy Ranch restaurants for lunch. The restaurants are always packed with business folks noon-1PM, so try to have lunch earlier or later. Dinner time it’s quieter.

McCarthy Ranch

American Cuisine

Cajun Crack’n
From crowd favorites, such as shrimp and crawfish, to seasonal favorites, such as lobster and Dungeness crab, our restaurant features only the best for our customers.
275 Ranch Dr.
408-471-6765

Garden Grill
Breakfast (6-10AM) is offered daily and includes omelets, waffles, eggs prepared any style, pancakes, fresh fruit, yogurt, hot and cold cereals, and a wide variety of freshly-baked goods. For dinner (5-9:30PM), the Garden Grille and Bar offers American cuisine, highlighted by regional specialties. We feature locally-grown produce, California’s finest meats and seafood, classic signature dishes, and a full range of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Ramen 101 – Milpitas
Ramen, Hawaiian BBQ, Starters, Party Trays, Build your own ramen.
133 Ranch Dr.
408-649-3151

Asian Cuisine

HL Peninsula Restaurant
The fully renovated banquet hall featuring high ceilings and a no-pillar space for full visibility. The culinary team is ready to serve from western to eastern and from fusion to traditional delicacies that will surely satisfy your needs.
136 Ranch Dr.
408-262-3988 or 408-262-1088

TeaTop台灣第一味
Bubble tea. Tea from Taiwan.
82 Ranch Dr.
408-941-9330

Burgers & Sandwiches

Big Al’s
Building opened now, you can also order through DoorDash. Menu. Big guy sort of menu items. Loud music.
27 Ranch Drive
669-271-0011

In-N-Out Burgers
Public health authorities see vaccination enforcement requirements as vital tools in slowing Covid-19 at a time when 1,500 or more Americans are dying each day from the virus. However, In-N-Out, based in Irvine, in southern California, has consistently refused to heed the requirements in the Bay Area, which are some of the strictest in the state.
50 Ranch Drive

McDonald’s
Mobile Order & Pay is a great call, with exclusive deals on all your favorites, plus Drive Thru and curbside pickup.* Get the McDonalds app. Did somebody say “McDonalds”?
41 Ranch Drive
408-946-9099
301 Ranch Drive (in WalMart)
408-942-1784

The Sandwich Spot @ Milpitas
Regional chain known for original, cheekily named sandwiches plus a build-your-own option & salads.
176 N McCarthy Blvd
408-878-1818 – Order by phone for pickup.

Starbucks
Coffee, tea, chai, snacks. Facial coverings are now optional in our stores for our fully vaccinated customers, following CDC guidance, except where local regulations require it by law.
Get the Starbucks app.
127 Ranch Drive
408-934-9810

Togo’s
For those not concerned about the calories in their sandwiches. Curbside pickup available.
137 Ranch Drive
408-946-3011

Indian Cuisine

Aria Dining & Banquets Fine Indian Cuisine
Yelp Reviews. Expansive eatery & banquet hall serving traditional Indian fare, including seafood & veggie dishes.
212 Ranch Dr.
408-941-1700

Dindigul Thalappakatti Restaurant
High quality and taste are of prime importance, and because of this our brand of Biriyani and other food products have attained widespread popularity all across South India.
252 Ranch Drive
408-942-8425

Idly Express
South Indian cuisine, including a breakfast menu.
131 Ranch Dr.
408-649-3590

Royal Thaali
We are open for lunch and dinner. Experience the authentic flavors of India with our thaali.
80 Ranch Drive
408-818-8817

Italian Cuisine

Macaroni Grill
Open. Authentic Italian food and pasta recipes for daily lunch and dinner served in a festive family restaurant. Carryout and delivery available.
110 Ranch Drive
408-935-9875 – Call ahead seating

Japanese Cuisine

KoKoLo Donburi
Order To Go order. At Kokolo, our nutritious rice bowls are influenced by variations of donburis originated from different regions of Japan. Check for specials before going.
179 Ranch Drive
408-262-2025

Shabuya
Japanese. All You Can Eat. Lunch $17.99, Dinner $27.99. Children under 40″ free, 40″-50″ $9.99. No vegetarian option.
84 Ranch Dr.
408-935-8020

V Sushi
Japanese. Decent sushi at moderate prices. The sushi menu is average and not that many specialty dishes. Review.
74 Ranch Drive
408-941-9888

Malaysian and Thai Cuisine

Banana Leaf
Online order Free Pick up | Online Order with Delivery
Authentic Malaysian and Thai Cuisine. Always packed at lunchtime, so come early!
Monday – Thursday: 11 am-3 pm, 5 – 9:45pm
Friday: 11 am – 3 pm, 5 -10:30 pm
Saturday: 11 am-10:30 pm
Sunday Closed
182 Ranch Drive
408-719-9811

Mexican Cuisine

Taco Bell
Delivery through GrubHub. We take food safety very seriously at Taco Bell, and are firmly committed to providing the highest level of food safety to our customers, from farm to table. Download the app to order and customize your Taco Bell favorites: Google Play or App Store
81 Ranch Drive

Taqueria Los Cunados
Order online. I go with the Super Grilled Shrimp burrito. Man, oh man. This is the burrito to get here. Review.
196 Ranch Drive
408-262-0844

Middle Eastern Cuisine

Dish N Dash
Expect excellent food that makes you feel at home no matter where you are. It’s a whole-(hearted) Middle Eastern dining experience for every part of your life. Options: Halal vegan, gluten-free. Contactless payments.
260 Ranch Drive
408-262-6949

See also Restaurants in Milpitas Square

McCarthy Ranch Marketplace
McCarthy Blvd.
Banking & Investing
Clothing and Footwear
Electronics
Health and Beauty
Home Furnishings and Crafts
Hotels
Major Stores
Restaurants

Fitness – Personal Training, Teams, Sports Programs & Training

Health Services in and near Milpitas

Milpitas residence believe that keeping fit is important. Here you will find the nearby fitness center to suit your needs. Some teams are here, but do look under the category of Sports & Recreation for more.

Advice

Overview of California’s Health Studio Services Contract Law
All health studio contracts must be in writing. The contract may not require payments that total more than $3,000 not including finance charges (this amount increases to $4,400 on January 1, 2010) over the contract term. The duration of the contract may not exceed three years, and the contract may not require payments for longer than the term of the contract. Read on before signing any health club contract!

Leagues & Teams

Bay Area Cricket Alliance
For the Milpitas team, contact Jatinder “Sunny” Singh at 408-836-8589, or mcc@bayareacricket.org.
Like on Facebook

Milpitas Pickleball Club
Whether or not you are an MPC member, everyone is welcome to play pickleball at courts with Milpitas. Join to participate to encourage /city to improve pickleball courts, find other players, and get invites to parties.

Tennisball Cricket Association
There are about 5/6 teams that play in Milpitas. Baslog (Bay Area Sloggers) – on Thomas Russell School ground. Spanglers – on Spanglers elementary school ground. There are a couple others who play on Dixon Landing Park. Teams can register on the web site and join these teams or contact them.

Sports Programs & Training

Barbara Lee Senior Center
Seniors age 50 and older will find a comfortable workout environment and an even better price at the Barbara Lee Senior Center Fitness Room. Our Senior Center Fitness Room cardio equipment includes treadmills, upright and recumbent stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. Other equipment includes Life Fitness weight machines to work your arms, legs, upper body, and core, and cable motion pulley machine.
40 North Milpitas Boulevard
408-586-3400

Bay Badminton Center
The largest Badminton facility in the Bay Area with 12 wellspaced, well-lit courts. Summer camp program.
1191 Montague (near 680 in Fleming Business Park).
408-

CrossFit Milpitas
A No-sweat intro is the perfect way for you to learn how we can help you reach your fitness and health goals.
Located next to ABC Printing, 1090 S. Milpitas. Blvd.
510-676-9191

India Community Center Table Tennis Center
The hub for enrichment classes and camps in the bay area with high quality structured program. This center houses the largest Table Tennis program in North America launched in 2005. The Table Tennis program has produced many National Champions including 7 Olympians in last 3 Olympics.
For more information, email ICC.
1507 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-945-9556 x 250

Milpitas Skatepark Page
This Facebook group is for those who support a skatepark in Milpitas, skaters, their parents and friends and anyone else who is excited that we are finally getting skatepark in Milpitas! Soon to open at the Milpitas Sports Canter, linked next.

Milpitas Sports Center
This recently renovated facility is designed to promote healthy lifestyles in the community for physical, as well as mental well being, by providing quality, safe, healthy, accessible, clean and well-supervised environments. Drop-In Sports – Open Gym Volleyball and Pickleball.
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-586-3225

Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness
With convenient freeway access from neighboring cities, the new aquatic and fitness center offers indoor swimming lessons, competitive swimming, lap swimming, summer camps, steam and sauna, cardio machines, weight training machines, free weights, aerobics, yoga classes, and much more.
1818 Clear Lake Ave.
408-800-8838

Mount Olive Community Life Center
Free instructor-led aerobics class every Thursday night from 6 -7 PM. It is a great work out for all levels. Child care is available for a suggested donation of $1 per child. Please email Marcie if you plan to utilize child care.
1989 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-262-0506

9Round
Kickboxing circuit training. We are a Black-owned health facility that has been in operation since 2018, successfully navigating to stay open during the pandemic. We are looking to connect with local residents in the new year and promote health and wellness. Instagram. Facebook.
91 Dempsey Rd.
408-493-6328

Planet Fitness
We strive to create a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected. That’s why at Planet Fitness Milpitas, CA we take care to make sure our club is clean and welcoming, our staff is friendly, and our certified trainers are ready to help. Whether you’re a first-time gym user or a fitness veteran, you’ll always have a home in our Judgement Free Zone™.
158 Ranch Dr.
408-957-8906

24 Hour Fitness
Get Gym Membership Information. Buy a Gym Membership Online! Find Special Offers in your area. No long term contracts required. Has a pool.
719 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-856-1961

Stink in Milpitas-Smell Map

The Silicon Valley odor problem seems incomprehensible. Learn about the history and current issues of the stink from Newby Island Landfill.

car window crankWhen I was a youngster 60 or so years ago, we had a song we would sing as we drove from Oakland to Santa Cruz for a day at the Beach-Boardwalk. We’d drive our parents nuts with the repetitive drone of “doo-do-n-do-doo” over and over again, and then shouting out the name of each city we went through for the whole hour+ drive. Each had a specific hand gesture, and I don’t remember most of them any longer, but for Milpitas we’d make the gesture of rolling up the car windows with window cranks (Remember those?) while really rolling up the windows as fast as we could. No air conditioned cars back in those days! Windows down the whole way…except through Milpitas. The stink was so bad back in the 50’s and 60’s and…so on. Back then the explanation was the rotten fruit and fruit peels from the canneries around here.

So why, 60 years later, does Milpitas still stink?

Milpitas has a history of odor problems that are related to industrial activities, landfills, and waste processing facilities in the surrounding areas. The smell that occurs when there are odor issues in Milpitas can come from many different sources, including sewage treatment plants, landfills, garbage dumps, petrochemical plants, and other industrial facilities. The exact source of the bad air smell can be difficult to pinpoint, and it may also be due to natural factors such as atmospheric conditions or wind patterns. Milpitas has worked to address the odor issues by regulating the industrial facilities and working with neighboring cities and counties to find solutions that reduce the odors.

Milpitas Smell Map

Milpitas Smell Map
Click to view larger map

Milpitas Odor Info
The number one thing you can do is call the BAAQMD odor hotline (1-800-334-ODOR (6367)) every time you smell it, see the reporting page.  Subscribe to a BAAQMD email list. The City of Milpitas is trying to do several things to help with the odor issue.  However, Milpitas has no jurisdiction on The Newby Island Landfill OR the San Jose Waste Water Treatment Plant.

According to the Milpitas Odor Control Action Plan, potential sources of odors in the Milpitas area include:


A child explains the Silicon Valley odor problem to us adults in this Milpitas Odor Info video. Learn about the history and current issues surrounding Newby Island Landfill Expansion in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Politics and Lawsuits

Dateline June 12, 2018. Republic Services and other facilities throughout California lobbied and killed AB 1975 (the odor taskforce bill).  Opposition worked it hard this year and got facilities throughout the state to send letters and call their assembly members. Not enough votes to get the bill off the Assembly floor. It is very disappointing that other state assemblymen would go against a harmless bill that merely mandates the participation of odor nuisance offenders in a local task force. Kansen Chu’s staff will continue working with the air districts and local enforcement agency to see if something else can be done outside of legislation in the meantime. (Kansen Chu is no longer our state assembly member, and I don’t know if Alex Lee or Bob Wieckowski (our State Senator) has taken up the problem.)

Milpitas landfill reaches $210K settlement with Air District over pollution violations
September 1, 2022. CBS News
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District announced a settlement Thursday over numerous violations at the Newby Island Landfill in Milpitas. Browning-Ferris Industries of California Inc., and International Disposal Corp. of California agreed to pay $210,000 to settle with the air quality district. The settlement covers 30 notices of violation from 2014 to 2020 for non-compliance with air quality regulations at the landfill.

City Hall Phone Numbers to Talk to Someone


BAAQMD 3/20/2017 discussion of the San Jose/Milpitas odor issues
Watch Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty grilled BAAQMD staff. He has gotten a lot of complaints from his constituents. He spoke out against San Jose’s bad decision and BAAQMD’s inaction. He called out the poor facilities siting near resident and that San Jose clearly stuck it to Milpitas and Fremont. He suggested San Jose should have used the existing ACE rail tracks to send waste to Altamont Landfill (in rural Livermore with no odor complaints) instead of processing waste within urban areas.

Milpitas, Calif., Opts to Continue Litigation Over Landfill Expansion Decision
The Milpitas City Council voted to continue litigation against the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery for not considering odor complaints in approving a landfill expansion.
Waste360 Staff | Jun 16, 2017

In November 2016, after putting off its decision for several months, Milpitas selected Garden City Sanitation Inc. as its new hauler, replacing longtime collector Republic Services.

OPINION: We Must Get Rid of The Smell
By Eric Shapiro, in Opinion on July 23, 2018.
In my mind, often, I say the word “Smellpitas.” Sometimes, while complaining, I say it out loud. And a dear colleague tells me “Milstinkas” is out there, in good, solid circulation. What exactly’s going on here? And how has it been allowed to sustain for so many years?

“They” keep telling us, “The number one thing you can do is call the BAAQMD odor hotline every time you smell it.” So the City put up this webpage with a form that allows you to complain about a bad odor. You will need to have location services turned on so they can map exactly where you reported the smell.

Report odor to 1-800-334-6367 or click here.

How bad is the stink?

Well, we have our own twitter hashtag for it: #MilpitasStinks.
Notice that most posts are fairly long ago. Has the air improved or have residents quit complaining?

We tried to limit expansion


Should a South Bay landfill on the border of San Jose and Milpitas be allowed to expand? Neighbors say no, and with a decision later this month, many neighbors are escalating grass-roots efforts to stop the expansion. NBC Bay Area’s Marianne Favro reports with a closer look at their last-ditch efforts to curb the unbearable smell. (Published Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015)

Home Buyers Beware!

The south end of town is spared the smell. Anywhere south of Calaveras Blvd. to the San Jose border. The older neighborhoods with yards are on the hill side (east side) of Milpitas and have names like Parktown (homes clustered around parks), and Milford. The southwest side of town, where BART is going in and Light Rail already exists, has lots of brand new condo-style homes. If you are very rich, living in a mansion in the hills is an option, but you will need to worry about wildfires, landslides, rattlesnakes, and coyotes eating pets. Oh, and wells going dry, and less than optimal sewage systems.

Where is the Newby Island Landfill, and What is Near it?

Newby Island Aerial Shot
Newby Island Aerial Shot

Note that the San Jose/Santa Clara waste water treatment plant is also in the same area. The future plans for this facility includes major odor mitigation strategies like covering the sludge drying area. However, this will take many years to fund and implement.

See also ~ Recycling & Garbage

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