Tag: <span>Visit</span>

Trails & Bike Paths

Within Milpitas City Limits

Bay Trail through Milpitas
Map of the Bay Trail where it passes near and through Milpitas. Might be possible to hike or bike it. Catch it at the McCarthy Ranch shopping center.

Best Paved Bike Trails near Milpitas
Yelp reviews of the best bike trails in and near Milpitas.

Calaveras, The Wall
For me, “the wall” is the final section on Calaveras Road going east from Milpitas. It’s difficult and made more so by the effort reaching it from Piedmont. Someone had spray-painted “the wall” on the pavement near the start.

City of Milpitas Bike Map 2022
Maps of roads with bike lanes in Milpitas. Avoid the commute altogether! color coded according to difficulty.

City of Milpitas Bicycle/Pedestrian & Trails Plan
The City of Milpitas is in the process of updating its Trails and Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plans. These plans will provide the City with a vision and action plan to make it safer and more convenient to walk, bike, and roll in Milpitas. Visit MilpitasPhase2.altaplanning.cloud to provide feedback! Visit the interactive map at the link above to comment on proposed recommendations for bicycling and walking in Milpitas. Your feedback will inform recommended improvements around the city and help prioritize future investments. SHARE YOUR COMMENTS BY MARCH 31, 2021.

Milpitas Cycling Trails
Join over 20 million people getting fit on MapMyRide. Your workout, your devices, anywhere, anytime. Plan, analyze and share your journey.

Santa Clara Valley Bikeways Map
This PDF map allows you to zoom into an area of Santa Clara County to see the bikeways routes.

Mysterious Stone Walls
Mysterious Rock Walls
The East Bay Mysterious Rock Walls are accessible in several area parks, including Ed R. Levin County Park and on Mission Peak.

Routes
Find routes to popular entertainment venues, major employment centers, college campuses, and shopping areas. You’ll also find a library of routes used for social rides.
Ever been stuck in traffic while a bike commuter breezes past you with a big smile on her face? Or maybe you’ve seen someone merrily riding along, with groceries in his bike bags? If you’d like to try biking to work, school, or the store but haven’t found a bike-friendly route, Virtual Bike Route Scouts may be the answer!

Within Fremont City Limits

Best Trails in Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Fremont, CA
Here is a map of the trails on Mission Peak, a popular hiking spot in Fremont, CA. You can start the hike at Ed Levin Park in the Milpitas hills or take the easy way up from Stanford Ave. in Fremont.

Mission Peak Trails
Map shows the Mission Peak Loop, the Hidden Valley Trail, and the Peak Meadow Trail. On weekends, the Mission Peak trails can see some pretty heavy foot traffic. Dogs must be on leash as there are cattle grazing right along side the trail, between the cattle crossings. Be careful about checking out rock formations: there are rattle snakes! Spectacular views of the whole Bay Area and often all the way to the Sierras award those who make it to the top.

Within San Jose City Limits

Alum Rock Park Trail Map
This is a great hot summer day hike, as this trail provides plenty of shade relief. Check out the remnants of the mineral spring spa. The trail starts paved, then turns to dirt pack. The trails of Alum Rock Park are now back open to the public after closures prompted by mountain lion sightings and then a large wildland fire in the vicinity.

Alviso Slough Trail Loop Description and Views
The trail around the salt ponds is officially part of the Bay Trail. You can take the trail clockwise starting at the Marina, following along the levee above the Alviso Slough, with the salt ponds on your right.

Coyote Hills Regional Park
Bike riders may take the 3.5-mile paved Bayview Trail within the park. Bayview connects with 12 additional miles of trail along the south levee of the Alameda Creek Trail, and to the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Guadalupe River Trail
The northern reaches of the Guadalupe River Trail is open from Alviso at Gold Street to Grant Street near Highway 280. The portion through Guadalupe River Park and Gardens provides many opportunities for recreation and entertainment. Review:”Terrifying to accidentally find yourself amongst homeless encampments and then somehow onto railroad tracks. Uh. nope.” Follow San Jose Trails on Twitter, and Instagram

Trails Further Away

Bay Area Hiker
Click here for South Bay and Peninsula hiking spots. Click here for hiking in Map of Bay Area hiking trails. Wonderful descriptions of hikes and what to expect. Section on trails where you can hike with your dog.

Bay Area Ridge Trail
“Imagine a 400-mile ridgeline trail connecting the Bay Area’s precious greenbelt of parks and open space, linking hundreds of communities region-wide.” Hikes almost every Saturday all summer.

Del Valle
Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like an alpine resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.

East Bay Regional Park District
Explore this site to learn where you can picnic, hike, camp, fish, ride a bike, ride a horse, and explore nature in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Ravenswood Slough to Alviso
Cooley Landing to Sunnyvale Baylands Park
Pedal nearly 15 miles on mostly natural surface trail and experience the outer edges of the bay connected by shoreline park jewels in East Palo Alto, Palo Alto, Mountain View and Sunnyvale.

Rose Peak, Ohlone Wilderness Trail
Located in the wildest and most remote land remaining in the East Bay hills, the Ohlone Wilderness Trail climbs 3,427 feet over the course of 10 miles to reach Rose Peak (3,817 feet).

Santa Clara County Open Space Reserves Trails
The Open Space Authority maintains multi-use trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians and is committed to opening new lands to visitors as funding allows. The trails are open every day of the year and are free to the public.

See also: Hiking, Running, Walking

Art Clubs and Associations in Milpitas

Join Milpitas art clubs to share tips. Come to a gallery to view our art. Take a class to learn or improve your favorite art form.


Arts Commission
Serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to the Arts, performance or visual in the City of Milpitas. The Commission reviews Phantom Art Gallery artist applicants, and reviews the Cultural Arts Support Program.

The Arts Commission meets at the Milpitas City Hall, Committee Conference Room, 455 East Calaveras Boulevard. It holds regular meetings on the fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. on alternating months of January, March, May, July, September and November. If a scheduled meeting occurs on a holiday, the meeting will be deferred to the same day of the following week.

Art Clubs and Associations

Camera Club
Photographer Kaz has organized local photography enthusiasts interested in meeting monthly or more often to share photography tips and occasionally go on photographic field trips. Meetings held either on Zoom or at the Milpitas Police Station, located at 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd. 7 PM, second Tuesday each month.

Golden Hills Art Association
This art club holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at the Community Room of the Milpitas Police Station, located at 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd., at 7:30 PM. For more information, please call 408-263-7929.

SV Creates
We are a network of art club leaders who care about the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in Silicon Valley. Our mission is to ignite investment and engagement in our creative culture.

Art Clubs, Classes, Studios and Galleries

Artistic Art Studio
Come and learn art from artist Erric Yang. He is an alumni of Academy of Art University in San Francisco. He was the head art instructor at San Jose Art Academy for 7 years.
1209 S. Park Victoria Drive
408-400-7780

Bayshore Art Studio 七棵松藝術工作室
We keep our art classes no more than 6 student per class. Expert one-on-one art instruction is tailor-made just for your child.
1613A S Main St.
510-449-1638

Dove Art Gallery
Art Gallery on the site of Park Victoria Baptist Church in Milpitas, California. Displaying a wide variety of arts and crafts from artisans of all ages. The Gallery is open after every Sunday Service which starts at 10:30 AM and ends around 11:45 AM. Calling all ARTISTS! Dove Gallery in Milpitas Ca. is accepting submissions for REFLECTIONS of LIGHT. Exhibit Dates September 26 – December 5, 2021. Seeking art with reflected, refracted, mirrored, patterned or sunlit imagery. This could include reflections on water, looking through glass, mirror images, light effects and much more! Depictions of angels and other subject matter that reflects God’s glory is also encouraged. Entry is FREE. Submissions can be emailed to dove@parkvictoria.org.
875 S. Park Victoria Drive

Hwu’s Art Studio
Milpitas Art & Drawing Class: Oil Pastel, Pencil Drawing, Pastel, Watercolor.
1369 Jacklin Road
408-821-3297

Mook Art Gallery
Handmade oil paintings. We specialize custom framing. Art class is available from age 6 yrs old to seniors.
141 – Neighborhood 5 in Great Mall.
408-262-4801

Paintilicious Art Studio
Paintilicious Art Studio offers art classes for kids, teens and adults. Unleash your creative and artistic side and learn from a variety of talented artists. Facebook.
63 Dempsey Rd.
408-507-0979

Ceramics

Clay Magic House
We provide adult clay art classes and kids clay art classes, we also provide instructor training and birthday party activity as well.
322 S Abel St.
408-930-6246

Grants for the Arts

Grant Writing Help
A list of organizations that provide technical assistance, consulting, classes and research materials in the San Francisco Bay Area.

  • Grant Writing
    Too often grant writers fall into these traps when applying for community grants.

Town Center Restaurants

Over a dozen restaurants and fast food restaurants to choose from in the Milpitas Town Center mall. Asian, Italian, Mexican, Seafood: you choose.

Asian

Feng Cha Teahouse
Facebook. “The location was spacious and full of tables. The staff were friendly and helpful as I ordered my drinks. There was as a line, so while I waited, I had time to snap pictures.”
489 E Calaveras Blvd.
669-263-6350

New Tung Kee Noodle
Yelp Reviews. I’m an absolute fan and will continue being a loyal patron but be advised that the customer service isn’t great. They are quick to get you seated, have orders taken, you eat, & then get out. The turn over rate here is lightning fast in order to get the next party seated. From management’s standpoint: more patrons seen means more money in the registers. Try not to take it personally.
481 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 263-8288

Panda Express
Fast-food chain for Chinese standards, including some health-conscious options.
70 N Milpitas Blvd.
(408) 946-8818

Sushi Maru
Yelp Reviews. Japanese spot lures locals with its intimate space & sushi boats on conveyer belts.
599 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 945-9999

Breakfast

iHop
Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare. Only place in Milpitas open quite late most nights, and overnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Not in the Town Center, but just outside it near Hillview entrance.
765 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 942-8887

Drinks and Snacks

Jamba Juice
Breakfast sandwiches now. Whole food ingredients: chia seeds, super greens, carrots.
547 East Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 934-9409

Peet’s Coffee
Berkeley-born chain featuring signature coffee, tea & blended drinks alongside baked goods.
543 E W Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 416-0700

Starbucks
We are committed to offering high-quality, ethically purchased and responsibly produced products.
One inside Safeway, and other at N Milpitas Blvd. and Town Center Drive.

Italian – Pizza


Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria
Ideal for the entire family or that special date night Giorgio’s Italian Food & Pizzeria is the pizza “mecca” of the South Bay. Restaurant patrons can watch our cooks “hand toss” the pizza dough and prepare entire meals from our open kitchen.
643 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 942-1292

Mexican

El Torito’s
Make Wednesday nights, family night. Kids 12 and under can enjoy one kid’s meal for $1 every Wednesday, per adult entrée purchased. Available all day in the dining room.
477 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 946-8012

Sandwiches, Soups and Salads, and Chicken Wings

Chick-fil-A
FYI: the billionaire owner of Chick-fil-A, who promised to stop donating to anti-LGBT, is participating in a dark money operation fighting to keep the Equality Act from passing. Because of this, Go Milpitas does not want to appear to advertise it.

Erik’s DeliCafé
Erik’s is now online! Join Erik’s Loyalty Club for exclusive offers. Be sure to become a fan on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter.
148 N Milpitas Blvd.
(408) 262-7878

Noah’s Bagels
Nutrition Menu. Do you love our bagels as much as we do? Join the club today and we will give you some bagel love!
124 N Milpitas Blvd.
(408) 941-9440

Philly’s Cheese Steak Shop
Yelp Reviews. If you are craving a Philly cheese steak then this will definitely fulfill those cravings.
136 N Milpitas Blvd.
(408) 935-3161

Wingstop
Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides in an aviation-themed space.
80 N Milpitas Blvd.
(408) 956-9464

Seafood

Red Lobster
Known for their fresh lobstar and other seafood dishes, and cheddar biscuits. We have always been committed to sustainability, and spent decades building personal relationships with suppliers.
503 E Calaveras Blvd.
(408) 942-0781

Cheapest Gas and Station Locations in Milpitas

Locate the least expensive, cheapest gas stations to fill up your tank in Milpitas, CA 95035

This post is easier to read on a smart phone if you select the text version.

Gas Stations and Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Milpitas
Milpitas Gas Prices provided by GasBuddy.com

Costco on Automation Pkwy, San Jose.

Price Trends in the San Jose Area

Price Trends for San Jose
San Jose Gas Prices Provided by GasBuddy.com

Fuel Saving Tips

San Jose Fuel Saving tips

AAA Tweets
Get tips and interesting facts from the American Automobile Association through their Twitter feeds.

Where to Complain About Gas Prices

Gasoline Price Comments and Concerns
Sick of paying higher prices for gas in the Bay Area? Complain to the California Energy Commission here.

Gas Company Sites

ARCO Gas
Usually the best gas prices in town are at the Arcos.
Locations:
Best Price NW side of town: From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 2 blocks.
Park Victoria and Landess, northwest corner of intersection, 1 block east of Landess exit off 680.

76 Conoco
What is Top Tier gasoline? Road tools available. Trip Planner. How to get their credit card or give gift cards.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: From 680, take Calaveras East 1 block on southwest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.
From 880, take Calaveras east, north on Abbott about 1 block.
From 880, take Calaveras east, on south side of the street about a block to Serra intersection.

Chevron
Check out why gas prices are so high. Find out about prospecting for crude oil, refineries and gas stations.
Locations:
Best Price right off 880: From 880, take Dixon Landing Road exit, right on California Circle.
From 880, take Great Mall exit. Located next to the McDonalds on the outer loop.
From 680, take Landess exit and head east. Located at the northest corner of intersection with Park Victoria.

Shell
Yelp review of the station at N. Park Victoria and E. Calaveras.
Locations:
Tied for Best Price East Side of town: 12 N Park Victoria Dr
990 Jacklin Rd Has car wash.
1780 S Main St. Has car wash.

See also ~ Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Milpitas
I have arranged each type of electric vehicle charging station by its location, north to south. As you can see, most are along McCarthy Blvd.

Milpitas Hotels

Finding hotels, motels, or extended stay accommodations in or near Milpitas couldn’t be easier! Look for discounted hotel rates, room availability and reserve right here.

Near Fremont

Marriott Residence Inn
1501 California Circle
This hotel features mini-apartment-like suites for long stays.
(408) 941-9222

South Side
Near 880, Montague Expy, south McCarthy Blvd. and San Jose

Element San Jose Milpitas
521 Alder Drive
The brand is a standout in the extended-stay segment with bright modern design, eco-conscious standards and an innovative guest experience that resonates with today’s traveler.
(408) 435-9910

Sonesta Silicon Valley
1820 Barber Lane
Has an atmosphere of a comfortable “home away from home” … with an award winning chef on staff!
(408) 943-9080

Sheraton San Jose
1801 Barber Lane
Is actually in Milpitas. Close to “Golden Triangle,” it caters to needs of the business traveler.
(408) 943-0600

Near the Great Mall, Montague Expy and San Jose
Convenient for shoppers, those doing business with the Great Mall, and close enough to new BART station to walk.

Courtyard Milpitas Silicon Valley
1480 Falcon Drive
A Marriott Hotel for business travelers. Special for Great Mall weekend shoppers and other weekend visitors.
(408) 719-1966

TownePlace Suites Milpitas Silicon Valley
1428 Falcon Drive
Guests can now visit the Great America Theme Park for free while enjoying Marriott accommodations and amenities. Extended stay for long-term business travelers. Pets welcome. Offers special Great Mall Of The Bay Area rates.
(408) 719-1959

West Side
McCarthy Ranch Shopping Center, North of 237 and West of 880

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose/Milpitas
30 Ranch Dr.
Convenient to Cisco, KLA Tencor and Western Digital.
(408) 719-1313

Larkspur Landing Milpitas
40 Ranch Dr.
For those staying longer.
(408) 719-1212

Near Milpitas Square Shopping Center, South of 237 and West of 880
Convenient to Cisco, KLA Tencor and Western Digital.

Sonesta San Jose
777 Bellew Dr. (South side of 237)
Has large conference facilities. For the technically curious, they have an automated butler to bring you stuff.
(408) 321-9500

Extended Stay America
330 Cypress Dr.
Pet-friendly rooms available. On-premise coin-operated laundry facility.
408-433-9700

Hampton Inn Milpitas
215 Barber Lane
Accessible hotel rooms.
(408) 428-9090

Staybridge Suites
321 Cypress Drive
Designed for the business traveler, we can shuttle you to work and pick you up again. Outdoor pool.
(408) 383-9500

Central Milpitas
Near W. Calaveras Rd. and East of 880

Best Western Plus Brookside
400 Valley Way
Dog-friendly, pool. Right next to 880, so easy to find.
(408) 263-5566

Days Inn Milpitas
270 South Abbott Avenue
Across the street from FedEx. Tucked in from busy streets, so rooms a little quieter.
(408) 946-8889

Heritage Inn – Silicon Valley
378 W. Calaveras Blvd.
Easy access to freeways, shopping and restaurants, complimentary Wi-Fi and outdoor pool.
(408) 263-0500

Main Street

Americas Best Value Inn
485 S. Main St.
Designed for the traveler who is looking for a luxurious room at an economy price. Closest to Elwood Jail.
(408) 946-8383

Baymont Inn and Suites
66 S. Main St.
In heart of revitalized Main St., Milpitas.
(408) 262-7685

East Side
Near 680 and E. Calaveras Blvd.

A few blocks from the Milpitas Town Center and civic buildings.

Executive Inn Hotel
95 Dempsey Rd.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley convenient to major hi-tech companies, shopping at the Great Mall and within walking distance of many restaurants. Review.
(408) 262-5400

Embassy Suites Milpitas Silicon Valley
901 E. Calaveras
Noted for its interior courtyard and fine restaurant. Choose east facing room for view of the mountains.
(408) 942-0400

Filipino Dining in Milpitas

Dining and Food ~ Restaurants in Milpitas ~ Asian Pacific Dining

There is a good choice of Filipino restaurants in the shopping center on Landess just west of S. Park Victoria in Milpitas. 

Most are offering take-out and some offer delivery service during Covid-19. Please let me know if you see any with more than 2-3 tables in their patio for outside dining.

Chow King
Yelp. “One thing to know about this chain: it’s Chinese fastfood in the Philippines, brought here.
1535 Landess Ave
408-957-0681

Ima’s Kusina
Yelp. Small counter-serve stop for a wide variety of Filipino sweets & savory dishes, plus party trays.
1535 Landess Ave.
408-263-6748

Grill City
Delivered to your door or in-store pick up. Best BBQ sticks for a quick lunch.
1535 Landess Ave.
408-240-0160

Jollibee
Drive through, call & pick-up, take out, Doordash. Their spicy chicken is bomb: Crispy and juicy. And 2 chicken piece plate with a drink was only $6.00.
447 Great Mall Dr.
408-719-1344

Kalesa Restaurant
Diners order Filipino specialties like chicken adobo & bangus sisig at this casual restaurant.
1783 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-957-7777

Max’s Restaurant
Yelp. Order online during Covid-19. Authentic Filipino cuisine. Best known for its great fried chicken. Situated just off 680 and Landess.
1535 Landess Ave., Ste 139 (east side of mall, outside.)
408-957-8885

Pinoy Bbq Atbp
Pinoy BBQ is a cozy Filipino buffet-style restaurant opened in 2005. We feature popular Filipino dishes such as beef steak with onions (bistek), adobo, sinigang, and pancit. Our specialty of course is barbecue ribs and barbecue sticks!
10 S Abbott Ave.
408-678-2149

Return to Asian-Pacific Dining in Milpitas

Indigenous People (Ohlone Indians) of Silicon Valley

History of the Ohlone Indians, the indigenous people who inhabited the south San Francisco Bay region of California.

Bloody Island Massacre
To this day, the US Army, State of California, or County of Lake, have made no attempt to apologize for nearly annihilating the innocent Pomo people of Bodanapotti.

California Powwow Calendar
Check here for powwows of indigenous people being held in California.

California Cultures: Native Americans
At the time of Spanish colonization in the late 1700s, California was home to more than 300,000 indigenous people in more than 200 tribes. Their centuries-old way of life was brought to an end relatively quickly: native Californians soon established regular trading relationships with the Spanish, increasing coastal groups’ power and prestige, giving them greater leverage in dealings with inland groups.

California Indian Heritage Center
After a long search for an appropriate site, the California Indian Heritage Center Task Force and California State Parks secured a new location along the Sacramento River in West Sacramento.

California Indian Pre-Contact Tribal Territories
Nicely labeled map graphic showing where each California Indian tribe lived in early California. Perfect for illustrating a 4th grade report.

Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park
The park features the beautiful Uvas Creek and a wealth of cultural artifacts including bedrock mortars and petroglyphs left by the Ohlone Indians. Visit the park.

Coyote Hills Knap-in and the Gathering of Ohlone Peoples
At the Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, California. Photos.

Federally Recognized California Tribes
The BIA only give the tribe’s legal name — often that of its little rancheria — so I added the tribe or tribes included for each. I’ve grouped the rancherias by tribe, and arranged the groups roughly from north to south.

First Californians
What happened to the first Californians? Before 1769, over 300,000 Native Californians lived in the state. This population was made up of over 100 tribes that practiced diverse cultural and linguistic traditions. In 1870, 22 years after the discovery of gold in California, less than 30,000 were left.

A History of American Indians in California
Unlike the present population of California, the Indians lived well within the capacity of their environment. They developed religious systems and social norms, and they traded with their neighbors for goods or services not available in their own communities. National Park Service.

California Slaughter: The State-Sanctioned Genocide of Native Americans
One has to wonder – if traditional life in the pre-contact Indian villages on the Monterey Peninsula was so great, and the game so plentiful, and their spiritual life so satisfying, what in the world possessed these contented Indians to voluntarily, sometimes it seems, even eagerly, enter a Catholic mission in the first place?


In the Land of My Ancestors – Kanyon “Coyote Woman” Sayers-Roods and POST
The film is about the life and work of the mother of Kanyon “Coyote Woman” Sayers-RoodsAnne Marie Sayers, and her work stewarding Indian Canyon, the only Federally recognized Indigenous land in the Bay Area, located just south of Hollister. Kanyon will share more about her story, the film, and other issues related to Indigenous communities of the Bay Area.

Indian Canyon
The free, non commercial, Indian Created and Managed information site on Costanoan/Ohlone and California indigenous people.


Indigenous History in the Bay Area, Part 1: Overview – Mark Hylkema and POST
Before the Spanish arrived here and before California became a part of the United States, the Bay Area was one of the most densely populated and linguistically diverse areas in North America. This session provides a broad overview of historic Indigenous communities in our area based on what we know of archaeological studies and oral histories. Participants will learn a basic framework for understanding the complex and varied native communities of the Peninsula and the South Bay.
Session 2 and Session 3.

Indigenous Populations in the Bay Area
It is critical to recognize the Bay Area’s Indigenous populations, past and present. Despite the atrocities of colonization and genocide, Native communities persist today and are active in efforts to preserve and revive the culture. According to the U.S. Census, the Indigenous population in the Bay Area is 18,500 strong and is projected to grow over the next few decades.

Ishi Collection
Ishi, born probably about 1860, spent most of his life in hiding with his family, avoiding the assaults of white settlers moving into Yahi territory. Finally, on 29 August 1911, Ishi walked into the nearby town of Oroville, CA. Apparently, all the members of his family, along with the rest of the Yahi, had perished

Linda Yamane’s Apprenticeship Blog
Ohlone feathered baskets involve a labor-intensive three-rod coiling technique. In addition to the delicate work of incorporating fine mallard duck feathers throughout the outer basket wall, the baskets are adorned with quail topknot feathers and abalone shell dangles.

Living on Ohlone Land
The agreement with Planting Justice is a first step in a far more ambitious effort to repatriate East Bay land to Ohlone people. The Sogorea Te Land Trust intends to acquire dozens or even hundreds of parcels in a patchwork throughout the East Bay, partly using funds generated by the “Shummi Land Tax” — a voluntary way for non-indigenous Bay Area residents to acknowledge the theft of Ohlone land and work toward its healing.

Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay Area
Over ten thousand years ago, before the waters of the Pacific Ocean passed through the gap now spanned by the Golden Gate Bridge and filled the interior valley-basins, the ancestors of the present-day Muwekma Ohlone along with the neighboring tribal groups had established their homes within this changing landscape.

Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation
Presently Ohlone Costanoan Esselen Nation represents over 600 enrolled tribal members of both Esselen and Carmeleno descent from at least 19 villages from a contiguous region surrounding Monterey Bay.

The Ohlone People
Ancestors of the Ohlone people wandered into this land of great abundance several thousand years ago.

An Overview of Ohlone Culture
In the 16th century, (prior to the arrival of the Spaniards), over 10,000 Indians lived in the central California coastal areas between Big Sur and the Golden Gate of San Francisco Bay. This group of Indians consisted of approximately forty different tribelets ranging in size from 100-250 members, and was scattered throughout the various ecological regions of the greater Bay Area.

Early California: pre-1769–1840s: Native California
Beginning in the 1840s, leaders and politicians used the phrase, “Manifest Destiny” to justify American expansionism and make it seem preordained. Instead of waiting for the organic, though inevitable expansion of the U.S. population to the West, the federal government took actions to both accelerate and control westward expansion. The goal of “settling” the country from ocean to ocean had a profound impact on the Native Americans, who had no place in this vision of the nation’s destiny.

Shapes and Uses of California Indian Basketry
A basket was worked, and formed of grasses, twigs and fibers into a piece of artistic design–sometimes only to be admired for its artistry, but usually created to serve a further purpose. Baskets were made to serve all the container needs of the early California peoples who had no pottery.

Short Overview of California Indian History
Few contemporary Americans know of the widespread armed revolts precipitated by Mission Indians against colonial authorities. By Professor Edward D. Castillo

Song for the Ohlone
by Martha Robrahn: We have walked these hills and valleys long before your time, When the waters ran clear, the forests stood tall, The earth gave us all we could ever need, And we lived our lives in dignity.

Those Who Came Before
Long before the Stanfords built their farm, the Muwekma-Ohlone called this land their own. Now the University is striving to preserve 5,000 years of history.

Shopping Centers in Milpitas

Shopping Centers in Milpitas offer centers of cultural delight! Poking around our shops is like taking a world tour at your own pace for the food and household items you need, while getting style from the world over.

Abel Plaza
N. Abel Street at E. Calaveras Blvd.
Major merchants: Swagat Indian Cuisine, Ta Restaurant

Beresford Square
Stores in this mall sorted by type, including phone numbers.
N. Milpitas Blvd. at W. Calaveras Blvd.
Major merchants: Marina Grocery, CVS,

Calaveras Plaza
W. Calaveras Blvd. near Abel St.
Major merchants: Grocery Outlet, FedEx

Fiesta Shopping Center
Dempsey Rd.
Major merchants: 

Foothill Square
Jacklin Road near Escuela Parkway
Major merchants: Smart & Final, Dollar Store

Great Mall of the Bay Area
I-680 and I-880. Take Great Mall exit off of I-880.
Major merchants: Marshall’s, Off 5th Ave., Century 20, Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, Dave & Busters. How to get to the Great Mall from San Francisco on public transportation. Catch the CalTrain at 700 4th St. and take to Mt. View. Transfer to Light Rail line: “Tasman East/Capitol Light Rail” going east and get off at the Great Mall stop. Map to Great Mall Parkway at Interstate 880 for drivers.

Shopping categories at the Great Mall

McCarthy Ranch Marketplace
McCarthy Blvd.
Major merchants: Wal-Mart, Michaels, Ross

Milpitas Mall Shopping Center
Landess Ave. between I-680 and S. Park Victoria
Major merchants: Seafood City, Seasons Shopping Mall

Milpitas Center Shops & Restaurants
W. Calaveras Blvd. next to Calaveras Plaza
Major merchants: Mil’s Diner, O’Reilly’s, and Goodwill.

Milpitas Square
Barber Lane near McCarthy Ranch Shopping Center
Major merchants: Ranch 99 Market, Mayflower restaurant, New Tung Kee Noodle House

Milpitas Town Center
E. Calaveras Blvd. and Hillview
Major merchants: Safeway, Staples, 24 Hour Fitness, Giorgio’s Italian Restaurant, BevMo

Park Victoria Shopping Center
Park Victoria Dr. near East Calaveras Blvd.
Major merchants: Ocean Market

Parktown Plaza
Park Victoria Dr. near Landess Ave.
Major merchants: Luckys, Rite Aid Pharmacy

Seasons MarketPlace
Your First One-Stop Filipino Lifestyle Center.
1535 Landess Ave.,
408-586-9800
Major merchants: Seafood City, Goldilocks, Max’s of Manila

Serra Center
E. Calaveras Blvd. near Abbott Ave.
Major merchants: Chili’s, Big Lots

Sunnyhills and City Square
North Milpitas Blvd. near Dixon Landing Rd.
Major merchants: Lion Food Center

Ulferts Center
West Milpitas. Just south of Milpitas Square. Many Asian restaurants and services.
648 – 794 Barber Lane, Milpitas, CA, 95035

Victorian Square Shopping Center
E. Calaveras Blvd. near Park Victoria Dr.
Major merchants: 

Meeting Halls for Events in Milpitas

Whether you need a meeting hall for business, a wedding, or large event, there are halls to rent in Milpitas! Unfortunately, Milpitas has no convention center. When you’re planning an event on a short timeline, you don’t have the luxury of thoroughly vetting meeting halls, let alone taking the time to find and select the right venue. GoMilpitas “Meeting Halls” is a directory featuring halls, community centers, venues and halls for hire | Advertise your hall to your local community for free.

Other Possible Large Halls

Hotels
The larger hotels have rooms for fairly large gatherings.

City Park Picnic Areas
Reservations must be made in-person at the Milpitas Community Center, located at 457 E. Calaveras Blvd.

Milpitas Unified School District Facility Rental
In partnering with Facilitron, Milpitas Unified School District has launched custom facility use sites for the district and each school – allowing facility use requests to be submitted at any time. You can view and request all district facilities here. Milpitas Unified School District’s administrative staff will make final decisions on all facility use requests.

Restaurants
The larger ones often have private dining rooms, and the smaller ones may be willing to close down for your event only.

Mysterious Rock Walls

East Bay Mysterious Rock Walls are also known as the Berkeley Mystery Walls. These crude, stone walls are located in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. In places, they are up to a meter high and a meter wide; the walls run in sections anywhere from a few meters to over a half mile long. The rocks used to construct the East Bay Walls are a variety of sizes. Some are basketball-sized rocks, while others are large sandstone boulders weighing a ton or more. Parts of the wall seem to be just piles of rocks, but in other places it appears the walls were carefully constructed. The exact age of the walls is unknown, but they have an old appearance. Many of the formations have sunk far into the earth, and are often completely overgrown with different plants. The purpose of these walls is still unknown. Since the wall is not continuous and is composed of multiple sections, they could not have been used as a fence. They are not tall enough to have been used as defense mechanisms. The walls function is unknown as well as the constructors. The East Bay Walls are accessible in several area parks, including Ed R. Levin County Park in Santa Clara County and Mission Peak Regional Preserve in Alameda County. The walls are found in the east bay of San Francisco.

Ed Levin Rock Wall

The Real, True Story of the Mystery of the East Bay Walls | Bay Curious

East Bay Rock Walls and Alignments
There are many crude walls throughout the hills surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area. In places, they are up to a meter high and a meter wide and are built without mortar.The walls run in sections anywhere from a few meters to over a half mile long.

The rocks used to construct the walls are a variety of sizes. Some are basketball-sized rocks, while others are large sandstone boulders weighing a ton or more. Parts of the walls seem to be just piles of rocks, but in other places it appears the walls were carefully constructed.The exact age of the walls is unknown, but they have an old appearance.

America Unearthed: Ancient Ruins Discovered in California (S3, E7) | Full Episode | History

Berkeley Mystery Walls, Fremont, California
Neither Spanish settlers nor anyone since has been able to tell who built these strange California rock walls. There are remnants of ancient stone walls all over the East Bay, and no one knows how old they are, who built them, or why. Though people have been pondering the enigma of the Berkeley Mystery Walls for well over a hundred years, no conclusions have been reached, and despite wild speculation, no serious scholarly study has ever been undertaken.

Dikes and Sills
Visually, a dike looks like a natural wall of stone, sort of like a dam – or dike. A sill appears on a hillside or cliff face as a horizontal band of stone, like a window sill. Since both dikes and sills are originally of subterranean origin, some sort of regional uplift and/or erosion must have taken place to expose them at the surface. However, the East Bay Walls are definitely sandstone and full of shell fossils, so not volcanic by any stretch.

Mexican Rock Walls
Mexican Rock Walls

Walls of Rock
I’m assuming many of the walls – there are miles of them in total around here – are put up by families, not someone making a solo effort. The work must be dangerous: to drop a heavy rock, or have it topple after it’s positioned, can easily be a bone-breaking event. Up on the trails, I’m conscious that a twisted ankle or a sprained knee would mean a painful hobble to get help, but having 120 pounds of lava fall on my foot would be a whole other problem.So, I tip my straw hat to the guys who can construct and maintain these things. The walls are often a guide to the route I need to take, and they also indicate the long, long heritage of land cultivation around here.

Grand Natural Wall Montana
Grand Natural Wall in Montana
It is easy to see how these walls are formed and broken down by erosion by looking at the Grand Natural Wall on the Eagle Creek in Montana, the biggest of many igneous “dikes” that formed within sandstone cracks millions of years ago. This “wall-like” appearance is quite common along this stretch of the river. Millions of years ago, during active volcanic periods, dark molten material was forced into cracks in the sedimentary rock. Over time the molten material solidified and subsequent erosion of the surrounding softer rock exposed the dark igneous walls you see today.

Mystery Walls – Bison Weirs?
The Spanish settlers in the area reported that the walls were already there when they arrived, and when they asked the local Ohlone American Indians, they said the same thing. Some think ancient Chinese navigators would have built the walls, but there would have had to have been thousands of them here well before the Ohlone Indians and over 10,000 years ago. However, the walls were the only structure left, which would have been odd for a civilization that knew how to build from stone.

Stone walls at Ed Levin County Park
Arlene, a local hiker, asked me about the stone walls at Ed Levin County Park. She said she’s been to the park but hasn’t seen the walls. Perhaps she’s among the sane folks who avoid hiking to the heights behind Ed Levin’s Sandy Wool Lake — the summits require 2,000 feet of climb in 3.9 miles, most of it unshaded and wind-blasted. The insane, like yours truly, have enjoyed the benefits of gazing upon these these interesting piles of stone.

To reach the walls you have to hike to the Monument Peak summit, about a quarter mile from the intersection of the Monument Peak and Agua Caliente trails. Either trail is a major slog, but the Monument Peak Trail is a little bit easier.

Unravelling the Mystery Behind the East Bay Walls: Who Really Made Them and Why?
In the hills around East Bay and elsewhere near San Francisco, there is a series of stone walls that extend discontinuously for miles. The walls are about 3-4 feet high in most places and are not enclosed. There is also no record of them being built or who might have built them.

New England Is Crisscrossed With Thousands of Miles of Stone Walls
Notice how farmers in the 1800s and earlier built stone walls out of rock debris in their fields. A lidar map on this site shows how each field was enclosed by a small square or rectangle of these discarded rocks, never in long, unenclosed areas. They were built from the ground up, never buried like our Mysterious Walls. Usually the remains of a farmhouse can be found nearby to these New England walls. No buildings or foundations have been found near the walls in our hills.

Sheep Jumping Fence

Including this to show how even sheep can manage to get over a wall made of sticks about 4′ high. Why would anyone try to contain wild game like elk or deer or farm animals like cattle or sheep with low rock walls? I can see how maybe more modern people saw these already half built walls, and reengineered them for their own purposes, such as hiding behind when hunting.

The Character and Function of Ancient Chinese Walls and Fortifications
Early Chinese were building huge, wide walls for fortifications against enemies and against flood waters. They were very good at constructing such walls, and they worked as they expected. They were not randomly piled rocks. Our walls are up in mountains and none are near rivers that need diverting, which they wouldn’t work for anyway. And if the walls were built for defense, defense against whom?

More about Ancient and Medieval History in the South Bay Area

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