San Jose metro columnist
Sal Pizarro
Sal Pizarro is a Bay Area News Group columnist who has written the Around Town column for The Mercury News since 2005. His column covers the people and events surrounding the cultural scene in Silicon Valley. In addition, he writes Cocktail Chronicles, a feature column on Silicon Valley bars and nightclubs. He attended San Jose State University and is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a BA in political science.
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Expertise: Santa Clara County history; Silicon Valley arts; bar culture; movies
All Stories
Stanford Theatre bringing back a beloved holiday tradition this year
The classic Palo Alto movie house has stacked its December schedule with holiday movies, including a couple of big fan favorites.
Why San Jose’s “Bulb Guy” may soon become the “Sock Guy”
He's themed socks that play sounds as his new fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
San Jose’s Veterans Day parade includes a Silicon Valley twist
Douglas Beck, a former Apple vice president who now leads the Defense Innovation Unit, will serve as grand marshal of the annual celebration Saturday.
Will.i.am receives Tech for Global Good humanitarian award
The musician and tech entrepreneur's award capped off a night celebrating four new Tech for Global Good laureates.
The arts aren’t just good for us, they’re good for San Jose’s economy
A new study shows that arts and culture organizations generated $292 million in economic impact for San Jose and $384.5 million in Santa Clara County.
Environmental activist Erin Brockovich brings star power to YWCA event
"Welcome to the game -- because we're the change," she told the crowd of more than 900 people at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
San Jose’s ICA taking annual art auction to a different level
Before the bidding starts, the Institute of Contemporary Art will honor Bay Area artist Gale Antokal.
It’s all about the pumpkins at Silicon Valley nonprofits celebration
Creative pumpkins with themes from the "Barbie" movie to the actors' strike again stole the show at the annual Halloween luncheon.
‘The Milpitas Monster’ ready to rise again for Halloween
The 1976 cult horror movie is back on the big screen next week after a three-year break because of COVID-19.
Wedding bells ringing at Santa Clara County’s new chapel
Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg officiated the first marriage ceremony at the new venue on Tasman Drive.