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Image: Ralph performing at a festival in San Jose Japantown in 1989. Photo by Joyce Pearc

Looking Back: My Days With a Japanese American Performance Group

Ralph reflects on his time with the San Jose Taiko Group.

Ralph Pearce
05/26/2021 - 8:00 AM

SJ Story Map

SJ Story Map Contest 

The San José Story Map uses the power of stories to map San José in a new and different light.

SJPL Staff
05/17/2021 - 3:30 PM

Image: This small yard was the subject of a poem written by June Hayashi in 1975. Photo by Ralph Pearce

Looking Back: Naked Incense and Other Poems

In honor of Poetry Month, Ralph shares poems from local poets.

Ralph Pearce
04/28/2021 - 9:00 AM

Dr. B Roberto Cruz surrounded by flowers

The Legacy of Dr. Roberto Cruz

Celebrating the life & achievements of Dr. B. Roberto Cruz.

SJPL Staff
04/24/2021 - 8:00 AM

The Lawrence Hotel building as it looked in 2004.

Looking Back: The Historic Lawrence Hotel Building, a Survivor

This beautiful, historic building recently survived it's fourth fire in 30 years.

Ralph Pearce
03/25/2021 - 8:00 AM

Artwork on drink menu showing woman holding Club Lanai sign and monkeys hanging on vine.

Looking Back: Remembering Almaden Road's Club Lanai

Ralph digs into the history of an unusual empty lot along the old Almaden Road.

Ralph Pearce
02/24/2021 - 8:00 AM

Image of fist next to the words Black History Month Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and the SJPL logo

Celebrate Black History Month: Black in California

Part of a series of Black History Month Blogs.

Tiffany Bradford-Oldham
02/08/2021 - 6:28 PM

Image of fist next to the words Black History Month Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow and the SJPL logo

Celebrate Black History Month: Buffalo Soldiers

Part of a series of Black History Month Blogs.

Tiffany Bradford-Oldham
02/06/2021 - 3:30 PM

Hands climbing barbed wire fence.

January 30th, Our First Asian American Day: Fred Korematsu Day

Fighting for civil rights is an old but continuing struggle. Read how activist Fred Korematsu fought his own immoral conviction.

Ila Langner
01/29/2021 - 10:00 PM

Image: William C. Allen with his wife and other family members pose beneath Yosemite's Wawona tree in 1938. Collection of Ralph Pearce

Looking Back: Los Gatan William C. Allen; My Great-Grandfather's Final Hour

Ralph looks back on the day that his great-grandfather died.

Ralph Pearce
01/27/2021 - 8:00 AM

Image: Ralph poses on his new Flexy Racer that he received for Christmas in 1963. Photo by Joyce Pearce.

Looking Back: My Favorite Christmas

Ralph looks back at the Christmas season of 1963.

Ralph Pearce
12/16/2020 - 9:00 AM

Barn

#PixinParks Santa Teresa

The Santa Teresa county park challenge is a 2.9 mile moderately rated loop with little to no shade cover so bring a hat!

Brandy Maldonado
11/07/2020 - 7:00 AM