This Year's Creative Challenge

Step 1: The Hunt (Find 3 Items) Find three "hidden" playful elements. If you aren't sure where to look, try finding one from each category:
The Ground: A sidewalk leaf imprint, a colorful drain cover, or a painted court line (like at St. James Park or your local school).
The Structure: A basketball hoop with a colorful net, a unique fence pattern, or a bold mural (look for the vibrant street art in Japantown or the SoFA District!).
The Texture: A weathered brick wall.
Step 2: The Creation Capture your discoveries in whatever way feels best for you. There is no right way to do this:
Snap it: Take a quick photo or record a 10-second video clip.
Sketch it: Spend 5 minutes drawing the shapes you see.
Describe it: Write a three-sentence "found poem" about the colors or textures.
Step 3: Share. Send your work to us on social media or to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov so we can celebrate your neighborhood! Don't forget to tag #WeCreate408.

Every neighborhood in San José has a flavor. Whether it’s a specific taco truck in East Side, a bowl of ramen in Japantown, or your abuela’s kitchen, we want to see—and "taste"—what home feels like to you.
How to Participate
Pick the level that fits your creative energy today:
Option 1: The Quick Bite (Easy) Share a photo of your food and finish this sentence:
"This tastes like San José home because..."
Option 2: The Flavor Map (Intermediate) Help us map the city! Share a photo or a simple list with these three details:
The Food: (e.g., Orange Sauce, Falafel, Vietnamese Iced Coffee)
The Spot: (The restaurant name, food truck corner, or neighborhood)
The Soundscape: What do you hear while you eat this? (e.g., The hum of the 101, the "clack-clack" of skateboards at Roosevelt Park, or the VTA light rail bell).
Option 3: The "Full Menu" (Do It Your Way) Express your San José food story through any medium. You could:
Record the sound of the sizzle at your favorite BBQ spot.
Sketch the logo of a hidden gem restaurant.
Write a poem about the smell of roasting coffee or pan dulce in your neighborhood.
Film a "day in the life" 30-second clip of your food journey.
Where to Send: Tag us on social media or email wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov and tag #WeCreate408. Don’t forget to shout out the business so we can support our local gems!
Bonus: The "Vibe Check"
Describe the atmosphere around the food. Is it the roar of the crowd at PayPal Park? The low, slow rumble of lowriders on King Road? The smell of rain on hot asphalt? Give us the "texture" of the air where you eat.

In San José, circuits power our phones—but what powers you? Map out your "Care Circuit": the local places, people, and pets that recharge your batteries and keep you feeling nourished.
How to Participate
Step 1: Draw Your Circuit Grab a piece of paper and draw one large shape. It can be a circle, a heart, a square, or even the outline of a computer chip! This is your Care Circuit.
Step 2: Fill the Circuit Fill the inside of your shape with with what supports you. If you’re stuck, try to include at least one of each:
A Human or Pet: (e.g., your neighbor, your cat, the barista who knows your order).
An SJ Sanctuary: A San José place where you feel calm (e.g., the Rose Garden, Alum Rock Park, your local Branch Library, or a quiet corner of Lake Cunningham).
A Small Comfort: Something local you love
Step 3: Share Your Circuit
Pick the way that’s easiest for you to share:
Visual: Snap a photo of your drawing and tag us.
Haiku: Write a 3-line haiku about your care circuit
Audio: Record a 10-second voice note
Bonus Connection: Text you care circuit as a "thank you" or a reset reminder to a loved one.

San José is home to some incredible high-flying creatures. Your goal is to find one, name it, and discover its special moves.
Step 1: The Encounter
Find a bird in through your window, park or camera roll.
Legendary birds: The Turkeys of South SJ 🦃, the Falcons at City Hall, or a Snowy Egret near the Guadalupe River.
Step 2: Create Your Bird card:
Fill in these details to identify your Birdémon:
Name: Give it a title (e.g., "The Alum Rock Screecher").
Type: (e.g., Urban, Forest, Water, or "Shiny" if it’s a rare color).
Special Move: What is it doing? (e.g., French Fry Stealth 🍟, Powerline Balancing ⚡, or The Morning Alarm Squawk ⏰).
Cool Feature: Does it have a funky crest? Bright blue wings? A sharp beak?
Share Your Discovery
🎨 Visual: Doodle your Birdémon (stick figures are great!) or share a photo.
🎬 Performance: Act out its "Special Move" or whistle its "Battle Cry" in a 5-second video.

Share: Submit your creation to us on social media and add #WeCreate408 or email us to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.
Bonus: Write an Earth Day wish from the bird to you.

Week 1 - Play

Take a Play Walk

Week 2 - San Jose Love

Tastes Like Home

Week 3 - Nurture

Create Your Care Circuit

Week 4 - Birdémon

Create Your Birdémon

How to Participate

Wall of Creativity