In the late 19th century, Berryessa was a small farming community, well-known across California for its high-quality fruit. Hostetter Road, Capitol Avenue, Piedmont Road, and Lundy Avenue were formerly surrounded by apricot and prune orchards. The J. F. Flickinger Fruit Packing Company, one of the largest fruit packing companies in the Santa Clara Valley, was located around present-day Hostetter Road. In the 1960s and 70s, the land where the orchards stood was developed into suburban residential neighborhoods and businesses. Today, tiny remnants of the orchards remain, including the Orlando Farm. In 2013 it, too, was developed into housing on Capitol Avenue and the Mattos' apricot orchard off Piedmont Road.[2]
Today, Berryessa is distinguished as a fast-growing bedroom community of San Jose. It is served by VTA light rail and (in 2019[3]), an extension of the Bay Area Rapid Transit BART system.
The old Berryessa Elementary School building, built in 1927, is a Spanish Colonial Revival style, designed by noted Northern California architect W.H. Weeks.[4] The building has served as a commercial space since 1983.
The district borders Milpitas along Landess Avenue to the north and the Alum Rock neighborhood of East San Jose along Mabury Road to the south (needs citation). The County Assessor lists Golf Drive as the southern boundary east of White Road. [5]
The large majority of the primarily residential community is part of the Fourth City Council District, along with Alviso and North San Jose. It was represented by Chuck Reed, prior to his election as Mayor of San Jose. The current district representative is David Cohen. [6] Part of the southern portion of Berryessa, below Penitencia Creek Road, is represented by Councilmember David Ortiz, District 5. [7] This includes the neighborhood around Toyon Elementary School, but not the school itself. [8] Toyon Elementary was part of the Berryessa Union School District prior to it being closed following the 2024/25 school year. [9] There is also a small unincorporated County area of Berryessa that is represented by District 2 County Supervisor Betty Duong. [10]
The annual Berryessa Art & Wine Festival, one of the best-known local events in the area, has been a tradition for over 40 years.
The festival is typically held in May. It includes 120-150 artist booths and 14 food booths, run by Berryessa non-profit groups. Community Row features booths from various service groups and non-profits that offer information to the festival-goers. Business Row has representatives from the Berryessa community and other local San Jose businesses. A stage area features local amateur and professional entertainment, and there are booths from several local radio stations.
The festival is held on the grounds of Penitencia Creek Park.
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