La Pulga’s Future: Preserving Culture and Identity in a Changing San José

The Spring 2026 Capstone class, whose members call themselves the La Pulga Planners, has built upon the work of the previous class. In addition to the previously identified sites, this semester’s class explored the Reid-Hillview Airport as another option for the relocation of La Pulga. The class also conducted vendor outreach and site analyses to better understand the needs and priorities for a new location.

To better understand the current conditions of La Pulga and the needs for a future market, the class conducted surveys with both vendors and customers.

Over the course of several site visits, students surveyed 55 customers to get a sense of travel patterns and motivations for visiting the market. Findings show that La Pulga primarily serves a regional audience, with many visitors coming from nearby San José neighborhoods, particularly in ZIP codes 95112 and 95110. At the same time, the market continues to attract visitors from outside the immediate area, reinforcing its broader regional appeal.

More importantly, responses highlight that La Pulga is more than a place to shop. It is a social, cultural, and recreational destination. Many respondents identified spending time with their families, walking around, and shopping together as their primary reason for visiting. Additionally, 96 percent of customers reported driving to the market, highlighting the importance of accessibility and adequate parking to support attendance.

Survey results reinforce this pattern. Eighty-two percent of vendors said they view their participation in the flea market as a long-term career. Seventy-two percent expressed an interest in expanding their business. Overall, these findings indicate that vendors are deeply committed to the market and see it as a platform for continued economic growth and stability.

Site Analysis

The Singleton site, a former landfill, offers approximately 90 acres of space and strong regional access near Highway 101 and Capitol Expressway. Its size makes it one of the few sites capable of accommodating all vendors in a single location. However, significant environmental remediation requirements, high redevelopment costs, and regulatory challenges related to California’s Surplus Land Act present major barriers.

The Reid-Hillview Airport represents a long-term opportunity. The 198-acre site is expected to close by 2031 and has the potential to support a large-scale, community-oriented redevelopment. Its location in East San José and proximity to future transit investments make it promising. However, the site remains in the early stages of planning, and its availability is uncertain in the near term.

Looking Ahead

The team’s analysis concluded that La Pulga is a vital community asset, not only economically but also socially and culturally. Over generations, the vendors have become deeply rooted in the Berryessa community, building lasting relationships and trust with local residents. As both a neighborhood destination and a regional attraction, La Pulga functions as an important “third space” where families gather, socialize, and spend time together.

About the Team

The La Pulga Planners team comprises 19 dedicated San José State University graduate students and is led by instructor Richard Kos. The team brings together students from different parts of the world with diverse backgrounds, contributing a wide range of skills and perspectives. Their collective expertise spans community planning, GIS, data and financial analysis, and policy research. These skills allow the team to approach complex urban issues from multiple perspectives. As master’s students in urban planning, the team members share a goal of making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.

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