SUBSCRIBER ONLY Builder Barry Swenson believed in struggling San Jose, Santa Cruz downtowns Swenson once survived a small plane crash, staggered to family ranch with injured back after pilot ditched ...

The San Jose company known simply as “Swenson” was founded over a century ago by his grandfather Carl N. Swenson, who built the historic De Anza Hotel on Santa Clara Street in San Jose in 1931.

John was born in San Jose, CA on June 16, 1944 to Jack and Sally Harwood. He was welcomed by his siblings Patrick, Micheal, and Denise. His early years were spent in Bakersfield and Carpenteria.