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The Best San Jose News This Week (December 18th)

The Best San Jose News This Week (December 18th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in San Jose.

Matthew Larsen
December 18, 2023

Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

Development of an 11-story building in Downtown West
San Jose Sharks updates
A deep dive into the life of Joan Baez
And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

This historic landmark in San Jose is known for its bizarre architecture, including staircases leading nowhere and doors opening to walls. What is the name of this mansion?

A) Lick Mansion

B) Hayes Mansion

C) Winchester Mystery House

D) Peralta Adobe

News

💼 Business

Protection Against Frivolous ADA Lawsuits: Efforts are being made to protect small businesses in San Jose from frivolous lawsuits related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes a push for legislation that would provide a "time to fix" period for small businesses to become ADA compliant.

Development of an 11-Story Building in Downtown West: A new 11-story building is planned for San Jose's "Downtown West" area. The project is part of the ongoing development and urban growth in the downtown region.

🏒 Sports

San Jose Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights (December 10, 2023): The San Jose Sharks played against the Vegas Golden Knights, adding to the narrative of their challenging season.

San Jose Sharks' Season Performance: The Sharks have been struggling throughout the season, with a series of losses that reflect on their overall performance in the league.

Famous People In San Jose History

Joan Baez: 1941-Present

While Joan Baez, a prominent figure in American folk music and a passionate activist, is still living as of my last update, her deep ties to San Jose are notable. Baez spent a significant part of her early life in San Jose, and the city played an important role in her development as an artist and activist.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1941-1959)

Born on January 9, 1941, in Staten Island, New York, Joan Baez moved to San Jose, California, with her family during her adolescence. Growing up in a Quaker family, she was exposed to a culture of activism and social justice, which deeply influenced her music and life. She began her musical career performing in local clubs and coffeehouses in San Jose and the broader Bay Area.

Rise to Folk Music Stardom (1960-1969)

Baez's performance at the 1959 Newport Folk Festival brought her national recognition. Known for her clear soprano and her renditions of traditional folk songs, Baez became a leading figure in the 1960s folk music revival. Her early albums, featuring a mix of traditional folk ballads and protest songs, were critically acclaimed.

Activism and Advocacy (1970-1989)

Throughout her career, Baez remained a committed activist, using her music to promote peace, civil rights, and social justice. Her activism, deeply rooted in her experiences in San Jose's progressive environment, included protesting against the Vietnam War and advocating for civil rights.

Later Career and Legacy (1990-Present)

Baez has continued to perform and record music into the 21st century. Her work remains influential, and she is revered as both a musician and an activist. Baez's connection to San Jose is remembered as a formative period that shaped her lifelong commitment to music and social change.

Key Achievements of Joan Baez:

Influential folk musician known for her distinctive voice and humanitarian messages.
Played a key role in popularizing folk music during the 1960s.
Lifelong activist for social justice, peace, and human rights.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Her music and activism have had a lasting impact on American culture and beyond.