Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Abbott Labs to Close Bay Area Site, Cut 200 Jobs

• Upcoming Belanova concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Yosh Uchida

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

― Martin Luther King Jr.

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!

Which San Jose event, held in Almaden Lake Park, is renowned for its colorful display of fireworks on Independence Day?

A) San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

B) Silicon Valley Pride

C) San Jose Holiday Parade

D) Rotary Fireworks

Answer to Week 11's Trivia:

The iconic San Jose structure known for its grandeur and prime example of Victorian Italianate architecture is A) The Hayes Mansion.

News

💼 Business

San Jose to launch smarter 311 apps to handle vehicle complaints. (Link)

Santa Clara County gives few contracts to minority-owned businesses. (Link)

Milpitas launches rent relief program for local workers. (Link)

🏒 Sports

49ers QB Brock Purdy has become a spokesperson for corn. (Link)

Tyler Myers, Thatcher Demko help Canucks beat Flames 4-1 to clinch Pacific Division title. (Link)

Connor McDavid becomes 4th in NHL history with 100 assists as the Oilers rout the Sharks 9-2. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Tesla to cut over 10% of workforce in global retrenchment. (Link)

Abbott Laboratories to close Bay Area site; almost 200 jobs to be cut. (Link)

Alameda County had $77.8 million in black-market marijuana seized last year — the most in California. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Lake Elsinore Storm at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tuesday, Apr 30 | (More info)

⚾ Lake Elsinore Storm at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Wednesday, May 1st | (More info)

⚽ Portland Thorns FC at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Wednesday, May 1st | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Acidez (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Wednesday, Apr. 24th | (More info)

🌟 Belanova
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Wednesday, Apr. 24th | (More info)

🎤 Geoff Tate (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose,
Thursday, Apr. 25th | (More info)

🎤 Feid
SAP Center at San Jose
Wednesday, May 1st | (More info)

🎸 Metz with Gouge Away (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose
Friday, May 3rd | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎨Children's Book Story Time
San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

💻 SV's Premier AI & Data Science Free Event
99 Almaden Avenue, San Jose
Thursday, Apr. 25th | (More info)

🍳 San Jose Maggiano's Kids Cooking Class
3055 Olin Avenue Suite 1000, San Jose
Sunday, Apr. 28th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “San Jose where every building is a work of abstract art.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Jose Historical Events

Opening of the First Commercial Broadcasting Station in the World (1909) - Charles Herrold starts radio broadcasting in San Jose.

In 1909, a momentous event in the history of telecommunications took root in San Jose, California, under the aegis of an innovative inventor and educator, Charles David Herrold. Venturing into what was then uncharted territory, Herrold embarked on a pioneering experiment that would forever alter the landscape of information dissemination and entertainment. He established what is regarded as the world's first commercial radio broadcasting station, a feat that not only demonstrated technical prowess but also foresaw the immense societal impact radio would have. His station, initially without a call sign but later known as KQW before evolving into KCBS, began its life in a simple studio set up in the Herrold College of Engineering and Wireless.

Herrold's approach to radio broadcasting was driven by a mix of curiosity and a genuine belief in radio's potential to reach wide audiences. Unlike the wireless telegraph, which was primarily used for point-to-point communication, often for maritime purposes, Herrold's vision was broader. He understood the value of a ""one-to-many"" broadcasting model, where a single transmission could be received by anyone with the appropriate receiving equipment. He started regular programming, which included music and news, offering a new form of entertainment and information to the public. This initiative marked the inception of an era where the airwaves would become a pivotal medium for connecting people, transcending physical barriers.

The legacy of Charles Herrold's early broadcasting endeavors in San Jose is profound, paving the way for the radio industry to flourish globally. By the 1920s and 1930s, radio broadcasting had become an integral part of daily life, fostering a unique communal sense despite individual listeners' isolation. The concept of broadcasting laid down by Herrold not only revolutionized how information and entertainment were consumed but also established the foundational principles for the later development of television and online streaming platforms. Today, as we navigate a world awash with digital media channels, the inception of commercial radio broadcasting in San Jose stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring power of communication in forging communal bonds.

Famous People From San Jose

Yosh Uchida: 1909-1997

Yosh Uchida was a monumental figure in the realm of judo and education, deeply intertwined with San Jose State University's history. His life and legacy are a testament to the power of sports as a platform for personal and communal growth.

Early Years and Introduction to Judo (1909-1927)

Yosh Uchida, born in California, was introduced to judo at a young age, fostering a passion that would define his life. Growing up in an era marked by racial discrimination, Uchida found solace and strength in judo, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to the sport and society.

Becoming a Trailblazer in American Judo (1928-1941)

Uchida's judo journey took a significant turn at San Jose State College (now University), where he became a pivotal figure in organizing collegiate judo competitions. His efforts not only popularized judo on campus but also set the stage for the sport's growth across the United States.

Overcoming Wartime Challenges (1942-1945)

World War II posed significant challenges for Uchida and his family, mirroring the hardships faced by many Japanese Americans. Despite these trials, he remained committed to judo, using it as a means to foster community and resilience among those in internment camps.

Expanding Judo's Reach (1946-1964)

Post-war, Uchida returned to San Jose State, determined to rebuild and expand the judo program. Under his leadership, the university became a national hub for judo, attracting students from across the country and laying the groundwork for international competitions.

Elevating Judo to the International Stage (1965-1972)

Uchida's vision and dedication brought judo to the global forefront when he helped orchestrate its inclusion in the Olympic Games. His role in organizing the first judo competition in the 1964 Olympics marked a significant milestone in the sport's history.

Fostering Education and Inclusivity Through Judo (1973-1987)

Beyond the tatami, Uchida championed education and inclusivity. At San Jose State, he leveraged judo as a medium for life lessons, emphasizing values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance, contributing significantly to the university's ethos and diversity.

Legacy and Retirement (1988-1997)

In his retirement, Uchida continued to impact the judo world and San Jose State University. His legacy was not merely in elevating judo but in using the sport as a bridge between cultures and communities, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

Remembering Yosh Uchida (1997 and Beyond)

Uchida's passing in 1997 marked the end of an era but his legacy lives on at San Jose State and in the global judo community. His life's work continues to inspire generations, underscoring judo's transformative power.

Key Achievements of Yosh Uchida:

• Pioneer in establishing collegiate judo in the United States, particularly at San Jose State University.

• Instrumental in introducing judo as a competitive sport in the Olympic Games.

• Created and expanded educational programs using judo to promote diversity, inclusivity, and mutual understanding.

• Emphasized the importance of judo in fostering discipline, respect, and perseverance among students.

• Dedicated his life to bridging cultural gaps and promoting peace through judo.

Yosh Uchida’s life story is a remarkable testament to the impact one individual can have on a sport, a university, and communities worldwide. Through judo, he not only championed physical excellence but also imparted crucial life values. His tenure at San Jose State University profoundly shaped the institution's culture, leaving an indelible mark on students, athletes, and the broader community. Uchida's legacy is immortalized in the generations of judokas who walk the path he paved, embodying the spirit of respect, discipline, and unity.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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