Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bill to crackdown on how California utilities spend customers’ money rejected

• Upcoming Justin Timberlake concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Steve Wozniak

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

― Confucius

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!

San Jose's Alum Rock Park, established in 1872, is recognized for being:

A) The largest city park in California

B) The site of the oldest municipal park in California

C) Home to the only natural lake in San Jose

D) A former location for the World's Fair

Answer to Week 12's Trivia:

The San Jose event, held in Almaden Lake Park, renowned for its colorful display of fireworks on Independence Day is D) Rotary Fireworks.

News

💼 Business

New federal rule bans ‘noncompete’ agreements for most workers. (Link)

Dunn-Edwards Paints will move into some Kelly-Moore Bay Area stores. (Link)

Bill to crackdown on how California utilities spend customers’ money rejected. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Everything we know about where the 49ers-Brandon Aiyuk drama stands. (Link)

Four famous 49ers could have their kids picked in this NFL Draft. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Biz Beat: San Jose drive-thru serves authentic Mexican food. (Link)

Cupertino cuts millions in city services. (Link)

San Jose to launch smarter 311 app to handle vehicle complaints. (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

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

🏈 Bay Area Panthers vs. Vegas Knight Hawks
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

⚾ San Jose Giants vs. Lake Elsinore Storm
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)

⚽ Bay FC vs. Chicago Red Stars
PayPal Park, San Jose
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)

Concerts

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

🎤 Aventura
SAP Center at San Jose
Thursday, May 2nd | (More info)

🎤 Justin Timberlake
SAP Center at San Jose
Tuesday, May 7th | (More info)

🎸 The Mission UK (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose
Wednesday, May 8th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🌸 Free Kids Event: Lakeshore's Garden Wonders
1099 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

🎥 (Un)Free Will ~ Queer Film Screening + Discussion
1980 Hamilton Avenue, San Jose
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)

🌍 Earth Heroes Nature Camp Open House!
76 Race Street, San Jose
Wednesday, May 8th | (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 “Urban landscape of San Jose with advanced public transport systems” 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

Establishment of IBM's West Coast operations in San Jose (1943) - Marking the beginning of the region's technological growth.

In 1943, amidst the global turmoil of World War II, a pivotal development was quietly unfolding in San Jose, California, that would eventually mark the dawn of an unprecedented era in technological innovation and economic growth for the region. The International Business Machines Corporation, more widely known as IBM, made a strategic decision to establish its first West Coast operations in this relatively tranquil and unassuming part of the Santa Clara Valley. This move wasn't just a geographic expansion for IBM; it was an event that would lay the initial cornerstone for what would later become known as Silicon Valley, the world’s premier technology hub.

IBM's choice of San Jose for its West Coast operations was influenced by a confluence of factors. The region offered ample space for expansion, a conducive climate for manufacturing precision instruments, and a burgeoning talent pool from nearby universities and colleges. Initially, IBM's facility focused on producing punched card equipment, a critical technology for data processing at that time. This endeavor not only brought advanced manufacturing techniques to the area but also fostered a culture of innovation and experimentation. The establishment of IBM in San Jose attracted other technology firms and skilled workers to the region, setting off a catalytic effect that spurred local economic growth and technological advancement.

The significance of IBM's decision to set roots in San Jose cannot be overstated. It was a harbinger of the transformation that would see this agrarian landscape evolve into a bustling metropolis and the heart of global technological innovation. Through fostering a symbiotic relationship with the community, investing in local education, and driving forward the frontiers of technology, IBM played a crucial role in shaping the destiny of San Jose. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the area’s history, positioning it as a pivotal player in the tech-dominated world of the 20th and 21st centuries, and laying the foundation for what we know today as Silicon Valley.

Famous People From San Jose

Steve Wozniak (1950-Present) :

Early Years and Family Background (1965-1983):

Steve Wozniak, born on August 11, 1950, in San Jose, California, grew up in a supportive environment that was conducive to creativity and innovation. His father, Jerry Wozniak, was an engineer at Lockheed Martin, which played a significant role in sparking young Steve's interest in electronics and mechanics. His mother, Margaret Wozniak, was of German and Swiss descent and worked as a homemaker. From a young age, Wozniak showed a profound interest in electronics, building his own amateur radio and working on various projects in the family garage.

Educational Journey (1969-1974):

Wozniak’s passion for electronics continued through his schooling. He attended Homestead High School in Cupertino, where he met Steve Jobs, with whom he would later co-found Apple Inc. Wozniak was not only excellent in his electronics class but also won accolades at the state level for his ingenious creations. After high school, he enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, to study electrical engineering but dropped out temporarily to earn money for his tuition by working at Hewlett-Packard.

The Birth of Apple Computer (1975-1976):

The idea of Apple Computer was conceived in Wozniak's family garage, where he and Jobs spent countless hours designing what would become the Apple I. Wozniak's wizardry in circuit design and his vision of producing a user-friendly computer materialized when the Apple I was debuted at the Homebrew Computer Club in Palo Alto, California. This was a pivotal moment not only in Wozniak's life but also in the history of personal computing.

Revolutionizing Personal Computing (1977-1981):

Following the success of the Apple I, Wozniak developed the Apple II, which was introduced in 1977. This new model came with color graphics and opened up the benefits of computing to a mass audience, being a critical factor in the PC revolution. The Apple II was an astounding success and set the stage for future innovations in personal computing.

A Period of Challenges and Change (1982-1985):

The early 1980s were a challenging time for Wozniak. In 1981, he was involved in a plane crash that temporarily affected his memory and took him away from his work at Apple. During his recovery, he returned to UC Berkeley under a pseudonym to finish his degree in electrical engineering. In 1985, amidst growing tension and shifting directions at Apple, Wozniak decided to leave the company to pursue other interests.

Philanthropic Ventures and Continued Innovation (1986-1995):

After leaving Apple, Wozniak turned his attention to various philanthropic and business endeavors. He founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation to promote internet civil liberties and was involved in various business ventures including remote-controlled technology and GPS technology. His philanthropic efforts were particularly focused on providing resources and support for technology education in schools.

Return to Apple and Later Career (1996-2005):

In 1996, Wozniak returned to Apple as an advisor when the company was struggling to regain its footing. His return coincided with Apple's revival under Steve Jobs' leadership following his return in 1997. During this period, Wozniak also focused on developing wireless GPS technology, which led to the creation of Wheels of Zeus (WoZ) in 2002, a company aimed at helping people connect everyday things wirelessly to the internet.

Reflecting on Legacy and Technology (2006-2015):

As he stepped back from active business roles, Wozniak became more vocal about his views on technology and innovation. He often spoke at technology and education conferences, sharing his insights and encouraging the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. Wozniak also wrote his autobiography, iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon, which gave readers an inside look at his life and the formation of Apple.

Connection to San Jose (Throughout Life):

Despite his global influence, Wozniak's roots remained deeply embedded in San Jose. He consistently contributed to local initiatives and education programs, promoting STEM education across schools in the San Jose area. His ongoing involvement in the tech community helped bolster San Jose's status as a major hub in Silicon Valley.

Looking to the Future (2016-Present):

Even in recent years, Wozniak continues to inspire with his commitment to technology and education. He co-founded Woz U, an educational platform aimed at reinventing tech education to close the employment gap in the tech industry. His influence is evident in the ongoing evolution of Silicon Valley and in the continued enthusiasm for innovation in technology.

Key Achievements:

• Co-founded Apple Inc., revolutionizing the personal computing industry.

• Designed the Apple I and Apple II, pioneering contributions that changed technology.

• Founded the Electronic Frontier Foundation and Woz U, emphasizing his commitment to education and internet rights.

• Authored iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon, sharing his life story and insights into Apple's early days.

Steve Wozniak's life story is a testament to the power of creativity, persistence, and innovation. From his early days in San Jose to his monumental contributions to the tech industry, his journey reflects the essence of Silicon Valley itself. Through his various ventures, whether in technology, philanthropy, or education, Wozniak has consistently worked towards empowering the next generation of innovators.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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