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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• California High-Speed Rail Authority hires transportation veteran.

• Upcoming San Jose Giants match

• A deep-dive into the life of Clara Shortridge Foltz

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” 

— Vincent Van Gogh

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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 trail in San Jose offers over 60 miles of scenic pathways for biking, walking, and running, connecting various parks and neighborhoods across the city?

A) Guadalupe River Trail

B) Los Gatos Creek Trail

C) Coyote Creek Trail

D) Almaden Quicksilver County Park Trails

Answer to Week 34's Trivia:

The San Jose Rose Garden is internationally renowned and accredited by A) American Rose Society as a display garden for roses.

News

💼 Business

Musk's X accused of using EU user data to train bot without consent. (Link)

Neuralink implanted second trial patient with brain chip, Musk says. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Warriors may have a full extra year to think about blockbuster trade with Utah Jazz. (Link)

Rublev beats Matteo Arnaldi 6-4, 6-2 after rain delay to reach National Bank Open final. (Link)

🏦 Finance

California High-Speed Rail Authority hires transportation veteran. (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

⚾ Stockton Ports at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Thu, Aug 15th - Sun, Aug 18th | (More info)

⚽ Tacoma Defiance at Luton Town
PayPal Park, San Jose
Sunday, Aug 25th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Steel Pulse
Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
Friday, Aug 16th | (More info)

🎵Thomas Anders
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Friday, Aug 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎨 2024 Ganesha Painting Workshop for Kids
385 River Oaks Parkway, San Jose
Saturday, Aug 17th | (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 with a transportation system based on personal drones” 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

The rise of the Semiconductor Industry (1950s-1960s) - Pioneering work by companies like Fairchild Semiconductor.

The semiconductor industry, tracing its roots back to the mid-20th century, experienced significant evolution during the 1950s and 1960s, a period marked by pioneering work and rapid technological advances. This era set the stage for the transformation of San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley from an area of apricot orchards into the global epicenter for technological innovation and production. Central to this transformation was the establishment and rise of companies like Fairchild Semiconductor, founded in 1957 by a group of defectors from Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory, aptly named the Traitorous Eight. Their departure and subsequent success underscored a pivotal shift in the tech landscape, fostering an environment of innovation and competition.

Fairchild Semiconductor's contributions during this period were profound, laying the groundwork for the modern digital age. The company's development of the first commercially viable integrated circuit in 1960 was a monumental achievement that drastically changed the electronics industry. This innovation allowed for the miniaturization of electronic devices, leading to more powerful and compact computers and a plethora of electronic gadgets. Furthermore, Fairchild's practices in employee entrepreneurship and equity-sharing paved the way for a unique Silicon Valley culture that encouraged innovation, risk-taking, and the spawning of numerous spin-off companies, further fueling the region's technological boom.

San Jose's trajectory towards becoming the world-renowned hub of technology, known today as the capital of Silicon Valley, was significantly influenced by the seminal developments of the 1950s and 1960s in the semiconductor industry. The pioneering work of companies such as Fairchild Semiconductor not only revolutionized the tech industry but also transformed the socio-economic landscape of San Jose and its surroundings. The city's growth mirrored the explosive expansion of the tech industry, attracting skilled engineers, entrepreneurs, and capital investment from across the globe. This period marked the beginning of San Jose's transformation into a bustling metropolis, characterized by innovation, prosperity, and an insatiable drive toward the future of technology.

Famous People From San Jose

Clara Shortridge Foltz (1849–1934) - First female lawyer on the West Coast, advocated for women's rights in San Jose.

Clara Shortridge Foltz holds the distinction of being the first female lawyer on the West Coast of the United States, a pioneering advocate for women's rights, and a key figure in legal reform. Her life's work transcended the courtroom, influencing broader societal changes toward gender equality and legal access.

Early Life and Education (1849-1872)

Clara Shortridge Foltz was born in Lafayette, Indiana, in 1849. Growing up in a time when women's roles were strictly defined and limited, Foltz faced considerable obstacles from an early age. Despite these challenges, her ambition and intellect were evident even as a young girl, setting the stage for her groundbreaking career.

Breaking Barriers: Becoming a Lawyer (1872-1878)

Foltz's journey to becoming the first female lawyer on the West Coast began in earnest when she moved to California. At the time, the legal profession was exclusively male, and statutes explicitly barred women from practicing law. Undeterred, Foltz lobbied the California Legislature to change these laws, leading to the passage of the 1878 Woman Lawyer Bill, which allowed women to practice law in California.

Advocacy in San Jose (1878-1885)

Foltz's connection to San Jose was a crucial chapter in her career. It was in Santa Clara County where she made her first significant legal victories and actively participated in the women's suffrage movement. San Jose served as a backdrop for Foltz's early efforts in both the legal arena and in advocating for societal changes towards women's rights.

Expanding Her Influence (1885-1895)

Following her early successes, Foltz expanded her influence beyond San Jose. She became a prominent speaker and writer on women's rights, law reform, and suffrage, traveling throughout California and the nation. Foltz's persuasive oratory and insightful articles contributed significantly to the shifting perceptions of women's roles in society and the legal profession.

The Public Defender Movement (1895-1910)

One of Foltz's most enduring legal reforms is the creation of the public defender movement. Recognizing the injustice of defendants being unable to afford legal representation, she proposed the idea of public defenders to ensure that even the indigent got a fair trial. Her ideas laid the groundwork for the public defender systems in place today.

Political Ambitions and Activism (1910-1920)

Throughout the 1910s, Foltz ran for several political offices, including a bid for the Governor of California, underscoring her commitment to political activism and change. Although she did not win these elections, her campaigns brought attention to issues such as women's suffrage, labor rights, and prison reform.

A Pioneer in Legal Education (1920-1930)

In the 1920s, Foltz continued her advocacy by focusing on legal education reform. She championed the cause of affordable and accessible legal education, which led to the establishment of several night law schools. These schools provided working adults and those who could not afford traditional law school a path to becoming lawyers.

Reflecting on a Life of Achievement (1930-1934)

In the last years of her life, Foltz reflected on her long career, understanding her role in societal transformations and legal reforms. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including the struggle to support her family as a single mother, Foltz remained committed to her ideals until her death in 1934.

Legacy and Memory (1934 and Beyond)

Clara Shortridge Foltz's legacy endures in the many barriers she broke and the reforms she initiated. Her life is a testament to the impact one person can have on society. Today, buildings, scholarships, and lectures in her name continue to honor her contributions and inspire future generations.

Key Achievements of Clara Shortridge Foltz:

• Pioneered the role of women in the legal profession as the first female lawyer on the West Coast.

• Changed California law to allow women to practice law.

• Founded the public defender movement to ensure fair legal representation for the indigent.

• Actively participated in the women's suffrage movement, advocating for women's right to vote.

• Contributed to legal education by promoting night law schools for those unable to attend traditional institutions.

Clara Shortridge Foltz's life and career were defined by her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the empowerment of women. Through sheer determination and intellect, she overcame societal barriers to become a trailblazer in the legal profession and a leading advocate for change. Her legacy is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the enduring impact one individual can have on society's progress toward equality and fairness.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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