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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Longtime restaurant owner launches $2 burger joint in San Jose

• Upcoming San Jose Giants match

• A deep-dive into the life of Andrew P. Hill

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”

–Paulo Coelho

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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!

San Jose's Mount Umunhum, one of the highest peaks in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is named after a word from which language, meaning resting place of the hummingbird?

A) Spanish

B) Ohlone

C) Miwok

D) Yokuts

Answer to Week 30's Trivia:

The historic San Jose building, once a grand hotel, now a venue for weddings and events, is A) The Hayes Mansion.

News

💼 Business

Apple agrees to postpone AI upgrades and features until October. (Link)

David Sacks ignites Silicon Valley social media political flame war. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Thaiss has 5 RBIs and Adell go-ahead homer as Angels overcome 4-run deficit and beat Rockies 10-7. (Link)

Draymond Green says he killed a Warriors trade during NBA free agency. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Longtime restaurant owner launches $2 burger joint in San Jose. (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
Tuesday, August 13 to Sunday, August 18, 2024 | (More info)

⚽ NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup
PayPal Park, San Jose, CA
Friday, August 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Aditya Gadhvi
135 W San Carlos St, San Jose
Friday, August 2, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Music in the Park 2024
1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🏌️‍♂️ Summer Academy 2024 Topgolf San Jose
10 Topgolf Drive, San Jose
5-Day Event, Starting Monday, August 5, 2024 | (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 complex system of waterways and canals” 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

César Chávez's Early Activism (1950s) - His work in San Jose laying the groundwork for the Chicano movement.

In the 1950s, long before he became a towering figure in the fight for labor rights in the United States, César Chávez began laying the groundwork for what would later evolve into the significant Chicano movement. His early activism, particularly in San Jose, California, marked the inception of his lifelong commitment to improving conditions for farmworkers and advocating for the rights of the Mexican-American community. During this period, Chávez's efforts were primarily focused on community organizing, educating farmworkers about their rights, and providing a voice for the voiceless in an era when discrimination and economic hardships were rampant.

Chávez's early work in San Jose was characterized by his involvement with the Community Service Organization (CSO), a prominent Latino civil rights group. Through the CSO, Chávez honed his skills in organizing and activism, engaging in voter registration drives, battling racial and economic discrimination, and pushing for improved public services for Chicano communities. His leadership and dedication to these causes quickly made him a respected figure in San Jose and beyond. It was during this time that Chávez's vision for a fair and just society for farmworkers began to take shape, driven by his belief in nonviolent protest and civil disobedience as powerful tools for social change.

The impact of Chávez's early activism in San Jose was profound, setting the stage for the broader Chicano movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His commitment to community organizing and his willingness to address the challenges faced by Mexican-Americans laid the foundation for his later work with the National Farm Workers Association (which would become the United Farm Workers). This period in San Jose was crucial, not only for Chávez's development as a leader but also for the emergence of a cohesive movement aimed at securing rights and improving living conditions for Chicano and farmworker communities across the United States.

Famous People From San Jose

Andrew P. Hill (1853–1922)

Andrew P. Hill, noted for his dual talents as a painter and photographer, left an indelible mark through his art and his instrumental role in the establishment of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, ensuring the preservation of California's majestic redwoods for future generations.

Early Years and Artistic Beginnings (1853-1875)

Andrew Putnam Hill was born in 1853 in Ohio, growing up in a milieu that cherished art and nature. His early life set the foundation for a lifelong passion in the arts, characterized by a deep appreciation for the natural world. Hill's initial forays into painting and photography commenced during this period, honing the skills that would later become central to both his career and his conservation efforts.

The Move to California and Early Career (1876-1890)

Seeking broader horizons and inspired by the allure of the American West, Hill moved to California in the late 1870s. This move was pivotal, as the state's diverse landscapes and burgeoning communities offered fertile ground for his artistic and professional growth. Hill's work as a painter and photographer quickly garnered attention, reflecting a distinctive talent for capturing the essence of California's natural beauty and the vibrancy of its burgeoning cities.

A Connection to San Jose (1891-1900)

Hill's journey eventually led him to San Jose, a place that became not only his home but also the heart of his artistic endeavors. Here, he established himself as a prominent figure in the local art scene, engaging with the community and contributing to its cultural fabric. San Jose's landscapes and people became frequent subjects of Hill's paintings and photographs, capturing the spirit of the city and its surrounding natural beauty.

The Redwoods Project (1900-1905)

At the dawn of the 20th century, Hill embarked on a project that would define his legacy. Tasked with photographing the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a commission, he was struck by their majesty and saddened by the destruction he witnessed due to logging. It was a transformative moment for Hill; he realized that his art could serve a greater purpose—conservation.

The Campaign for Conservation (1905-1910)

Motivated by the urgent need to protect the redwoods, Hill leveraged his photographs and influence to advocate for their preservation. He became a fervent public speaker, writer, and organizer, rallying public opinion and support for the cause. His efforts were instrumental in mobilizing a diverse coalition of citizens, artists, and politicians, united under the shared goal of saving the redwoods.

The Establishment of Big Basin Redwoods State Park (1901-1911)

The culmination of Hill's campaign was the creation of Big Basin Redwoods State Park in 1902, California's first state park. This monumental achievement was a testament to Hill's vision, persistence, and the power of combining art with activism. Through years of tireless advocacy, Hill not only safeguarded a natural treasure but also set a precedent for environmental conservation in California and beyond.

Later Years and Continued Activism (1912-1922)

Even after the success of the Big Basin campaign, Hill remained a dedicated conservationist and artist. He continued to paint, photograph, and advocate for the preservation of natural and urban landscapes throughout California. Up until his death in 1922, Hill was a venerated figure in both the arts and environmental circles, respected for his contributions and unwavering commitment to the causes he held dear.

Artistic Legacy (Throughout Career)

Aside from his conservation efforts, Hill left a significant artistic legacy. His paintings and photographs are celebrated for their beauty and historical value, offering a glimpse into California's past landscapes and lifestyles. Hill's work is an enduring reminder of his talent and his profound appreciation for the natural world.

Final Years and Death (1921-1922)

Andrew P. Hill passed away in 1922, leaving behind a legacy that secured his place in history not just as an artist but as a pioneering conservationist. His life's work resonates through the protected redwoods of Big Basin and the countless artworks that captured California's essence.

Key Achievements of Andrew P. Hill:

• Played a principal role in the establishment of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's first state park.

• Pioneered the use of art and photography in environmental conservation.

• Became a celebrated painter and photographer, with works capturing California's diverse landscapes and urban scenes.

• Instrumental figure in the conservation movement of the early 20th century, inspiring future generations of environmentalists.

Andrew P. Hill was a man whose passion for art and nature transcended the boundaries of each, merging them into a powerful force for conservation. His achievements in safeguarding the redwoods and his contribution to the artistic representation of California's landscapes have left a lasting impact. Hill's legacy is not only preserved in the natural beauty of Big Basin Redwoods State Park but also in the hearts of those who continue to be inspired by his work and dedication to preserving nature's wonders.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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