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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• One Santana West gains new Couchbase HQ on ground floor.

• Upcoming San Jose Giants match

• A deep-dive into the life of John Muir

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

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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 hosts an annual Silicon Valley Beer Week celebrating craft breweries. In which month does this event typically take place?

A) January

B) July

C) October

D) December

Answer to Week 37's Trivia:

The unique San Jose landmark that serves as both a museum and an active astronomical observatory, located atop Mount Hamilton, is B) The Lick Observatory.

News

💼 Business

U.S. appeals court revives Google privacy class action lawsuit. (Link)

One Santana West gains new Couchbase HQ on ground floor. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Al Attles, one of NBA's first Black head coaches who led Warriors to 1975 title, dies at 87. (Link)

49ers coach makes Christian McCaffrey wedding quip in response to injury question. (Link)

🏦 Finance

UK watchdog approves Meta’s ad data rule changes. (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

⚽ FC Barcelona Femeni at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Tuesday, Aug 27th | (More info)

⚾ Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Wed, Aug 28th - Fri, Aug 30th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Peso Pluma
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Wednesday, Aug 28th | (More info)

🎵 Jelly Roll
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

📚 Family Storytime
1157 Minnesota Ave, San Jose
Tuesday, August 27th | (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 celebrating a futuristic holiday with unique traditions” 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

San Jose's Greenbelt Alliance (1980s) - Efforts to limit urban sprawl and preserve open space.

In the early 1980s, the burgeoning tech industry began to transform the landscape of San Jose and its surrounding areas, catalyzing rapid urban development and significantly affecting the region's natural and agricultural lands. This period of swift expansion raised concerns about the sustainability of such growth and the long-term implications for local ecosystems, farmland, and the quality of life of its residents. Amidst these changes, the Greenbelt Alliance emerged as a pivotal organization dedicated to addressing the threats of urban sprawl by advocating for the preservation of open spaces and the promotion of smart growth strategies.

The Greenbelt Alliance, founded on the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainable urban planning, embarked on a multi-faceted approach to combat the encroachment on San Jose’s natural landscapes. It worked tirelessly to influence public policy and land-use planning, aiming to create a balance between development needs and environmental conservation. Through their efforts, the Alliance sought to safeguard the region's agricultural lands, water resources, and biodiversity, all while ensuring that urban development proceeded in a thoughtful and restrained manner. Their advocacy played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of greenbelts—areas of undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding urban areas—as a means to limit urban sprawl and provide communities with vital green spaces.

Moreover, the Greenbelt Alliance's efforts in the 1980s laid the groundwork for future conservation and smart growth initiatives in San Jose and the broader Bay Area. By collaborating with local governments, developers, and communities, they contributed to the adoption of policies and practices that prioritized the preservation of open space and the development of sustainable, compact urban areas. Their pioneering work not only helped to protect significant tracts of land from the pressures of urban development but also inspired a lasting legacy of environmental activism and responsible city planning in San Jose, promoting a vision of a region where growth and green spaces go hand in hand.

Famous People From San Jose

John Muir (1838–1914) - Naturalist and conservationist, visited and wrote about the San Jose area.

John Muir, a Scottish-American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States, holds a legacy that continues to influence conservation efforts today. His profound connection with nature and his writings inspired readers to see the beauty and importance of the natural world, leading to significant conservation achievements.

Early Life and Emigration to America (1838-1849)

John Muir was born in Dunbar, Scotland, to Daniel Muir and Ann Gilrye. He was the third of eight children in a strict, religious household. In 1849, his family emigrated to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, where they established a farm. The young Muir was profoundly influenced by the wilderness of the American landscape, which sparked his lifelong passion for the natural world.

Education and Early Explorations (1850-1866)

Despite working hard on the family farm, Muir found time to educate himself, showing a particular interest in botany and mechanics. His inventions earned him a place at the University of Wisconsin. Although he did not graduate, his time at university further fueled his interest in nature and led to extensive explorations of the natural world.

A Thousand-mile Walk to the Gulf (1867-1868)

After an industrial accident nearly blinded him, Muir decided to follow his passion for exploration. In 1867, he undertook a thousand-mile walk from Indiana to the Gulf of Mexico. This journey, documented in his later writings, underscored Muir's deep connection with nature and his growing concern for conservation.

Preservation Advocacy and the Sierra Club (1869-1892)

Muir's travels eventually led him to the Yosemite Valley in California, where he would play a crucial role in its preservation. Through his writings and advocacy, he argued for the protection of wilderness areas. In 1892, he co-founded the Sierra Club, an organization dedicated to preserving and enjoying America's wild places, serving as its first president.

Connection to San Jose and Yosemite (1870s-1880s)

Muir often visited the San Jose area during his travels in California. His observations and experiences in the nearby Yosemite Valley deeply influenced his conservation efforts. Through his advocacy, Muir helped raise awareness about the importance of preserving such natural spaces for future generations.

Legislative Achievements and National Parks (1890-1900)

Muir's relentless advocacy and lobbying efforts were instrumental in the creation of Yosemite National Park in 1890. He was also pivotal in the establishment of several other national parks and forests, working tirelessly to ensure the protection of America's natural beauty and biodiversity.

Friendship with Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909)

Muir's influence reached the highest levels of government. In 1903, he camped with President Theodore Roosevelt in Yosemite. Their meeting greatly impacted Roosevelt’s views on conservation, leading to more rigorous conservation policies and the establishment of numerous national forests, parks, and monuments.

Later Years and Global Recognition (1910-1914)

In his final years, Muir continued to advocate for the protection of US wilderness, receiving global recognition for his conservation efforts. He embarked on trips to places like South America and Africa, documenting his experiences and emphasizing the universal need for natural preservation.

Final Thoughts and Legacy (Post-1914)

John Muir passed away on December 24, 1914, leaving behind a rich legacy of conservation. His writings continue to inspire nature lovers and conservationists around the world. The Sierra Club, now a significant environmental organization, remains a testament to his enduring influence on environmental advocacy.

Key Achievements of John Muir:

• Co-founder and first president of the Sierra Club, one of the most influential conservation organizations in the United States.

• Instrumental in the establishment of Yosemite National Park, as well as several other national parks and protected areas.

• Advocate for the National Park system and natural preservation, influencing US conservation policy and public opinion.

• Author of numerous articles, essays, and books that continue to inspire the conservation movement and deepen public appreciation for nature.

John Muir's life was a testament to the power of passion and advocacy in the face of industrialization's threat to natural spaces. His writings and actions laid the groundwork for the conservation movement in the United States, contributing significantly to the preservation of wilderness areas for future generations. Through his founding of the Sierra Club and his role in establishing national parks, Muir's legacy continues to encourage the protection and appreciation of the natural world.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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