Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• EU approves HPE's $14B Juniper Networks acquisition

• Upcoming San Jose Giants match

• A deep-dive into the life of Amadeo Peter Giannini

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”

–Mario Quintana

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!

What annual San Jose parade celebrates the rich Portuguese heritage within the city, featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes?

A) Portuguese Heritage Festival

B) Dia de Portugal

C) Five Wounds Portuguese National Church Parade

D) San Jose Holiday Parade

Answer to Week 32's Trivia:

The San Jose facility known for its extensive research and development in space technology, operated by NASA, is B) Ames Research Center.

News

💼 Business

EU approves HPE's $14B Juniper Networks acquisition. (Link)

Nvidia faces DOJ antitrust probe after complaints from rivals . (Link)

🏒 Sports

Logan Webb pitches 2nd career shutout in the Giants' 1-0 victory over the Athletics. (Link)

Green Day frontman cheekily leaves Bay Area graffiti at Toronto venue. (Link)

🏦 Finance

VTA receives $5.1B in federal funding for BART extension. (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)

⚾ Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tuesday, August 27 to Saturday, August 31, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo
San Jose Civic, San Jose,
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Skinlab (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🍴 San Jose Maggiano's Giant Meatballs & Crostadas Kids Cooking Class
3055 Olin Avenue #Suite 1000, San Jose
Sunday, August 11, 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 where traditional and digital art forms merge in public spaces” 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 City Hall moves to a new building (1958) - Reflecting the city's post-war growth and modernization.

In 1958, San Jose City Hall embarked on a significant transition that would reflect the burgeoning post-war growth and modernization of the city. The move to a new building was not just a change of address; it symbolized San Jose's transformation from a largely agricultural town to a burgeoning urban center in the heart of California's Bay Area. This period marked a time of optimism and progress, mirroring the broader post-war boom across the United States. The new City Hall was designed to accommodate the expanding needs of the city's administration and its citizens, aiming to streamline services and provide a central hub for civic activities.

The architecture of the new City Hall building played a crucial role in representing San Jose's aspirations towards modernity and progress. With a design that emphasized sleek lines, open spaces, and forward-thinking features, it stood as a beacon of contemporary design and efficiency. It was not merely a place for municipal workers; it was conceived as a space where the public could engage directly with their government in a setting that reflected the era's architectural optimism. This move was also a strategic one, intending to spur further development in the surrounding area, signaling the city's commitment to growth and innovation.

The relocation of San Jose City Hall in 1958 became a pivotal moment in the city's history, marking its readiness to step into a new era of significance in the West Coast's economic and cultural landscape. As San Jose continued to evolve, becoming a key player in the burgeoning Silicon Valley, the decisions and design principles behind the new City Hall have been looked back upon as a watershed moment for urban planning and civic ambition. This was more than a municipal upgrade; it was a bold statement of identity and intention, setting the stage for the city's remarkable trajectory over the following decades.

Famous People From San Jose

Amadeo Peter Giannini (1870–1949)

Born in San Jose, California, to Italian immigrant parents, Amadeo Peter Giannini grew up in the burgeoning heart of what would become Silicon Valley. His formative years were marked by the unique blend of agricultural richness and the innovative spirit of his community, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1886–1899)

After leaving school at the age of 13, Giannini worked in his stepfather's produce business, quickly showcasing his natural entrepreneurial skills. By his late twenties, he had made a significant fortune in the produce business, demonstrating an innate understanding of commerce and finance.

Venture into Banking (1900–1904)

Giannini's venture into banking was driven by a desire to serve the underserved. Frustrated by the existing banks’ reluctance to lend to small farmers and businesses, Giannini founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco in 1904, aiming to cater to immigrants like himself who were often excluded from the traditional banking system.

Surviving the San Francisco Earthquake (1906)

The 1906 San Francisco earthquake was both a test and a testament to Giannini's resilience and innovative thinking. While many banks crumbled, he quickly moved the bank's assets to a safe location, and in the earthquake's aftermath, he set up a makeshift bank on the docks, lending funds to local residents and businesses to rebuild their lives, winning their lasting loyalty.

Expansion and Renaming (1907–1927)

Following the success in San Francisco, Giannini sought to expand his banking model. By acquiring several small banks and opening new ones, he began creating a statewide network. In 1927, in recognition of its national ambitions, the Bank of Italy was renamed Bank of America.

Innovations in Banking (1928–1945)

Giannini introduced numerous innovations that revolutionized banking, including the concept of branch banking and the creation of the first statewide branch banking system in the United States. He also pioneered the idea of home mortgages and car loans, making them accessible to the common man for the first time.

Supporting Major Projects (1930s–1940s)

Giannini was not only a banker but also a visionary who financed projects and entrepreneurs that no other bank would support. Notably, he provided the financing for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and the development of the Hollywood film industry, including funding for Walt Disney's production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Final Years and Legacy (1946–1949)

Giannini retired in 1945, leaving behind a banking empire that had transformed the American financial landscape. He passed away in 1949, but his legacy lived on through the Bank of America, which continued to embody his principles of accessibility and service to the community.

Connection to San Jose (Throughout Life)

San Jose remained a constant thread in Giannini's life story. His early experiences in this vibrant, agricultural-based community instilled in him a profound understanding of the value of hard work and the importance of supporting small businesses and local communities, values that would underpin his banking philosophy.

Global Impact (20th Century and Beyond)

Giannini's impact went beyond American shores. The banking model he developed influenced the global financial industry, promoting the idea that banks should serve all people, not just the wealthy. His innovations helped democratize banking, making financial services accessible to the broader population worldwide.

Key Achievements of Amadeo Peter Giannini:

• Founded the Bank of Italy in San Francisco, which later became Bank of America, one of the largest banking institutions in the world.

• Introduced groundbreaking banking innovations, including branch banking, home mortgages, and car loans.

• Played a crucial role in financing pivotal projects like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hollywood film industry.

• Demonstrated exceptional leadership and resilience in the wake of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, rapidly rebuilding and assisting the community.

• His banking practices and philosophy significantly influenced the global financial sector, promoting accessibility and service to the broader community.

Amadeo Peter Giannini was a true pioneer in the banking industry, breaking away from traditional practices to create a financial institution that served the needs of everyday people. His innovative approaches to banking and commitment to community service not only transformed the American financial landscape but also left a lasting impact on the global stage. Giannini's legacy is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of inclusion and equity in the financial world.

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

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