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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Local air taxi company raises $430M.

• Upcoming San Jose Sharks match

• A deep-dive into the life of Norman Mineta

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.”

— Neil deGrasse Tyson

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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 was the first city in the world to launch a public electric light railway system in what year?

A) 1863

B) 1881

C) 1910

D) 1933

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The San Jose high school known for its historic architecture and designation as a California Historical Landmark is D) Lincoln High School.

News

💼 Business

Major insurance company changing course in California. (Link)

AI semiconductor company exits stealth mode. (Link)

🏒 Sports

As Warriors enjoy ‘silver lining’ schedule, Klay Thompson making extra homecoming. (Link)

Behind program-record 18 3-pointers, Cal takes down Stanford with largest Big Game margin of victory in 42 years. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Local air taxi company raises $430M. (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

🏒 Winnipeg Jets at San Jose Sharks
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Tuesday, Dec. 17th | (More info)

🏒 Colorado Avalanche at San Jose Sharks
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Thursday, Dec. 19th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Jinjer
Pepper Disco Club, San Jose
Sunday, Dec. 15th | (More info)

🎤 Grupo Niche
Centro de Convenciones, San Jose
Saturday, Dec. 21st | (More info)

Family

🎁 Holiday Donor Milk Pick-Up
1887 Monterey Road, Suite 105-110, San Jose
Wednesday, Dec. 18th | (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 streets with interactive, responsive surfaces” 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 adopts the council-manager form of government (1965) - A significant change in local governance.

In 1965, San Jose, then a burgeoning city in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, underwent a significant transformation in its local governance structure by adopting the council-manager form of government. This pivotal change was designed to streamline city operations, enhance efficiency, and ensure a more transparent and responsive administration. The shift was motivated by a growing recognition that the complexities of running an expanding urban centre required professional management, melding administrative expertise with elected officials' broad policy oversight.

Under the council-manager system, the San Jose City Council, comprised of elected representatives including the mayor, assumed the primary role of setting policy, enacting local ordinances, and making decisions regarding the city's economic and developmental direction. The council's pivotal move was to appoint a city manager, entrusting this individual with the responsibility of administering day-to-day operations, implementing council policies, and overseeing the city's staff and departments. This division of duties aimed to bring a more pragmatic, business-like efficiency to city management, with the city manager's professional expertise driving operational decisions free from political considerations.

The adoption of this form of government in San Jose marked a decisive shift towards a model aimed at fostering more effective governance. It reflected a broader trend across the United States, where cities sought to address the challenges of rapid growth and complex urban management through a clear delineation between political leadership and operational administration. Over the years, this change has allowed San Jose to navigate the challenges of becoming a global tech hub, ensuring that its governance structures can adapt and respond to the ever-evolving needs of its diverse population and economic landscape.

Famous People From San Jose

Norman Mineta (1931–2022) - Served as San Jose's mayor before becoming a significant political figure on the national stage; his career began in San Jose.

Born in San Jose, California, to Japanese immigrant parents, Norman Mineta faced significant hardships during his childhood, particularly when his family was forced into an internment camp during World War II. This early experience of injustice fueled Mineta's passion for civil rights and public service. After their release, the Mineta family returned to San Jose, where Norman graduated from high school. He then attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning a degree in business administration in 1953.

Military Service and Return to San Jose (1953–1967)

Following his college graduation, Mineta served as an officer in the United States Army, where he continued to demonstrate leadership and commitment to his country. Returning to San Jose in 1957, he joined his family's insurance business and became actively involved in the local Japanese American community and civic organizations, laying the groundwork for his political career.

Entering the Political Arena: San Jose City Council (1967–1971)

Norman Mineta's formal entry into politics occurred in 1967 when he was elected to the San Jose City Council. He was the first person of Asian Pacific Islander descent to hold this position in San Jose, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. During his tenure, Mineta focused on urban development issues, transportation, and civil rights, earning a reputation for pragmatic and inclusive leadership.

Mayor of San Jose: A Historic First (1971–1975)

In 1971, Mineta became the Mayor of San Jose, making history as the first Asian American mayor of a major U.S. city. His mayoralty was characterized by efforts to modernize the city, including significant expansions in public transport and the establishment of a high-technology economic base that would later define Silicon Valley. Mineta's vision and policies during his term as mayor contributed to San Jose's growth and development into a bustling metropolis.

Transition to the National Stage: U.S. Congress (1975–1995)

Leveraging his successful political career in San Jose, Mineta ran for and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1974, representing California's Silicon Valley. He served 11 terms in Congress, where he was known for his work on transportation, civil rights, and national security. Mineta played a key role in the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which formally apologized and provided redress for Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

Leadership Roles and Key Legislation (During Congressional Tenure)

As a Congressman, Mineta held significant leadership positions, including chairing the House Transportation Committee. He was instrumental in passing legislation that impacted transportation safety, infrastructure development, and the airline industry, including the landmark Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991. Mineta's bipartisan approach to policymaking earned him respect across the political spectrum.

Cabinet Positions: Commerce and Transportation (2000–2006)

After his time in Congress, Mineta continued to serve the public at the highest levels of government. In 2000, President Bill Clinton appointed him as the Secretary of Commerce, making him the first Asian American to hold a Cabinet position in U.S. history. In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Mineta as the Secretary of Transportation, where he played a crucial role in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 attacks, including the decision to ground all civilian air traffic.

Post-Political Career and Legacy (2006–2022)

Following his departure from public office in 2006, Mineta remained active in various professional and community organizations. He continued to advocate for civil rights, transportation innovation, and U.S.-Japan relations. His legacy as a pioneering figure in American politics and a champion for justice and bipartisanship is honored through various awards and institutions bearing his name.

Key Achievements of Norman Mineta:

• First Asian Pacific Islander American mayor of a major U.S. city (San Jose) and first Asian American appointed to a U.S. presidential Cabinet.

• Served 11 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, contributing significantly to transportation, civil rights, and national security legislation.

• Played a key role in the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, providing an apology and reparations to Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

• Oversaw the Department of Transportation during critical moments, including the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

• Advocated for and helped enact significant transportation policies and infrastructure developments, including the creation and support of the Mineta Transportation Institute in San Jose.

Norman Mineta's remarkable career spanned over four decades of public service, from the City Hall of San Jose to the halls of Congress and eventually, to the highest echelons of the U.S. Cabinet. His enduring legacy as a trailblazer for Asian Americans in politics, a champion for civil rights, and a visionary leader in transportation policy underlines the profound impact of his life and work. Mineta's journey from a childhood in an internment camp to sitting at the table with Presidents reflects an unwavering commitment to serving his country and fighting for the values of justice and equality.

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