Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Fry’s Electronics site purchase by tech company

• Upcoming Romeo and Juliet theatrical Performance

• A deep-dive into the life of Peter Hardeman Burnett

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

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 San Jose park is renowned for its Japanese Friendship Garden, designed as a symbol of the city's relationship with its sister city in Japan?

A) Alum Rock Park

B) Kelley Park

C) Plaza de Cesar Chavez

D) Guadalupe River Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The historic San Jose market that has been a center for commerce and community gatherings since the late 19th century is A) San Pedro Square Market.

News

💼 Business

Milpitas surveyed residents about extending Measure F, a citywide quarter-cent sales tax. (link)

Santa Clara County expanded the use of license plate reading cameras. (link)

Santa Clara County capped community spending per district at $1 million. (link)

A tech company with rising sales struck a deal to buy the old Fry’s Electronics site in San Jose. (link)

🏒 Sports

The 2024 AHL All-Star Skills Competition took place in San Jose. (link)

The NLL lacrosse match between Colorado and San Diego was held. (link)

Sean Olde from Wilcox soccer was named the Bay Area boys athlete of the week. (link)

🏦 Finance

A court receiver seized control of an empty and neglected San Jose office building that’s delinquent on its loan. (link)

East West Bank filed a lawsuit against building owner Vista Investment Group as part of the foreclosure process. (link)

The owner of the building allowed certain elements of the structure to lurch into neglect. (link)

A prominent downtown San Jose apartment complex was purchased by a Bay Area nonprofit for conversion into affordable housing. (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

🏀 Air Force Falcons Basketball
Provident Credit Union Event Center, 290 South 7th Street, San Jose, CA
Tuesday, Feb. 13th | (more info)

🏒 San Jose Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
SAP Center, San Jose, CA
Saturday, Feb. 17th | (more info)

🏀 Indoor Basketball Mtn View - 1 court
Mountain View Sports Pavilion, Mountain View, CA
Wednesday, Feb 14th | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Dropkick Murphy’s
San Jose Civic, 145 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA
Tuesday, Feb. 13th | (more info)

🎶 Gareth Emery
San Jose Civic, 145 West San Carlos Street, San Jose, CA
Thursday, Feb. 15th | (more info)

🎸 Rockero Night
The Ritz, San Jose, CA
Saturday, Feb 17th | (more info)

🎤 Air Supply
San Jose Civic, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, Feb 14th | (more info)

🎶 J Boog
The Catalyst, San Jose, CA
Saturday, Feb 17th | (more info)

Family Friendly Events

🎭 Romeo and Juliet - Theatrical Production
Hammer Theatre Center, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, Feb. 14th | 10:00 PM EST(more info)

🎭 Rigoletto
California Theatre - San Jose, 345 South First Street, San Jose, CA
Saturday, Feb. 17th | 10:30 PM EST (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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers.” 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 becomes California's first state capital (1849)

In 1849, San Jose earned a distinguished place in American history by becoming California's first state capital. This historic milestone occurred during a transformative period when California was transitioning from a recently acquired territory of the United States, following the Mexican-American War, to its statehood. San Jose's designation as the state capital allowed it to host the first and second sessions of the California Legislature, marking the beginning of formal governance in the newly admitted state.

The city's selection as the capital was influenced by its strategic location and the burgeoning population in the wake of the Gold Rush, which brought a flood of settlers to California seeking fortune and opportunity. As the site of the initial legislative sessions, San Jose played a pivotal role in shaping the early laws and governmental framework of California. These foundational legislative meetings were crucial in establishing the state's legal and administrative structure, setting precedents that would guide California's development.

However, San Jose's tenure as the state capital was short-lived, with the capital moving to other locations in subsequent years, reflecting the dynamic and rapidly changing nature of the state's political and economic landscape. Despite this, San Jose's early role in California's statehood remains a significant part of its heritage, underscoring the city's importance in the early political and legislative history of California. Today, San Jose is known more for its technological innovations as Silicon Valley's urban center, but its contribution to California's early governance is an indelible part of its legacy.

Famous People From San Jose

Peter Hardeman Burnett (1807–1895)

Early Life and Westward Movement (1807-1848)

Peter Hardeman Burnett was born in 1807 in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in a time of significant change in the United States, witnessing the country's expansion westward. Driven by the spirit of Manifest Destiny, Burnett moved westward, eventually settling in Missouri where he practiced law and engaged in local politics. His journey westward did not stop there; he was captivated by the allure of California and the promise of new beginnings.

The Oregon Trail and Arrival in California (1848-1849)

In 1848, Burnett joined the great migration to the West, leading a wagon train along the Oregon Trail. This perilous journey was marked by hardship and determination. Upon reaching Oregon, Burnett's attention quickly turned to the burgeoning opportunities in California, spurred by the onset of the Gold Rush. He moved to California in 1849, settling in San Jose, which was then a burgeoning community at the heart of the state's political and social transformation.

Involvement in Early California Politics (1849-1850)

Burnett's arrival in California coincided with a pivotal moment in the state's history. He quickly immersed himself in the political scene, leveraging his legal background and leadership skills. His contributions were instrumental in the drafting of California's state constitution, and his advocacy for statehood was a testament to his vision for California's future. His efforts did not go unnoticed, and he emerged as a leading figure in California's path to statehood.

Governorship and Controversial Policies (1850-1851)

Peter Hardeman Burnett made history by becoming the first civilian governor of California in 1850, a significant achievement that placed him at the helm of the new state's early challenges and opportunities. However, his governorship was marked by controversy, particularly his advocacy for exclusionary laws against African Americans and Native Americans. These policies cast a shadow over his tenure, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of early California politics.

Later Life and Continued Influence (1851-1895)

After resigning from the governorship in 1851, Burnett did not retreat from public life. He continued to be involved in the legal and financial sectors, contributing to the development of California's economy. He settled in San Jose, where he remained an influential figure in local politics and community affairs. His later years were dedicated to writing and reflecting on his experiences, offering insights into the turbulent early days of California's statehood.

Key Achievements

• Led a wagon train along the Oregon Trail, contributing to the westward expansion of the United States.

• Played a key role in California's journey to statehood and drafted parts of the state's constitution.

• Served as the first civilian governor of California, overseeing the state's early governance.

• His contributions to early California politics and law had a lasting impact on the state's development.

Peter Hardeman Burnett's journey from Tennessee to California epitomizes the American spirit of adventure and pursuit of new frontiers. As the first civilian governor of California, his tenure was a mix of significant achievements and controversial policies, reflecting the complexities of governing a new state. His legacy in San Jose and throughout California is a testament to his role in shaping the early political landscape of the state, despite the contentious aspects of his governorship. Burnett's life and career offer a nuanced view of the challenges and opportunities faced by early Californian leaders.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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