The San Jose Newsletter
Posts
San Jose Newsletter (July 15th)

San Jose Newsletter (July 15th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Matthew Larsen
July 15, 2024

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

Tackle your credit card debt with 0% interest until nearly 2026

If you have outstanding credit card debt, getting a new 0% intro APR credit card could help ease the pressure while you pay down your balances. Our credit card experts identified top credit cards that are perfect for anyone looking to pay down debt and not add to it.

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 annual event in San Jose celebrates the rich culture and history of the local Vietnamese community?

A) Tet Festival

B) San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

C) Little Saigon Festival

D) Vietnamese Heritage Festival

Answer to Week 25's Trivia:

The name of the largest park in San Jose, offering over 1,500 acres of natural and recreational space, is A) Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

News

💼 Business

SAIGroup acquires digital patient engagement platform Get Well. (Link)

Intuit to cut 1,800 jobs, close two North American sites in AI pivot. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Travis Kelce sends a message to Taylor Swift after winning Lake Tahoe event. (Link)

Macario will miss the Olympics because of right knee irritation, Williams set to step in. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Intel aiming for $1B in software subscriptions by 2027. (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

⚽ Houston Dynamo FC at San Jose Earthquakes
PayPal Park, San Jose
Wednesday, Jul. 17th | (More info)

⚾ Modesto Nuts at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tuesday, Jul. 23rd | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 ARELYS HENAO
630 Coleman Ave, San Jose, CA
Saturday, July 20 | (More info)

🎵 Pepe Aguilar
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Friday, Jul. 19th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🏌️ Summer Academy 2024 at Topgolf San Jose
10 Topgolf Drive, San Jose
Monday, Jul. 15th to Friday, Jul. 19th | (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 each district represents a different season” 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

Opening of the Winchester Mystery House to the Public (1923) - Becoming a landmark tourist attraction.

In the heart of San Jose, California, the Winchester Mystery House stands as a captivating monument to both the extravagance and eccentricity of its creator, Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm magnate William Wirt Winchester. In 1923, five years after Sarah's passing, the sprawling and labyrinthine mansion was opened to the public, transforming it into a landmark tourist attraction that continues to draw visitors from around the globe. The house's intricate and bewildering design, featuring stairways that lead to nowhere, doors that open onto walls, and windows overlooking other rooms, was reputedly intended to confuse the spirits that haunted Winchester, a belief that adds an eerie allure to its history.

The opening of the Winchester Mystery House to the public was a pivotal moment for San Jose, as it offered a unique cultural and architectural marvel unlike anything else in the world. Guided tours began to take visitors through the maze-like corridors and into the many mysteries that the mansion held, from its beautifully crafted but senseless constructions to the stories of its grief-stricken owner. These tours not only provided an insight into Sarah Winchester's mind and the era in which she lived but also contributed to the lore and mystique that surrounded the property.

Today, the Winchester Mystery House is recognized as a significant piece of American architectural history and a testament to personal folklore and legacy. It continues to fascinate those who hear its story, offering a blend of historical truth and myth, architectural wonder, and a glimpse into the eccentricities of the human mind. As a result, it remains one of San Jose's most visited attractions, captivating the imagination of all who walk its haunted halls and contributing to the city's status as a destination for travelers seeking the unusual and mysterious.

Famous People From San Jose

George W. Minns (1829–1894)

George W. Minns was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on August 15, 1829. From a young age, he exhibited a profound dedication to learning and education, leading him to pursue teaching as a career. After completing his education in New Hampshire, he became convinced of the need to spread education to less privileged areas.

Journey to California (1851-1862)

In 1851, Minns decided to move to California, drawn by the allure of the Gold Rush but primarily motivated by the opportunity to influence the burgeoning educational landscape there. Upon his arrival, he discovered a chaotic educational system in need of structure and standardization. Minns committed himself to advance education in California, starting from San Francisco.

Founding Educational Institutions in San Francisco (1863-1870)

Before setting his sights on San Jose, Minns played a critical role in establishing formal educational institutions in San Francisco. His efforts culminated in the creation of the first San Francisco Normal School in 1862, aimed at training teachers and professionalizing education, laying the foundational model for teaching education in California.

Advancing to San Jose (1871-1880)

In 1871, recognizing the need for educational development beyond San Francisco, Minns moved to San Jose. There, he became a pivotal figure in the establishment of the State Normal School, now known as San Jose State University. His leadership and curriculum development at the Normal School significantly contributed to the advancement of teacher education and preparedness.

A Focus on Teacher Education (1881-1885)

Throughout the early 1880s, Minns focused intensely on elevating the quality of teacher education. He believed that a well-prepared teacher was the cornerstone of an effective educational system. Under his guidance, the curriculum of the San Jose Normal School expanded, incorporating modern teaching methodologies and emphasizing practical teaching experience.

Publication and Thought Leadership (1886-1890)

Minns also distinguished himself as a thought leader in education through his publications. His works addressed the critical need for educational reform and teacher preparation. Through his writing, he advocated for standardized teacher certification processes and educational curricula, influencing educational policy not only in California but across the United States.

Legacy in San Jose's Educational System (1891-1894)

Minns's contributions to San Jose's educational system were profound and lasting. He is credited with laying the groundwork for what would become a model educational system in California. His insistence on teacher preparation and educational standards elevated San Jose into a beacon of educational innovation and excellence.

Passing and Remembrance (1894)

George W. Minns passed away on August 3, 1894, leaving behind a legacy of educational advancement and reform. His impact on San Jose, and indeed on the broader educational system in California, continued to be felt long after his death. The Normal School he helped establish in San Jose has evolved into a modern university, but the spirit of his educational reforms remains.

Key Achievements of George W. Minns:

Played a foundational role in the establishment of the San Francisco Normal School, the precursor to teacher education in California.
Leading figure in the development of San Jose State University, focusing on teacher education and curriculum innovation.
Advocated for and implemented educational reforms, including standardized teacher certification and curriculum expansion.
Contributed to thought leadership in education through publications addressing educational reform and teacher preparation.

George W. Minns was a visionary educator who dedicated his life to the development of California's educational system, with a particular impact on the city of San Jose. Through his efforts in establishing educational institutions, advocating for teacher education reforms, and contributing to educational thought leadership, Minns left an indelible mark on the landscape of education in California. His legacy lives on in the continued excellence and evolution of San Jose State University and the educational standards he helped establish.

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