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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San Jose Sharks Facing Tough Situation With City

• Upcoming FLOW concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Bertha Rice

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out.”

– John Wooden

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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!

In which San Jose neighborhood can you find the SAP Center, home to the San Jose Sharks NHL team?

A) Downtown San Jose

B) SoFA District

C) North San Jose

D) Willow Glen

Answer to Week 27's Trivia:

The iconic Dancing Pig sign is a landmark of A) San Pedro Square Market, known for its diverse food offerings and live music events.

News

💼 Business

Prime downtown San Jose spot survives — and thrives — despite COVID woes. (Link)

Tech and business leaders gather for San Jose AI conference. (Link)

🏒 Sports

San Jose Sharks Facing Tough Situation With City. (Link)

Kerri Walsh Jennings highlights 2024 San Jose Sports Hall of Fame class. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Prime Finance Provides $44M Loan on San Jose Courtyard Hotel. (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

⚾ Modesto Nuts at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tuesday, Jul. 23rd to Sunday, Jul. 28th | (More info)

⚾ Chelsea FC vs Wrexham AFC
Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara
Wednesday, July 24th | (More info)

Concerts

🎸 FLOW
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Friday, Jul. 26th | (More info)

🎵 Music in the Park 2024
1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA
Wednesday, July 24th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎭 Music in the Park 2024
1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA
Tuesday, July 23 | (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 “Futuristic San Jose with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy” 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

First U.S. city to adopt a Habitat Conservation Plan (1980) - Leadership in environmental conservation.

In 1980, San Jose became the first city in the United States to adopt a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), marking a significant milestone in the nation's environmental conservation history. This pioneering move underscored San Jose's commitment to balancing urban development with the conservation of natural habitats and the species they support. The plan was designed to protect endangered species and their habitats within the city and surrounding areas, addressing the potential impacts of urban growth early on. This proactive approach was instrumental in setting a precedent for other cities, highlighting the possibility and importance of integrating urban development with environmental preservation.

San Jose's Habitat Conservation Plan was a response to the growing concerns over habitat loss and the decline of native species, due to rapid urbanization. By implementing the HCP, San Jose demonstrated leadership in environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for thoughtful planning and sustainable development. The plan established measures to mitigate the impacts of development on endangered species, such as the Bay checkerspot butterfly and the California red-legged frog, among others. It facilitated the creation of protected areas and the restoration of habitats, ensuring that these species would continue to have a home even as the city expanded.

Over the years, the success of San Jose's HCP has inspired other municipalities across the United States to adopt similar conservation strategies. By reconciling economic growth with ecological preservation, San Jose has become a model of how cities can flourish while respecting and protecting the natural world. The Habitat Conservation Plan has not only safeguarded significant ecological areas but has also fostered a community that values and actively participates in environmental stewardship. San Jose's pioneering efforts in habitat conservation continue to contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable urban planning and environmental protection, offering valuable lessons for cities around the globe.

Famous People From San Jose

Bertha Rice (1872–1956) -

Bertha Rice was born into a modest family in San Jose, California, in the year 1872. Growing up in a rapidly evolving city, she developed an early interest in the rich history of her surroundings. Her passion for preserving history was evident from a young age, as she would often be found exploring historical sites and reading about the founding pioneers of San Jose.

Education and the Spark of Preservation (1891–1895)

Pursuing higher education was a rarity for women in those times, but Rice was determined to expand her knowledge. She attended local schools in San Jose, where she focused on history and literature. It was during her college years that she became acutely aware of the importance of preserving historical landmarks, fearing that rapid urbanization would erase the physical markers of the past.

A Voice for San Jose's Past (1896–1910)

As Rice transitioned into adulthood, she became more vocal about the need to preserve San Jose’s heritage. She began organizing small community groups dedicated to saving endangered historical sites. Her efforts were not immediately fruitful, as industrial progress was often prioritized over historical preservation, but Rice persisted, believing in the importance of maintaining a tangible connection to history.

Founding the San Jose Heritage Society (1911–1925)

In 1911, after years of advocacy and increasing public support, Rice founded the San Jose Heritage Society (SJHS). The organization was one of the first of its kind in the region, dedicated exclusively to identifying, preserving, and advocating for historical buildings and sites in and around San Jose. Under Rice’s leadership, the SJHS quickly established itself as a pivotal force in the preservation community.

The Battle for the Preservation of the Peralta Adobe (1926–1935)

One of Rice's most significant battles was for the preservation of the Peralta Adobe, considered the oldest building in San Jose. In the late 1920s, the Adobe faced the threat of demolition to make way for new construction. Rice mobilized public opinion and resources, leading a campaign that ultimately saved the Adobe, securing it as a national historic landmark.

A Legacy of Landmarks (1936–1945)

Through the 1930s and into the 1940s, Bertha Rice’s impact on San Jose’s landscape became increasingly visible. Thanks to her tireless efforts and the work of the SJHS, numerous historical sites were saved from destruction. These sites gradually became places of community pride and historical learning, hosting events and tours that educated the public about the city's past.

Recognition and Awards (1946–1950)

Rice's dedication to historical preservation did not go unnoticed. In her later years, she received multiple awards from local and state organizations recognizing her contributions to the preservation of California’s heritage. She was celebrated not only as a pioneer in historical preservation but also as a role model for women aspiring to make a difference in their communities.

The Final Years and Passing (1951–1956)

In her final years, Bertha Rice continued to be an active advocate for historical preservation, attending events and supporting the SJHS in various capacities. She passed away in 1956, leaving behind a robust legacy of preservation and an organization that would continue her work for decades to come.

The San Jose Heritage Society Today (1956–Beyond)

After Rice's passing, the SJHS grew in size and scope, further cementing her legacy. The society played a crucial role in the preservation of numerous historical sites in San Jose, ensuring that Rice's vision lived on. The city of San Jose also recognized her contributions by naming a historical building in her honor.

Bertha Rice: A Reflection (Throughout Career)

Bertha Rice’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to preserving the history of San Jose. Her efforts ensured that future generations would have the opportunity to learn about and appreciate the city’s past. She demonstrated the power of community activism and set a precedent for historical preservation that influences San Jose to this day.

Key Achievements of Bertha Rice:

• Founded the San Jose Heritage Society, a pivotal organization in the preservation of historical sites in San Jose.

• Led the successful campaign to preserve the Peralta Adobe, securing it as a national historic landmark.

• Saved numerous other historical sites in San Jose from demolition.

• Received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to historical preservation.

• Left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the city’s preservation efforts.

Bertha Rice's life was a testament to the importance of preserving our past for future generations. Her dedication to saving San Jose's historical landmarks ensured that the city's rich history would not be forgotten amidst rapid urban development. Through her efforts, Rice not only safeguarded physical structures but also fostered a deeper appreciation for history within the community. Her legacy lives on, inspiring others to value and preserve our collective history.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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