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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Menlo Ventures launches AI fund with Anthropic. (

• Upcoming Caloncho concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Robert F. Peckham

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– Joseph Campbell

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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!

What San Jose event brings together technology enthusiasts, innovators, and Silicon Valley leaders for discussions on future trends and entrepreneurship?

A) Silicon Valley Innovation Summit

B) C2SV Technology Conference + Music Festival

C) TechCrunch Disrupt SF

D) Silicon Valley Comic Con

Answer to Week 28's Trivia:

The San Jose neighborhood where you can find the SAP Center, home to the San Jose Sharks NHL team, is A) Downtown San Jose.

News

💼 Business

Menlo Ventures launches AI fund with Anthropic. (Link)

Meta reportedly in talks to buy stake in Ray-Ban parent company. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Colin Cowherd predicts Rams win division over the 49ers, Cowboys to miss playoffs entirely. (Link)

Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow throws simulated game, expected to start versus Giants next week. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Global smartphone shipments rose 6.5% to 285.4 million units in Q2. (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
Thursday, July 25th to Sunday, July 28th| (More info)

🏈 Bay Area Panthers - Playoff Game A
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Sunday, July 28th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 The Beach Boys
1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA
Sunday, July 28th | (More info)

🎵 Caloncho
Mercado La California, San Jose
Thursday, August 1st | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎉 Kids’ Carnival
601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA
Sunday, July 28th | (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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over San Jose” 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 hosts the U.S. Figure Skating Championships (1996) - Spotlight on the city's sports and event hosting capabilities.

In 1996, San Jose, California, was thrust into the national sports spotlight as it hosted the prestigious U.S. Figure Skating Championships at the San Jose Arena (now known as the SAP Center). This event marked a significant moment for the city, showcasing its ability to host major sports events and drawing attention to its world-class facilities and enthusiastic local support for athletics. The championships not only brought the nation's top figure skating talent to San Jose but also highlighted the city's vibrant community and passion for sports, setting a precedent for future events.

The successful hosting of the 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Championships served as a catalyst for San Jose's burgeoning reputation as a premier location for large-scale sporting events. The city's infrastructure, including the San Jose Arena, proved to be more than capable of accommodating the needs of athletes, coaches, and spectators, offering an outstanding venue for both competition and spectator enjoyment. This event also underscored the city's logistical prowess, from hospitality to security, ensuring a seamless experience for everyone involved. The positive feedback from participants and visitors alike underscored San Jose's capability and readiness to host events of such magnitude, fueling its ambitions to attract more high-profile events in the future.

Beyond the immediate excitement and economic benefits generated by the championships, the event had a lasting impact on San Jose's sports culture and its standing as a key player in the national sports event hosting arena. It reinforced the city's commitment to supporting sporting excellence and provided a template for hosting similar events. In the years that followed, San Jose continued to build on this legacy, hosting a wide variety of sporting events, from NHL games with the San Jose Sharks to international figure skating competitions and beyond. The 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Championships were a pivotal moment for San Jose, marking its rise as a go-to destination for sports events and reinforcing the city's place on the national sports stage.

Famous People From San Jose

Robert F. Peckham (1920–1993)

Born in San Jose, California, Robert F. Peckham grew up in a city that was, during his childhood, a blend of agricultural richness and burgeoning urban development. His parents were active in their community, which instilled in him a strong sense of civic duty and advocacy for justice. Peckham pursued his education with vigor, eventually attending Stanford University where he honed his analytical and critical thinking skills, laying the groundwork for his legal career.

World War II Service (1941-1945)

The outbreak of World War II interrupted Peckham's plans, as it did for so many of his generation. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country with distinction in a tumultuous period that influenced much of his later life. His military service, characterized by a commitment to duty and a deep understanding of sacrifice and the human cost of conflict, shaped his worldview and his understanding of leadership and responsibility.

Legal Education and Early Career (1946-1959)

After the war, Peckham returned to his studies with a renewed focus, enrolling in Stanford Law School. He excelled academically, displaying a passion for civil rights and social justice that would define his career. Upon graduation, he embarked on a legal career in San Jose, quickly earning a reputation as a skilled attorney committed to fairness, equity, and the rule of law.

Judicial Appointment and Advocacy (1960-1976)

Peckham's dedication and prowess in the legal field did not go unnoticed. In 1961, he was appointed as a federal judge by President John F. Kennedy, a role in which he would leave an indelible mark through his decisions and advocacy. From his bench in the Northern District of California, Judge Peckham was known for rulings that advanced civil rights, environmental protection, and education reform.

Civil Rights Champion (1970s)

Throughout the 1970s, Judge Peckham's rulings often placed him at the forefront of civil rights advocacy. He was instrumental in enforcing desegregation in schools, ensuring equal access to education for all children regardless of race or background. His decisions reflected a deep commitment to the Constitution's promise of equality and justice for all, earning him both acclaim and criticism amidst a period of great social change.

Connection to San Jose (Throughout Career)

Despite his national impact, Peckham remained deeply connected to San Jose throughout his career. He was an active member of the community, working on initiatives to improve the city's judiciary system, support local education, and promote civic engagement. His legacy in San Jose includes mentoring young attorneys and advocating for judicial processes that are just, efficient, and accessible to all citizens.

Environmental Advocacy (1980s)

In the latter part of his career, Judge Peckham became increasingly involved in environmental issues, reflecting a broadening view of justice that included the welfare of future generations and the planet. He ruled in several cases to enforce environmental laws and regulations, balancing development needs with environmental protection. His decisions highlighted the role of the judiciary in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.

Legacy and Impact (1990-1993)

Judge Robert F. Peckham's career was marked by a steadfast commitment to justice, equality, and the betterment of society. His rulings and actions had a lasting impact on civil rights, environmental protection, and the legal profession. He passed away in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of jurisprudence and advocacy that continues to inspire.

Retirement and Final Years (1990-1993)

In his final years, Peckham continued to mentor young lawyers and remained engaged in legal and civic affairs until his passing. His retirement was marked by recognition from peers, former clerks, and those in the communities he served, celebrating a career dedicated to the highest ideals of the legal profession.

Posthumous Recognition (1993 and Beyond)

After his death, Judge Peckham was remembered as a pioneering figure in the American judiciary. His contributions were honored by the legal community and beyond, with scholarships, lectures, and awards established in his name to carry forward his commitment to justice, equality, and public service.

Key Achievements of Robert F. Peckham:

• Appointed as a federal judge by President John F. Kennedy, serving with distinction in the Northern District of California.

• Played a key role in advancing civil rights through significant judicial decisions on school desegregation and equal access to education.

• Advocated for environmental protection through landmark rulings that enforced environmental laws and regulations.

• Maintained a lifelong connection to San Jose, contributing to the community's legal and civic life.

• Inspired generations of legal professionals through mentorship and a commitment to justice and public service.

Robert F. Peckham’s legacy as a federal judge and civil rights advocate is marked by his profound impact on the legal landscape of the United States. His commitment to justice, equality, and the environment set a standard for judicial conduct and social responsibility. His efforts to improve the judicial system and advance civil rights in San Jose and beyond exemplify a life dedicated to the public good, making him a revered figure in the annals of American jurisprudence.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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