San Jose Newsletter (July 29th)

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

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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • U.S. urges vigilance by tech startups on foreign funds.

  • Upcoming San Jose Giants match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Kathryn Williams

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

–Maya Angelou

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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!

Which historic San Jose building, once a grand hotel, is now a venue for weddings, events, and a testament to the city's rich past?

A) The Hayes Mansion

B) Hotel De Anza

C) The Sainte Claire

D) The Westin San Jose

Answer to Week 29's Trivia:

The San Jose event that brings together technology enthusiasts, innovators, and Silicon Valley leaders for discussions on future trends and entrepreneurship is A) Silicon Valley Innovation Summit.

News

💼 Business

PDF Solutions inks deal with Israeli trading company. (Link)

Apple's ongoing App Store investigation woes continue, this time in Spain. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Draymond Green says he killed a Warriors trade during NBA free agency. (Link)

Olympic tennis schedule has Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz in action Saturday. (Link)

🏦 Finance

U.S. urges vigilance by tech startups on foreign funds. (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

Leagues Cup - Group Stage: LA Galaxy at San Jose Earthquakes
PayPal Park, San Jose
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | (More info)

Stockton Ports at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tuesday, August 13 to Saturday, August 17, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Fey
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Saturday, August 3, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Young Miko
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🌞 Summer Kids Camp
5655 Gallup Drive, San Jose
Starts Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | (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 “High-tech entertainment district in San Jose with virtual reality arcades” 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

The 1975 Establishment of the Vietnamese Business District - "Little Saigon" reflects the city's growing Vietnamese community.

The establishment of Little Saigon in San Jose in 1975 marks a significant chapter in the history of the Vietnamese diaspora in the United States. After the fall of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War, a large wave of Vietnamese refugees sought new beginnings far from their war-torn homeland. Many found their way to the United States, with a notable number choosing to settle in San Jose, California. Given the city's welcoming atmosphere and the opportunities it presented, the Vietnamese community quickly began to thrive, fostering a need for a cultural and economic hub that would cater to their needs and traditions.

Little Saigon in San Jose emerged as this hub, a vibrant Vietnamese business district that not only served the practical needs of the growing Vietnamese population but also became a living testament to their resilience and community spirit. Located in the heart of San Jose, the district quickly grew, sprawling with Vietnamese shops, restaurants, and professional services that offered a slice of home. Beyond just a place for commerce, Little Saigon became a cultural epicenter for the Vietnamese in San Jose, hosting Vietnamese festivals, celebrations, and other cultural events that ensured the preservation and continuation of Vietnamese heritage and traditions in the diaspora.

The establishment of Little Saigon significantly contributed to San Jose's cultural diversity, making it a microcosm of the global community. It highlights the city's role in embracing and integrating immigrants, allowing them to contribute to the city’s economic vitality while maintaining their unique identities. Little Saigon stands as a vivid reminder of the importance of multiculturalism and the positive impact of immigrant communities on the fabric of American cities. It reflects not just the growth of the Vietnamese population in San Jose but also the city's ongoing story of diversity, acceptance, and community strength.

Famous People From San Jose

Kathryn Williams (1892–1982) - Advocate for the arts and education in San Jose.

Kathryn Williams, an indefatigable advocate for the arts and education in San Jose, spent her life championing the cause of public access to culture and learning. Her story is woven into the fabric of San Jose's history, illustrating how one person's passion can help elevate a community.

Early Life and Education (1892-1910)

Born into a modest family in San Jose, Kathryn Williams discovered her love for the arts at a young age. Despite the financial limitations of her family, she pursued her passion for literature and music with voracious enthusiasm, frequently visiting local libraries and attending every affordable concert she could.

The Makings of an Advocate (1911-1920)

After completing her education—overcoming numerous obstacles to attend college—Williams returned to San Jose with a vision. She was determined to ensure that everyone in her hometown could have the same access to the arts and education that had so enriched her own life.

A Voice for Public Libraries (1921-1930)

Recognizing the critical role of public libraries in community education, Williams embarked on a campaign to enhance their offerings. Her efforts led to the expansion of San Jose's library system, increasing both the quantity and quality of books and creating dedicated spaces for children and youth.

Promoting Access to the Arts (1931-1940)

Williams shifted her focus toward the arts, advocating for public art initiatives and the establishment of community arts programs. She was instrumental in founding San Jose's first community theater and organized free public concerts, believing strongly in the arts' ability to inspire and elevate.

Championing Educational Opportunities (1941-1950)

With World War II bringing profound changes to American society, Williams turned her attention to education, particularly for returning veterans and their families. She was a key figure in establishing educational programs tailored to their needs, ensuring they had opportunities for higher education and vocational training.

Fostering Cultural Institutions (1951-1960)

In the post-war era, Williams played a pivotal role in founding several of San Jose's cultural institutions, including museums and art galleries. Her tireless work helped to bring about a cultural renaissance in the city, making it a center for arts and culture in the region.

The Twilight of an Era (1961-1970)

As Williams entered the later years of her life, she continued to advocate for the arts and education, though her activities slowed. Her efforts during these years focused on preserving the legacy of San Jose's cultural heritage for future generations.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy (1971-1982)

Williams spent her final years ensuring the sustainability of the initiatives she had begun. Though she passed away in 1982, her impact on the city of San Jose was indisputable, leaving behind a thriving cultural community and enhanced educational opportunities.

Remembering Kathryn Williams (1982 and Beyond)

The city of San Jose and its citizens remember Williams for her contributions to the development of the city's cultural and educational landscape. Numerous facilities bear her name, serving as a lasting tribute to her dedication and hard work.

Key Achievements:

  • Was instrumental in the expansion and enrichment of San Jose's public library system.

  • Founded San Jose's first community theater and organized free public concerts to make the arts accessible to all.

  • Advocated for and played a key role in establishing educational programs for returning veterans post-World War II.

  • Contributed significantly to the foundation of several cultural institutions, including museums and art galleries in San Jose.

Kathryn Williams dedicated her life to the promotion of arts and education in San Jose, driven by a belief in the transformative power of culture. Her efforts not only enriched the lives of the city's residents but also established a legacy of cultural appreciation and educational opportunity that continues to benefit San Jose today. Her story exemplifies how passion, combined with action, can create lasting change in a community.

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

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