San Jose Newsletter (July 4th)

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

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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Intuit shortchanged employees $555K in overtime pay, Department of Labor finds.

  • Upcoming Fuerza Regida concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Anita Whitney

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, I used everything you gave me."

— Erma Bombeck

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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 San Jose museum is dedicated to the art and history of quilts and textiles, showcasing both traditional and contemporary techniques?

A) San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles

B) San Jose Museum of Art

C) The Tech Interactive

D) Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Answer to Week 22's Trivia:

San Jose's Christmas in the Park transforms A) Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a festive winter wonderland.

News

💼 Business

$504M in CHIPS Act funding awarded to 12 Tech Hubs across the country. (Link)

Mega construction industry acquisition involves Palo Alto and Saudi companies. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SF Giants announce date for Willie Mays’ celebration of life. (Link)

Oakland A’s veterans Aledmys Díaz, Sean Newcomb designated for assignment. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Intuit shortchanged employees $555K in overtime pay, Department of Labor finds. (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

Washington Spirit at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

🏈 Northern Arizona Wranglers at Bay Area Panthers
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Sunday, Jul. 7th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Fuerza Regida
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

🎵 Il Divo
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Tuesday, Jul. 9th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

👨‍🍳 San Jose Maggiano's Kids Cooking Class
3055 Olin Avenue #Suite 1000, San Jose
Sunday, Jul. 7th | (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 “An entirely underground 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 State University's role in the Civil Rights Movement (1960s) - Including the Olympic Project for Human Rights.

San Jose State University (SJSU) played a significant albeit often unsung role in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s, primarily through the actions and leadership of its students. Notably, two SJSU athletes, Tommie Smith and John Carlos, brought the university onto the international stage in the fight for civil rights. Their raised fist salute on the medal podium during the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City remains one of the most iconic images of the era. This moment symbolized a courageous stand against racial discrimination and brought global attention to the struggle for civil rights in America. Their actions were directly linked to the Olympic Project for Human Rights (OPHR), an organization formed to protest racial segregation in the United States and elsewhere, along with other injustices tied to race.

The Olympic Project for Human Rights, initiated by sociologist and San Jose State University professor Harry Edwards, urged athletes to boycott the 1968 Olympics to draw attention to America's persistent racial injustices. Though the proposed boycott did not fully materialize, the OPHR found other ways to impact the Olympics and highlight their cause, most memorably through Smith and Carlos's protest. Edwards, a towering figure in the civil rights movement, leveraged his position at SJSU to organize, educate, and inspire students and athletes to use their platforms for social justice, demonstrating the university's active engagement in the broader civil rights movement.

San Jose State University's contribution to the civil rights movement through the platform of the Olympic Project for Human Rights provided a model of how academic institutions and their members could actively promote social change. Smith and Carlos's symbolic protest not only marked a defining moment in sports and civil rights but also mirrored the larger struggles for equality and justice that were taking place across the United States. Today, SJSU honors the legacy of this movement and its participants through various educational initiatives and commemorations, ensuring that the powerful lessons of courage, leadership, and social responsibility from the 1960s continue to inspire future generations.

Famous People From San Jose

Anita Whitney (1867–1955) -

Political activist and founder of the San Jose chapter of the League of Women Voters:

Anita Whitney, a name synonymous with political activism and groundbreaking achievements, embarked on a journey that left an indelible mark on American society. Her life encapsulates the essence of advocacy, women's rights, and civic involvement, pioneering efforts that paved the way for future generations.

Early Life and Education (1867-1887):

Born into an affluent family, Anita Whitney grew up in a household where intellect and activism were highly valued. This environment nurtured her passion for social justice from a young age. She pursued higher education at a time when women's access to such opportunities was limited, further molding her into a formidable advocate for equality.

Political Awakening and Activism (1888-1910):

Whitney's journey into political activism began in earnest as she became increasingly aware of the disparities and injustices that permeated American society. She involved herself in various movements, advocating for workers' rights, women's suffrage, and the abolition of child labor, showcasing her commitment to societal reform.

Founding of the Women's League for Peace and Freedom (1911-1920):

The early 20th century saw Whitney at the helm of significant change, playing a crucial role in the founding of the Women's League for Peace and Freedom. Her leadership and vision were instrumental in the organization's efforts to promote peace and address the root causes of conflict through education and legislative reform.

The Red Scare and Legal Battles (1920-1930):

Whitney's activism landed her in the crosshairs of the Red Scare, a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States. Her affiliation with organizations deemed subversive by the government led to her arrest and subsequent legal battle, which became a landmark case in the fight for free speech and civil liberties.

Championing Women's Rights and Suffrage (1931-1940):

Even amidst legal struggles, Whitney remained a steadfast advocate for women's rights. She played a significant role in the suffrage movement, contributing to the eventual ratification of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Her efforts signified a significant victory for gender equality in the United States.

Establishing the League of Women Voters in San Jose (1941-1950):

Whitney's impact on the political landscape continued with her founding of the San Jose chapter of the League of Women Voters. This initiative reflected her enduring commitment to enhancing civic engagement and informed voting among women, further solidifying her legacy in promoting democracy and social change.

Final Years and Legacy (1951-1955):

In her final years, Whitney continued to inspire through her unwavering dedication to social justice and political activism. Her death in 1955 marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a lasting legacy, as generations of activists and civic leaders draw inspiration from her life and achievements.

Key Achievements of Anita Whitney:

  • Pioneering activist for workers' rights and women's suffrage, significantly contributing to societal reforms.

  • Co-founder of the Women's League for Peace and Freedom, advocating for peace and conflict resolution.

  • Instrumental in the landmark legal battles defending free speech and civil liberties amid the Red Scare.

  • Founder of the San Jose chapter of the League of Women Voters, promoting informed civic participation and voting among women.

Anita Whitney's life was a beacon of advocacy, illuminating the path toward equality, peace, and democratic engagement. Her relentless pursuit of social justice and her contributions to political activism have left an indelible mark on American society, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for a more equitable and inclusive world.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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