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- San Jose Newsletter (June 17th)
San Jose Newsletter (June 17th)
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. headquarters of major tech manufacturer sells for $35.5M.
Upcoming Soft Kill concert
A deep-dive into the life of B.F. Goodrich
And more…
Quote of the Week
"Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear."
— George Addair
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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!
The Guadalupe River Park & Gardens in San Jose feature a unique outdoor attraction dedicated to which fruit, symbolizing the city's agricultural past?
A) Apple
B) Cherry
C) Prune
D) Apricot
Answer to Week 19's Trivia:
The annual San Jose gaming convention that attracts fans from around the globe is A) Silicon Valley Comic Con.
News
💼 Business
Elizabeth Holmes lawyers seek to overturn fraud conviction. (Link)
Archer's Midnight eVTOL aircraft successfully completed transition flying at speeds more than 100 mph. (Link)
🏒 Sports
2 Calif. Democrats got their asses kicked in Congressional Baseball Game. (Link)
'I should've known that': 49ers' Brock Purdy has much to learn about Bay Area. (Link)
🏦 Finance
U.S. headquarters of major tech manufacturer sells for $35.5M. (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
⚽ Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes
PayPal Park, San Jose
Wednesday, June 19th | (More info)
⚽ Angel City FC at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, June 22nd | (More info)
Concerts
🎵 Endemia, Bufonic, and Nossara
El Muro Art & Comedy Pub, San Jose
Saturday, June 15th | (More info)
🎸 Soft Kill
Amon Solar, San Jose
Saturday, June 22nd | (More info)
Family Friendly Events
🎉Free Kids Event: Gadgets on the Go
Lakeshore Learning Store, San Jose
Saturday, June 22nd | (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 Josescape with a fusion of different historical eras” 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
Formation of Silicon Valley (1971) - Don Hoefler coins the term, reflecting the region's burgeoning tech industry.
In the heart of Northern California, nestled between the Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range, lies Silicon Valley, a moniker that has become synonymous with innovation, entrepreneurship, and the global technology industry. The term Silicon Valley was officially coined in 1971 by journalist Don Hoefler. At the time, Hoefler was writing a series of articles about the burgeoning semiconductor industry in the Santa Clara Valley for the weekly trade paper Electronic News. The title he chose for this series, Silicon Valley USA, captured the essence of the region's transformation from an area dominated by agriculture and orchards into a burgeoning hub of technological innovation, largely due to the local proliferation of silicon chip manufacturers.
The designation of this region as Silicon Valley reflected the pivotal role that silicon-based semiconductor technology played in the area's economic and cultural development. Silicon, a semiconducting material, is crucial for manufacturing the integrated circuits at the heart of electronic devices. During the mid-20th century, pioneering companies like Fairchild Semiconductor and later Intel set up operations in this region, attracted by the talents of graduates from nearby universities such as Stanford and UC Berkeley. This convergence of academia, venture capital, and industry fostered a unique ecosystem that stimulated rapid technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
Silicon Valley's evolution from an agricultural valley to the world's tech epicenter was not just a story of technological innovation; it was a tale of visionary individuals and a unique culture that embraced risk-taking and innovation. Don Hoefler's christening of Silicon Valley in 1971 marked a recognition of this cultural and economic shift. Over the decades, Silicon Valley has continued to attract talent and investment from around the globe, leading to the birth of influential tech giants like Apple, Google, and Facebook. The term Silicon Valley has transcended its geographical origins to become a symbol of technological progress and the limitless potential of human creativity in the digital age.
Famous People From San Jose

B.F. Goodrich (1821–1885):
A Pioneer and Businessman, Instrumental in San Jose's Early Development:
B.F. Goodrich was born into a modest family in the year 1821, in a small town in upstate New York. From an early age, Goodrich was known for his keen intellect and curiosity about the world. His early education was marked by a strong interest in mathematics and natural sciences, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1841-1850)
In the early 1840s, Goodrich ventured into business, starting his first enterprise in New York. Despite facing several challenges, his innovative approaches and persistence helped him to gradually build a reputation as a promising businessman. His initial business efforts focused on the trade of goods, leveraging the expanding canal systems in New York.
Westward Expansion and San Jose (1851-1860)
As part of the westward expansion, Goodrich moved to California in the 1850s, intrigued by the potential opportunities in the burgeoning state. He eventually settled in San Jose, recognizing the city's strategic location and its potential for growth. His arrival in San Jose marked the beginning of a critical phase in his career and the city's development.
Contributions to San Jose's Growth (1861-1870)
Goodrich's impact on San Jose was profound. He invested in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, real estate, and infrastructure development. His vision was instrumental in establishing San Jose as a crucial agricultural and transportation hub in California. Goodrich's efforts in improving local infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, greatly facilitated the city's growth during this period.
Pioneering Agricultural Innovation (1871-1880)
One of Goodrich's significant contributions was in the field of agriculture, where he introduced innovative farming techniques and crops that were well-suited to the region's climate. His agricultural ventures not only increased productivity but also attracted other entrepreneurs to the area, further boosting the local economy.
Civic Leadership and Philanthropy (Throughout Career)
Beyond his business pursuits, Goodrich was deeply engaged in civic matters and philanthropy. He served in various civic roles, contributing to the establishment of public schools and libraries in San Jose. His philanthropic efforts were driven by a belief in the importance of community well-being and education.
Final Years and Legacy (1881-1885)
In his final years, Goodrich continued to focus on his philanthropic activities, even as he battled ill health. He passed away in 1885, leaving behind a legacy that had a lasting impact on San Jose and beyond. His visionary approach and dedication to the community's development were widely recognized and commemorated.
Key Achievements of B.F. Goodrich:
Key figure in the early development of San Jose, contributing significantly to its growth as an agricultural and transportation hub.
Introduced innovative agricultural practices and crops that transformed the San Jose valley.
Played a crucial role in improving local infrastructure, including roads and bridges, which facilitated commerce and communication.
Engaged in civic leadership and philanthropy, contributing to the establishment of public schools and libraries in San Jose.
B.F. Goodrich's life story is a testament to the lasting impact one individual can have on the development of a community. Through his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative approaches, and commitment to civic duty, Goodrich played an integral role in shaping San Jose's early growth. His contributions to agriculture, infrastructure, and public welfare laid the foundations for the vibrant and prosperous San Jose of today.
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