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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• SF Giants legend Willie Mays should be MLB’s logo, says ESPN writer.

• Upcoming Reik concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Edwin Markham

• 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 neighborhood, once a separate town, is known for its antique shops and Victorian houses?

A) Willow Glen

B) Japantown

C) Alviso

D) Rose Garden

Answer to Week 20's Trivia:

The Guadalupe River Park & Gardens feature a unique outdoor attraction dedicated to D) Apricot, symbolizing the city's agricultural past.

News

💼 Business

Joby receives FAA nod to use in-house software. (Link)

Diaz Menswear set to close. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SF Giants legend Willie Mays should be MLB’s logo, says ESPN writer. (Link)

Olympic star Katie Ledecky rankles some Stanford fans with Florida swim cap. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Supermicro hedging its bet on liquid-cooled data centers. (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

⚾ Fresno Grizzlies at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Tue, Jun 25 - Sun, Jun 30 | (More info)

⚾ Stockton Ports at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
Mon, Jul 1 - Wed, Jul 3 | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 GSoul (21+)
The Ritz, San Jose
Tue, Jun 25 | (More info)

🎤 Reik
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Fri, Jun 28 | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎧 Reading To Children
San Jose Public Library, San Jose
Thurs, Jun 27 | (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 “Urban winter wonderland in San Jose with ice architecture” 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's Downtown Revitalization Project (1970s-1980s) - A major effort to rejuvenate the city center.

In the 1970s and 1980s, San Jose, California embarked on a major Downtown Revitalization Project, a transformative endeavor aimed at rejuvenating its city center. This period marked a significant transition for San Jose from a quiet, agriculture-based community to a burgeoning urban center, laying the groundwork for its eventual evolution into the heart of Silicon Valley. The project was spurred by a recognition of the declining state of the downtown area, marred by urban decay and economic stagnation, which prompted city leaders and planners to reimagine and reinvent the heart of San Jose.

The Downtown Revitalization Project was comprehensive in scope, targeting a wide range of improvements to infrastructure, architecture, and public spaces. Key components of the plan included the construction of new office buildings to attract businesses, the development of residential units to bring life back to the urban core after hours, and the establishment of cultural and entertainment venues to enhance the city’s social and cultural appeal. Projects such as the San Jose Convention Center, the Tech Museum of Innovation, and the revitalization of the historic San Pedro Square Market area were pivotal in these efforts. These developments were aimed not only at boosting the economy but also at creating a vibrant, attractive downtown area that would draw both residents and visitors.

Despite challenges, the revitalization project marked a turning point in the history of San Jose. By the late 1980s, the city had begun to see the fruits of these laborious efforts. Downtown San Jose emerged as a more dynamic and economically robust area, contributing to the city’s overall growth and development. The project laid the foundation for subsequent efforts to modernize and expand the city, facilitating its transformation into a major technology hub. Today, the revitalization of the 1970s and 1980s is remembered as a critical period of change that helped to shape the modern identity of San Jose, reflecting the city's resilience and capacity for innovation.

Famous People From San Jose

Edwin Markham (1852–1940):

A poet and educator who lived in San Jose:

Edwin Markham, a venerated poet, and educator, was a significant figure of his time, distinguished not only by his literary achievements but also by his contributions to the field of education and his undeniable connection to San Jose. His life and work showcase a profound journey through literature, advocacy, and community involvement, marking him as a key figure in American culture.

Early Years and Education (1852–1872):

Born Charles Edward Anson Markham in Oregon City, Oregon, in 1852, Edwin Markham spent his early years in a rugged frontier environment that would later influence his poetic themes. The family moved to a farm in Suisun Valley, California, where Markham's formative years were spent. His passion for literature was ignited during these early years, and despite limited access to formal education, Markham self-educated, a testament to his lifelong love for learning.

Becoming a Teacher and Early Career (1872–1898):

In pursuit of his passion for education, Markham attended the California State Normal School in San Jose, where he was formally trained as a teacher. Following completion of his studies, he dedicated himself to a career in education, teaching in various cities across California. It was during this period that he began to write poetry, laying the foundation for his later fame as a poet.

The Emergence of a Poet (1890s):

It was in the 1890s that Edwin Markham's poetry began to gain attention. His poem The Man with the Hoe, inspired by Jean-François Millet's painting, catapulted Markham to national fame. The poem was a meditation on social injustice and the plight of the laborer, themes that would recur throughout Markham's work, signifying his engagement with social issues and his emergence as a voice for the marginalized.

Literary Success and Activism (1900–1910):

With the success of The Man with the Hoe, Markham's career as a poet flourished. He became an influential figure in literary and social circles, advocating for social reform and labor rights. His poetry earned him accolades and respect, further solidifying his reputation as a significant American poet.

Educational Reforms and Lectures (1910–1920):

Alongside his literary career, Markham remained committed to education. He advocated for educational reforms and was a sought-after lecturer, speaking on literature, social issues, and education across the United States. His contributions to the field of education were marked by his progressive views and his dedication to fostering critical and creative thinking among students.

Literary Achievements and Recognition (1920–1930):

During this period, Markham continued to publish poetry and essays, receiving critical and popular acclaim. He was recognized as a leading literary figure, with his work reflecting not only his artistic talent but also his deep humanitarian concerns. His influence extended beyond literature, as he engaged with political and social movements of the time.

Later Years and Legacy in Poetry (1930–1940):

In his later years, Markham's creative output slowed, but he remained a respected figure in the literary community. He continued to advocate for social justice until his passing in 1940. Markham's legacy was his ability to combine art and activism, his poetry resonating with themes of human dignity and social equity.

Connection to San Jose:

Markham's connection to San Jose was instrumental in shaping his path as both an educator and a poet. His education at the California State Normal School in San Jose not only prepared him for his teaching career but also situated him within a vibrant community of educators and intellectuals in the region. Throughout his life, he maintained strong ties to San Jose, often reflecting on how his time there shaped his intellectual and poetic pursuits.

Key Achievements of Edwin Markham:

• His poem The Man with the Hoe became a seminal piece of American literature, addressing the struggles of the working class.

• Advocated for educational reforms and was a prominent lecturer, influencing both the field of education and public discourse on social issues.

• Recognized as a leading literary figure of his time, contributing significantly to American poetry with his themes of social justice and human dignity.

• Maintained a lifelong connection to San Jose, influencing and being influenced by the intellectual community there.

Edwin Markham's life was a testament to the power of literature as a force for social change. His poetry, characterized by profound empathy and a call for justice, made him one of the most important American poets of his era. Furthermore, his dedication to education and advocacy for the underprivileged left a lasting impact that went beyond literary accomplishments, making him a revered figure in both the realms of literature and social reform.

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-Matthew Larsen

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