Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San José Appoints New Finance Director to Uphold High Ratings

• Upcoming San Jose Sharks match

• A deep-dive into the life of Martha Mertz

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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!

San Jose's "Santana Row" is best known for:

A) Its historic Spanish missions

B) A bustling tech startup hub

C) Upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment

D) Being the oldest residential area in San Jose

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The San Jose attraction that offers interactive exhibits and experiences focusing on the impact of technology in Silicon Valley is A) The Tech Interactive.

News

💼 Business

San Jose police’s failure to stop cannabis robbery fuels fight over fees. (Link)

Santa Clara Eyes Economic Boost from Super Bowl 60 and World Cup 2026 Events. (Link)

U.S. News Ranks San Jose as 4th Best Place to Live, Citing High Quality of Life. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SJSU Wins Third Straight Mountain West SAAC Community Service Award.(Link)

New Mexico visits No. 22 Utah State following Brown's 21-point showing. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San José’s new Director of Finance was appointed to maintain the city's high financial ratings. (Link)

NVIDIA's GTC 2024 at the San Jose Convention Center features panels on AI's impact across industries. (Link)

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan faces a budget shortfall and prioritizes homelessness, safety, and investment in upcoming fiscal plans. (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

🏒 Dallas Stars at San Jose Sharks
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

🏒 Ontario Reign at San Jose Barracuda
Tech CU Arena, San Jose
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

⚽ Houston Dash at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🏈 Arizona Rattlers at Bay Area Panthers
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Sunday, Mar. 31st | (More info)

Concerts

🎸 Scott H. Biram
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

🎺 Timmy Trumpet
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

🔊 Riot Ten with MUST DIE
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🎤 Don Omar
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎨 Crafts & Hobbies
2995 Tuers Road, San Jose
Saturday, March 30 | (More info)

🐣 Family Easter Egg Hunt
1865 Lundy Avenue, San Jose
Sunday, March 31 | (More info)

📚 Think Academy Easter Event
1081 South De Anza Boulevard, San Jose
Sunday, March 31 | (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 “Futuristic San Jose with a network of sky bridges” 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

Founding of the Normal School (1862) - Which later became San Jose State University

In 1862, amidst the American Civil War, a significant milestone in the field of education occurred in California with the founding of the Normal School. This institution was established with the primary aim of providing a dedicated training program for teachers, addressing a pressing need for educational professionals in the burgeoning state. San Jose was chosen as the location for this pioneering educational venture, marking the beginning of what was to evolve into a cornerstone of higher education in California. The Normal School represented not just an advancement in teacher education but also a leap forward for public education in the state, laying the groundwork for a system that would nurture future generations of educators.

The Normal School in San Jose began its journey in a period of rapid societal and technological change, reflecting the broader ambitions of a nation in transformation. It initially operated out of a borrowed space, but the school quickly proved its worth, becoming an indispensable part of California’s educational framework. Over time, it expanded its curriculum beyond teacher training, adapting to meet the evolving needs of a diverse and growing population. This adaptability and commitment to serving the educational aspirations of its community played a critical role in its development and enduring relevance.

Through its various phases of growth and transformation, the Normal School eventually evolved into San Jose State University (SJSU), recognized officially in 1972. Today, SJSU holds the distinction of being the oldest public institution of higher education in California, a testament to its pioneering origins and its sustained commitment to educational excellence and innovation. From its modest beginnings in 1862, San Jose State University has grown into a vibrant, comprehensive academic community. It stands as a beacon of knowledge, diversity, and opportunity, continually fostering the development of future leaders, thinkers, and educators in California and beyond.

Famous People From San Jose

Martha Mertz (1844–1926):

Martha Mertz stands as a pivotal figure in the early women's rights movement, particularly in the areas of women's suffrage and education reform. Her life story is a testament to the power of resilience and advocacy in the face of societal challenges.

Early Years and Education (1844–1862):

Born in 1844 in the bustling city of San Jose, California, Martha Mertz grew up during a period of tremendous change and opportunity. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in learning, an interest that was nurtured despite the limited educational opportunities available to women at the time.

The Spark of Advocacy (1863–1870):

The Civil War era and its aftermath were a time of awakening for Martha. Witnessing the struggles for racial and gender equality deeply influenced her, leading her to join the suffragette movement. She recognized early on that the fight for women's rights was inextricably linked to the broader battle for justice and equality in America.

A Voice in San Jose (1871–1880):

Martha's connection to San Jose was profound. It was here she began her formal journey of advocacy, rallying for women's rights and the importance of education. San Jose, with its growing population and evolving societal structures, provided the perfect backdrop for Martha to voice her concerns and mobilize support.

Expanding the Fight for Suffrage (1881–1890):

As Martha's involvement in the women's suffrage movement grew, so too did her strategies. She understood that for significant changes to occur, the movement needed both a strong local and national presence. Martha worked tirelessly, organizing rallies, penning op-eds, and speaking at national conferences to garner support for the cause.

Championing Education Reform (1891–1900):

Equally important to Martha was the reform of educational systems to ensure more accessible and comprehensive education for all, regardless of gender. She advocated for curriculum changes that would include women's contributions to society and the economy, and she fought for women's rights to access higher education and professional opportunities.

Overcoming Setbacks (1901–1910):

The road to reform was fraught with challenges. Despite numerous setbacks, including public criticism and legal obstacles, Martha remained steadfast in her beliefs. Her leadership and resilience in these trying times inspired many to join the movement and continue the fight for equality.

The Triumph of Suffrage (1911–1920):

The culmination of Martha's efforts, along with those of countless other activists, was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote. Martha Mertz, now in her seventies, had lived to see the momentous achievement of a cause to which she had devoted much of her life.

Final Years and Ongoing Legacy (1921–1926):

In her final years, Martha reflected on the progress made and the work still to be done. She continued to speak out on women's rights and remained a steadfast supporter of education reform until her passing in 1926.

Key Achievements of Martha Mertz:

• She was a pioneering activist for women's suffrage in San Jose and nationally.

• Played a significant role in education reform efforts, advocating for gender-inclusive curricula and access to higher education for women.

• Contributed to the ratification of the 19th Amendment, seeing the fulfillment of decades of advocacy for women's voting rights.

Martha Mertz's life was a testament to the power of perseverance and advocacy in the face of societal obstacles. Her tireless work in the realms of women's suffrage and education reform not only marked significant progress in her time but also laid the groundwork for future generations to build upon. Martha's legacy continues to inspire activists and leaders today, reminding us of the enduring impact one person can have on the course of history.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll