Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San Jose community rallies behind local pie shop

• Upcoming San Jose Sharks match

• A deep-dive into the life of A.P. Gus Giannini

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine."

- Roy T. Bennett

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 State University established in 1857, holds the distinction of being what within the California State University system?

A) The newest campus

B) The largest campus

C) The oldest public institution of higher education

D) The most technologically advanced campus

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: 
The San Jose museum dedicated to the preservation and celebration of ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture is C) The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.

News

💼 Business

Kaiser Permanente plans to start construction on a new hospital in San Jose in 2025, aiming to enhance healthcare services in the area. (Link)

The San Jose community rallies behind a local pie shop after Tesla cancels a large order, showcasing strong local support for small businesses. (Link)

A flag-raising ceremony at San Jose City Hall honors the strong business and cultural ties between Silicon Valley and Ireland. (Link)

San Jose's 4th annual Friend Fest is gearing up, providing a platform for creative small businesses to showcase their products and services to the community. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Chris Wondolowski was named to the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. (Link)

San Jose Earthquakes faced a 1-2 defeat against FC Dallas. (Link)

Jamar Ricketts, a first-round SuperDraft selection, was signed by the San Jose Earthquakes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Jose homes fetch multiple offers, some above asking price, indicating a competitive real estate market​​. (Link)

San Tomas Aquino Road home in San Jose sells for $1,800,000, 16% over list, in 27 days​​. (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, CA
Tuesday, Mar. 5th | (More info)

🏈 Let's Ball: Flag Football
Parma Park, San Jose
March 9th | (More Info)

⚽ Advanced Futsal
Almaden Community Center, San Jose
March 5th | (More Info)

Concerts

🎤 Joker Xue
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA
Monday, Mar. 4th | (More info)

🎶 La Arrolladora Banda El Limon with Banda El Recodo
San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, CA
Saturday, Mar. 9th | (More info)

🎵 Bad Bunny
The Ritz, San Jose
March 9 | (More Info)

Family Friendly Events

🧘 Mindful Parenting Course
841 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose
Thursday, Mar. 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 “A steampunk-themed San Jose with Victorian 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 Mercury News First Publication (1851)

The San Jose Mercury News, San Jose's primary newspaper, traces its origins to an early period in California's statehood, marking the city's expanding influence and the burgeoning need for a reliable source of news. Its first publication in 1851 heralded the beginnings of what would become an institution in local journalism. Initially called the San Jose Weekly Mercury, the newspaper emerged at a time when San Jose was transitioning from a small, agricultural community into a burgeoning city in the wake of the California Gold Rush.

From its inception, the Mercury's aim was to provide the city's residents with news, updates, and insights crucial for navigating the social, economic, and political changes of the time. The early editions featured a mix of local news, editorials, advertisements, and updates from other parts of California and the world, catering to the diverse interests of its readership. This was a period of rapid evolution for both the newspaper industry and the city of San Jose, with the Mercury at the forefront of documenting the transformation.

Over the years, the San Jose Mercury News underwent several changes, including mergers and name changes, notably merging with the San Jose News in the 20th century to become the Mercury News. Through its consistent publication, the newspaper has played a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting the city's history, challenges, and triumphs. From its modest beginnings in 1851, the Mercury News has grown into a key pillar of the community, offering a comprehensive look at local and global events, and solidifying its place as San Jose's primary newspaper.

Famous People From San Jose

A.P. Gus Giannini (1896–1977)

Early Years and the Making of a Banker (1896-1918)

Angelo Peter "Gus" Giannini was born into a hardworking immigrant family in San Jose, California, in 1896. Growing up amidst the burgeoning orchards of Santa Clara Valley, later known as Silicon Valley, Gus developed a strong work ethic early on, helping him navigate the challenges of his youth and schooling.

Beginning in Banking and Financial Acumen (1919-1930)

Starting as a clerk in a local bank shortly after World War I, Gus exhibited a natural aptitude for banking and finance. His remarkable ability to connect with customers and understand the nuances of banking propelled him quickly up the ranks, setting the stage for a storied career in the financial sector.

Leadership at The Bank of Italy (1931-1945)

Giannini's leadership and foresight became evident during his tenure at The Bank of Italy, later known as Bank of America. During the Great Depression, his innovative strategies in banking helped save numerous farms and businesses in the San Jose area, earning him the trust and reverence of the local community.

Expanding Horizons: The Bank of San Jose (1946-1955)

In the post-war era, Giannini founded The Bank of San Jose, realizing his vision of a community-centered bank. His leadership style was personal and direct, focusing on the growth of small businesses and the betterment of the community's financial health.

Civic Leadership and Community Development (1956-1965)

Giannini's influence extended beyond banking as he became a pivotal figure in civic leadership in San Jose. He was instrumental in developing local infrastructure, supporting the establishment of schools, hospitals, and libraries, and actively participated in various community service initiatives.

Philanthropy and Supporting Education (1966-1970)

Understanding the importance of education, Giannini established scholarships and funded educational programs, particularly in areas related to business and finance. His philanthropy was driven by the belief in giving back to the community that had supported his endeavors.

Legacy in Banking and Civic Engagement (1971-1977)

Up until his passing in 1977, Gus Giannini remained an active participant in banking and civic activities. His contributions to the financial and civic landscape of San Jose left a lasting imprint, ensuring that his legacy would endure for generations to come.

Giannini’s Connection to San Jose (1896-1977)

San Jose was not only Gus Giannini’s birthplace but also the primary beneficiary of his lifetime of work and dedication. As a banker, he helped steer the community through economic hardships; as a civic leader, he played a key role in the city's development and prosperity. His commitment to San Jose's growth was unwavering, cementing his status as one of its most influential figures.

Posthumous Recognition and Awards (1978 and Beyond)

Following his death, Giannini received numerous posthumous awards and recognitions for his contributions to banking and the community. The city honored him by naming a park and a school after him, ensuring that his contributions would not be forgotten.

Reflections on a Legacy (1977 and Beyond)

Giannini’s passing marked the end of an era in San Jose’s history. Yet, the institutions he built, and the community initiatives he launched continued to testify to his vision and leadership. His life demonstrated the profound impact one individual could have on the growth and well-being of a city.

Key Achievements of A.P. Gus Giannini:

• Founded The Bank of San Jose, focusing on the financial health and growth of the local community.

• Played a significant role in saving many farms and businesses during the Great Depression through his leadership at The Bank of Italy.

• Acted as a community leader, supporting the development of local infrastructure, education, and public services.

• Established scholarships and funded educational programs to support future generations.

• Received posthumous recognition, including having schools and parks named in his honor, highlighting his enduring impact on San Jose.

A.P. "Gus" Giannini was a visionary banker and a dedicated civic leader whose life's work significantly shaped the development of San Jose. Through his leadership in finance, commitment to community service, and philanthropic efforts, he left an indelible mark on the city and its inhabitants. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and a deep love for one’s community.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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

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