Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Golden State Valkyries ready for battle as WNBA expansion team.

• Upcoming Bay Area Panthers match

• A deep-dive into the life of Ernesto Galarza

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions."

— Dalai Lama

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 offers a glimpse into the life of early Silicon Valley innovators and the impact of the semiconductor industry?

A) The Computer History Museum

B) The Intel Museum

C) The Tech Interactive

D) The Silicon Valley Innovation Gallery

Answer to Week 15's Trivia:

The San Jose Flea Market, one of the largest of its kind in the United States, was established in A) 1957.

News

💼 Business

Google's empty space, stalled Downtown West project highlight challenges for Silicon Valley real estate. (Link)

Golden State Valkyries ready for battle as WNBA expansion team. (Link)

San Jose residents speak out against diverting affordable housing funds. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Umpire appears to ask Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto to change gloves vs. SF Giants. (Link)

Golden State's WNBA team officially has its name. (Link)

Sacrilegious Dodgers shirts sold outside SF Giants game. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Santa Clara County struggles to improve internet in underserved areas. (Link)

US government revokes Intel's license with Huawei Technologies. (Link)

Santa Clara considers bond to tackle millions in infrastructure upgrades. (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

⚽ NJ/NY Gotham FC at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Friday, May 24th | (More info)

🏈 San Antonio Gunslingers at Bay Area Panthers
SAP Center at San Jose
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

⚽ Guatemala vs Nicaragua
PayPal Park, San Jose
Sunday, May 26th | (More info)

Concerts

🎸 Tanya Tucker
Mountain Winery, Saratoga
Tuesday, May 21st | (More info)

🎶 Pandora
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Wednesday, May 22th | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🥋 Kids Martial Arts Fun Block Party
4607 Cherry Ave., San Jose
Saturday, May 25th | (More info)

🧘 FREE Group Stretch
1100 Lincoln Avenue ##140, San Jose
Saturday, May 25th | (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 Jose with a blend of ancient and futuristic 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

The 1950s Suburban Expansion - Post-WWII growth transforms San Jose from a small town into a sprawling city.

In the aftermath of World War II, San Jose witnessed an unparalleled period of expansion and metamorphosis, marking its transition from a serene agricultural town into a sprawling suburban city. This transformation was largely fueled by the economic prosperity and the demographic shifts that characterized the post-war era. The 1950s saw a significant influx of veterans and their families, benefiting from the G.I. Bill that made homeownership more accessible than ever before. Coupled with a booming economy and the burgeoning tech industry establishing roots in the area, San Jose's landscape began to rapidly change. Suburban neighborhoods burgeoned as orchards gave way to housing developments, catering to the growing demand for residential spaces.

The suburban expansion of San Jose during the 1950s was also significantly propelled by advancements in transportation and infrastructure. The construction of highways and roads facilitated easier access to the city's outskirts, enabling the suburban sprawl. Automobile ownership became synonymous with the American Dream, reinforcing the suburban lifestyle that was becoming increasingly popular among the middle class. San Jose's transformation was emblematic of the broader national trend towards suburbanization, reflecting a shift in American values towards family, home ownership, and the allure of a quiet life away from the urban core.

This era marked a pivotal chapter in San Jose's history, setting the stage for its future evolution into the heart of Silicon Valley. The 1950s suburban expansion not only altered the physical landscape but also the socio-economic fabric of San Jose, laying the groundwork for the city’s rise as a global technological hub. As San Jose's population swelled and its economy diversified, the seeds for its dynamic, innovative future were sown. The transformation from a small, agricultural town to a major suburban city set a precedent for growth and change, positioning San Jose as a key player in the region’s development and in the broader narrative of American progress in the post-war era.

Famous People From San Jose

Ernesto Galarza (1905–1984) :

A labor leader and civil rights activist who worked in San Jose.

Ernesto Galarza was a pivotal figure in the Mexican-American civil rights movement, blending his roles as an academic, labor leader, and activist to fight for the rights of farm workers in the United States. His journey from a small village in Mexico to the heart of the labor movement in California exemplifies the struggle and resilience of an individual committed to social justice.

Early Years and Education (1905-1929)

Born in Jalcocotán, Nayarit, Mexico, in 1905, Ernesto Galarza was thrust into a life of hardship and migration from an early age. Fleeing the violence of the Mexican Revolution, his family migrated to Sacramento, California, when he was just a child. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new country and overcoming language barriers, Galarza excelled in his studies, eventually earning scholarships that led him to Stanford University. He completed his doctorate in education at Columbia University, laying the groundwork for his future activism through his focus on labor and education issues.

Early Activism and Advocacy Work (1930-1945)

Galarza's early career was marked by his work for the Pan-American Union in Washington, D.C., where he contributed to improving labor conditions in Latin America. This period helped him to develop a keen understanding of international labor issues and the dynamics of worker exploitation, insights that would later fuel his activism in the farm workers' movement in the United States.

Involvement in the Farm Workers' Movement (1945-1965)

After returning to California, Galarza became deeply involved in the farm workers' movement, focusing particularly on improving the lives of Mexican agricultural workers. He played a crucial role in organizing strikes and boycotts against the exploitative practices of agribusinesses. His research and advocacy also led to significant legislative changes, including the reform of the Bracero Program, a guest worker program that subjected Mexican laborers to poor working conditions and low wages.

Fighting for Education and Community Development (1960-1975)

Recognizing the power of education in empowering the Mexican-American community, Galarza focused part of his efforts on improving educational opportunities for children of farm workers. He was instrumental in the foundation of community-based educational programs and fought for bilingual education, allowing children to learn in both Spanish and English. Galarza also played a key role in urban development projects aimed at improving living conditions for the Mexican-American community in San Jose and other areas.

Ernesto Galarza's Connection to San Jose (1950s-1980s)

San Jose, California, became the heart of Galarza's activism from the 1950s onwards. Here, he tirelessly worked towards the betterment of the Mexican-American community, not just through labor activism but also by contributing to the advancement of education and living conditions. His efforts in San Jose make him a revered figure in the city's history of civil rights activism.

Legacy and Impact (1980-1984)

Until his death in 1984, Galarza remained an indefatigable advocate for the rights of farm workers and the Mexican-American community. His work had a profound impact on labor rights, bilingual education, and community development. His legacy is carried on through various institutions that continue to bear his name and mission, such as the Ernesto Galarza Elementary School in San Jose.

Key Achievements of Ernesto Galarza:

• Instrumental in the reform of the Bracero Program, leading to better working conditions for Mexican laborers.

• Pioneered community-based educational programs and fought for bilingual education for children of farm workers.

• Played a pivotal role in labor strikes and boycotts that brought national attention to the plight of agricultural workers.

• Contributed to urban development projects aimed at improving living conditions for the Mexican-American community in San Jose.

• His life and work have been memorialized in various ways, including the naming of the Ernesto Galarza Elementary School in San Jose.

Ernesto Galarza's legacy as a labor leader, educator, and civil rights activist underscores his lifelong commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. His work in San Jose and beyond paved the way for significant advancements in labor rights and education for Mexican-American communities. Galarza's dedication to social justice continues to inspire activists and scholars alike, solidifying his place in American history as a true voice for the voiceless.

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