San Jose Newsletter (May 27th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • San Jose eVTOL partnering with Abu Dhabi pilot trainer.

  • Upcoming San Jose Giants match

  • A deep-dive into the life of Cesar Chavez

  • And more…

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Quote of the Week

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see."

— Confucius

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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 high school is known for its historic architecture and designation as a California Historical Landmark?

A) Bellarmine College Preparatory

B) San Jose High School

C) Leland High School

D) Lincoln High School

Answer to Week 16's Trivia:

The San Jose museum that offers a glimpse into the life of early Silicon Valley innovators and the impact of the semiconductor industry is A) The Computer History Museum.

News

💼 Business

Ongoing Apple smartphone saga continues. (Link)

San Jose eVTOL partnering with Abu Dhabi pilot trainer. (Link)

Global tech companies pledge AI safety development. (Link)

🏒 Sports

49ers stars crash country singer's Bay Area show to shotgun beers on stage. (Link)

Famous R&B singer Kehlani ate at FiDi restaurant after San Francisco show. (Link)

A called off walk-off home run is tearing apart a Calif. baseball community. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Jose Sharks tout benefits to city as lease set to expire. (Link)

West Valley city faces multimillion-dollar shortfall. (Link)

San Jose looks to raise garbage and recycling rates. (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
Wednesday, May 29th to Sunday, June 2nd | (More info)

🏈 Tucson Sugar Skulls at Bay Area Panthers
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, June 8th | (More info)

Clasico De Leyendas: Chivas vs America
PayPal Park, San Jose
Sunday, June 9th | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Luis Angel
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Friday, May 31st | (More info)

🎭 The Wonder of Elvis
Montgomery Theater, San Jose
Saturday, June 1st | (More info)

🦎 Therapy Gecko (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Wednesday, June 5th at 6:00 PM | (More info)

Family Friendly Events

🎥 Movie Night! Free Community Event!
1649 Hermocilla Way, San Jose
Saturday, June 1st | (More info)

🥋 FREE Women & Girls Self-Defense Seminar
4607 Cherry Ave., San Jose
Saturday, June 1st | (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 sports arena in San Jose hosting a new, invented sport” 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 San Jose Museum of Art (1969) - Enhancing the city's cultural landscape.

The San Jose Museum of Art, established in 1969, was a significant milestone in enhancing the cultural landscape of San Jose, California. Its inception was fueled by a dedicated group of community members and artists who recognized the need for a contemporary art space in the heart of the rapidly growing Silicon Valley. Originally, the museum found its home in the historic library building on Market Street, a cornerstone of San Jose’s downtown area. This choice of location signified a purposeful blend of the city’s rich heritage with its burgeoning future, aiming to serve as a beacon of cultural enlightenment and education for residents and visitors alike.

From its early days, the San Jose Museum of Art set out to distinguish itself as a premiere institution committed to showcasing modern and contemporary works of art. It placed a strong emphasis on representing a diverse range of artists and mediums, thus providing a platform that was both inclusive and reflective of the area's evolving demographics. The museum quickly became known for its dynamic exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach efforts, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful artistic experiences. As a result, it played a pivotal role in elevating San Jose’s status as a city that values creativity and innovation in the arts.

Throughout the years, the expanding collection and ambition of the San Jose Museum of Art necessitated physical growth. Additional spaces were acquired and repurposed, allowing for more ambitious exhibitions and public programs. Today, the museum stands as a testament to the vision of its founders, continuously fostering the city's cultural growth and ensuring access to the arts for future generations. Through its dedication to showcasing contemporary art and its commitment to education and community involvement, the San Jose Museum of Art remains a key player in enhancing the cultural fabric of San Jose, making it a vibrant and enriching place to live and visit.

Famous People From San Jose

Cesar Chavez (1927–1993)

Labor leader and civil rights activist, lived and worked in San Jose during significant periods of his life:

Cesar Chavez, a figure synonymous with labor rights and social justice, led a life marked by dedication to improving the circumstances of farm workers in the United States. Born into an impoverished Mexican-American family, Chavez’s journey from the fields to the forefront of the labor movement is a testament to his resilience and commitment to nonviolent activism.

Child of the Fields (1927-1942)

Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, in Yuma, Arizona, into a Mexican-American family who owned a grocery store and a ranch. However, during the Great Depression, the family lost everything and became migrant farm workers. These early experiences of hardship and injustice in the fields shaped Chavez’s perspective and ignited his lifelong commitment to workers' rights.

Youthful Beginnings and Navy Service (1942-1946)

At the age of 15, Chavez dropped out of school to work in the fields full-time to support his family. His experiences of labor during these formative years further deepened his understanding of farm workers' plights. In 1946, seeking an escape from the fields, Chavez joined the U.S. Navy, serving for two years. However, he found the military to be just another form of systemic inequality.

Returning to the Fields and Early Activism (1948-1952)

After his discharge, Chavez returned to farm labor and married Helen Fabela, with whom he would have eight children. During this period, he became involved in the Community Service Organization (CSO), a prominent Latino civil rights group. His work with the CSO honed his skills in organizing and leadership, setting the stage for his future in labor activism.

Formation of the National Farm Workers Association (1962)

Dissatisfied with the CSO’s focus, Chavez, along with Dolores Huerta, established the National Farm Workers Association (NFWA) in 1962. This moment marked the formal beginning of Chavez’s career as a labor leader. Under his leadership, the NFWA organized farm workers to demand better working conditions, wages, and respect for their rights.

The Delano Grape Strike (1965-1970)

In 1965, Chavez and the NFWA launched a grape strike in Delano, California, alongside Filipino farm workers who had initiated the movement. This strike signified a key moment in labor history, combining boycotts, marches, and nonviolent resistance. Chavez's insistence on peaceful methods increased public support, leading to significant improvements for farm workers.

Boycotts and Nationwide Support (1970s)

Throughout the 1970s, Chavez led successful boycotts against grape, lettuce, and wine producers, garnering national support. His use of boycotts as a nonviolent tool drew attention to the unjust labor practices in agriculture, leading to broader social and political support for farm workers' rights.

Connection to San Jose (Late 1950s-1970s)

Chavez lived and worked in San Jose during significant periods of his life where he began his journey with the CSO. This period was crucial for building his foundational ideas about labor rights, community organizing, and nonviolent protest. San Jose served as a backdrop for his early activism and the initial organizational efforts that would eventually catapult him onto the national stage.

Spiritual Commitment and Fasts (1980s)

Throughout the 1980s, Chavez’s commitment to nonviolence led him to undertake several public fasts, drawing attention to the plight of farm workers and the broader implications of nonviolent resistance. These fasts symbolized his spiritual and moral dedication to the cause, influencing public opinion and worker solidarity.

Environmental Concerns and Legacy (Late 1980s-1993)

In his later years, Chavez focused on the environmental impacts of pesticides on workers and communities, further broadening the scope of his activism. On April 23, 1993, Chavez passed away in his sleep, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, nonviolent activism, and improved conditions for farm workers.

Remembering Cesar Chavez (1993 and Beyond)

After his death, Cesar Chavez’s legacy continued to inspire generations of activists and labor leaders. His method of nonviolent resistance and focus on the dignity of all workers remain central themes in movements for social and labor rights across the globe.

Key Achievements of Cesar Chavez:

  • Co-founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers (UFW).

  • Successfully led the Delano Grape Strike and Boycott, achieving significant wage increases and labor rights for farm workers.

  • Introduced the use of nonviolent tactics such as boycotts, fasts, and peaceful marches in labor activism.

  • Played a critical role in the passage of the California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, the first law in the U.S. granting farm workers the right to collectively bargain.

  • His activism highlighted and led to reforms in the use of pesticides, impacting environmental and public health standards.

Cesar Chavez transformed the landscape of labor rights in the United States through his unwavering commitment to nonviolence and justice for farm workers. His leadership and tactics of peaceful protest continue to influence movements for social justice and labor rights today. Chavez's legacy is a poignant reminder of the power of individual dedication to a collective cause, demonstrating how from humble beginnings, profound change is possible.

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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