Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San Jose car dealership sells for $18M.

• Upcoming Ebi concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Lou Henry Hoover

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door."

— Milton Berle

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!

The annual Cinequest Film & VR Festival in San Jose is celebrated for showcasing:

A) Independent and experimental films

B) Mainstream blockbuster movies

C) Historical documentaries

D) Silicon Valley tech innovations

Answer to Week 9's Trivia:

The body of water that borders San Jose, offering recreational activities and wildlife viewing is A) San Francisco Bay.

News

💼 Business

Denny's new breakfast venture moves into Sunnyvale. (Link)

Biotech firm backs off its focus on oncology research. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NBA fans rip Warriors announcers for call during Chet Holmgren's injury. (Link)

Kurtenbach: ‘It’ll always be weird.’ What Klay Thompson’s return to the Bay really meant to him, the Warriors. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Jose car dealership sells for $18M. (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

🏒 Calgary at San Jose Barracuda
Tech CU Arena, San Jose
Saturday, Nov. 16th | (More info)

🏀 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at San Jose State Spartans Men's Basketball
Provident Credit Union Event Center, San Jose
Sunday, Nov. 17th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Fear (21+)
The Ritz - San Jose, San Jose
Friday, Nov. 15th | (More info)

🎶 Ebi
San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, San Jose
Saturday, Nov. 16th | (More info)

Family

🎄 Christmas Winter Wonderland
1618 Willowhurst Avenue, San Jose
Friday, Nov. 15th (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 “Spaceport integrated into San Jose's central hub” 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

First Publicly Owned Electric Utility (1889) - San Jose establishes its own electric utility, a pioneering move in public power.

In 1889, San Jose, California, embarked on a pioneering journey in the realm of public utility by establishing its own electric utility, marking a significant milestone in the history of public power in the United States. This audacious venture made San Jose the first city in the country to own a public electric utility, setting a precedent for municipal control over essential services. The initiative was propelled by the growing demand for electric power to light streets, homes, and businesses, signaling a new era of urban infrastructure development that emphasized local control and public access to electricity.

The establishment of San Jose's public electric utility was a transformative event, reflecting a broader movement towards municipal ownership and the democratization of essential services. This publicly owned utility not only illustrated the city's commitment to progress and modernization but also showcased a model of public ownership that promised to reduce costs, ensure reliable service, and provide a more equitable distribution of resources among its residents. By taking the bold step of managing its electricity supply, San Jose demonstrated foresight in recognizing the potential of electric power as a crucial driver of urban growth and quality of life.

The legacy of San Jose's establishment of its own electric utility in 1889 cannot be understated. It served as an inspirational blueprint for numerous cities across the United States, which, in the following years, opted to create their own publicly owned utilities in pursuit of similar benefits. Today, the foresight of San Jose's early leaders is evident, as municipal utilities play a critical role in promoting sustainable development, energy independence, and local control over public resources. San Jose's pioneering move in public power remains a landmark achievement in the history of American urban development, symbolizing the enduring value of community empowerment and public stewardship of essential services.

Famous People From San Jose

Lou Henry Hoover (1874–1944) - First Lady of the United States, born in Waterloo, Iowa, and raised in San Jose; involved in humanitarian efforts and women’s rights.

Lou Henry Hoover was an emblem of grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to public service and women's rights. As the First Lady of the United States, she brought a unique blend of cultural sophistication and adventurous spirit to the White House. Her biography paints the portrait of a woman who was both a product of her time and far ahead of it, demonstrating a life lived with purpose and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Early Years and Education (1874-1894)

Lou Henry was born in Waterloo, Iowa, but her formative years took place in the warmer climates of San Jose, California, where she was raised. An ardent lover of the outdoors and an enthusiast of geology, Lou pursued her interests with fervor unusual for women of her era. She attended Stanford University, where she studied geology, breaking the mold as one of the first women in the field.

Meeting Herbert Hoover and Early Marriage Life (1895-1914)

At Stanford, Lou met Herbert Hoover, a fellow geology student. Their shared interests and passions for service bonded them, leading to marriage in 1899. The early years of their marriage were marked by global travels, especially to China, where Herbert pursued his engineering career and Lou engaged with local cultures and languages, adding Mandarin to her repertoire.

War Efforts and Humanitarian Work (1914-1918)

With the onset of World War I, the Hoovers' focus shifted dramatically towards humanitarian efforts. Lou worked alongside Herbert in London, aiding in the coordination and distribution of relief efforts for war-torn Europe. Her logistical acumen and fluency in multiple languages made her invaluable in these endeavors.

Advancing Women's Rights and Education (1919-1928)

Post-war, Lou's dedication to public service continued, particularly in the realm of women's rights and education. She took on leadership roles within organizations like the Girl Scouts, advocating for women’s physical education and promoting the importance of higher education for women in domestic and public life.

The White House Years (1929-1933)

As First Lady, Lou Henry Hoover redefined the role to suit her interests and passions. She was notably the first to broadcast a speech on the radio, addressed issues of children's health and welfare, and welcomed women of color to the White House. Her tenure was marked by transparency, openness, and advocacy for volunteerism and community engagement.

Contributions to Geology and Sciences (Throughout Life)

Despite her duties as First Lady, Lou never abandoned her love for geology and the sciences. She continued to engage with academic circles, contributing her knowledge and pioneering for women's greater involvement in the sciences.

Life after the White House (1933-1944)

After leaving Washington, D.C., the Hoovers returned to Palo Alto, California. Despite Herbert's political defeat, Lou remained active in her humanitarian and advocacy work, continuing to champion education, women's rights, and public service.

Philanthropy and Legacy (Throughout Life and Beyond)

Lou's contributions to society were not limited to her lifetime. The Lou Henry Hoover Building at Stanford University and various scholarships bear testament to her lasting impact on education and the sciences.

Connection to San Jose (1874-1894 and Beyond)

Raised in San Jose, Lou's early life in this vibrant California city shaped her into a woman of resilience, intelligence, and independence. Her upbringing here instilled in her a lifelong love for the natural world and a commitment to public service, reflecting the spirit of San Jose throughout her life.

Final Years and Death (1940-1944)

Lou Henry Hoover's final years were spent continuing her advocacy and enjoying her life in California. She passed away in 1944, leaving behind a rich legacy of service, leadership, and advocacy for women's rights and education.

Key Achievements of Lou Henry Hoover:

• Pioneered the role of First Lady, using the position to advocate for children's welfare, women's rights, and public engagement.

• First First Lady to make regular radio broadcasts, leveraging modern technology to communicate and advocate for her causes.

• Played a crucial role in wartime relief efforts during World War I, demonstrating her logistical expertise and multilingual abilities.

• Served as a leading figure in the Girl Scouts of the USA, promoting education and physical activities for young girls nationwide.

• Advocated for the inclusion of physical education in schools for women, emphasizing the importance of health and fitness.

• Championed women's rights and worked toward the empowerment of women in both public and domestic spheres.

Lou Henry Hoover's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to public service, education, and the advancement of women's rights. As First Lady, she used her platform to champion causes close to her heart, leaving a lasting impact on American society. Her early years in San Jose instilled in her a love for the natural world and a commitment to helping others, principles that guided her throughout her life. Lou Henry Hoover's legacy is a reminder of the power of compassion, intelligence, and indomitable spirit in effecting positive change.

Connect With Me

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

-Yannick Lyons

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