San Jose Newsletter (October 10th)

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

Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Former Palo Alto dive bar property sold for $4.5 million.

  • Upcoming Intocable concert

  • A deep-dive into the life of Leland Stanford

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

β€” Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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 historic landmark offers a glimpse into early Spanish Californian life and is the oldest building in the city?

A) The Winchester Mystery House

B) Peralta Adobe

C) The Hayes Mansion

D) San Jose Mission Church

Answer to Week 50's Trivia:

The name of the annual San Jose event that brings together thousands for a half marathon, 10k, and 5k races is C) Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon.

News

πŸ’Ό Business

PetSmart CEO suddenly steps down, interim appointment made. (Link)

Mark Zuckerberg has become the world's second-richest person. (Link)

πŸ’ Sports

Golden State Warriors prepare to move on without Klay Thompson. (Link)

49ers staffer helps Deommodore Lenoir avoid potential fine in post game interview. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Former Palo Alto dive bar property sold for $4.5 million. (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

⚽ Kansas City Current at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

🎟️ AEW Presents Dynamite & Rampage
SAP Center, San Jose
Wednesday, Oct. 16th | (More info)

Concerts

🎢 Intocable
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (More info)

🎀 Kany Garcia
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Wednesday, Oct. 16th | (More info)

Family

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Interactive Parenting Workshop: How to Talk for Better Listening and Cooperation
6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 12th | (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 β€œA smart San Jose where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” 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 founding of the San Jose Repertory Theatre (1980) - Enhancing the city's performing arts scene.

In 1980, the cultural tapestry of San Jose, California, was enriched with the founding of the San Jose Repertory Theatre, often affectionately known as The Rep. This pivotal establishment emerged from the collective vision of community leaders and arts enthusiasts who recognized the need for a professional theatre company that could cater to the diverse and growing population of the city. The founding of The Rep was not just an addition to San Jose's cultural infrastructure; it was a bold statement about the city's commitment to enhancing its performing arts scene and providing its residents with high-quality, professional theatre productions.

From its inception, The Rep set out to be a beacon of artistic excellence in the heartland of Silicon Valley. It aimed to offer a wide range of theatrical experiences, from contemporary plays and innovative new works to reimagined classics, thus capturing the imaginations of audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The theatre quickly established itself as a venue where compelling stories were told, where local talent could shine alongside seasoned professionals, and where the arts could be a catalyst for conversation and community building. The Rep's dedication to high production values and its embrace of diverse narratives underscored its role in elevating San Jose's status as a cultural hub.

Over the years, the San Jose Repertory Theatre not only enhanced the city's performing arts scene but also contributed significantly to its economic vitality. It attracted audiences from across the Bay Area, supported local businesses, and helped to anchor downtown San Jose as a vibrant destination for entertainment and leisure. The founding of The Rep in 1980 marked the beginning of a new chapter in San Jose's cultural history, demonstrating the transformative power of the arts and the importance of investing in creative institutions that reflect and enrich the community's identity. Through its legacy, The Rep continues to inspire other arts organizations in the city, contributing to a dynamic and thriving cultural landscape.

Famous People From San Jose

Leland Stanford (1824–1893) - Industrialist and founder of Stanford University, influenced the broader San Jose area.

Leland Stanford, an American tycoon and politician, left an indelible mark on California's development, particularly in the San Jose area, and the broader scope of the United States during the 19th century. His life story is one of ambition, innovation, and philanthropy, culminating in the foundation of one of the world's most prestigious universities.

Early Years and Legal Career (1824–1852)

Born in Watervliet, New York, Leland Stanford grew up in a modest environment that was rich in Quaker values of integrity, simplicity, and hard work. He studied law at Cazenovia Seminary and later at Clinton Liberal Institute, eventually gaining admission to the bar in 1848. Stanford moved to Port Washington, Wisconsin, where he practiced law for several years before the allure of the West drew him to California.

Moving West and Early Entrepreneurial Ventures (1852–1861)

Stanford arrived in California amidst the Gold Rush in 1852. However, instead of panning for gold, he ventured into business, starting a general merchandise store in Cold Hill, California, with his brothers. This enterprise capitalized on the demands of the gold miners and laid the groundwork for Stanford's fortune and business acumen.

The Central Pacific Railroad and the Transcontinental Railroad (1861–1869)

Stanford's keen interest in the development of the Pacific Coast led him to join forces with Collis Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker, collectively known as the Big Four. Together, they founded the Central Pacific Railroad. As president of the Central Pacific, Stanford played a pivotal role in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, famously driving the golden spike at Promontory Summit, Utah, in 1869. This monumental achievement revolutionized transportation and commerce across the United States.

Governor of California and Political Career (1861–1863)

Stanford's success in business translated into a political career when he was elected the 8th Governor of California as a Republican in 1861. His tenure, though short, was marked by efforts to improve the state's infrastructure and support for the Union during the Civil War.

Connection to San Jose and Agricultural Pursuits (1860s–1885)

While building his railroad empire, Stanford developed a strong connection to the San Jose area, purchasing large tracts of land for agricultural experiments. He established the Palo Alto Stock Farm, where he applied scientific methods to agriculture and breeding, laying the foundation for what would become Stanford University's campus.

Philanthropy and the Founding of Stanford University (1885–1893)

Following the death of their only child, Leland Stanford Jr., to typhoid fever, Leland and his wife, Jane Stanford, decided to honor their son's memory by founding Leland Stanford Junior University. The university, aimed at promoting public welfare by exercising an influence in behalf of humanity and civilization, opened its doors in 1891. It was revolutionary in its policies of non-discrimination and its focus on practical as well as classical education.

Last Years and Legacy (1892–1893)

In his final years, Stanford faced financial difficulties, partly due to the Panic of 1893, but he remained dedicated to the university until his death in 1893. His legacy lives on through Stanford University, which continues to be a leading institution in education and innovation.

Key Achievements:

  • Co-founded the Central Pacific Railroad and played a pivotal role in the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.

  • Served as the Governor of California, actively supporting the Union during the Civil War.

  • Pioneered innovative agricultural techniques on his Palo Alto Stock Farm in the San Jose area.

  • Founded Stanford University, emphasizing non-discrimination and practical education, profoundly influencing higher education worldwide.

Leland Stanford was a visionary who transcended his roots as a New York farmer to become a central figure in America's industrial and educational landscapes. His contributions to transportation revolutionized the economy, while his dedication to philanthropy and education shaped the future of the San Jose area and beyond. Stanford's enduring legacy is embodied in the global impact of the university that bears his son's name, reflecting his ideals of innovation, opportunity, and public service.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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