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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Things are going from bad to worse for former 49ers first-round draft pick.

• Upcoming San Jose Barracuda match

• A deep-dive into the life of Frederick Billing

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

— J.K. Rowling

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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!

What historical landmark in San Jose is known for its mysterious architecture, created by the widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle?

A) The Peralta Adobe

B) The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

C) The Winchester Mystery House

D) The Tech Interactive

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Japanese Friendship Garden is located in B) Kelley Park

News

💼 Business

Mountain View-based Medic lands $5M for cancer work. (Link)

Julián Castro to headline Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Warriors players dominate hot takes from ESPN's NBA player rankings. (Link)

Things are going from bad to worse for former 49ers first-round draft pick. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Biden administration may cap exports of AI chips to certain nations. (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

🏀 Cal State East Bay Pioneers at San Jose State Spartans Men's Basketball
Provident Credit Union Event Center, San Jose
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (More info)

🏒 Coachella Valley Firebirds at San Jose Barracuda
Tech CU Arena, San Jose
Wednesday, Oct. 30th | (More info)

Concerts

🎶 Aj Croce
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Wednesday, Oct. 23rd | (More info)

🎤 Codiciado
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Thursday, Oct. 24th | (More info)

Family

📝 Free Educational Seminar on Estate Planning - Almaden
5965 Almaden Expressway, San Jose
Tuesday, Oct. 22nd | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style San Jose with modern technology” 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

Admission of California into the Union (1850) - San Jose played a role as a center of political activity.

The admission of California into the Union in 1850 was a pivotal moment in United States history, marking the rapid expansion and growth of the nation towards the West Coast. San Jose, then a burgeoning community in the new state, played a significant role as a center of political activity during this transformative period. As the state grappled with the implications of the Gold Rush and the debate over slavery, San Jose's prominence in California's political landscape grew, hosting the state's first capital and serving as a crucial meeting point for political figures and decision-makers.

This era was characterized by intense discussions and decisions that would shape the future of California and the nation. San Jose, with its strategic location and burgeoning population, was at the forefront of debates surrounding statehood, governance, and the integration of California into the broader United States. The city's involvement in these foundational moments underscored its importance in the state's early development and set the stage for its future as a key player in the region's economic and cultural growth.

The admission of California into the Union, with San Jose playing a central role in the state's early political activities, marked the beginning of a new chapter in American history. This period not only highlighted the city's significance in California's path to statehood but also foreshadowed its future contributions to the state's prosperity and innovation. As California joined the Union, San Jose emerged as a critical hub of activity, helping to lay the groundwork for the state's burgeoning influence on national affairs.

Famous People From San Jose

Frederick Billing (1822–1880) - An early pioneer and businessman in San Jose, contributed to the city's growth.

Born in 1822 in a quaint English village, Frederick Billing's humble beginnings were far from the pioneering life he would later adopt. Growing up in a family of modest means, Billing was instilled with values of hard work and perseverance from a young age. These virtues would serve him well, guiding his ambitions beyond the shores of England towards the opportunities burgeoning in the United States.

Journey to America and Early Endeavors (1845-1850)

In 1845, Billing made the life-changing decision to emigrate to the United States, seeking opportunities that were then only tales in England. Landing in New York, he dabbled in various trades, from carpentry to merchant services. However, it was the West's calling that ultimately captured his spirit, leading him to embark on a journey that would place him at the heart of California's burgeoning communities.

Settling in San Jose and Business Ventures (1851-1860)

By 1851, Billing had settled in San Jose, recognizing the untapped potential of this nascent city. With a keen business acumen honed from his earlier endeavors, he ventured into agriculture and real estate, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure. His investments in farmland and properties around San Jose were pivotal, contributing significantly to the city's growth and infrastructure development during these formative years.

Contributions to San Jose's Growth (1861-1870)

Billing's influence in San Jose was most pronounced in his advocacy for infrastructure and community services. He played a key role in the establishment of public schools, recognizing early on the importance of education in fostering a prosperous community. Furthermore, his efforts in improving transportation networks within San Jose were instrumental in connecting the city more effectively with surrounding areas, boosting trade and accessibility.

Entrepreneurial Success and Challenges (1871-1875)

The 1870s brought both success and challenges for Billing. His entrepreneurial ventures expanded to include a lumber mill and a general store, both of which catered to the growing demands of a city in rapid development. However, these years were also marked by economic challenges, including the Panic of 1873, which tested Billing's resilience and business acumen. Through strategic adjustments and an unwavering commitment to his ventures, he managed to navigate these turbulent times successfully.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy (1876-1880)

Toward the latter part of his life, Billing focused increasingly on his philanthropic efforts. A believer in giving back to the community that had supported his success, he contributed generously to local charities and initiatives. His involvement in founding San Jose's first public library was a testament to his enduring commitment to education and community welfare.

Legacy in San Jose (1880 and Beyond)

Frederick Billing passed away in 1880, leaving behind a legacy that would forever be intertwined with San Jose's early development. His contributions to the city's growth, infrastructure, and community services had laid the foundation for what would become one of California's most dynamic and thriving cities.

Key Achievements of Frederick Billing:

• Pioneered key agricultural and real estate ventures in San Jose, contributing significantly to the city's early development.

• Advocated for and contributed to the improvement of San Jose's infrastructure, including roads and public education systems.

• Played a pivotal role in the establishment of San Jose's first public library, reflecting his dedication to community welfare and education.

• Overcame economic challenges through resilience and strategic business adjustments, ensuring the continuation of his contributions to San Jose.

Frederick Billing's story is one of ambition, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to community welfare. Arriving in San Jose when it was still in its infancy, his vision and hard work played a substantial role in shaping the city's future. Today, Billing is remembered not just as a successful entrepreneur, but as a pioneer whose contributions helped lay the groundwork for San Jose's prosperity and growth.

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

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