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Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Google, Samsung sued by game developer over alleged collusion.

• Upcoming San Jose Sharks match

• A deep-dive into the life of Larry Sonsini.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

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

— 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!

In San Jose, the Circle of Palms Plaza is best known for what winter activity, transforming the area into a seasonal attraction?

A) Outdoor ice skating

B) Winter food festivals

C) Holiday lights display

D) Snow sculpture competitions

Answer to Week 48's Trivia:

The San Jose museum dedicated exclusively to the preservation and exhibition of Vietnamese culture, history, and art is B) Museum of the Boat People & the Republic of Vietnam.

News

💼 Business

Google, Samsung sued by game developer over alleged collusion. (Link)

Milpitas Unified School District's Innovation Campus construction completed. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The A’s aren’t the only ones leaving the Bay Area. Here’s what we’re losing. (Link)

Red Sox head groundskeeper Dave Mellor to retire after Sunday's game. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Google investing $1 billion in South Asia for new data center, cloud infrastructure. (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

🏈 Nevada Wolf Pack at San Jose State Spartans Football
CEFCU Stadium, San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

🏒 Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks
SAP Center, San Jose
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

Concerts

🎤 Grupo Firme
SAP Center, San Jose
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

🎸 The Armed and HO99O9 (21+)
The Ritz, San Jose
Wednesday, Oct. 9th | (More info)

Family

🎉 10th Cupertino Dandiya Nite
901 Boynton Avenue, San Jose
Friday, Oct. 4th | (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 “High-tech San Jose with a focus on robotics and automation” 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

San Jose adopts its first General Plan (1974) - Guiding the city's development for future generations.

In 1974, San Jose, a burgeoning city in the heart of California's Silicon Valley, reached a pivotal moment in its urban development by adopting its first General Plan. This strategic blueprint was a forward-thinking endeavor designed to guide the city's development for subsequent generations, at a time when San Jose was on the cusp of explosive growth. The General Plan laid the groundwork for managing this growth in a sustainable and balanced manner, emphasizing smart urban planning, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development. Its adoption signified a commitment from the city's leaders to not only accommodate the expected influx of population and businesses but to do so in a way that would enhance the quality of life for all residents.

The General Plan of 1974 was innovative in its approach, incorporating principles that would steer San Jose towards becoming a more livable, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable city. It detailed provisions for land use, housing, transportation, public facilities, and open spaces, taking into consideration the importance of balancing residential needs with industrial and commercial growth. The plan recognized early on the challenges of urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and resource management, leading to policies that encouraged higher density near transit corridors and the preservation of open spaces. This vision was instrumental in shaping the city's development, aiming to create a cohesive community where people could live, work, and play in close proximity, reducing the need for long commutes and fostering a sense of community.

Over the decades, San Jose's General Plan has undergone several revisions to adapt to changing times and needs, but the cornerstone principles laid out in the 1974 document have remained integral. It set a precedent for thoughtful urban planning and growth management, influencing not only San Jose's trajectory but also serving as a model for other cities grappling with similar growth dynamics. The plan's legacy lives on, guiding the city's development and ensuring that San Jose continues to thrive as a dynamic, diverse, and sustainable city well into the future. Its early adoption of a comprehensive General Plan underscores the city's commitment to thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic urban development, setting a robust foundation for future generations.

Famous People From San Jose

Larry Sonsini. Attorney influential in the development of Silicon Valley tech companies, connected to San Jose's growth.

Lawrence J. Sonsini, renowned as a pivotal figure in Silicon Valley's development, has been instrumental in shaping the legal and entrepreneurial landscape of this global technology hub. His career spans over five decades, during which he has played a critical role in the growth of numerous tech companies, establishing him as a cornerstone of Silicon Valley's success.

Early Years and Education (1941–1963)

Born in Rome, New York, in 1941, Lawrence Larry Sonsini moved with his family to California, where he would eventually leave a significant mark on the burgeoning tech industry. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, before heading to Boalt Hall School of Law (now UC Berkeley School of Law), where he honed the legal acumen that would become foundational in his career.

Starting in Law and the Birth of Wilson Sonsini (1964–1970)

Upon completing his legal education, Sonsini embarked on his professional journey in the mid-1960s, starting at a small San Francisco law firm. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly emerged, leading him to co-found Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in 1961, which would grow to become synonymous with Silicon Valley's legal landscape.

Shaping the Tech Ecosystem (1971–1980)

The 1970s saw Sonsini playing a key role in shaping the corporate governance of many technology startups. His firm provided legal counsel to a slew of companies, navigating them through initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&As), thereby laying the groundwork for the tech ecosystem's exponential growth.

The Boom of Silicon Valley (1981–1990)

As Silicon Valley burgeoned into a global technology center during the 1980s, Sonsini's influence deepened. His understanding of both the legal and business sides of the tech industry made him an indispensable advisor to companies navigating the complexities of rapid growth, venture capital financing, and public markets.

Expansion and Influence (1991–2000)

In the 1990s, amidst the internet boom, Sonsini's firm expanded its services and reach, becoming a powerhouse in Silicon Valley's legal scene. It advised on some of the era's most significant tech transactions, solidifying Sonsini’s reputation as a key architect of the legal frameworks that underpin the technology sector.

Guiding Through Challenges (2001–2010)

The early 2000s brought new challenges, including the dot-com crash and evolving regulatory landscapes. Sonsini guided countless tech companies through these turbulent times, offering strategic legal advice that helped stabilize many amidst uncertainty.

A Pillar of Support (2011–2020)

Even as the technology sector faced new hurdles, Sonsini remained a steadfast advisor. His work during this decade underscored his commitment to innovation, governance, and the ethical growth of Silicon Valley's corporate environment.

Connection to San Jose (Throughout Career)

Throughout his career, Sonsini has had a profound connection to San Jose and its growth into a global tech city. His firm's work with San Jose-based companies helped to shape the legal and business landscape, fostering the city's development and transformation into the capital of Silicon Valley.

Continuing Legacy

As of 2021, Larry Sonsini continues to influence Silicon Valley, offering his unparalleled experience to new generations of entrepreneurs and tech companies. His ongoing contributions ensure that his legacy will endure, encapsulating the relentless pursuit of innovation and integrity.

Reflections on a Luminary Career

Looking back on his illustrious career, Larry Sonsini stands out not just as a lawyer but as a visionary whose influence transcends the legal domain, affecting the very fabric of Silicon Valley and its global impact. His legacy is a testament to a career dedicated to excellence, innovation, and the fostering of an environment where technology can flourish unbounded.

Key Achievements of Lawrence J. Sonsini:

• Co-founded Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, pivotal in shaping Silicon Valley’s legal framework.

• Advised countless technology companies on IPOs, M&As, and corporate governance, contributing significantly to Silicon Valley's growth.

• Played a crucial role in Silicon Valley's expansion into a global tech hub through strategic legal and business advice.

• Guided tech companies through the dot-com crash and the 2008 financial crisis, stabilizing the industry during tumultuous periods.

• Maintained a lasting connection to San Jose, contributing to its development as a cornerstone of Silicon Valley.

Larry Sonsini’s career is a remarkable blend of legal expertise and visionary leadership. His pivotal role in establishing and nurturing Silicon Valley’s tech industry, combined with his dedication to ethical business practices and innovation, has left an indelible mark on the world. His legacy is one of enduring influence, shaping not just the trajectory of technology companies, but also the legal practices that support the industry's growth and dynamism.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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