Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Chicano Soul Fest

• Upcoming San Jose Giants match

• A deep-dive into the life of Lola Montez

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.”

–Norton Juster

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 Winchester Mystery House in San Jose is famous for its architectural oddities and is rumored to be haunted. What was the original purpose of its construction?

A) To house the Winchester family

B) A hotel for the wealthy

C) A museum

D) To appease spirits

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The public university in San Jose recognized for its significant contribution to engineering and computer science education, producing many Silicon Valley professionals, is A) San Jose State University.

News

💼 Business

U.S. appeals court revives Google privacy class action lawsuit. (Link)

One Santana West gains new Couchbase HQ on ground floor. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Al Attles, one of NBA's first Black head coaches who led Warriors to 1975 title, dies at 87. (Link)

49ers coach makes Christian McCaffrey wedding quip in response to injury question. (Link)

🏦 Finance

UK watchdog approves Meta’s ad data rule changes. (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

🎾 Tennis Skyhawks Sports Academy
Seven Trees Community Center, San Jose
September 7th | (More info)

⚾ Rancho Cucamonga Quakes at San Jose Giants
Excite Ballpark, San Jose
September 1st | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 Grupo Marca Registrada
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, San Jose
September 1st | (More info)

🎵 Jelly Roll
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Tuesday, Sep 3rd | (More info)

🎵 Chicano Soul Fest
History Park, San Jose
September 7th | (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 “An architecturally symmetrical San Jose” 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

Establishment of eBay in San Jose (1995) - Impact on e-commerce and the local economy.

eBay, the renowned online auction and shopping platform, was founded in San Jose, California, in 1995, marking a significant turning point in the history of e-commerce. This innovative platform was conceived by Pierre Omidyar, who sought to create a unique marketplace that empowered individuals to buy and sell a vast array of goods and services online. eBay quickly rose from a fledgling startup to an e-commerce titan, revolutionizing the way people think about buying and selling on the internet. This new way of commerce democratized the marketplace, enabling users from around the globe to participate, regardless of their geographical location or the size of their enterprise.

The impact of eBay on the e-commerce landscape has been profound and far-reaching. It has paved the way for the proliferation of online marketplaces and has set standards for security, user engagement, and community building within the digital commerce space. eBay has introduced innovative features such as online auctions, user feedback systems, and detailed seller ratings, which have significantly enhanced consumer confidence in online transactions. Moreover, the platform's success has inspired countless entrepreneurs to explore online business models, contributing to the explosive growth of e-commerce worldwide. eBay's evolution from a simple website to a global e-commerce platform illustrates the incredible potential of internet-based businesses and has been instrumental in shaping online consumer behavior.

Locally, eBay's establishment in San Jose has had a significant and lasting impact on the city's economy and its status as a tech hub. As eBay flourished, it attracted a skilled workforce, fostered job creation, and stimulated growth in ancillary businesses, from shipping and logistics to professional services catering to online merchants. This influx of economic activity has contributed to San Jose's reputation as a center for innovation and technology, enhancing its appeal to other high-tech firms and startups. The presence of eBay in San Jose exemplifies how a pioneering tech company can influence local economic development, drive technological advancements, and reinforce a city's position on the global stage of the digital economy.

Famous People From San Jose

Lola Montez (1821–1861)

Lola Montez, born as Eliza Rosanna Gilbert in Grange, County Sligo, Ireland, embarked on a life that would lead her across continents, gracing stages as a dancer and actress, and establishing an indelible mark on the societies she touched. Her life was a tumultuous journey of rebellion, love, and scandal, reflecting the complex character behind the persona of Lola Montez.

Early Years and Transformation into Lola Montez (1821-1842)

Eliza's early life was marked by frequent moves and a brief, unhappy marriage at the age of 16 to Lieutenant Thomas James. Seeking independence and escape from her past, she transformed herself into Lola Montez, the Spanish dancer, reinventing her history, identity, and destiny in the process.

Rise to Fame in Europe (1843-1847)

Lola quickly gained notoriety in Europe as a dancer, captivating audiences with her exotic performances and unabashed self-promotion. Her beauty, coupled with her talent for enrapturing high society, propelled her into the limelight, though her technical skills as a dancer were often questioned.

Scandalous Affairs and Royal Intrigue (1847-1849)

Montez's penchant for high-profile romances reached its peak with her affair with King Ludwig I of Bavaria. Her influence over the king led to significant political appointments and social reforms, but also widespread unrest. Her enemies dubbed her the King's Mistress, and her involvement in politics incited public fury and demonstrations.

Exile and Adventures Abroad (1850-1855)

Following her departure from Bavaria amidst political upheaval, Lola continued her travels, performing in the United States and Australia. Her life abroad was filled with both successes and challenges, including riots, legal disputes, and fleeting romantic alliances, indicating a life lived with intensity and defiance.

Connection to San Jose (1853)

Lola's connection to San Jose began in 1853 when she decided to settle in the burgeoning town, seeking a fresh start. Here, she built a lavish home dubbed Montezuma, hoping to establish herself as a prominent social figure. Her experiences in San Jose reflected her attempts to reinvent herself once again, amid a community wary of her notorious past.

Late Career and Attempts at Respectability (1855-1858)

In the later years of her life, Lola sought to cultivate respectability through literature and lecturing, sharing her ideas on beauty, power, and women's independence. Despite her efforts, her past continued to shadow her endeavors, affecting her relationships and social standing.

Final Years and Legacy (1859-1861)

Lola Montez's health declined rapidly in her final years, culminating in her death at the age of 40 from pneumonia. She died in New York, far from her birthplace and the various worlds she had conquered and lost. Despite her controversial life, her legacy as a symbol of defiance and an advocate for women's independence persisted beyond her death.

Key Achievements of Lola Montez:

• Transformed herself from Eliza Gilbert into the international sensation, Lola Montez.

• Held significant influence over King Ludwig I of Bavaria, leading to her becoming a countess and instigating social reforms.

• Traveled extensively, captivating audiences in Europe, the United States, and Australia with her performances.

• Made a notable attempt at settling and starting anew in San Jose, adding to the rich tapestry of the town's history.

• Authored The Arts of Beauty and lectured on women's rights and independence, marking her early contributions to feminist thought.

Lola Montez's story is one of constant reinvention and fearless pursuit of personal freedom. Her name evokes images of scandal, romance, and rebellion, intertwined with moments of vulnerability and ambition. Despite the controversies, Lola's legacy endures as a figure who challenged societal norms, pushed the boundaries of acceptable behavior for women of her time, and left an indelible mark on the history of every place that was part of her extraordinary life journey.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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