Welcome to The San Jose Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers contract standoff ends with $120 million deal.

• Upcoming El Alfa concert

• A deep-dive into the life of William Manly

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

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!

San Jose's Santana Row is a vibrant district known for its luxury shopping, dining, and living spaces. What unique feature distinguishes Santana Row from typical shopping centers?

A) It includes a vineyard.

B) It features European-style architecture.

C) It has its own amusement park.

D) It is entirely solar-powered.

Answer to Week 40's Trivia:

The "Winchester Mystery House" in San Jose is famous for its architectural oddities and is rumored to be haunted due to D) To appease spirits.

News

💼 Business

Apple cuts 100 jobs in online services group. (Link)

Supermicro's shares tumble in wake of scathing report. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers contract standoff ends with $120 million deal. (Link)

Peralta pitches 6 scoreless innings, Contreras homers as Brewers beat Giants 5-3. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Bill aimed at regulating drug middlemen heads to Gov. Newsom. (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

⚽ Racing Louisville FC at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 7th | (More info)

⚽ Orlando Pride at Bay FC
PayPal Park, San Jose
Friday, Sep 20th | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 BEAT
San Jose Civic, San Jose
Thursday, Sep 12th | (More info)

🎵 El Alfa
SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 14th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Back To School JAM
3550 Stevens Creek Boulevard Suite 130, San Jose
Saturday, Sep 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 “San Jose with a large, central, computerized public library” 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 creation of Alum Rock Park (1872) - One of California's oldest municipal parks.

Alum Rock Park, nestled in the eastern foothills of the Santa Clara Valley, is not only a natural haven but also a piece of California's rich history. Officially established in 1872, it holds the distinction of being one of California's oldest municipal parks. This sprawling 720-acre park was initially recognized for its mineral springs, which attracted visitors from across the region in search of health and relaxation. The park's founding was a progressive move, showcasing San Jose's early commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment and wellbeing.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alum Rock Park became a renowned destination for those seeking the therapeutic benefits of its mineral waters. The park was developed to cater to its visitors with amenities such as bathhouses, a natatorium, and meticulously landscaped gardens, effectively becoming San Jose's premiere leisure destination. The park's infrastructure was supported by a railway line that made the area accessible to the masses. Over the years, as medical science advanced and the popularity of mineral springs declined, the focus of the park shifted towards outdoor recreation and conservation.

Today, Alum Rock Park serves as a cherished urban oasis, offering a network of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center that educates visitors about the local wildlife and the park’s geological features. Although the grand bathhouses and the railway have long since vanished, the magic of the park's natural landscape continues to attract both locals and tourists alike. Alum Rock Park’s creation and enduring appeal underscore the importance of preserving natural spaces within urban areas, serving as a testament to San Jose’s foresight and commitment to environmental stewardship and public enjoyment.

Famous People From San Jose

William Manly (1820–1903) - Pioneer and author, provided vivid descriptions of early San Jose.

Early Years and Westward Journey (1820-1849)

William Manly was born in Vermont in 1820, a time when America was a nation expanding and looking boundlessly towards the West. Growing up, Manly was influenced by the era's prevailing spirit of adventure and exploration, which would later guide the course of his life. In 1849, caught up in the fervor of the California Gold Rush, he set off on a perilous journey across the continent to seek fortune and explore the uncharted frontiers.

The Overland Expedition to California (1849-1850)

Manly's journey to California was fraught with risk and demonstrated his resilience and resourcefulness. He was part of a group that decided to take a supposed shortcut through the Great Basin desert, which proved nearly fatal. Manly took on a leadership role, and his tenacity and courage became a matter of survival as they navigated through hostile landscapes. This perilous voyage later became a central part of his legacy, illustrating the trials faced by early pioneers.

Rescue at Death Valley (1850)

The most harrowing part of Manly's journey occurred when the party became trapped in what is now known as Death Valley. Recognizing the dire circumstances, Manly and another member of the party undertook an extraordinary feat. They hiked across the desert to obtain supplies, returning to rescue their companion pioneers. This act of heroism earned him a place in the folklore of the American West and gave Death Valley its ominous name.

Settling in California and San Jose Connection (1850s)

After surviving Death Valley, Manly decided to abandon the gold fields and instead settled in California, where he played an integral role in the state's early development. He was particularly drawn to the Santa Clara Valley, spending significant time in San Jose. In San Jose, Manly provided vivid descriptions of the region’s beauty and bounty, contributing to early knowledge about California's landscapes and resources.

Explorations and Adventures Beyond California (1860s)

Manly's adventurous spirit did not wane with his move to California. Throughout the 1860s, he continued to explore the broader American West, including journeys to Nevada, Utah, and beyond. His travels contributed to the expanding map of the United States, providing valuable insights into the geography, natural resources, and indigenous peoples of the vast frontier.

Authorship and the Chronicle of Western Exploration (1870s-1880s)

Drawing from his rich experiences on the American frontier, William Manly turned to writing to document his adventures and the changing landscape of the West. His accounts, imbued with tales of survival, exploration, and discovery, became invaluable resources for understanding America's westward expansion. His writings offered not just a chronicle of his journey but also reflections on the pioneer spirit and the transformation of the American landscape.

Community Life and Legacy in California (1890s-1903)

In his later years, Manly became a respected member of the California community, known for his contributions to the state's development and history. He remained active in sharing his stories, engaging with the new generations, and participating in events that celebrated California's pioneer history. William Manly passed away in 1903, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the narrative of American expansion and exploration.

Key Achievements of William Manly:

• Played a pivotal role in pioneering routes across the American West during the California Gold Rush era.

• Saved numerous lives through his heroic journey out of Death Valley, earning himself a lasting place in the lore of the American frontier.

• Became a prominent chronicler of early California and the broader American West through his vivid writings.

• Contributed significantly to the early development and understanding of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley.

• Left an enduring legacy through his contributions to American history, adventure, and exploration.

William Manly embodied the quintessential American explorer and pioneer spirit. His journey from Vermont to the Californian frontier, fraught with danger and challenges, showcases the rugged determination and courage of early American pioneers. Manly not only carved paths through the physical landscape but also through the annals of American history, leaving behind a legacy as a heroic figure of survival and exploration. His life and writings remain a valuable window into the era of westward expansion, capturing the imagination and spirit of adventure that defined the American frontier.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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