Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Strumbellas to perform at The Independent

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants game

• A deep dive into the life of Lenny Bruce

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Your time is limited, don't waste it living someone else's life.

– Steve Jobs

San Francisco 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 is the name of the major league baseball team based in San Francisco?

A) San Francisco 49ers

B) San Francisco Giants

C) Golden State Warriors

D) San Jose Sharks

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Francisco neighborhood where you would find the famous crooked Lombard Street is A) Russian Hill.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf Hotel returned to the lender of $85 million mortgage. (Link)

Two Berkeley apartment projects poised to break ground this summer, developer says. (Link)

Peninsula company's fix for deviated septum greenlighted by FDA. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Close to 20% of San Fansisco home sellers are losing money on their sales. (Link)

Taxi drivers in San Fransisco seek financial relief from medallion debt. (Link)

San Fransisco mayor seeks aid from government in order to revitalize downtown. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SF Giants beat Padres with walk-off, embarrass one batter in particular. (Link)

University of San Francisco announces 2 sports teams will 'be discontinued. (Link)

Watch the Warriors’ court be assembled, one 240-pound slab at a time. (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

⚾ San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Thursday, Apr. 18th | (More info)

⚾ San Francisco Giants vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Friday, Apr. 19th | (More info)

⚾ New York Mets at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Monday, Apr. 22nd | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎭 The Last Dinner Party
Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco
Tuesday, Apr. 16th | (More info)

🎵 Boy Harsher
The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Thursday, Apr. 18th | (More info)

🎤 Aidan Bissett
August Hall, San Francisco
Friday, Apr. 19th | (More info)

🎵 Still Corners
Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
Friday, Apr. 19th | (More info)

🎶 The Strumbellas
The Independent, San Francisco
Saturday, Apr. 20th | (More info)

🎶 Rhiannon Giddens
The Fillmore - San Francisco, San Francisco
Sunday, Apr. 21st | (More info)

Family

🚌 Monterey and Carmel Tour
2 Beach St, San Francisco
Monday, April. 15th | (More info)

🚤 Skip-the-Line 1-Hour Bay Cruise by Boat
Yellow Box Office, west of Pier 39, San Francisco
Tuesday, April. 16th | (More info)

🐠 Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
Thursday, April. 18th | (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 Francisco with buildings that change shape and color” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Francisco History

1887: Establishment of the University of California, San Francisco.

In 1887, the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) was established, marking a significant milestone in the city's history. The university's roots can be traced back to 1864 when South Carolina surgeon Hugh Toland founded a private medical school in San Francisco. In 1873, it became affiliated with the University of California as its Medical Department, and in the same year, it incorporated the California College of Pharmacy. By 1881, UCSF had established a dentistry school, solidifying its position as a leading institution in the field of health sciences.

UCSF's reputation in the health field continued to grow, and it obtained full administrative independence under the name University of California, San Francisco Medical Center. The university's faculty have been treating patients and training residents since 1873 at the San Francisco General Hospital, further cementing its role in the local community. Over the years, UCSF has expanded its facilities and campuses, becoming one of the world's leading health sciences universities.

Today, UCSF stands as a vibrant community of scientists, scholars, students, and staff, with a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1887. The university's commitment to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care has made it a cornerstone of San Francisco's academic and healthcare landscape.

Famous San Franciscans

Lenny Bruce (1925-1966):

Influential stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist:

Lenny Bruce, born Leonard Alfred Schneider, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist known for his open, free-wheeling, and critical style of comedy. His career and life story reflect a journey of challenging societal norms and advocating for freedom of speech.

Early Life and Entry into Stand-Up Comedy (1925-1953):

Leonard Alfred Schneider, later known as Lenny Bruce, was born on October 13, 1925, in Mineola, New York. Growing up in nearby Bellmore, he attended Wellington C. Mepham High School. After discovering his passion for comedy, Bruce began performing stand-up at the age of 22 and found initial success before joining the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Exploration of Darker Themes and Move to Northern California (1953-1960):

In 1953, Lenny Bruce and his wife moved to Northern California, where he resumed his stand-up career and began exploring darker themes in his comedy. His performances in culturally sophisticated cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles marked a significant phase in his artistic development.

Legal Battles and Advocacy for Freedom of Speech (1961-1964):

Between 1961 and 1964, Lenny Bruce faced legal challenges in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York for his provocative and controversial performances. Prosecutors targeted him for what they deemed as "word crimes," making him a poster boy for freedom of speech and a symbol of resistance against censorship.

Legacy and Impact on Comedy (Post-1964):

Lenny Bruce's legacy extends beyond his career as a comedian. His open, critical style of comedy, which addressed satire, politics, religion, and sex, paved the way for future generations of comedians to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of free expression.

Connection to San Francisco:

San Francisco played a significant role in Lenny Bruce's career, as it was one of the culturally sophisticated cities where he performed and faced legal challenges for his provocative comedy. His experiences in San Francisco contributed to his reputation as a trailblazer in the world of stand-up comedy.

Key Achievements of Lenny Bruce:

• Pioneered a style of open, critical comedy that addressed societal taboos and challenged censorship.

• Became a symbol of resistance against legal persecution and an advocate for freedom of speech.

• Inspired future generations of comedians to push the boundaries of free expression and challenge societal norms.

Lenny Bruce's story is one of artistic courage, advocacy for freedom of speech, and a lasting impact on the world of comedy. His legacy continues to inspire and influence comedians and performers to this day.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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