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- San Francisco Newsletter (April 29th)
San Francisco Newsletter (April 29th)
Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!
Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!
In today’s edition:
Tesla layoffs amount to 3,000-job bloodletting for Bay Area
Upcoming San Francisco Giants game
A deep dive into the life of Duke Ellington
And more…
Quote of the Week
Talent hits a target no one else can hit. Genius hits a target no one else can see.
– Arthur Schopenhauer
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!
Which San Francisco museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art?
A) The Metropolitan Museum of Art
B) The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA)
C) The Louvre
D) The Guggenheim
Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The name of the famous island in San Francisco Bay that was once a federal prison is C) Alcatraz Island.
The Best Stories of the Week
💼 Business
Bank of San Francisco taps longtime First Republic veteran to fill key role. (Link)
Tesla layoffs amount to 3,000-job bloodletting for Bay Area. (Link)
Mid-Market office tower trades for just 10% of prepandemic value. (Link)
🏦 Finance
Backed by $1 billion, former Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne heading AI-focused biotech startup. (Link)
Highest-elevation home in San Francisco returns to market with lofty ask. (Link)
Wells Fargo wants to dismiss former CEO Tim Sloan's $34 million lawsuit. (Link)
🏒 Sports
Logan Webb extends scoreless streak to 19 innings as the Giants send the Mets to 3rd straight loss. (Link)
Johnny Cueto signs minor league deal with Texas. He was an All-Star for Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. (Link)
Dave McCarty, 11-year MLB veteran and member of the 2004 Red Sox championship team, dies at 54. (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. Cincinnati Reds
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Friday, May 10th | (More info)
⚾ San Francisco Giants vs. Cincinnati Reds
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Saturday, May 11th | (More info)
⚾ San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Monday, May 13th | (More info)
Music & Concerts
🎸 Andy Shauf
The Chapel, San Francisco
Tuesday, April 30th | (More info)
🎸 Benson Boone
The Masonic, San Francisco
Wednesday, May 1st | (More info)
🎸 Thouxanbanfauni
Brick and Mortar Music Hall, San Francisco
Thursday, May 2nd | (More info)
🎸 Our Last Night
The Fillmore, San Francisco
Friday, May 3rd | (More info)
🎸 Agent Orange
Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)
Family
👨👩👧👦 Tuesday Playgroup in Dolores Park
19th Street, San Francisco
Tuesday, May 7th | (More info)
👶 The Stroller Exchange - The Great Bay Area Baby Gear Swap!
1111 Gough Street, San Francisco
Sunday, May 5th | (More info)
🎉 Family Fun Day
Illinois Street, San Francisco
Sunday, May 5th | (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 “Urban landscape of San Francisco with advanced public transport systems” 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
1900: The bubonic plague hits San Francisco, leading to public health reforms.
In 1900, San Francisco was struck by a devastating epidemic of bubonic plague, marking the first plague outbreak in the continental United States. The epidemic was centered on San Francisco's Chinatown and was recognized by medical authorities in March 1900. However, its existence was initially denied for more than two years by California's Governor Henry Gage. The first diagnosed case of bubonic plague in the U.S. was a Chinese immigrant and lumber seller named Wong Chut King, which led to a crackdown on the plague and raised issues of anti-Asian racism in San Francisco.
The bubonic plague outbreak in San Francisco prompted a significant public health response and led to the implementation of public health reforms. The city's health officer and medical authorities worked to identify and treat the plague, and efforts were made to refute rumors of plague in San Francisco. The outbreak also sparked a two-year political firestorm, with officials initially attempting to cover up the presence of the plague. Ultimately, the epidemic led to a race to save America from the bubonic plague, and San Francisco was finally declared plague-free in November 1908.
The bubonic plague outbreak in 1900 had a lasting impact on San Francisco, shaping public health policies and practices in the city. It also shed light on issues of racism and discrimination, particularly against the Asian community. The response to the outbreak and the subsequent public health reforms marked a significant chapter in San Francisco's history, highlighting the city's resilience and determination to overcome public health challenges.
Famous San Franciscans
Duke Ellington (1899-1974):
Influential jazz composer, pianist, and orchestra leader:
Edward Kennedy Duke Ellington was an American jazz pianist, composer, and orchestra leader, whose career spanned over five decades. He was born on April 29, 1899, in Washington, D.C., and left an indelible mark on the world of jazz music.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1899-1917):
Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington, grew up in a middle-class family in Washington, D.C. His passion for music was ignited at a young age, and he began learning to play the piano. By the time he was a teenager, he was already performing professionally, showcasing his talent for ragtime music.
Rise to Prominence in the Jazz Scene (1918-1930):
In the early 1920s, Duke Ellington moved to New York City, where he quickly became a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His orchestra, known as the Duke Ellington Orchestra, gained widespread acclaim for its innovative and sophisticated jazz compositions. Ellington's unique style and musical arrangements set him apart as a leading force in the jazz world.
Innovative Compositions and Musical Legacy (1931-1945):
During the 1930s and 1940s, Duke Ellington's orchestra produced a series of groundbreaking compositions that solidified his status as a musical innovator. His works, such as Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, and Take the 'A' Train, became jazz standards and showcased his ability to blend different musical styles into a cohesive and distinctive sound.
Contribution to the San Francisco Jazz Scene:
Duke Ellington's influence extended to the San Francisco jazz scene, where his music resonated with audiences and musicians alike. His performances in the Bay Area left a lasting impression and contributed to the city's vibrant jazz culture.
International Recognition and Cultural Impact (1946-1960):
In the post-World War II era, Duke Ellington's orchestra embarked on international tours, captivating audiences around the world with their dynamic performances. Ellington's music transcended borders and cultural barriers, earning him a global reputation as a musical ambassador for jazz.
Later Years and Continued Artistic Pursuits (1961-1974):
Even in his later years, Duke Ellington remained dedicated to his craft, composing new works and collaborating with other renowned musicians. His commitment to musical excellence and innovation continued to inspire generations of jazz artists and enthusiasts.
Key Achievements of Duke Ellington:
Pioneered a unique and influential style of jazz music, blending elements of classical, blues, and swing.
Composed numerous jazz standards that have become integral to the genre's repertoire.
Received multiple Grammy Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for his contributions to music.
Elevated the status of jazz music as a sophisticated and respected art form.
Left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz music.
Duke Ellington's impact on the world of jazz music is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. His innovative compositions and dedication to musical excellence have solidified his place as a true icon of jazz.
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
Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen
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