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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• South San Francisco bakery fined $162K for air quality violations.

• Upcoming Chief Keef concert

• A deep dive into the life of Judy Garland

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” 

— Vincent Van Gogh

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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 famous former federal penitentiary on an island in San Francisco Bay that is now a tourist attraction?

A) Governors Island

B) Rikers Island

C) Alcatraz Island

D) Treasure Island

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The San Francisco event where over 30,000 participants dress up in costumes and run or walk through the city is B) The Bay to Breakers.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Swift surrenders Showplace Square building slated for lab conversion. (Link)

Robinhood CEO defends suspension of 24-hour trading: ‘We are on the bleeding edge. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Inside the Bay Area's first taste of the global women's soccer boom. (Link)

Michael Conforto's two-run single keys 4-run 10th inning as Giants beat Nationals 9-5. (Link)

🏦 Finance

California, Bay Area hotel sales slow to trickle in 2024. (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

⚾ Atlanta Braves at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

⚾ Chicago White Sox at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Mon, Aug 19th - Wed, Aug 21st | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Cults
Bimbo's 365 Club, San Francisco
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

🎵 Drugdealer
The Chapel, San Francisco
Friday, Aug 16th | (More info)

Family

🌮 Taco Team-Up
Traveling Chef San Francisco
Friday, Aug 16th | (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 “Futuristic San Francisco with advanced weather control 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

1856: San Francisco Vigilance Committee formed to combat lawlessness.

In 1856, the San Francisco Vigilance Committee was formed in response to the rampant lawlessness and corruption that plagued the city. The catalyst for its formation was the killing of newspaper editor James King by county supervisor James P. Casey. Under the leadership of William T. Coleman, the committee sought to combat lawlessness among the general population and address corruption and mismanagement in the city government. This second iteration of the committee was much larger, boasting 6,000 members compared to the 700 members of the first committee, and it used symbolism and elements characteristic of secret societies to convey the idea of surveillance and control by the Committee's policing force.

The 1848 Gold Rush had brought a wealth of prospectors to California, causing the population of San Francisco to grow from nine hundred to ten thousand in just one year. With the sudden influx of prospectors and great wealth, the city of tents and makeshift buildings became rife with corruption. The San Francisco Vigilance Committee of 1856 aimed to restore order and justice in the face of this lawlessness, marking a significant chapter in the city's history.

The 1856 San Francisco Vigilance Committee dissolved on August 11, 1856, and marked the occasion with a Grand Parade. This event and the actions of the committee reflected the determination of the citizens to take matters into their own hands and address the challenges of lawlessness and corruption that threatened the well-being of the city.

Famous San Franciscans

Judy Garland - (1922-1969)

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm, was an iconic American actress, singer, dancer, and vaudevillian. Her career spanned from vaudeville to films, the recording studio, and the concert stage, earning her international stardom and critical acclaim. Garland's life story is one of tremendous talent, resilience, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Rise to Stardom (1922-1939)

Frances Ethel Gumm, later known as Judy Garland, was born on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. From a young age, she displayed a passion for performing, and her talent was nurtured by her family. In 1939, Judy and her father were brought for an impromptu audition at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios in Culver City, marking the beginning of her journey to stardom.

Breakthrough in Hollywood (1940s)

In the 1940s, Judy Garland's career soared as she starred in classic musical films, captivating audiences with her exceptional singing and acting abilities. Her performances in films like The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis solidified her status as a beloved Hollywood star.

Musical and Recording Achievements (1940s-1950s)

Garland's musical talent extended beyond the silver screen, as she released studio albums and hosted her own Emmy-nominated television series, The Judy Garland Show (1963–1964). Her live performance at Carnegie Hall in 1961 resulted in a critically acclaimed album titled Judy at Carnegie Hall, showcasing her remarkable vocal prowess.

Personal Life and Legacy (1940s-1960s)

In addition to her professional achievements, Judy Garland's personal life and relationships were often in the public eye. She gave birth to her first child, Liza May Minnelli, in 1946, and her legacy lives on through her children and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry.

Connection to San Francisco

Judy Garland performed in the Bay Area several times, leaving a lasting impression on the city's entertainment scene and captivating audiences with her unforgettable performances.

Legacy and Influence (Post-1960s)

Judy Garland's influence transcends generations, and her legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her enduring impact on music and film solidify her status as an iconic figure in American popular culture.

Key Achievements of Judy Garland:

• Starred in classic musical films like The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me in St. Louis.

• Released studio albums and hosted her own Emmy-nominated television series, The Judy Garland Show

• Critically acclaimed live performance at Carnegie Hall, resulting in the album Judy at Carnegie Hall.

• Left a lasting impression on the entertainment scene in San Francisco with her captivating performances.

• Enduring legacy as an iconic figure in American popular culture, inspiring audiences worldwide.

Judy Garland's life story is one of tremendous talent, resilience, and enduring legacy, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and captivating audiences with her exceptional performances.

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-Matthew Larsen

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