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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• United Airlines pulls back on some trans-Pacific flights.

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants match

• A deep dive into the life of Eugene Schmitz

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” 

–Confucius

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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!

Which San Francisco structure is renowned for its unique twist on modern architecture and was the tallest building in the city until 2018?

A) The Transamerica Pyramid

B) Salesforce Tower

C) 555 California Street

D) Millennium Tower

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The iconic San Francisco street famous for its cable cars and steep incline is D) Powell Street.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

23 Bay Area Restaurants and Bars That Closed in July. (Link)

SF retail-vacancy rates set another record. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Does Brandon Aiyuk have any leverage in his contract dispute? (Link)

San Francisco Adds Forward Karl Markus Poom. (Link)

🏦 Finance

At 70, San Francisco Federal Credit Union Still Works for its Community. (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

⚾ Detroit Tigers at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Athletics vs. White Sox
7000 S Coliseum Wy, Oakland
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Amen Dunes
628 Divisadero St, San Francisco
Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Mindchatter
101 6th St, San Francisco
Friday, August 9, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🧘 Family Music and Movement Classes
3562 Sacramento St, San Francisco
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (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 where traditional and digital art forms merge in public spaces” 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

1997: The first Survivor series is broadcasted from the San Francisco Bay Area.

In 1997, the first Survivor series made its debut, marking the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would captivate audiences worldwide. The show was broadcasted from the San Francisco Bay Area, adding a unique local flavor to the global sensation. This reality TV show, set against the backdrop of the iconic Bay Area, brought together a diverse group of contestants to compete in a series of challenges and strategic gameplay. The inaugural season of Survivor set the stage for a new era of reality television and captured the imagination of viewers with its innovative format and compelling storytelling.

The San Francisco Bay Area provided a stunning and dynamic setting for the first season of ""Survivor,"" showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural diversity. As contestants navigated the challenges and alliances of the game, viewers were treated to breathtaking views of the Bay Area's landmarks and landscapes. The show's success in the Bay Area set the stage for future seasons and established Survivor as a groundbreaking television phenomenon that would continue to evolve and captivate audiences for years to come.

The broadcast of the first Survivor series from the San Francisco Bay Area marked a significant moment in television history, as it introduced a new genre of reality TV that would go on to influence popular culture and entertainment for years to come. The Bay Area's unique charm and vibrant energy provided the perfect backdrop for the show's debut, setting the stage for a cultural phenomenon that would redefine the television landscape and captivate audiences around the world.

Famous San Franciscans

James D. Phelan - (1861-1930)

James Duval Phelan, a prominent figure in San Francisco's history, was born in San Francisco in 1861. He grew up in a Catholic household and studied at St. Ignatius College, which is now the University of San Francisco. His early years were marked by extensive travel in Europe, shaping his worldview and experiences.

Political and Business Career

Phelan's career was multifaceted, encompassing both politics and business. He studied law at the University of California, Berkeley, and later ventured into banking. His political journey began when he was elected Mayor of San Francisco, serving from 1897 to 1902, during which he advocated for the reform of the City Charter of 1898. His efforts aimed to improve the economy and reform City Hall, leaving a lasting impact on the city's governance.

U.S. Senate and Progressive Ideals

As a Democrat, Phelan represented California in the United States Senate from 1915 to 1921. He was known for his progressive ideals and ran for the U.S. Senate against Republican Joseph R. Knowland and Progressive Francis J. Heney. Phelan's tenure in the Senate was marked by his commitment to progressive policies and advocacy for social and economic reform.

Controversial Legacy and Community Impact

Despite his accomplishments, Phelan remains a controversial figure in San Francisco's history due to his support of the Chinese Exclusion Act. His stance on immigration and race relations has sparked ongoing debate and scrutiny. However, his impact on the city's economy, governance, and public service cannot be overlooked.

Legacy and Influence

James D. Phelan's legacy extends beyond his political career. As a businessman, he doubled his family's assets and left a significant mark on San Francisco's real estate and banking sectors. His public service and political contributions were instrumental in shaping the city's history and governance.

Key Achievements of James D. Phelan:

• Elected Mayor of San Francisco and advocated for the reform of the City Charter of 1898.

• Represented California in the United States Senate, championing progressive policies and social reform.

• Made significant contributions to San Francisco's economy, real estate, and banking sectors.

• Controversial figure due to his support of the Chinese Exclusion Act, sparking ongoing debate and scrutiny.

• Left a lasting influence on San Francisco's history, governance, and community development.

James D. Phelan's story is one of political ambition, progressive ideals, and complex legacy. His impact on San Francisco's history and governance remains a subject of historical reflection and ongoing discourse.

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

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