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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Kronos Bio to lay off 83% of staff as CEO steps down.

• Upcoming Golden State Warriors match

• A deep dive into the life of William Saroyan

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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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 annual LGBTQ+ pride event that takes place in San Francisco?

A) The San Francisco Pride Parade

B) The Castro Street Fair

C) The Rainbow Festival

D) The Love Parade

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Francisco landmark known for its historic cable cars and steep, winding streets is B) Lombard Street.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Here’s how this soccer star is building a portfolio for when he leaves the field. (Link)

Kronos Bio to lay off 83% of staff as CEO steps down. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The 49ers and Christian McCaffrey can't keep their story straight. (Link)

SF Giants star's post insulting new Dodger Blake Snell is from fake account. (Link)

🏦 Finance

High-priced Hillsborough luxury estate sells at asking price in less than a month. (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

🏀 Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Thursday, Dec. 5th | (More info)

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Dec. 6th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Frances Whitney
Café du Nord, San Francisco
Wednesday, Dec. 4th | (More info)

🎵 The Elovaters
The Warfield, San Francisco
Thursday, Dec. 5th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Member Celebration + Annual Meeting
140 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Wednesday, Dec. 4th | (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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures” 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

1937: Completion and opening of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In 1937, the iconic Golden Gate Bridge was completed and opened to the public, marking a significant milestone in the history of San Francisco. On May 27, 1937, the bridge was officially opened for vehicular traffic, connecting San Francisco to Marin County in the north. The completion of the Golden Gate Bridge was a symbol of progress in the Bay Area during a time of economic crisis, and it quickly became recognized as a symbol of the power and progress of the United States. At 4,200 feet, it was the longest bridge in the world at the time, and its distinctive orange color and elegant design made it an instant landmark.

To celebrate the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, a weeklong Golden Gate Bridge Fiesta was held, with the opening day marked as Pedestrian Day. More than 200,000 people paid twenty-five cents each to walk the bridge, marveling at its engineering marvel and breathtaking views. The bridge opening ceremonies at Crissy Field were attended by thousands, and the entire roadway was opened exclusively to pedestrians from dawn to dusk. The completion of the Golden Gate Bridge was a momentous occasion that brought together the people of San Francisco and beyond to celebrate this remarkable feat of engineering and design.

The Golden Gate Bridge came to be recognized as a symbol of progress, connecting communities and serving as a testament to human ingenuity. Its completion in 1937 marked the beginning of a new era for San Francisco, and to this day, it remains an enduring symbol of the city's spirit and resilience.

Famous San Franciscans

William Saroyan - Prolific Armenian-American novelist, playwright, and short story writer.

William Saroyan, a prolific Armenian-American novelist, playwright, and short story writer, was known for his evocative storytelling and warm portrayal of common men. His life and work were deeply influenced by his Armenian heritage and the immigrant experience in California.

Early Life and Family Struggles (1908-1911)

William Saroyan was born on August 31, 1908, in Fresno, California, to Armenak and Takuhi Saroyan, Armenian immigrants. His early years were marked by hardship, as his father passed away when he was just three years old, leaving the family to struggle in the agricultural community of Fresno.

Orphanage and Early Adversity (1911-1920)

Following his father's death, Saroyan, along with his brother and sisters, was placed in the Fred Finch Home, a Methodist orphanage in Oakland, while his mother worked as a domestic servant. This experience of early adversity would later influence his writing and perspective on life.

Literary Career and Recognition (1920s-1930s)

Saroyan's literary career began to take shape in the 1920s and 1930s, as he honed his craft and developed a unique voice that captured the essence of everyday life. His works, characterized by warmth and compelling characters, garnered attention and laid the foundation for his future success.

The Human Comedy and Pulitzer Prize (1940-1943)

In 1940, Saroyan was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play The Time of Your Life. This recognition was followed by the 1943 Academy Award for Best Story for the film adaptation of his novel The Human Comedy, solidifying his status as a celebrated writer.

Connection to San Francisco

Saroyan's connection to San Francisco is evident in his portrayal of the immigrant experience and the struggles of everyday life. The city's diverse and vibrant atmosphere served as a backdrop for many of his stories, reflecting the cultural richness of the region.

Personal Life and Challenges (1940s-1950s)

Despite his professional success, Saroyan faced personal challenges, including financial difficulties and marital issues. These struggles, along with his pacifist opinions during World War II, added depth to his life story and influenced the themes in his later works.

Legacy and Literary Impact (1960s-1981)

Saroyan's legacy as a literary icon continued to grow in the 1960s and beyond, as his works resonated with readers and critics alike. His ability to capture the human experience with warmth and authenticity cemented his place in American literature.

Key Achievements of William Saroyan:

• Pulitzer Prize for Drama for The Time of Your Life.

• Academy Award for Best Story for The Human Comedy.

• Notable portrayal of the immigrant experience and everyday struggles.

• Enduring legacy as a celebrated Armenian-American writer.

• Influence on American literature and portrayal of common men.

William Saroyan's life and work reflect a journey of resilience, creativity, and a deep understanding of the human spirit. His legacy as a storyteller continues to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving an indelible mark on American literature.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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