San Francisco Newsletter (December 9th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Asana stock rockets as new AI product gains momentum

  • Upcoming The Barr Brothers concert

  • A deep dive into the life of Joseph Strauss

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.”

— Bruce Lee

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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 tallest building in San Francisco?

A) Transamerica Pyramid

B) Salesforce Tower

C) 555 California Street

D) Millennium Tower

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous San Francisco structure that was the longest suspension bridge main span in the world when it was completed is C) The Golden Gate Bridge.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Pacific Heights boutique Alice + Olivia to close after building ownership change. (Link)

Asana stock rockets as new AI product gains momentum. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Golden State Valkyries pick cult-favorite rookie to anchor 2025 roster. (Link)

There's something off about SF Giants' reported pursuit of top free agent. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Trump's new AI czar has criticized OpenAI and is an investor in rival xAI. (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

📚 Rachel Kushner
Sydney Goldstein Theater, San Francisco
Thursday, Dec. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Bay Area Women's Classic
Stanford vs. Ohio State, UCLA vs. Creighton
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Dec. 20th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Greet Death and Prize Horse
Café du Nord, San Francisco
Monday, Dec. 9th | (More info)

🎶 The Barr Brothers
The Chapel, San Francisco
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (More info)

Family

🎄 Holiday Heroes 2024
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
Tuesday, Dec. 10th | (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 winter wonderland in San Francisco with ice architecture” 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

1951: Treaty of San Francisco re-establishes peace with Japan.

In 1951, the Treaty of San Francisco was signed, marking a significant milestone in the re-establishment of peace with Japan after World War II. This treaty, along with the Security Treaty signed on the same day, initiated the San Francisco System, which defined Japan's relationship with the United States and its role in the international arena. The treaty came into force on April 28, 1952, and played a crucial role in shaping Japan's post-war history. Representatives of 48 nations participated in the signing of the treaty at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, California, signifying a global commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The San Francisco Peace Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Peace with Japan, addressed post-World War II settlement issues and set the stage for Japan's reintegration into the international community. The treaty's legacy continues to influence territorial and security issues in East Asia, reflecting its enduring impact on the Asian regional order. The Philippines ratified the treaty on July 16, 1956, further solidifying the commitment to peace and cooperation in the aftermath of the war. The Treaty of San Francisco remains a symbol of reconciliation and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of international agreements in fostering lasting peace and stability.

Seventy years after its signing, the Treaty of San Francisco continues to be a topic of scholarly discussion, with experts examining its legacies, challenges, and future implications for the region. The treaty's enduring significance underscores its role in shaping the geopolitical landscape of East Asia and its ongoing relevance in contemporary international relations. As a pivotal moment in history, the Treaty of San Francisco stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy and cooperation in building a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Famous San Franciscans

Joseph Strauss - Chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Joseph Baermann Strauss was an American structural engineer known for his revolutionary work in bridge design. He is best remembered as the chief engineer of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. His life and career were marked by innovation, determination, and a lasting impact on the city of San Francisco.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Joseph Baermann Strauss was born on January 9, 1870, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a family of German-Jewish ancestry. Raised in an artistic environment, he developed a passion for engineering and design from an early age. After completing his education, he embarked on a career in bridge engineering, where he would make significant contributions to the field.

Revolutionizing Bridge Design (1902-1928)

In 1902, Strauss founded his own firm, the Strauss Bascule Bridge Company of Chicago, which later became the Strauss Engineering Corporation. It was here that he revolutionized the design of bascule bridges, showcasing his innovative approach to structural engineering. His work in bridge design laid the foundation for his future involvement in the Golden Gate Bridge project.

The Golden Gate Bridge Project (1922-1929)

Strauss's most notable achievement came when he was appointed as the chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge project in San Francisco. The initial design plans, revealed to the public in 1922, were met with criticism from the press, who deemed them ugly However, Strauss remained undeterred and continued to work on the project, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to his vision.

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success

During the course of the Golden Gate Bridge project, Strauss faced numerous challenges and criticisms, including concerns about the hybrid design from consulting engineer Leon Moisseiff. Despite these obstacles, Strauss persevered and eventually embraced a suspension span concept, which would become the winning design by 1929. His dedication and determination were instrumental in the successful completion of the bridge, which would go on to become one of the best-known engineering structures in the world.

Legacy and Impact on San Francisco

Joseph Baermann Strauss's legacy is deeply intertwined with the city of San Francisco. As the chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge, he left an indelible mark on the city's skyline and infrastructure. His innovative approach to bridge design and his role in the construction of the iconic bridge have solidified his place in San Francisco's history and engineering heritage.

Key Achievements of Joseph Baermann Strauss:

  • Revolutionized the design of bascule bridges, showcasing innovative engineering techniques.

  • Served as the chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge project, overseeing its successful completion.

  • Left a lasting impact on the city of San Francisco through his contributions to its iconic infrastructure.

Joseph Baermann Strauss, the visionary chief engineer of the Golden Gate Bridge, revolutionized bridge design and left an enduring legacy in San Francisco. His innovative approach to engineering and his unwavering commitment to his vision have secured his place in history as a pioneering figure in the field of structural engineering.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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