Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Levi's Stadium to host six 2026 World Cup matches

• Upcoming Warriors home game

• A deep dive into the life of Willie McCovey

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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 iconic bridge connects San Francisco to Marin County?

A) The Brooklyn Bridge

B) The Golden Gate Bridge

C) The London Bridge

D) The Bay Bridge

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous prison located on an island in San Francisco Bay is B) Alcatraz Island.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

A documentary event showcased Betty Reid Soskin's journey as a singer-songwriter and her activism against segregation in the Bay Area. (Link)

Tech leaders from Vercel, Red Hat, Slack, and eBay headlined DeveloperWeek 2024 with keynotes. (Link)

Sponsors from StackSpot to GitHub supported DeveloperWeek 2024, underscoring its tech industry significance. (Link)

🏦 Finance
BAHFA is considering a regional bond measure for November 2024 to raise $10-$20 billion for affordable housing. (Link)

The potential bond measure by BAHFA aims to build more affordable homes and keep existing homes affordable in the Bay Area​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches are scheduled at Levi's Stadium, excluding the final rounds. (Link)

Celebrities, including Eminem and Taylor Swift, attend San Francisco 49ers games. (Link)

Levi’s extended their naming rights deal for Levi’s Stadium with a $170 million agreement. (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

🏀 Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets
Chase Center, San Francisco
Monday, Feb. 25th | (More info)

🥊 MMA Community Gathering
Rosamunde, San Francisco
Thursday, Feb. 22nd | (More info)

🏃 Keep Calm & Run On Virtual Run
Virtual Event, San Jose
Saturday, Feb. 24th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Ty Segall at
The Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
Tuesday, Feb. 21st (More info)

🎤 TOKiMONSTA
The Independent, San Francisco
Friday, Feb. 23rd | (More info)

🎷Dianne Reeves
SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Sunday, Feb. 23rd | (More info)

Family

🎉 Lunar New Year Celebration
Venue: San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco
February 19th | (More info)

🐻Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Palo Alto (near San Francisco)
Saturday, Feb. 24th | (More info)

🎭 Swan Lake by San Francisco Ballet
War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Saturday, Feb. 24th | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style San Francisco with modern technology” 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

1848: Discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill leading to the California Gold Rush

In 1848, an event occurred that would dramatically alter the course of California's history and indeed the entire nation's destiny: the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill. This momentous find, made by James W. Marshall at a sawmill owned by John Sutter in Coloma, swiftly ignited the California Gold Rush, one of the most significant and transformative periods in American history.

Word of the discovery spread like wildfire, drawing an influx of tens of thousands of prospectors, known as "forty-niners," to California in 1849. These individuals, driven by dreams of wealth and a better life, came from across the United States and around the world, enduring arduous journeys to reach the gold fields. The gold rush led to a massive population boom, as cities like San Francisco grew at an unprecedented rate, transforming from small settlements into bustling urban centers.

The impact of the 1848 gold discovery at Sutter's Mill was profound and far-reaching. It not only catalyzed economic growth and demographic change in California but also played a significant role in hastening the state's admission to the Union in 1850. The gold rush era left an indelible mark on the cultural and social fabric of California, shaping its identity as a land of opportunity and diversity. The legacy of this period continues to resonate, symbolizing the transformative power of discovery and the enduring allure of the American Dream.

Famous San Franciscans

Willie McCovey (1938–2018)

Early Life and Introduction to Baseball (1938-1955)

Willie McCovey was born in 1938 in Mobile, Alabama. Growing up in the South during a time of racial segregation, McCovey found solace and purpose in baseball. He excelled in the sport from a young age, displaying a natural talent that caught the attention of scouts across the country.

Minor League Beginnings and Major League Debut (1956-1959)

McCovey's professional baseball career began in the minor leagues, where he quickly made a name for himself as a powerful hitter. His exceptional performance caught the attention of the San Francisco Giants, who called him up to the major leagues in 1959.

Rookie Year and Immediate Impact (1959-1960)

McCovey's debut year with the Giants was nothing short of spectacular. He made an immediate impact, displaying his prowess as a first baseman and a hitter. His performance earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1959.

Dominance in the Major Leagues (1961-1970)

Throughout the 1960s, McCovey established himself as one of the most formidable hitters in Major League Baseball. He was known for his powerful batting, earning the nickname "Stretch" for his ability to dig out throws at first base. His impressive performance led to multiple All-Star game appearances and MVP recognition.

Challenges and Resilience (1971-1980)

Despite facing challenges, including injuries and team changes, McCovey's love for the game and resilience kept him going. He continued to be an influential player, contributing significantly to his teams, including a notable return to the San Francisco Giants.

Later Career and Milestone Achievements (1981-1986)

In the later stages of his career, McCovey continued to reach remarkable milestones, including his 500th home run. His dedication to baseball and his consistent performance solidified his status as one of the game's greats.

Retirement and Transition (1987-1995)

McCovey retired from professional baseball in 1980. However, his involvement with the sport did not end. He transitioned into roles that allowed him to contribute his experience and wisdom, including coaching and advisory positions.

Legacy and Continued Influence (1996-2010)

McCovey's legacy in baseball continued to grow even after his retirement. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and his influence on the sport was recognized through various honors, including the naming of "McCovey Cove" near the Giants' stadium in San Francisco.

Final Years and Reflection on Impact (2011-2018)

In his final years, McCovey was celebrated as a baseball legend and a beloved figure in San Francisco. He remained involved with the Giants organization and continued to inspire new generations of players and fans.

Death and Enduring Legacy (2018)

Willie McCovey passed away in 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as one of baseball's greatest first basemen. His contributions to the sport, his community involvement, and his character both on and off the field are remembered and celebrated.

Key Achievements:

• National League Rookie of the Year in 1959 and National League MVP in 1969.

• Six-time All-Star and member of the 500 Home Run Club.

• Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1986.

• Left a lasting impact on the San Francisco Giants and the city of San Francisco.

Willie McCovey's journey from a young baseball talent in Alabama to a Major League Baseball legend is a story of talent, perseverance, and dedication. His powerful presence at first base, remarkable hitting ability, and commitment to the sport made him a beloved figure in San Francisco and an enduring icon in the world of baseball. His legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the profound impact that sports and sportsmanship can have on communities and generations.

Connect With Me

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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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