Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Randall Museum's Science Fair Fest

• Upcoming NorCal Classic XXXVI

• A deep dive into the life of Isadora Duncan

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 largest park in San Francisco?

A) Central Park

B) Golden Gate Park

C) Hyde Park

D) Griffith Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The iconic bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County is B) The Golden Gate Bridge.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Irvine Co. defies national trends with strong 2023 office space leasing results in Newport Beach. (Link)

Orange County environmental consultants report a 6% increase in billings, totaling nearly $428 million in 2023. (Link)

Orange County hotels adapt to increased business travel, innovating meeting spaces for changing demands. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Palantir's stock dropped 3.82%, closing at $24.44, with a further decline in after-hours. (Link)

Laws passed in California aim to reduce the housing affordability gap and racial wealth disparities.(Link)

🏒 Sports

Multiple 49ers players, including T. Hufanga and K. Davis, end the season with injuries. (Link)

49ers depth chart led by Brock Purdy as QB, Christian McCaffrey as RB, and Nick Bosa as DE. (Link)

San Francisco hosts the annual AT&T Giant Race, a key community sports event. (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

🏀 Gonzaga Bulldogs Basketball at San Francisco Dons Men's Basketball
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, Feb. 29th | (More info)

🏸 Squash in the Mission
Mission Recreation Center, San Francisco, CA
Friday, March 2, 2024 | (More info)

🏐 NorCal Classic XXXVI (Volleyball)
Elite Sports Centers, San Francisco, CA
Friday, March 2 - Saturday, March 3, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Madonna
Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Wednesday, Feb. 28th | (More info)

🎸 Snail Mail and Cola
Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More info)

🎶 Young the Giant
The Independent, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, Feb 29, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Davies Symphony Hall: Duke Bluebeard's Castle
San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, March 1, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🎶 Little Folkies
Berkeley, San Francisco
Thursday, Feb. 29th | (More info)

🔬 Randall Museum's Science Fair Fest
Randall Museum, San Francisco, CA
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More info)

🎥 Floating Features - Cinema on The Bay
Taylor Street at Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA
Friday, Mar. 1st | (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 within a giant biodome” 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

1849: The Port of San Francisco becomes a bustling hub during the Gold Rush

In 1849, the Port of San Francisco experienced a transformative period as it emerged as a bustling hub of activity during the Gold Rush. The discovery of gold in California attracted a flood of fortune seekers from around the world, and the Port of San Francisco became a gateway to the promise of wealth and opportunity. Ships from all corners of the globe arrived at the port, carrying prospectors, merchants, and adventurers eager to stake their claim in the gold fields. The port's waterfront teemed with activity as it became a vital center for trade, commerce, and immigration, shaping the city's identity and laying the foundation for its future growth.

As the Gold Rush unfolded, the Port of San Francisco played a pivotal role in facilitating the influx of people and goods into the region. The port's docks and warehouses bustled with activity as ships unloaded supplies, equipment, and provisions for the gold miners. The waterfront became a vibrant and diverse melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions, reflecting the global impact of the Gold Rush on San Francisco. The port's strategic location and infrastructure made it a crucial link between the gold fields and the rest of the world, solidifying its status as a key maritime gateway on the West Coast.

The Gold Rush era left an indelible mark on the Port of San Francisco, shaping its development and contributing to the city's rise as a major economic and cultural center. The influx of wealth and resources through the port fueled the growth of San Francisco, leading to the construction of new infrastructure, businesses, and communities. The port's role as a vital hub of trade and immigration during this transformative period laid the groundwork for San Francisco's future as a dynamic and influential city, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to resonate to this day.

Famous San Franciscans

Isadora Duncan (1877- 1927)

Pioneer of Modern Dance

Isadora Duncan, born Angela Isadora Duncan in San Francisco, California, on May 26, 1877, was a revolutionary artist who influenced the renaissance of the 19th century with her Greek-influenced, free-styled ballet dancing. Her birth date is often assumed to be May 27, as disclosed by Maria-Theresa Duncan, Isadora’s adopted daughter, and Kay Bardsley. She was the last of four children, and her father, Joseph Charles, was a loan officer, while her mother, Mary Isadora Gray, was a music teacher. Her father left the family when she was very young, leaving Dora Duncan to raise four children. The Duncans relocated to Oakland, where they lived a Bohemian lifestyle while running Dora's music school. It was there that Isadora first began teaching dance classes.

Early Life and Passion for Dance

Isadora Duncan's early life was marked by her exposure to the arts and her passion for dance. Growing up in San Francisco and later in Oakland, she was immersed in a creative and bohemian environment, which laid the foundation for her future career as a dancer.

Rise to Prominence in Dance

Isadora Duncan's rise to prominence in the world of dance began with her innovative and expressive style. She drew inspiration from Greek mythology and nature, incorporating these elements into her choreography and performances. Her unique approach to dance captivated audiences and set her apart as a trailblazer in the field of modern dance.

Tragic Ending and Legacy

Isadora Duncan's life came to a tragic end when she passed away on September 14, 1927, in Nice, France. Despite her untimely death, her legacy as a pioneer of modern dance continues to inspire and influence dancers and choreographers around the world. Her contributions to the art form have left an indelible mark on the history of dance and continue to be celebrated to this day.

Key Achievements of Isadora Duncan

• Pioneered work in expressive dance and modern dance, revolutionizing the art form.

• Influenced the renaissance of the 19th century with her Greek-influenced, free-styled ballet dancing.

• Inspired by Greek mythology and nature, she incorporated these elements into her choreography and performances.

• Remembered as a trailblazer in the field of modern dance, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of dance.

Isadora Duncan's story is one of creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, and her impact on the world of dance remains significant and enduring.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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