Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• History on the establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco

• 49ers trades and player acquisitions

• A deep dive into the life of Dashiell Hammett

• And more…

Quote of the Week

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

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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 official nickname for San Francisco?

A) The Golden City

B) The Foggy City

C) The Windy City

D) The City by the Bay

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

40% of Small Business Owners See 2024 as Critical - A Slack survey indicates a 'make or break' year for many in tech or retail sectors. (link)

Waymo's Robotaxis Poised to Invade Bay Area Freeways - The autonomous vehicle company plans a significant expansion, potentially reaching airports. (link)

Downtown San Francisco Loses Its Fourth Walgreens in 2 Years - The downtown area witnesses significant retail changes. (link)

San Francisco Secures Land for Tiny Homes - The city finalizes plans for 60 tiny homes, aiming to address housing issues. (link)

🏦 Finance

Carlsbad-based Viasat Inc. secures a significant deal to upgrade in-flight connectivity for Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. (link)

Illumina Advances Molecular Residual Disease Testing - The biotech firm collaborates with Janssen to develop a novel assay for cancer research. (link)

Northrop Grumman's Pioneering Mobile Ground Solution - The company's Maritime Targeting Cell – Expeditionary (MTC-X) program aims to revolutionize data delivery for Navy and Marine Corps missions. (link)

🏒 Sports

49ers Secure Star Defensive Lineman Chase Young - The 49ers bolster their defense by acquiring Chase Young in a high-profile trade. (link)

SF 49ers Trade Quarterback Trey Lance - The team trades Lance to the Cowboys, stirring discussions about their strategic direction. (link)

The San Francisco Giants prepare for the upcoming MLB season with new strategies and team lineup announcements. (link)

The Oakland A's discussed their financial strategies and player acquisitions for the next season​​​​. (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. Philadelphia 76ers
Chase Center, San Francisco
Tuesday, Jan 30, 2024 | (More Info)

🏃 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Golden Gate Park and along the Pacific Ocean
Sunday, Feb 4 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Explosions In The Sky
The Warfield Theatre
Tuesday, Jan 30 | (More Info)

🎵 Franc Moody
The Independent
Tuesday, Jan 30 | (More Info)

🎶 Cold War Kids with Hovvdy
The Fillmore
Wednesday, Jan 31 | (More Info)

🎸 The Joy Formidable
The Fillmore
Wednesday, Jan 31 | (More Info)

Family

🕯️Meet The Animal Keeper
Randall Museum
Saturday, Feb 3 | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

🎥Floating Features - Cinema on The Bay
Pier 43 1/2
Friday, Feb 2 | (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 with domed buildings” 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

Establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco by the Spanish (1776)

In 1776, the same year as the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the opposite coast, a pivotal event unfolded on the shores of what is now known as San Francisco. The Spanish, extending their colonial reach northward from Mexico, established the Presidio of San Francisco. This military garrison was part of a broader strategy to consolidate Spanish presence and influence along the California coast, serving as a counterpart to the religious mission system represented by the nearby Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores), also founded that year.

The Presidio of San Francisco was strategically located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, guarding the entrance to the bay, a crucial position for protecting the fledgling Spanish settlements in the area. It served as a focal point for the Spanish military's efforts to secure their territorial claims, providing defense against potential incursions by foreign powers and safeguarding the Spanish missions and the local communities they were evangelizing.

The establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco in 1776 marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the region's history. It laid the foundations for the city's development, symbolizing the intersection of military, cultural, and economic interests that would shape the area's future. Over the centuries, the Presidio evolved from its origins as a remote military outpost to become an integral part of San Francisco, its historical legacy preserved within the rich tapestry of the city's cultural and historical heritage.

Famous San Franciscans

Dashiell Hammett (1894–1961)

Early Life and Military Service (1894-1918)

Dashiell Hammett was born in 1894 in St. Mary's County, Maryland. His early life was characterized by financial hardship, leading him to leave school at the age of 13. He worked various jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he served as an ambulance driver. His experiences during the war and his exposure to the grim realities of life greatly influenced his worldview and writing style.

Career in Private Investigation (1919-1929)

After the war, Hammett returned to the United States and began working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. His time as a detective in San Francisco provided him with firsthand experience in the criminal underworld, which would later serve as a rich source of material for his novels.

Venture into Writing and Early Works (1930-1933)

Hammett turned to writing in the late 1920s, contributing stories to pulp magazines. His background in detective work lent authenticity to his writing, and he quickly gained recognition for his sharp, sparse prose and morally complex characters. His first novel, "Red Harvest," was published in 1929, followed by "The Dain Curse" in the same year.

Breakthrough with 'The Maltese Falcon' (1934-1936)

Hammett's third novel, "The Maltese Falcon" (1930), marked his breakthrough as a writer. Set in San Francisco, the novel introduced the iconic detective Sam Spade and is considered one of the masterpieces of the hard-boiled detective genre. The book's success firmly established Hammett as a leading figure in American literature.

Continued Success and Literary Contributions (1937-1941)

Hammett continued to write successful novels, including "The Glass Key" (1931) and "The Thin Man" (1934), which further solidified his reputation. His works were characterized by gritty realism, complex characters, and intricate plots, setting a new standard for detective fiction.

World War II Service and Political Activism (1942-1950)

During World War II, Hammett once again served his country, this time in the Aleutian Islands. After the war, he became increasingly involved in political activism, advocating for civil rights and other progressive causes. His political beliefs would later lead to personal and professional challenges during the McCarthy era.

The McCarthy Era and Imprisonment (1951-1955)

In the early 1950s, Hammett's political affiliations and outspokenness made him a target during the McCarthy era. He was investigated for his beliefs and activities, and in 1951, he served time in prison for contempt of court after refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Later Years and Reflection on Impact (1956-1961)

Hammett's later years were marked by declining health and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the literary world. He reflected on his contributions to literature and the impact of his work on the genre of detective fiction.

Death and Enduring Legacy (1961)

Dashiell Hammett passed away in 1961 in New York City. His death marked the end of a career that had a profound influence on American literature. Hammett's novels, particularly "The Maltese Falcon," continue to be celebrated for their stylistic innovation and contribution to the hard-boiled detective genre.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the hard-boiled detective genre with novels like "The Maltese Falcon" and "The Glass Key."

• Brought authentic experience and gritty realism to detective fiction, influencing future writers.

• Left a lasting impact on American literature with his unique narrative style and complex characters.

• His life and work reflect the interplay between literature, personal experience, and social context.

Dashiell Hammett's journey from a private detective in San Francisco to one of the most influential authors in the hard-boiled detective genre is a testament to his profound impact on American literature. His works, characterized by sharp prose, moral complexity, and vivid portrayals of the criminal underworld, redefined detective fiction and continue to resonate with readers and writers alike. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Hammett's legacy as a master storyteller endures, cementing his place as a cornerstone of 20th-century literature.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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