San Francisco Newsletter (July 1st)

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

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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Drug at center of multibillion-dollar 'biosimilar' fight sold for $40 million upfront.

  • Upcoming Chris Wong concert

  • A deep dive into the life of George Sterling

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

— Henry David Thoreau

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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 major earthquake hit San Francisco in 1906, causing widespread destruction?

A) The San Andreas Quake

B) The Great San Francisco Earthquake

C) The Loma Prieta Earthquake

D) The Northridge Earthquake

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The tallest building in San Francisco is B) Salesforce Tower.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Drug at center of multibillion-dollar 'biosimilar' fight sold for $40 million upfront. (Link)

Lenders sue to foreclose on San Francisco's former Mid-Market offices. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Zum CEO Ritu Narayan is driving $1.3 billion electric school bus startup nationwide. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SF is trying to shut down hot dog vendors outside Giants games. It's not working. (Link)

Ian Happ homers in 10th, Cubs snap 4-game skid with 5-3 win over Giants. (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

🏀 California Classic - San Francisco - Day 1
Chase Center, San Francisco
Sat, Jul 6, 7, and 10 | (More info)

Toronto Blue Jays at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Wed, Jul 10 and Thu, Jul 11 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Chris Wong
The Lost Church SF, San Francisco
Tue, Jul 2 | (More info)

🎵 Mira
Public Works, San Francisco
Thu, Jul 4 | (More info)

Family

🍣 In-person class: The Art of Sushi Making (SF)
739 Bryant Street, San Francisco
Sat, Jul 20 | (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 gravity-defying 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

1953: Allen Ginsberg's first public reading of Howl at the Six Gallery.

In 1955, Allen Ginsberg delivered his groundbreaking poem Howl for the first time at the Six Gallery in San Francisco. This historic event marked the birth of the San Francisco Poetry Renaissance and became a pivotal moment in the Beat movement. Ginsberg's passionate and unapologetic reading captivated the audience, including notable figures such as Lawrence Ferlinghetti and other influential writers of the time. The Six Gallery reading of Howl was a bold and defiant expression of countercultural sentiment, challenging societal norms and paving the way for a new era of literary and artistic freedom.

The Six Gallery reading of Howl was a transformative experience that reverberated through the literary landscape, sparking a new wave of creativity and dissent. Ginsberg's raw and emotive delivery of Howl resonated with the audience, igniting a sense of rebellion and liberation. This event not only solidified Ginsberg's place as a leading figure in the Beat movement but also inspired a generation of poets and artists to embrace authenticity and individuality in their work. The Six Gallery reading of Howl stands as a testament to the power of poetry to challenge the status quo and provoke meaningful change.

The Six Gallery reading of Howl holds a significant place in the cultural history of San Francisco, symbolizing a moment of artistic awakening and social upheaval. This iconic event continues to be celebrated for its impact on the literary world and its role in shaping the ethos of the Beat generation. The Six Gallery reading of Howl remains a defining moment in the city's artistic legacy, embodying the spirit of free expression and creative revolution that continues to inspire artists and thinkers to this day.

Famous San Franciscans

George Sterling - (1869–1926):

American poet and a significant figure in the San Francisco literary community:

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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-Matthew Larsen

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