San Francisco Newsletter (July 4th)

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

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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Value of San Francisco's largest hotel complex drops by $1 billion.

  • Upcoming Lavern concert

  • A deep dive into the life of Ambrose Bierce

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Believe you can and you’re halfway there."

— Theodore Roosevelt

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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!

Which San Francisco district is known for its bohemian history, vibrant street life, and being the birthplace of the 1960s counterculture movement?

A) The Mission District

B) North Beach

C) Haight-Ashbury

D) The Castro

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The major earthquake that hit San Francisco in 1906, causing widespread destruction, is B) The Great San Francisco Earthquake.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Landmark bill creates unprecedented path to approval for housing in San Francisco. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Warriors didn't want to give up Jonathan Kuminga in star trade. (Link)

Colombia draws Brazil 1-1 and will play Panama in quarterfinals while Seleção face Uruguay. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Value of San Francisco's largest hotel complex drops by $1 billion. (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
Saturday, Jul. 6th and Sunday, Jul. 7th | (More info)

Toronto Blue Jays at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Tuesday, Jul. 9th to Thursday, Jul. 11th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Baauer
Public Works, San Francisco
Friday, Jul. 5th | (More info)

🎵 Lavern
The Midway, San Francisco
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

Family

🎨 In-Person: Family Jam with Stephanie Dennison
2 Marina Blvd Building B, San Francisco
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (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 “An entirely underground San Francisco” 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

1967: The Summer of Love, marking San Francisco as the center of the hippie movement.

In 1967, San Francisco became the epicenter of the hippie movement, marking the iconic Summer of Love. This social phenomenon saw as many as 100,000 young people, mostly sporting hippie fashions and embracing counterculture ideals, converge in the city's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. The Summer of Love officially kicked off with the Human Be-In event on January 14th, 1967, which drew more than 20,000 people to enjoy peace, love, music, and psychedelics in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The city's Haight-Ashbury district became a haven for utopian-seeking artists, musicians, drifters, and hippies, and it remains a defining counterculture event that burst out from the San Francisco underground into the mainstream.

During the Summer of Love, San Francisco was a vibrant hub of free love, music events, and the iconic hippie movement. The Haight-Ashbury district saw tens of thousands of young supporters of the counterculture flocking to the area, seeking a sense of community and a break from societal norms. The city celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love in 2017, and the spirit of peace, love, and psychedelia that emerged from San Francisco's underground in 1967 continues to be a defining moment in the city's history. Today, visitors can explore the must-see sights of this iconic era, immersing themselves in the legacy of the Summer of Love and the vibrant hippie movement that shaped San Francisco's cultural landscape.

The Summer of Love in 1967 left an indelible mark on San Francisco, with its influence reaching far beyond the city's borders. The event sparked a cultural revolution, with its impact felt across the nation and around the world. The hippie movement, characterized by its rejection of mainstream values and embrace of peace, love, and communal living, became an iconic part of the 1960s. San Francisco's Summer of Love remains a symbol of freedom, creativity, and social change, and the city's Haight-Ashbury district continues to be a pilgrimage site for those seeking to connect with the spirit of this transformative era.

Famous San Franciscans

Ambrose Bierce - (1842-1914):

American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, and satirist:

Ambrose Bierce, a renowned American editorialist, journalist, short story writer, and satirist, is best known for his impactful literary contributions and his influential career in San Francisco.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1842-1867):

Ambrose Bierce was born in a log cabin at Horse Cave Creek in Meigs County, Ohio, on June 24, 1842. He began his literary career by writing poetry, essays, and stories, showcasing his talent and passion for literature from an early age.

Move to San Francisco and Journalistic Career (1867-1914):

In 1867, Bierce moved to San Francisco, where he began his journalistic and literary career. He became a noted figure in California literary circles and contributed significantly to the local newspapers, leaving a lasting impact on the city's literary landscape.

Civil War Experience and Literary Works (1860s-1870s):

Bierce's experience in the Civil War greatly influenced his literary works, as many of his short stories combined the events of the war with psychologically or supernaturally uncanny elements. His writing style and unique storytelling captivated readers and established him as a prominent literary figure.

Satirical Contributions and Notable Columns (1870s-1914):

Bierce's satirical mode was evident in his works, particularly in his famous Town Crier column. His sharp wit and critical commentary made him a respected and influential voice in the literary and journalistic spheres, earning him recognition for his impactful contributions.

Legacy and Influence (Post-1914):

Ambrose Bierce's legacy continues to inspire writers and readers alike, as his literary works and journalistic contributions remain influential and timeless. His impact on San Francisco's literary scene and his enduring legacy as a satirist and short story writer are celebrated to this day.

Key Achievements of Ambrose Bierce:

  • Renowned short story writer, known for combining the experience of the Civil War with psychologically or supernaturally uncanny events.

  • Influential journalist and editorialist, leaving a lasting impact on the literary landscape of San Francisco.

  • Noted figure in California literary circles, contributing significantly to local newspapers and literary publications.

  • Remembered for his satirical mode and sharp wit, establishing himself as a respected and influential voice in the literary and journalistic spheres.

Ambrose Bierce's life and career reflect a journey of literary excellence, impactful contributions to journalism, and a lasting legacy as a prominent figure in San Francisco's literary history.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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