Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• SF bicycle coalition event

• Upcoming Mariah the Scientist performance

• A deep dive into the life of Gertrude Atherton

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 historic waterfront district in San Francisco known as?

A) Navy Pier

B) Fisherman's Wharf

C) South Street Seaport

D) Ocean Drive

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The street in San Francisco known for its eight sharp turns is C) Lombard Street.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Macy's announced the closure of its 400,000-square-foot flagship store in San Francisco's Union Square. (Link)

Scott Wiener proposes a 10-year halt on environmental reviews for downtown SF projects to boost housing conversions. (Link)

Mark Farrell enters San Francisco's mayoral race, challenging incumbent Mayor London Breed with a moderate stance. (Link)

🏦 Finance
San Francisco Finance Corporation sets annual meeting for April 2024 to continue its financial support to the city​​. (Link)

Forge Global Holdings, Inc. speaks at the Citizens JMP Technology Conference, highlighting strategic developments​​. (Link)

Forge Global Holdings strengthens its data team with significant new hires to boost market data products and solutions​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Oakland A's negotiate to stay at Oakland Coliseum through 2027 amid Las Vegas move plans. (Link)

49ers dismissed Steve Wilks as defensive coordinator after the Super Bowl loss, despite top defense. (Link)

Chapman signs $18M deal with Giants. Beck was sidelined for surgery, missed start. (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

⚾ San Jose State Spartans vs San Francisco Dons Baseball
Ulrich Field & Benedetti Diamond, San Francisco
March 13th | (More info)

🎾 Squash in the Mission
Mission Recreation Center, San Francisco
March 16th | (More info)

🚲 SF Bicycle Coalition On-Bike Practice
Monroe Elementary School, San Francisco
March 16th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Mariah the Scientist
The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
Mar. 12th - 13th | (More info)

🎷 Marcus Miller
SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, Mar. 14th | (More info)

Family

🎬 Family Movie Night - Family Connections Centers
San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Friday, March 15th | (More info)

📚 Family Story Hour
2nd Floor Library, Post Street, San Francisco
Saturday, March 16th | (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 streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1852: Establishment of Wells Fargo & Company in San Francisco.

In 1852, Wells Fargo & Company was established in New York City to handle the banking and express business prompted by the California Gold Rush. The founders of the original company were Henry Wells and William George Fargo, who had earlier helped establish the American Express Company. The company quickly expanded into overland mail services, operating a private express line between San Francisco and Virginia City, Nevada. In July 1852, Wells Fargo & Company shipped its first express and freight consignment to the Nevada National Bank and established new headquarters in San Francisco, California. This marked the beginning of Wells Fargo's significant presence in San Francisco and its role in shaping the city's financial landscape.

Wells Fargo & Company's establishment in San Francisco in 1852 was a pivotal moment in the city's history. The company's headquarters building, located on Montgomery Street, became a hub for banking and express services, solidifying Wells Fargo's position as a key player in the financial industry. The company's rapid growth and expansion mirrored the bustling development of San Francisco during the Gold Rush era, and its operations played a crucial role in facilitating commerce and trade in the region. Wells Fargo's enduring legacy in San Francisco is a testament to its early establishment and continued influence on the city's economic development.

Today, Wells Fargo & Company remains a multinational financial services company with headquarters in San Francisco, California. Its founding in 1852 laid the foundation for a long and storied history of financial innovation and service, making it an integral part of San Francisco's identity. The company's early presence in the city marked the beginning of a legacy that continues to shape the financial landscape of San Francisco and beyond.

Famous San Franciscans

Gertrude Atherton (1857- 1948)

Literary Voice of the California Frontier

Gertrude Atherton, an American author, was born Gertrude Horn on October 30, 1857, in San Francisco, California. She is best known for her novels and essays set in California, particularly in San Francisco. Throughout her life, Atherton's literary works explored themes related to the West, social ideas, and women, leaving a lasting impact on American literature.

Early Life and Family Background

Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton was born on October 30, 1857, in San Francisco, California, to Thomas L. Horn and Gertrude Franklin Horn. She was the only child of her parents, and her upbringing in the prosperous neighborhood of San Francisco shaped her early experiences and influenced her future literary endeavors.

Literary Career and California Themes

Atherton's literary career was marked by her deep connection to California, especially San Francisco. Many of her novels and essays were set in the vibrant backdrop of California, where she explored the social and cultural dynamics of the region. Her works often delved into the complexities of life in California, capturing the essence of the West and its impact on society.

Exploration of Social Issues

Atherton's literary contributions allowed her to address and speak publicly on various social issues, including politics, war, and women's rights. Her writings reflected her keen observations of the world around her, and she used her platform as an author to shed light on important societal matters, contributing to the discourse on these topics.

Personal Life and Marriage

In 1876, Gertrude Atherton married George H. Bowen Atherton, with whom she had two children. Her personal life and experiences as a wife and mother likely influenced her perspectives and provided inspiration for her literary works, adding depth and authenticity to her storytelling.

Legacy and Impact

Gertrude Atherton's legacy as an American novelist and essayist endures, with her works continuing to be studied and appreciated for their portrayal of California and their exploration of social themes. Her contributions to American literature have left a lasting impact, and her connection to San Francisco remains a significant aspect of her literary identity.

Key Achievements of Gertrude Atherton:

• Pioneering American author known for her novels and essays set in California, particularly in San Francisco.

• Exploration of social issues such as politics, war, and women's rights through her literary works.

• Legacy as a prominent figure in American literature, with a focus on the West and its cultural dynamics.

Gertrude Atherton's life and literary career were deeply intertwined with her experiences in California, particularly in San Francisco. Her legacy as an influential American author continues to inspire readers and scholars, ensuring that her contributions to literature are remembered and celebrated.

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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