Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Macy's closing its Union Square store

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants home game

• A deep dive into the life of Charlotte Perkins Gilman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 island was artificially constructed for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco?

A) Ellis Island

B) Treasure Island

C) Catalina Island

D) Alcatraz Island

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic waterfront district in San Francisco is known as B) Fisherman's Wharf.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Alphabet's robotaxi arm, Waymo, received official permission to use freeways and extend its services beyond San Francisco down the Peninsula​​. (Link)

Downtown SF's former Westfield mall rebrands as 'Emporium Centre' to revitalize the site. (Link)

Warren Buffett's protégé eyes acquiring 3 million sq ft of San Francisco office space, showing strong interest in the city's real estate. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. invested $141.5 million in a South San Francisco biotech project. (Link)

Macy's will close its Union Square store in San Francisco as part of a broader plan to close 150 stores by 2026 due to poor performance. (Link)

Kirkland & Ellis added debt finance expert Fred Lim to its San Francisco team, enhancing its leading finance group. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Pablo Sandoval is set to play his third year with the San Francisco Giants​​. (Link)

The Oakland Ballers are a new minor league team playing at Raimondi Field with a $1.6M renovation. (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

🏀 Indiana Pacers at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Mar. 22nd | (More info)

🏀 Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Chase Center, San Francisco
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Ricky Montgomery
The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Priya Ragu
The Independent, San Francisco
Tuesday, March 19th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Gruff Rhys
Zebulon's Lounge, San Francisco
Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Desire
DNA Lounge, San Francisco
Friday, March 22nd, 2024 | (More info)

Family

🤝 Volunteer With Us: Friday Family Fun Night
Family Connections Centers, San Francisco, CA
Thursday, Mar. 22nd | (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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in 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

1855: San Francisco School District established, leading to the city's educational development.

In 1855, the establishment of the San Francisco School District marked a pivotal moment in the city's educational history. This significant development laid the foundation for the growth and advancement of education in San Francisco, shaping the future of the city's learning institutions. With the establishment of the school district, San Francisco embarked on a journey of educational progress, providing access to formal education for its residents and contributing to the intellectual and social development of the community.

The creation of the San Francisco School District in 1855 brought about a transformative era in the city's educational landscape. The district's formation signaled a commitment to nurturing the minds of San Francisco's youth and fostering a culture of learning and knowledge. As a result, the city saw the emergence of schools, educational programs, and initiatives that aimed to enrich the lives of its residents through education, setting the stage for a vibrant and dynamic educational environment.

The establishment of the San Francisco School District in 1855 not only marked a milestone in the city's history but also paved the way for the educational legacy that continues to thrive today. The district's founding laid the groundwork for the development of a robust educational system that has played a vital role in shaping the intellectual, cultural, and social fabric of San Francisco. This historic event remains a testament to the city's enduring commitment to education and its enduring impact on the lives of its residents.

Famous San Franciscans

Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935)

Prominent American feminist, sociologist, and writer:

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was an American writer, sociologist, and feminist who made significant contributions to literature, sociology, political science, economics, and women's studies. Her best-known work, The Yellow Wallpaper, is a semi-autobiographical account of her experience with postpartum depression and has become a seminal piece in feminist literature.

Early Life and Battle with Postpartum Depression:

Charlotte Perkins Gilman was born on July 3, 1860. In 1885, she experienced a severe nervous breakdown after the birth of her daughter, Katharine. This experience inspired her to write The Yellow Wallpaper, a powerful and haunting portrayal of a woman's descent into madness, reflecting her own struggles with postpartum depression.

Literary and Sociological Contributions:

Gilman was an outspoken lecturer and passionate advocate for social reform. She was known for her utopian feminist views and her commitment to challenging traditional gender roles. Her writings addressed issues of women's rights, economic independence, and social equality, making her a prominent figure in the feminist movement of her time.

Legacy and Impact:

Despite facing challenges and criticism, Gilman's work has left a lasting impact on feminist literature and social reform. Her advocacy for women's rights and her exploration of gender dynamics continue to inspire scholars and activists. Her legacy as a writer, sociologist, and feminist thinker remains influential in contemporary discussions of gender and equality.

Connection to San Francisco:

While there is no direct evidence of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's connection to San Francisco, her influence and ideas undoubtedly reached the city through her lectures, writings, and the broader feminist movement. San Francisco, known for its progressive and activist culture, would have been receptive to Gilman's advocacy for social reform and women's rights.

Key Achievements of Charlotte Perkins Gilman:

• Pioneering feminist writer and sociologist, known for her influential work The Yellow Wallpaper.

• Advocate for women's rights, economic independence, and social equality.

• Prominent figure in the feminist movement, challenging traditional gender roles and advocating for social reform.

• Legacy as a writer, sociologist, and feminist thinker, with a lasting impact on feminist literature and gender equality.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's life and work exemplify her dedication to advancing women's rights and challenging societal norms, leaving a profound legacy in the fields of literature, sociology, and feminist thought.

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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