Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Wine & Food event

• Upcoming K.Flay Performance

• A deep dive into the life of Alice B. Toklas

• And more…

Quote of the Week

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

– Steve Jobs

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 name of San Francisco's oldest and largest Chinatown?

A) Chinatown, Los Angeles

B) Chinatown, New York

C) Chinatown, London

D) Chinatown, San Francisco

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The island artificially constructed for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco is B) Treasure Island.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

California introduces AI regulation proposals, aiming to guide AI and data use across industries, significantly affecting San Francisco businesses. (Link)

A global telecom has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Reddit, alleging unauthorized use of patented technology in its operations. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Alaska Permanent Fund invested $141.5M in a 551,000 sq ft South San Francisco biotech project, showing strong interest in biotech. (Link)

Over 2,500 agri-food tech leaders gathered in San Francisco, focusing on climate-resilient agri-food solutions. (Link)

Silicon Valley Bank’s new owner First Citizens Bank raises its Bay Area profile. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell signs with the Giants, raising hopes for the postseason​​​​. (Link)

49ers sign QB Josh Dobbs, the ‘Passtronaut,’ to compete for backup role. (Link)

Renel Brooks-Moon, the iconic PA announcer for the Giants, has left her role after 24 years with the team​​. (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

⚾Oakland Athletics at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 KMFDM
The Fillmore - San Francisco
Monday, Mar. 25th | (More info)

🎤 Nick Shoulders
August Hall, San Francisco
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

🎤 K.Flay
The Independent, San Francisco
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

🎵 Jontavious Willis
Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

Family

🏳️‍🌈 Something Queer x Pornceptual
60 6th Street, San Francisco
Saturday, March 30th | (More info)

🍷 Pour Your Support - Wine & Food Event
155 9th Street, San Francisco
Thursday, March 28th | (More info)

🐣 Spring Hop in Lakeside Village
2504 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco
Saturday, March 30th | (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 “Futuristic San Francisco with a network of sky bridges” 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

1864: Completion of the San Francisco Mint to handle the influx of gold.

In 1864, the completion of the San Francisco Mint marked a significant milestone in the city's history, as it was established to handle the influx of gold resulting from the California Gold Rush. The San Francisco Mint, a branch of the United States Mint, was initially opened in 1854 to serve the gold mines of the Gold Rush. However, within twenty years, its operations exceeded the capacity of the first building, leading to the construction of a new facility in 1874, now known as the Old San Francisco Mint. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing demand for minting and processing gold.

The completion of the new San Francisco Mint building in 1864 was a testament to the city's pivotal role in the gold rush era and its significance in the nation's economy. The mint's operations played a crucial role in processing and minting gold coins, contributing to the economic growth and stability of the region. The San Francisco Mint's historical importance is evident in the rare and valuable coins minted there, some of which are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Today, the mint continues to hold a special place in the city's heritage and serves as a museum, showcasing its rich history and contributions to the numismatic world.

The San Francisco Mint's legacy extends beyond its historical significance, as it remains an iconic symbol of the city's enduring connection to the Gold Rush era and the economic prosperity it brought. The mint's enduring presence and the rare coins it produced continue to captivate the imagination of collectors and history enthusiasts, making it a cherished landmark in San Francisco's cultural landscape. The completion of the San Francisco Mint in 1864 stands as a testament to the city's enduring legacy as a hub of economic activity and a key player in the nation's monetary history.

Famous San Franciscans

Alice B. Toklas - (1877-1967) 

Avant-garde author and the life partner of writer Gertrude Stein:

Alice B. Toklas, an American-born member of the Parisian avant-garde of the early 20th century, was best known as the life partner of American writer Gertrude Stein. Her life was marked by her influential role in the literary and artistic circles of Paris, as well as her contributions to the culinary world.

Early Life and San Francisco Roots:

Alice B. Toklas was born in San Francisco on April 30, 1877, into a middle-class Polish Jewish family. She grew up in San Francisco and Seattle, where her father was a merchant. The trajectory of Toklas's life could not have been predicted from her early years, as she was raised in a culturally rich environment that would later shape her avant-garde sensibilities.

Connection to Gertrude Stein and Parisian Avant-Garde:

In late summer 1907, Alice B. Toklas left behind her family in an earthquake-and-fire-ravaged San Francisco and embarked on a journey that would lead her to Paris, where she would meet Gertrude Stein. Their enduring love story and creative partnership would become the subject of Stein's famous work, "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas," which made them both famous.

Life in Paris and Literary Contributions:

Alice B. Toklas became an integral part of the Parisian avant-garde, immersing herself in the artistic and literary circles of the city. She played a significant role in supporting Gertrude Stein's work and became a central figure in the creative community. Her own contributions to literature and the arts were notable, and her memoirs and cookbooks became popular works that showcased her unique perspective and experiences.

Culinary Legacy and Cookbooks:

Later in her life, Alice B. Toklas wrote cookbooks and memoirs that reflected her passion for culinary arts. Her most famous work, "The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook," became a celebrated piece of culinary literature and showcased her expertise in the kitchen. The cookbook not only contained recipes but also provided insights into the cultural and social milieu of the time, making it a valuable historical document.

Legacy and Enduring Influence:

Alice B. Toklas's legacy extends beyond her role as Gertrude Stein's life partner. Her contributions to literature, the arts, and culinary culture have left a lasting impact on the creative world. Her unique perspective and experiences continue to inspire and influence artists, writers, and culinary enthusiasts to this day.

Key Achievements of Alice B. Toklas:

• Integral part of the Parisian avant-garde and influential figure in literary and artistic circles.

• Subject of Gertrude Stein's famous work, "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas," which brought them both fame.

• Author of the celebrated culinary work, "The Alice B. Toklas Cookbook," which remains a valuable historical document.

• Enduring legacy as a creative and culinary influencer, inspiring future generations.

Alice B. Toklas's life was a testament to her avant-garde spirit, creative contributions, and culinary expertise. Her enduring influence continues to shape the worlds of literature, art, and cuisine, leaving a remarkable legacy that transcends time.

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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