Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• RA Capital sues ChemoCentryx after biotech company's $3.9 billion sale to Amgen

• Upcoming CSS Live concert

• A deep dive into the life of Janis Joplin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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 event, held in September, is one of the largest and oldest air shows in the United States?

A) The San Francisco Air Show

B) Fleet Week

C) The Golden Gate Flyover

D) The Bay Area Balloon Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The street known as the cultural backbone of San Francisco, stretching from The Embarcadero to Market Street, is A) Market Street.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

San Francisco MLS launches first partnership featuring generative AI assistant. (Link)

Money isn't enough to smooth the path for Republican candidates hoping to retake the Senate. (Link)

Apple's biggest announcements from its iPad event: brighter screen, faster processors and new sizes. (Link)

🏦 Finance

RA Capital sues ChemoCentryx after biotech company's $3.9 billion sale to Amgen. (Link)

Parcel F developers miss crucial deadline. Here's what it could mean for the project. (Link)

Invitae's $239 million sale to Labcorp approved by Bankruptcy Court. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Former 49ers wide receiver bashes team: 'Nothing short of entitlement. (Link)

'Broken up our community': Pickleballers still fume after battle over San Francisco courts. (Link)

Terrell Owens said he'd be 'pissed' if he were two 49ers wide receivers. (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

⚾ 2024 Giants vs Dodgers
Oracle Park, San Francisco
From May 14th to May 15th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 Giants vs Rockies
Oracle Park, San Francisco
From May 17th to May 19th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 Giants vs Phillies
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Monday, May 27th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 CSS Live
The Independent, San Francisco
Tuesday, May 14th | (More info)

🎵 2024 Yuja Wang Concert
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Wednesday, May 15th | (More info)

🎵 2024 Samara Joy Performance
SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

Family

🎉 2024 Family Carnival
Family Connections & Excelsior Action Group
34 Sgt John V Young Ln, San Francisco
Sunday, May 19th | (More info)

🎉 2024 Caregiver Day
Family Connections Centers
2565 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco
Friday, May 17th | (More info)

🎉 2024 Family Story Hour
57 Post Street 2nd Floor Library, San Francisco
Saturday, May 18th | (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 “SPost-apocalyptic San Francisco reclaimed by nature” 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

1915: The Panama-Pacific International Exposition celebrates the opening of the Panama Canal.

In 1915, the city of San Francisco was abuzz with excitement as it hosted the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, a grand celebration marking the opening of the Panama Canal. This world's fair was a spectacular event that showcased the achievements of the United States and its global significance as a maritime power. The exposition featured stunning architectural marvels, including the iconic Palace of Fine Arts, and attracted millions of visitors from around the world. It was a momentous occasion that highlighted San Francisco's role as a cultural and economic hub on the West Coast.

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was a testament to the spirit of innovation and progress that defined the early 20th century. It served as a platform for countries to display their technological advancements, artistic achievements, and cultural heritage. The exposition's exhibits, concerts, and lectures offered a glimpse into the future while honoring the past, making it a truly immersive experience for all who attended. The event left a lasting legacy, shaping San Francisco's identity as a city at the forefront of global connectivity and trade.

Today, the legacy of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition lives on in San Francisco's rich cultural landscape. The Palace of Fine Arts, a surviving structure from the exposition, stands as a symbol of the city's enduring commitment to art, innovation, and international collaboration. The spirit of the exposition continues to inspire future generations, reminding us of the transformative power of global events and the enduring impact of the Panama Canal on the world stage.

Famous San Franciscans

Janis Joplin - (1943-1970):

A San Francisco Legend

Janis Joplin (Jan. 19, 1943 - Oct. 4, 1970) was one of the most revered and influential rock 'n' roll singers of all time. Her thrilling performances and groundbreaking creativity left an indelible mark on the music industry before her untimely death at the age of 27.

Early Life and Musical Inspiration:

Janis Lyn Joplin was born on January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, as the first child of her parents. Her passion for music was ignited during her time in Los Angeles, where she worked as a keypunch operator and sang in the coffee houses of the Venice Beach beatnik community. Her exposure to the vibrant music scene in Los Angeles laid the foundation for her future career as a musician.

Rise to Fame with Big Brother and the Holding Company:

In the early 1960s, Janis Joplin hitchhiked to San Francisco, a city that would play a pivotal role in her musical journey. It was in San Francisco that she joined the band Big Brother and the Holding Company, and her powerful mezzo-soprano vocals and electric stage presence quickly captivated audiences. The band's performances at iconic venues like the Fillmore West and the Avalon Ballroom solidified Joplin's reputation as a rising star in the music world.

Influence and Impact on the Counterculture Movement:

Mid-1960s San Francisco was a hub for counterculture musicians, and Janis Joplin became an integral part of this movement. Her raw, emotive singing style and unapologetic stage presence resonated with the protest culture of San Francisco, making her a voice for the outcast and a symbol of rebellion. Joplin's impact on the counterculture movement was profound, and her influence extended far beyond the boundaries of the music industry.

Legacy and Enduring Influence:

Janis Joplin's legacy as a San Francisco legend and a trailblazing rock 'n' roll singer continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans. Her fearless approach to music, coupled with her unbridled passion and authenticity, has solidified her status as one of the most influential female singers of the late 1960s. Despite her tragically short life, Joplin's impact on the music world remains enduring and profound.

Key Achievements of Janis Joplin:

• Thrilled audiences and blazed new creative trails before her untimely death at the age of 27.

• Joined the band Big Brother and the Holding Company, captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and stage presence.

• Became an influential figure in the counterculture movement, representing the voice of the outcast and the spirit of rebellion.

• Left an enduring legacy as one of the most influential female singers of the late 1960s.

• Inspired generations of musicians and fans with her fearless approach to music and unbridled passion.

Janis Joplin's story is one of resilience, creativity, and unapologetic self-expression. Her impact on the music industry and the counterculture movement of the 1960s continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing her status as a true legend.

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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