Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Mercury News joins the newspapers suing OpenAI, Microsoft over copyright

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants game

• A deep dive into the life of Billie Holiday

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Love the life you live. Live the life you love.

– Bob Marley

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 street is known as the cultural backbone of the city, stretching from The Embarcadero to Market Street?

A) Market Street

B) Van Ness Avenue

C) Mission Street

D) Kearny Street

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Francisco museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art is B) The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA).

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

First new homes at Freedom West 2.0 could be under construction by late 2025, MacFarlane Partners says. (Link)

Mercury News joins the newspapers suing OpenAI, Microsoft over copyright. (Link)

Restaurant surcharges will be covered by ban on 'junk fees,' California attorney general says. (Link)

🏦 Finance

NEMA owner Crescent Heights says it's owed back rent by New York-based rental operator. (Link)

Big law firm relocates San Francisco headquarters, longtime Oakland office. (Link)

Latest biotech cuts hit pioneering DNA sequencing company, Verily's eye-focused joint venture. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Logan Webb’s scoreless streak ends quickly in Giants’ shutout loss to Boston. (Link)

As Steph-LeBron-K.D. era ends, Warriors still better off than Lakers or Suns. (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

⚾ Cincinnati Reds at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Fri May 10 to Sat May 11 | (More info)

⚾ Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Mon May 13 | (More info)

⚾ Colorado Rockies at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Fri May 17 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Our Last Night
The Fillmore, San Francisco
Friday, May 3rd | (More info)

🎤Metz Concert
The Chapel, San Francisco
Saturday, May 4th | (More info)

🎤Gustaf
Café du Nord, San Francisco
Monday, May 6th | (More info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Event: Tuesday Playgroup
Dolores Park, 19th Street, San Francisco
Tuesday, May 7 | (More info)

🍣 In-person class: Make Your Own Sushi
1500 Sutter Street, San Francisco
Friday, May 10 | (More info)

🧴 Purely Clinical Global Skincare Affair
Grand Hyatt SFO, 55 So McDonnell Rd, San Francisco
Monday, May 13 | (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 with wildlife corridors and roaming animals” 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

11906: The great San Francisco earthquake and fire causing widespread destruction.

In 1906, the city of San Francisco was struck by a devastating earthquake and subsequent fires, leaving a trail of widespread destruction in its wake. On April 18, at 5:12 am, a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.9 shook the city, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The earthquake occurred as a result of a shift along the San Andreas Fault, which bisects the San Francisco Peninsula. The tremors were felt from the state of Oregon to Los Angeles, California, and inland toward the state of Nevada, highlighting the extensive reach of the disaster.

The immediate impact of the earthquake was disastrous, and it ignited several fires around the city that burned for three days, destroying nearly 500 city blocks. Despite a quick response from San Francisco's large military population, the city was left in ruins. The earthquake is considered one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, and its aftermath has been documented in historical archives, shedding light on the resilience and recovery efforts of the city's inhabitants. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake stands as a testament to the city's strength and determination in the face of adversity.

Today, the memory of the 1906 earthquake and fire lives on in the history and culture of San Francisco. The event serves as a reminder of the city's ability to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath of tragedy. The resilience of San Francisco and its people in the wake of such devastation continues to inspire and unite the community, shaping the city's identity and serving as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis.

Famous San Franciscans

Billie Holiday - (1915-1959)

Iconic jazz and swing music singer:

Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan, was an iconic American jazz and swing music singer. Her soulful voice and emotive performances made her one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century. From her early struggles to her rise to fame, Holiday's life was marked by triumphs and tribulations.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1915-1930s):

Born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Billie Holiday's childhood was marked by hardship and instability. Raised in poverty, she found solace in music and began singing in local clubs at a young age. It was during this time that she adopted the stage name Billie after the film star Billie Dove, a name that would become synonymous with her legendary career.

Rise to Stardom and Jazz Legacy (1930s-1940s):

Holiday's career took off in the 1930s when she began performing in Harlem nightclubs, captivating audiences with her unique vocal style and emotional depth. Her collaborations with jazz legends such as Lester Young and Count Basie solidified her reputation as a trailblazing jazz vocalist. Songs like Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child showcased her ability to convey raw emotion through her music, cementing her status as a jazz icon.

Struggles and Resilience (1940s-1950s):

Despite her musical success, Holiday faced personal and professional challenges, including substance abuse and legal troubles. Her resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her art, endeared her to fans and fellow musicians alike. Her performances continued to captivate audiences, and her influence on the jazz genre remained unparalleled.

Connection to San Francisco:

In the 1950s, Billie Holiday performed at various venues in San Francisco, captivating audiences with her soul-stirring performances. Her presence in the city left an indelible mark on the local jazz scene and solidified her reputation as a musical luminary.

Legacy and Enduring Influence (Post-1950s):

Billie Holiday's impact on the world of music transcended her lifetime. Her legacy as a pioneering jazz vocalist and a symbol of resilience continues to inspire artists across genres. Her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the release of biographical films further solidify her status as an enduring cultural icon.

Key Achievements of Billie Holiday:

• Pioneering jazz vocalist, known for her emotive and soulful performances.

• Iconic recordings, including Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child, that left a lasting impact on the music industry.

• Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as an early influence, solidifying her status as a cultural luminary.

• Enduring legacy as a symbol of resilience and artistic excellence, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike.

Billie Holiday's story is one of triumph over adversity, artistic brilliance, and a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. Her contributions to jazz music and her enduring influence on popular culture ensure that her memory will live on for generations to come.

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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