Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The Vegas A's stadium unsurprisingly won't be as good as advertised.

• Upcoming Golden State Warriors match

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

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

— Henry David Thoreau

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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

Wealthier Americans are driving retail spending and powering US economy. (Link)

China's economy grows at a 4.6% rate in the last quarter, falls short of the official 5% target. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Oakland high school forced to forfeit after melee, ending 15-year win streak. (Link)

The Vegas A's stadium unsurprisingly won't be as good as advertised. (Link)

🏦 Finance

San Francisco strikes deal with Arizona company to install speed cameras across the city. (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

🏀 LA Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Sunday, Oct. 27th | (More info)

🏀 New Orleans Pelicans at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Tuesday, Oct. 29th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Suki Waterhouse
The Warfield, San Francisco
Friday, Oct. 25th | (More info)

🎤 Maria Becerra
The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Sunday, Oct. 27th | (More info)

Family

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Volunteer with Us: Friday Family Fun Night
5016 Mission Street, San Francisco
Friday, Oct. 25th | (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 - 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.

-Yannick Lyons

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