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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Ashton Kutcher asked Sam Altman for one thing before investing in OpenAI.

• Upcoming Kehlani concert

• A deep dive into the life of Jack London

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow is our doubts of today."

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

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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!

In which San Francisco neighborhood would you find the famous crooked Lombard Street?

A) Russian Hill

B) Pacific Heights

C) North Beach

D) The Castro

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous San Francisco neighborhood known for its Victorian architecture and Painted Ladies is C) Alamo Square.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Ashton Kutcher asked Sam Altman for one thing before investing in OpenAI. (Link)

Windy Hill puts fully leased piece of downtown San Mateo office campus up for sale. (Link)

🏒 Sports

49ers star Brandon Aiyuk reveals gruesome extent of knee injury. (Link)

Missing starters Curry and Wiggins, Warriors use their depth to rally past the Pelicans 124-106. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Data reveals S.F. job losses; Benioff to close Salesforce offices for election day. (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

🏀 Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Tuesday, Nov. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Memphis Grizzlies at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Nov. 15th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Maggie Rogers
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Nov. 1st | (More info)

🎤 Kehlani
Chase Center, San Francisco
Saturday, Nov. 2nd | (More info)

Family

🎃 Halloween at Family Connections
2565 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco
Thursday, Oct. 31st | (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 “Spaceport integrated into San Francisco's central hub” 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

1873: Introduction of the first cable car on Clay Street.

In 1873, San Francisco witnessed a groundbreaking moment in transportation history with the introduction of the first cable car on Clay Street. This innovative mode of public transit revolutionized the city's transportation system, providing a reliable and efficient means of traversing the hilly terrain of San Francisco. The cable car, designed by Andrew Smith Hallidie, quickly became an iconic symbol of the city and a beloved feature of its urban landscape. The introduction of the cable car on Clay Street marked a significant milestone in the development of San Francisco's public transportation network, setting the stage for further advancements in urban mobility.

The introduction of the cable car on Clay Street had a profound impact on the daily lives of San Franciscans, offering a convenient and accessible mode of transportation for residents and visitors alike. The cable car system provided a vital link between different neighborhoods and commercial districts, fostering connectivity and economic growth across the city. As the first cable car line in San Francisco, the Clay Street line set a precedent for future expansions and improvements to the city's public transit infrastructure, laying the foundation for a more interconnected and accessible urban environment.

Today, the legacy of the first cable car on Clay Street lives on as a cherished symbol of San Francisco's rich history and innovative spirit. The iconic cable cars continue to operate along the city's steep streets, attracting tourists and locals who seek to experience a piece of San Francisco's past while enjoying a scenic and nostalgic mode of transportation. The introduction of the cable car on Clay Street remains a pivotal moment in the city's evolution, shaping its identity as a place where innovation, ingenuity, and tradition intersect to create a unique urban experience.

Famous San Franciscans

Jack London - Renowned author and journalist known for The Call of the Wild and White Fang.

Jack London, born on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California, was an American novelist and short-story writer known for his iconic works, including The Call of the Wild (1903) and White Fang (1906). His literary career and personal life were marked by a deep connection to San Francisco and a passionate advocacy for animal rights and social justice.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1876-1897)

Born as John Griffith Chaney on January 12, 1876, in San Francisco, California, Jack London's early life was characterized by hardship and adventure. Raised by his mother, Flora Wellman, and a foster mother, Virginia Prentiss, he developed a love for reading and writing at an early age. His experiences in the Bay Area, including his time as a sailor and an oyster pirate, greatly influenced his future literary works.

Literary Success and International Acclaim (1898-1905)

Jack London's literary career took off in the late 1890s when he began writing for various magazines and newspapers. His breakthrough came with the publication of The Call of the Wild in 1903, followed by White Fang in 1906. These novels, set in the rugged landscapes of the Yukon and Alaska, captured the elemental struggles for survival and earned him international acclaim as a master storyteller.

Advocacy and Social Activism (1906-1916)

London was an outspoken advocate for social and political causes, aligning himself with the socialist movement and championing the rights of workers and the underprivileged. He was also a passionate advocate of animal rights, reflecting his deep empathy for the natural world. His involvement in the radical literary group The Crowd in San Francisco further solidified his commitment to social justice and reform.

Legacy and Enduring Influence

Jack London's legacy extends beyond his literary achievements. His life embodied the frenzied modernization of America between the Civil War and World War I, and his rags-to-riches success story inspired generations of readers. His impact on the San Francisco literary community and his dedication to animal rights continue to resonate with readers and activists worldwide.

Key Achievements of Jack London:

• Author of iconic novels The Call of the Wild and White Fang, depicting elemental struggles for survival.

• Advocate for social justice and workers' rights, aligning himself with the socialist movement.

• Passionate advocate of animal rights, reflecting his deep empathy for the natural world.

• Member of the radical literary group The Crowd in San Francisco, contributing to the city's literary community.

• Enduring legacy as a master storyteller and advocate for social and environmental causes.

Jack London's life and literary contributions remain a testament to his enduring influence as a writer, activist, and advocate for social change. His connection to San Francisco and his dedication to portraying the elemental struggles of life continue to inspire readers and activists around the world.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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