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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Contreras has 3 hits, Mitchell homers and Brewers beat Giants 3-2.

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants match

• A deep dive into the life of Robert Louis Stevenson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up.” 

—Isabelle Lafleche

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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 event do tens of thousands of people gather every year to celebrate the Chinese New Year, featuring a grand parade and festivities?

A) The San Francisco Carnaval

B) The North Beach Festival

C) The Chinese New Year Festival and Parade

D) The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The iconic San Francisco structure known for its Art Deco design and orange color, making it one of the most photographed bridges in the world, is B) The Golden Gate Bridge.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

L.A.-based investor acquires 333 Fremont St. for $44.25 million. (Link)

Cancer trial data leads Bay Area drug company to $235 million, including a big insider take. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The 49ers' Christian McCaffrey problem just got so much worse. (Link)

Contreras has 3 hits, Mitchell homers and Brewers beat Giants 3-2. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Zymergen misled IPO investors, agrees to $30 million settlement, SEC says. (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

⚾ St. Louis Cardinals at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Friday, Sep 27-29 | (More info)

🏀 Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Oct 11 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Pendulum
1015 Folsom, San Francisco
Friday, Sep 20 | (More info)

🎧 Infected Mushroom
Public Works, San Francisco
Saturday, Sep 21 | (More info)

Family

🎉 Grand Opening: Visitacion Valley Family Resource Center
1099 Sunnydale Avenue, San Francisco
Friday, Sep 20 | (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 buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades” 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

1960: The last of the San Francisco streetcars is phased out.

In 1960, San Francisco bid farewell to the last of its iconic streetcars, marking the end of an era for the city's historic streetcar routes. Once a bustling network of rail tracks lining most major streets, the streetcar routes had been drastically reduced within two decades, leaving behind a legacy of transit history. The F-Market & Wharves line, in particular, stood out as the most successful vintage rail line, attracting over 20,000 riders per day and preserving the charm of San Francisco's streetcar heritage.

The 1960s saw a significant shift in San Francisco's transportation landscape, as the city's streetcar system underwent a transformation. The interactive map ""Where the Streetcars Used to Go"" showcases the routes that once crisscrossed the city, offering a glimpse into the past and present of San Francisco's streetcar network. The historic significance of these streetcars is evident in the city's efforts to preserve and celebrate their legacy, with vintage streetcars continuing to captivate locals and visitors alike.

San Francisco's streetcar history dates back to the late 19th century, with Market Street serving as a hub for rail transit since 1860. The 1960 phase-out marked the end of an era, but the spirit of San Francisco's streetcars lives on through the preservation of vintage streetcars and the city's ongoing commitment to honoring its rich transit heritage.

Famous San Franciscans

Robert Louis Stevenson - Renowned Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer.

Robert Louis Stevenson, a renowned Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on November 13, 1850, to Thomas and Margaret Stevenson. His literary career took off at the age of 28, propelling him to become a celebrated literary figure during his lifetime. Stevenson's life was marked by his passion for travel and exploration, which led him to embark on a journey from San Francisco, California, to the islands of the Pacific in 1888.

The Writer Emerges

In 1878, Stevenson saw the publication of his first volume of work, An Inland Voyage, which provided an account of his trip from Antwerp to northern France. This marked the beginning of his literary career, establishing him as a prominent writer with a keen eye for observation and storytelling.

Early Life and Struggles

Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to a family of engineers known for building deep-sea lighthouses around the rocky coast of Scotland. He suffered from respiratory illnesses from early childhood, and his schooling was intermittent. Despite these challenges, Stevenson's passion for storytelling and writing emerged at a young age, as he began dictating stories to his mother and nurse before he even learned to read.

Exploration and Inspiration

Stevenson's fascination with travel and exploration was a driving force in his literary works. His journey from San Francisco to the islands of the Pacific in 1888 provided him with inspiration for his writing, as he immersed himself in the culture and landscapes of the region. This experience greatly influenced his later works, reflecting his deep connection to the places he visited.

Literary Legacy

Stevenson's literary legacy is marked by a diverse range of works, including A Child's Garden of Verses, Kidnapped, Treasure Island, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His ability to captivate readers with his vivid storytelling and imaginative narratives solidified his place as a literary icon of his time and continues to inspire readers and writers to this day.

Connection to San Francisco

Stevenson's connection to San Francisco is notable, as he embarked on a journey from the city to the islands of the Pacific in 1888. This journey, accompanied by Fanny's son, Lloyd Osborne, from her previous marriage, allowed Stevenson to explore the Napa Valley and eventually arrive at an abandoned gold mine on Mount St. Helena. This experience in San Francisco and the surrounding areas left a lasting impression on Stevenson and influenced his later literary works.

Legacy and Impact

Robert Louis Stevenson's impact on literature and travel writing is enduring, as his works continue to be celebrated for their timeless appeal and universal themes. His ability to transport readers to distant lands and evoke a sense of adventure and exploration has solidified his legacy as a master storyteller and a pioneer of travel literature.

Key Achievements of Robert Louis Stevenson:

• Published a diverse range of literary works, including Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

• Embarked on a journey from San Francisco to the islands of the Pacific, which inspired his later writings.

• Established himself as a prominent literary figure during his lifetime, captivating readers with his imaginative narratives.

• Left a lasting legacy as a pioneer of travel literature, inspiring future generations of writers and explorers.

• Overcame personal struggles and health challenges to become a celebrated and influential writer.

Robert Louis Stevenson's life and works are a testament to his enduring legacy as a literary pioneer and a passionate traveler. His ability to transport readers to distant lands and captivate them with his storytelling continues to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.

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

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