Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• OpenAI expands new S.F. campus

• Upcoming Lord of the Lost show

• A deep dive into the life of Alan Watts

• And more…

Quote of the Week

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

—Isabelle Lafleche

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 the historic San Francisco theater that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts?

A) The Orpheum Theatre

B) The Warfield

C) The Curran

D) The Fillmore

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

C) The Chinese New Year Festival and Parade

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

OpenAI expands new S.F. campus, signs another huge office lease nearby. (Link)

Merchants bemoan illegal street vending in San Francisco Chinatown. (Link)

🏒 Sports

SF Giants legend Buster Posey buys famed Northern California hunting ranch. (Link)

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro Linebacker Fred Warner Reveals How Vikings Player Aided Him in Forcing Game-C. (Link)

🏦 Finance

S.F. area loses 7,000 jobs in August as tech layoffs continue to mount. (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, Sept 27-29 | (More info)

🏀 New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers
Levi's® Stadium, San Francisco
Sept 29 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Lord of the Lost (21+ Event)
The Independent SF, San Francisco
Saturday, Sept 28 | (More info)

🎧 Peaches
Pier 80, San Francisco
Saturday, Sep 28 | (More info)

Family

🎉 City Kids Family Fair 2024
Children's Council San Francisco, San Francisco
Saturday, Sept 28 | (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 an underwater section accessible to the public” 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

1974: The Zebra murders terrorize San Francisco.

In 1974, San Francisco was terrorized by a series of racially motivated murders known as the Zebra murders. The perpetrators, a group of four Black serial killers, targeted white victims in a string of attacks from October 1973 to April 1974. The Zebra murders resulted in the deaths of at least 15 white people and the wounding of eight others. The city was gripped in fear for 179 days as the killers carried out random killings on the streets, leaving the community in a state of shock and apprehension.

The Zebra murders were a dark chapter in San Francisco's history, sparking widespread fear and racial tension in the city. The police gave the case the name ""Zebra"" as they worked tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrators and bring an end to the terror. The racially motivated nature of the attacks and the randomness of the killings left a lasting impact on the community, and the memory of the Zebra murders continues to be a somber reminder of the city's past.

Despite the passage of time, the Zebra murders remain a haunting memory for San Francisco, serving as a reminder of the city's resilience in the face of tragedy and its ongoing commitment to justice and unity. The legacy of the Zebra murders lives on as a testament to the strength and solidarity of the community in overcoming adversity and working towards a safer and more inclusive future.

Famous San Franciscans

Alan Watts

Alan Wilson Watts was a naturalized American author and lecturer who interpreted Zen to the West. His writings were particularly popular among the so-called beat generation of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Alan Wilson Watts was born in Chislehurst, England, on January 6, 1915. From a young age, Alan was fascinated by Asian art, literature, and philosophy, and his parents recognized his bright and inquiring nature, encouraging him to write.

Early Life and Fascination with Eastern Philosophy (1915-1930s)

Alan Wilson Watts was born on January 6, 1915, in the countryside near London, England. His early years were marked by a deep fascination with Asian art, literature, and philosophy, influenced by his mother's students who were children of missionaries to Asia. This early exposure sparked his lifelong interest in Eastern wisdom and philosophy.

Interpreting Eastern Philosophy for a Western Audience (1940s-1950s)

During the 1940s and 1950s, Alan Watts began his journey of interpreting and popularizing Eastern philosophy for a Western audience. His unique ability to convey complex Eastern concepts in a relatable and accessible manner made him a prominent figure in the integration of Eastern and Western thought. This period marked the beginning of his influential career as an author and lecturer.

Connection to San Francisco (1960s)

In the 1960s, Alan Watts gained a following while working as a volunteer programmer at the KPFA radio station in Berkeley, California. His presence in the San Francisco Bay Area further solidified his influence on the West Coast and his connection to the city of San Francisco.

Legacy and Continuing Influence (1970s-Present)

Alan Wilson Watts's legacy continues to resonate, with his works remaining influential and widely read. His impact on the integration of Eastern and Western philosophy has left a lasting impression, and his teachings are still celebrated and studied by those seeking a deeper understanding of Eastern wisdom.

Key Achievements of Alan Wilson Watts:

• Pioneered the interpretation and popularization of Eastern philosophy for a Western audience.

• Gained a following while working as a volunteer programmer at the KPFA radio station in Berkeley, California.

• Left a lasting legacy in the integration of Eastern and Western thought, with his works continuing to inspire and influence readers and scholars.

Alan Wilson Watts's life story is one of bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding of Eastern philosophy in the Western world. His impact on the integration of Eastern and Western thought remains significant, and his teachings continue to inspire and enlighten audiences worldwide.

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

Poll