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Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• BioAge seeks nearly $200 million in initial public offering.

• Upcoming Golden State Warriors match

• A deep dive into the life of Dashiell Hammett

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change."

— Jim Rohn

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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 official nickname for San Francisco?

A) The Golden City

B) The Foggy City

C) The Windy City

D) The City by the Bay

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Francisco neighborhood is known for its Italian community, rich literary history, and vibrant café culture is B) North Beach.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Deaths lead Pfizer to pull sickle cell drug at center of $5 billion Bay Area buyout. (Link)

One Medical removes sublease at San Francisco headquarters from the market. (Link)

🏒 Sports

80-year-old woman steals radio show with hot takes on 49ers' Joe Montana, Brock Purdy. (Link)

2 Oakland A's fans caught trying to steal seats from the Coliseum. (Link)

🏦 Finance

BioAge seeks nearly $200 million in initial public offering. (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

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

🏀 Detroit Pistons at Golden State Warriors
Chase Center, San Francisco
Sunday, Oct. 13th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 LA DOÑA
Café du Nord, San Francisco
Monday, Sep. 30th | (More info)

🎤 LaMP
The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Tuesday, Oct. 1st | (More info)

Family

🌮 Taco Team-Up - Team Building Activity by Classpop!™
Traveling Chef, San Francisco
Wednesday, Oct. 2nd | (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 domed buildings” 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

1776: Establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco by the Spanish.

In 1776, the same year as the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the opposite coast, a pivotal event unfolded on the shores of what is now known as San Francisco. The Spanish, extending their colonial reach northward from Mexico, established the Presidio of San Francisco. This military garrison was part of a broader strategy to consolidate Spanish presence and influence along the California coast, serving as a counterpart to the religious mission system represented by the nearby Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores), also founded that year.

The Presidio of San Francisco was strategically located at the northern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula, guarding the entrance to the bay, a crucial position for protecting the fledgling Spanish settlements in the area. It served as a focal point for the Spanish military's efforts to secure their territorial claims, providing defense against potential incursions by foreign powers and safeguarding the Spanish missions and the local communities they were evangelizing.

The establishment of the Presidio of San Francisco in 1776 marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the region's history. It laid the foundations for the city's development, symbolizing the intersection of military, cultural, and economic interests that would shape the area's future. Over the centuries, the Presidio evolved from its origins as a remote military outpost to become an integral part of San Francisco, its historical legacy preserved within the rich tapestry of the city's cultural and historical heritage.

Famous San Franciscans

Dashiell Hammett - Influential author known for his hard-boiled detective novels.

Dashiell Hammett was born in 1894 in St. Mary's County, Maryland. His early life was characterized by financial hardship, leading him to leave school at the age of 13. He worked various jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I, where he served as an ambulance driver. His experiences during the war and his exposure to the grim realities of life greatly influenced his worldview and writing style.

Career in Private Investigation (1919-1929)

After the war, Hammett returned to the United States and began working for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. His time as a detective in San Francisco provided him with firsthand experience in the criminal underworld, which would later serve as a rich source of material for his novels.

Venture into Writing and Early Works (1930-1933)

Hammett turned to writing in the late 1920s, contributing stories to pulp magazines. His background in detective work lent authenticity to his writing, and he quickly gained recognition for his sharp, sparse prose and morally complex characters. His first novel, Red Harvest, was published in 1929, followed by The Dain Curse in the same year.

Breakthrough with The Maltese Falcon (1934-1936)

Hammett's third novel, The Maltese Falcon (1930), marked his breakthrough as a writer. Set in San Francisco, the novel introduced the iconic detective Sam Spade and is considered one of the masterpieces of the hard-boiled detective genre. The book's success firmly established Hammett as a leading figure in American literature.

Continued Success and Literary Contributions (1937-1941)

Hammett continued to write successful novels, including The Glass Key (1931) and The Thin Man (1934), which further solidified his reputation. His works were characterized by gritty realism, complex characters, and intricate plots, setting a new standard for detective fiction.

World War II Service and Political Activism (1942-1950)

During World War II, Hammett once again served his country, this time in the Aleutian Islands. After the war, he became increasingly involved in political activism, advocating for civil rights and other progressive causes. His political beliefs would later lead to personal and professional challenges during the McCarthy era.

The McCarthy Era and Imprisonment (1951-1955)

In the early 1950s, Hammett's political affiliations and outspokenness made him a target during the McCarthy era. He was investigated for his beliefs and activities, and in 1951, he served time in prison for contempt of court after refusing to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Later Years and Reflection on Impact (1956-1961)

Hammett's later years were marked by declining health and financial difficulties. Despite these challenges, he remained a respected figure in the literary world. He reflected on his contributions to literature and the impact of his work on the genre of detective fiction.

Death and Enduring Legacy (1961)

Dashiell Hammett passed away in 1961 in New York City. His death marked the end of a career that had a profound influence on American literature. Hammett's novels, particularly The Maltese Falcon, continue to be celebrated for their stylistic innovation and contribution to the hard-boiled detective genre.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the hard-boiled detective genre with novels like The Maltese Falcon and The Glass Key.

• Brought authentic experience and gritty realism to detective fiction, influencing future writers.

• Left a lasting impact on American literature with his unique narrative style and complex characters.

• His life and work reflect the interplay between literature, personal experience, and social context.

Dashiell Hammett's journey from a private detective in San Francisco to one of the most influential authors in the hard-boiled detective genre is a testament to his profound impact on American literature. His works, characterized by sharp prose, moral complexity, and vivid portrayals of the criminal underworld, redefined detective fiction and continue to resonate with readers and writers alike. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Hammett's legacy as a master storyteller endures, cementing his place as a cornerstone of 20th-century literature.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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