Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Floods in Nigeria have killed scores and washed away farmland, raising food security concerns.

• Upcoming San Francisco Giants match

• A deep dive into the life of Jerry Garcia

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” 

–Alan Cohen

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!

Which San Francisco bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was completed in 1937?

A) The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge

B) The Golden Gate Bridge

C) The Richmond–San Rafael Bridge

D) The Dumbarton Bridge

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Francisco neighborhood where you would find the iconic Ghirardelli Square, known for its shops, restaurants, and history as a chocolate factory, is B) The Marina District.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Young girls are using anti-aging products they see on social media. The harm is more than skin deep. (Link)

Major power outage hits Venezuela's capital, with Maduro government blaming 'sabotage'. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Brandon Aiyuk's 49ers contract standoff ends with $120 million deal. (Link)

Matt Chapman's bases-clearing double in 8th lifts Giants to 3-1 win over Marlins. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Floods in Nigeria have killed scores and washed away farmland, raising food security concerns. (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

⚾ Milwaukee Brewers at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Tue, Sep 10th - Thu, Sep 12th | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants
Oracle Park, San Francisco
Fri, Sep 13th - Sat, Sep 14th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Carin Leon
Chase Center, San Francisco
Friday, Sep 6th | (More info)

🎵 Iration and Pepper
The Warfield, San Francisco
Saturday, Sep 7th | (More info)

Family

🎨 Art Walk SF - Fillmore Street
Fillmore Street, San Francisco
Saturday, Sep 7th | (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 where every building is equipped with solar and wind power” 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

1923: The Castlewood Country Club dam failure results in flooding and destruction.

In 1923, the Castlewood Country Club dam failure resulted in a devastating flood and widespread destruction. The dam, located across Cherry Creek, 40 miles southeast of Denver, Colorado, collapsed, sending an 11-foot wall of water rushing into Denver. The flood caused two fatalities and approximately $1 million worth of damage to crops, equivalent to $20 million in 2018. The impact of the flood was significant, as Castlewood Dam was roughly three times the size of Sloan's Lake, and the resulting floodwaters caused dramatic changes in the canyon and the surrounding area.

The failure of the Castlewood Country Club dam had a profound impact on the city of Denver and its residents. The flood, which was one of the worst ever reported on Cherry Creek, caused colossal damages and economic woes, leading to widespread devastation and loss. Despite the significant damages and resultant economic challenges, the flood and its profound impacts have remained widely under-researched and, for many, forgotten. The geomorphologic impacts of the 1933 Castlewood Dam failure have had a lasting effect on the landscape and the people of Denver, leaving a legacy of destruction and loss that is still remembered today.

The Castlewood Country Club dam failure of 1923 serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of dam failures and the importance of dam safety and maintenance. The tragic event left a lasting mark on the history of Denver, highlighting the need for comprehensive research and understanding of the impacts of such disasters. The flood and destruction caused by the dam failure continue to be remembered as a significant event in the city's history, emphasizing the importance of disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience.

Famous San Franciscans

Jerry Garcia - (1942-1995) Musician and songwriter, best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grateful Dead.

Jerry Garcia, the iconic musician and songwriter, is best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist of the Grateful Dead. His influence extends beyond his music, leaving a lasting impact on San Francisco, the city of his birth and the Grateful Dead's home base.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1942-1960s)

Jerome John Garcia was born on August 1, 1942, in San Francisco, California. His early years were marked by a deep connection to music, and he developed a passion for playing the guitar from a young age. Garcia's formative years in San Francisco laid the foundation for his future musical endeavors.

Founding the Grateful Dead and Counterculture Movement (1960s-1970s)

In the mid-1960s, Garcia co-founded the Grateful Dead, a band that would become synonymous with the counterculture movement of the era. The band's unique blend of rock, folk, and psychedelic music captured the spirit of San Francisco and gained a dedicated following known as Deadheads.

Musical Legacy and Impact (1970s-1995)

Garcia's musical career with the Grateful Dead spanned three decades, during which the band's improvisational style and live performances became legendary. His songwriting, lead guitar work, and distinctive vocals contributed to the band's enduring legacy and influence on the music industry.

Connection to San Francisco and Community Involvement

Throughout his life, Garcia maintained a strong connection to San Francisco, where he was born and raised. His music and the Grateful Dead's presence in the city contributed to its cultural fabric, and Mayor London Breed declared August 1 as Jerry Garcia Day to honor his contributions to San Francisco.

Memorial and Legacy

Garcia's untimely passing on August 9, 1995, marked the end of an era for the Grateful Dead and left a profound impact on the music world. His legacy continues to resonate, and the annual Jerry Day celebration at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park serves as a tribute to his enduring influence and musical contributions.

Key Achievements of Jerry Garcia:

• Founding member, lead guitarist, and vocalist of the Grateful Dead, a pioneering band in the counterculture movement.

• Influence on the San Francisco music scene and cultural landscape, contributing to the city's identity and spirit.

• Legacy as a prolific songwriter and musician, with a lasting impact on the music industry and generations of fans.

• Recognition by the city of San Francisco with the proclamation of Jerry Garcia Day in honor of his contributions.

• Remembered as a symbol of musical innovation, creativity, and the spirit of San Francisco.

Jerry Garcia's story is one of musical exploration, cultural influence, and a deep connection to San Francisco. His enduring legacy continues to inspire and resonate with fans and musicians alike, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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