Welcome to The San Francisco Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• A significant shift in the real estate market

• Upcoming Warriors home games

• A deep dive into the life of Bruce Lee

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

-Matt Haig

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!

The Beat Generation, a group of American writers and artists, became famous in San Francisco. Which San Francisco bookstore is famously associated with the Beat Generation?

A) City Lights Bookstore

B) Book Passage

C) Borderlands Books

D) Green Apple Books

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

San Francisco small business owners are ramping up security measures in response to a rise in ATM thefts. This includes installing steel-reinforced doors, additional locks, and surveillance systems. The number of ATM thefts reported by the San Francisco Police Department as of late November was 11, but local reporting suggests a higher figure. Businesses are taking various steps to safeguard their premises and assets in light of these thefts​​. (link)

The changing landscape of the San Francisco commercial real estate market is evident in various strategies adopted by property owners and investors. Some properties have been listed for sale at substantial discounts, while others have been foreclosed or handed back to lenders. This scenario is shaping the future of the real estate market in the city, with potential opportunities for new investments at lower costs​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

In San Francisco, a significant shift in the commercial real estate market was highlighted by the listing of a 20-story office tower at 33 New Montgomery St. for $80 million, a significant drop from its previous trading price in 2014. This trend reflects wider challenges in the market, including high vacancy rates and rising lending costs, prompting owners to sell properties at reduced prices and indicating a reset in expectations for the real estate sector in the city​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The San Francisco 49ers emerged victorious over the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 28-16. Deebo Samuel played a crucial role in the win, catching 7 passes for 149 yards and scoring 2 touchdowns​​. (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

🏀 Golden State Warriors vs. Brooklyn Nets (December 16): A thrilling NBA game at Chase Center, where the Golden State Warriors face off against the Brooklyn Nets. Expect an electrifying atmosphere with top-level basketball action, showcasing some of the league's best talents. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎵 EMO NITE at Rickshaw Stop: A unique event for fans of emo music, EMO NITE at Rickshaw Stop offers a night filled with nostalgic and current emo and pop-punk hits. It's a great opportunity for fans to enjoy their favorite tracks and relive memories. (link)

🎉 EL SUPERRITMO! at Make-Out Room: This event at Make-Out Room is a vibrant dance party featuring a mix of Latin, African, and Caribbean music. Perfect for those who love to dance and enjoy diverse, energetic rhythms. (link)

🎤 JEFFREY MARTIN at Felton Music Hall: Jeffrey Martin brings his heartfelt and storytelling folk music to Felton Music Hall. This concert promises an intimate experience filled with lyrical narratives and acoustic melodies. (link)

Family

🎪 Circus Bella Kaleidoscope (December 15): This event is part of a collection of fun upcoming events for kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Circus Bella Kaleidoscope offers a captivating circus performance that is sure to entertain and amaze audiences of all ages. (link)

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 inside a snow globe” 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

The Free Speech Movement at UC Berkeley (1964)

The Free Speech Movement (FSM) at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1964, was a pivotal moment in U.S. civil rights and student activism history. It began as a struggle for free speech on campus, with students demanding the right to engage in political speech and activity. The movement quickly escalated into a massive campus-wide protest, symbolizing the growing discontent among young Americans against institutional restrictions and societal norms.

The FSM was led by student activists like Mario Savio, whose impassioned speeches and charismatic leadership galvanized the student body. The movement reached its peak when thousands of students participated in sit-ins and demonstrations, leading to the largest mass arrest in California history at the time. This confrontation between students and university authorities captured national attention, highlighting broader issues of academic freedom and political expression.

The impact of the Free Speech Movement was profound and far-reaching. It not only led to significant policy changes at UC Berkeley and other universities regarding free speech but also inspired a new generation of activists. The FSM is remembered as a critical precursor to the broader social and political movements of the 1960s, including the anti-Vietnam War and civil rights movements, and continues to influence discussions about free speech and civil liberties.

Famous San Franciscans

Bruce Lee: 1940-1973

Bruce Lee, a legendary martial artist, actor, and filmmaker, was born in San Francisco and became an iconic figure worldwide. His contributions to martial arts and cinema revolutionized both industries, leaving an enduring legacy.

Early Life in San Francisco and Hong Kong 

Born on November 27, 1940, in San Francisco, California, Bruce Lee spent most of his early life in Hong Kong. His birth in San Francisco granted him U.S. citizenship, a fact that would later play a crucial role in his life. Despite his early departure, his birthplace remained an important part of his identity.

Return to America and Martial Arts Training 

In his late teens, Lee returned to the United States, settling in Seattle. He began teaching martial arts, developing a philosophy and technique that blended various styles. This period marked the beginning of his journey in revolutionizing martial arts, emphasizing a practical, flexible approach over traditional, rigid styles.

Hollywood Breakthrough and Struggles 

Lee moved to Hollywood with the aim of breaking into films. Despite his undeniable charisma and skills, he initially struggled due to limited roles available for Asian actors. He was determined to showcase the beauty and depth of Asian culture to Western audiences.

"Enter the Dragon" and International Fame 

Bruce Lee’s starring role in "Enter the Dragon," released shortly after his untimely death, catapulted him to international stardom. The film's success laid the foundation for the modern action genre and made Lee a cultural icon.

Philosophy and Teaching 

Beyond his film career, Lee was a profound thinker and teacher. His philosophy, Jeet Kune Do, was not just a martial arts style but a life philosophy emphasizing adaptability, efficiency, and self-expression.

Influence on Martial Arts and Fitness 

Lee's influence extended beyond martial arts into physical fitness and wellness. His training regime and nutrition practices were ahead of their time, influencing athletes and martial artists worldwide.

Cultural Impact and Breaking Stereotypes 

Lee challenged and broke numerous stereotypes about Asians in Western media. He was among the first to portray Asian characters as strong, multifaceted, and central to the story, paving the way for future generations of actors.

Legacy in Film and Martial Arts 

Bruce Lee’s impact on cinema and martial arts is immeasurable. He is revered for his groundbreaking work in both fields, inspiring countless individuals to take up martial arts and appreciate Asian cinema.

Death and Posthumous Recognition 

Bruce Lee passed away on July 20, 1973, at the age of 32. Despite his short life, his influence endures. He is remembered as one of the most influential martial artists of all time and a key figure in changing the portrayal of Asians in American films.

Key Achievements of Bruce Lee:

• Revolutionized martial arts with the development of Jeet Kune Do.

• Became a global cinema icon with "Enter the Dragon."

• Challenged and changed stereotypes of Asian actors in Hollywood.

• Influenced physical fitness practices with his training and nutrition regimes.

• Left a lasting legacy in both martial arts and global cinema.

Bruce Lee's journey from San Francisco to becoming an international icon is a story of perseverance, innovation, and breaking barriers. His legacy continues to inspire and resonate in the worlds of martial arts, cinema, and beyond.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen