Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Team Building Dumpling Duel event

• Upcoming San Diego Padres game

• A deep-dive into the life of Tom Waits

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

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 famous aviator's plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, was built in San Diego?

A) Amelia Earhart

B) Charles Lindbergh

C) Howard Hughes

D) The Wright Brothers

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The island connected to downtown San Diego by the Coronado Bridge is B) Coronado Island.

News

💼 Business

Palomar Health won the 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award again, noted for exceptional patient protection. (Link)

PETCO announced CEO Coughlin's departure, appointing an interim leader as the company navigates through its transition​​. (Link)

UC San Diego researchers made a breakthrough in solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries, offering a more cost-effective energy storage solution​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Padres announce a sold-out Opening Day against Giants, with limited park passes for Gallagher Square and an SDSU watch party after. (Link)

Ohtani denies any knowledge of former interpreter’s alleged involvement in illegal gambling. (Link)

Snapdragon Stadium hosted the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, showcasing top women's soccer teams from across the Americas. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Spring JOIM Conference at UCSD's Rady School, held March 24-26, honored Harry Markowitz with Nobel Laureates and top investors. (Link)

San Diego's Finance Dept. issued its 2024 Annual Internal Controls Report for fiscal transparency. (Link)

Alexandria Real Estate Equities increased its quarterly dividend to $1.27/share for Q1 2024, reaching $5.02/share yearly, up 5%. (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 Diego Padres
Petco Park, San Diego
Monday, Apr. 1st | (More info)

🏈 San Antonio Gunslingers at San Diego Strike Force
Pechanga Arena San Diego
Monday, Apr. 1st | (More info)

🏀 Omaha Supernovas at San Diego Mojo
Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego
Tuesday, Apr. 2nd | (More info)

🏒 San Jose Barracuda at San Diego Gulls
Pechanga Arena San Diego
Wednesday, Apr. 3rd | (More info)

🥍 Panther City Lacrosse Club at San Diego Seals
Pechanga Arena San Diego
Friday, Apr. 5th | (More info)

🏒 Tucson Roadrunners at San Diego Gulls
Pechanga Arena San Diego
Saturday, Apr. 6th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Casbah Night
Casbah, San Diego
Tuesday, April 2nd | (More info)

🎵 AMARIA Live
House of Blues San Diego, San Diego
Wednesday, April 3rd | (More info)

🎵 The Paranoyds Concert
Soda Bar, San Diego
Thursday, April 4th | (More info)

🎵 HEALTH Performance
Music Box, San Diego
Saturday, April 6th | (More info)

Family

🎉 Free Kids Event: Lakeshore's Crack the Case!
Hazard Center, 7510 Hazard Center Dr, San Diego
Saturday, Apr. 6th | (More info)

🍴 Team Building Dumpling Duel
San Diego, CA 92101
Monday, Apr. 8th | (More info)

👥 VOLUNTEERING EVENT
3800 Chosin Avenue, San Diego
Saturday, Apr. 6th | (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 Diego with architecture inspired by different planets” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

San Diego Historical Events

1846 - American forces capture San Diego during the Mexican-American War.

In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, American forces captured San Diego, marking a significant event in the conflict between the United States and Mexico. The capture of San Diego occurred on July 30, 1846, when American troops occupied the city and raised the American flag. The occupation followed the capture of the Mexican brig Juanita and was met with a friendly reception, as the Californios offered no resistance. This event was part of the broader military campaign that unfolded during the Mexican-American War, ultimately shaping the outcome of the conflict.

The Mexican-American War, which took place from 1846 to 1848, marked the first U.S. armed conflict fought chiefly on foreign soil. It was a pivotal moment in American history, as it led to the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of vast territories in the Southwest, including California. The capture of San Diego was a strategic move that contributed to the overall success of the American forces in the war, ultimately leading to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the transfer of significant Mexican territories to the United States.

The capture of San Diego by American forces during the Mexican-American War was a crucial milestone in the conflict, shaping the course of history and influencing the territorial expansion of the United States. This event remains a significant part of San Diego's historical narrative, reflecting the city's role in the broader context of American expansion and the impact of the Mexican-American War on the region.

Famous People From San Diego

Tom Waits (1949-Present)

Tom Waits, the iconic singer-songwriter and actor, is renowned for his distinctive voice and compositions that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born in San Diego in 1949, Waits' journey from the local folk circuit to international acclaim is a testament to his unparalleled talent and creative vision.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1949-1960s)

Thomas Alan Waits was born and raised in a middle-class family in San Diego, California. Inspired by the work of Bob Dylan and the Beat Generation, he began singing on the San Diego folk circuit, honing his musical skills and developing his unique style. His formative years in San Diego laid the foundation for his future career in music.

Transition to Los Angeles and Record Deal (1970s)

In the early 1970s, Waits relocated to Los Angeles, where he continued to pursue his musical interests and took piano lessons to further develop his craft. He began frequenting venues around San Diego, immersing himself in the city's folk music scene. It was during this time that he caught the attention of Herb Cohen at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, leading to a recording contract with Asylum Records.

Rise to Stardom and Musical Evolution (1970s-1980s)

Waits' career took off with the release of his debut album, "Closing Time," in 1973, which showcased his raw, emotive vocals and poetic songwriting. Over the years, he continued to push artistic boundaries, experimenting with various musical genres and incorporating elements of blues, jazz, and avant-garde into his work. His albums "Swordfish trombones" (1983) and "Rain Dogs" (1985) marked a significant shift in his sound, solidifying his reputation as a maverick in the music industry.

Acting Career and Collaborations (1980s-1990s)

In addition to his music, Waits ventured into acting, making notable appearances in films such as "Down by Law" (1986) and "The Fisher King" (1991). His distinctive voice and enigmatic persona made him a sought-after collaborator, leading to memorable duets with artists like Bette Midler and Crystal Gayle. His multifaceted talents and captivating stage presence further cemented his status as a cultural icon.

Later Career and Influence (2000s-Present)

In the 21st century, Waits continued to captivate audiences with albums like "Real Gone" (2004) and "Bad as Me" (2011), showcasing his enduring creativity and musical prowess. His influence on a new generation of musicians and songwriters is undeniable, as his legacy continues to inspire artists across genres. Despite maintaining a relatively low profile, Waits remains a revered figure in the music world.

Key Achievements of Tom Waits:

• Pioneering a distinctive musical style that defies categorization, blending elements of blues, jazz, and avant-garde.

• Establishing a successful acting career, with memorable roles in acclaimed films.

• Collaborating with renowned artists and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

• Inspiring a new generation of musicians with his innovative approach to songwriting and performance.

• Maintaining a lasting legacy as a cultural icon and influential figure in the arts.

Tom Waits' story is one of artistic innovation, creative evolution, and unwavering dedication to his craft. From his humble beginnings in San Diego to his global impact on music and film, Waits' contributions have left an enduring imprint on the cultural landscape.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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