Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Oceanside Walmart reopens after a remodel

• Upcoming San Diego State Aztecs Basketball game

• A deep-dive into the life of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 historic ship is permanently moored at San Diego's waterfront?

A) USS Constitution

B) USS Midway

C) HMS Victory

D) RMS Queen Mary

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous annual pop culture event held in San Diego is A) San Diego Comic-Con.

News

💼 Business

San Diego Workforce Partnership boosts enrollment with $9M in grants, reflecting growth in workforce development initiatives. (Link)

Alaska Airlines resumes Boeing 737 MAX 9 flights to San Diego, signaling a return to normalcy and safety confidence. (Link)

Oceanside Walmart reopens after a remodel, showcasing new features and an enhanced shopping experience for visitors. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Padres FanFest 2024 tickets became available, inviting thousands of fans to Petco Park. (Link)

The San Diego Padres signed top international prospect Leodalis De Vries, a 17-year-old shortstop. (Link)

Padres visited Wounded Warriors and Navy Gold Star families at Naval Medical Center San Diego. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Qualcomm's CFO, Akash Palkhiwala, expands his role by taking on COO responsibilities. (Link)

San Diego-based RBTK has been acquired by national accounting and consulting firm Eide Bailly. (Link)

The accounting profession is rapidly embracing new technologies and methodologies. (Link)

San Diego's Welfie wins Anthem Award for health tech innovation. (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

🏀 San Diego State Aztecs Men's Basketball vs. San Jose State Spartans Men's Basketball
Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University
Tue, Feb 27 | (More info)

🏐 San Diego Mojo vs. Vegas Thrill
Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl, San Diego State University
Thu, Feb 29 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Rocket Summer
Soda Bar, San Diego, CA, US
Thursday, Feb 29 | (More info)

🎤 Mahalia
House of Blues San Diego, San Diego, CA, US
Friday, Mar 01 | (More info)

🎵 The Ocean
Brick By Brick, San Diego, CA, US
Friday, Mar 01 | (More info)

🎧 Benny Benassi
Nova SD, San Diego, CA, US
Saturday, Mar 02 | (More info)

Family

✨ San Diego Psychic & Healing Arts Fair
Handlery Hotel San Diego, San Diego, United States
Sat, Mar 02 | (More info)

🎨 Sunday Mixed Media Workshop with Robin Roberts
30th Street, San Diego, United States
Sun, Mar 03 | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style San Diego with modern technology” 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

1774 - The relocation of Mission San Diego de Alcalá to its present location.

In 1774, just five years after its initial establishment, Mission San Diego de Alcalá experienced a significant transition as it was relocated to its present location, approximately six miles away from the original site. This move was prompted by several factors, including the need for better access to water, more fertile land for agriculture, and a location more conducive to the mission's goals of community building and evangelization among the indigenous population.

The new site for Mission San Diego de Alcalá offered a more strategic and sustainable setting. Nestled in a valley with ample water supply and fertile soil, the mission flourished, becoming a center for agricultural production, education, and religious conversion. The relocation proved beneficial, allowing the mission to expand its operations and influence, ultimately becoming one of the most prosperous in the California mission system.

The 1774 relocation of Mission San Diego de Alcalá was a pivotal moment in the mission's history and in the broader narrative of the region. It symbolized adaptability and resilience in the face of logistical challenges, laying a foundation for growth and development that would continue for years to come. Today, the mission stands as a testament to this rich history, embodying the cultural and historical complexities of the period and serving as a landmark of San Diego's early beginnings.

Famous People From San Diego

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (1497-1543)

Navigating New Worlds on the West Coast

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was a Portuguese explorer who sailed under the Spanish flag and is best known for his exploration of the West Coast of the United States. His life and expeditions reflect a journey of discovery and exploration, leaving a lasting impact on the history of the Americas.

Early Life and Seafaring Skills

Cabrillo's early life remains shrouded in mystery, with historians speculating that he may have been of Portuguese descent but born in Spain. As a young man, he honed his seafaring skills and embarked on a voyage to the West Indies as part of a significant expedition, marking the beginning of his maritime career.

Exploration of the West Coast (1542-1543)

In 1542, Cabrillo set sail from the west coast Mexican port of Navidad, commanding a small armada of ships. His expedition led him to become the first European of record to touch the coast of Upper California, as he sailed into San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This historic voyage marked the beginning of his exploration of the West Coast of North America, undertaken on behalf of the Spanish Empire.

Legacy and Impact

Cabrillo's exploration of the West Coast of the United States left a lasting legacy, with his name immortalized in the history of the Americas. His expeditions and discoveries paved the way for future explorers and settlers, shaping the course of history in the region.

Connection to San Diego

Cabrillo's arrival in San Diego Bay in 1542 holds significant historical importance, as it marked the first European exploration of the area. His presence in San Diego is commemorated by the Cabrillo National Monument, which stands as a tribute to his historic voyage and the impact of his exploration on the region.

Key Achievements of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo:

• First European explorer to touch the coast of Upper California in 1542.

• Led an expedition that explored the West Coast of North America on behalf of the Spanish Empire.

• Immortalized in history for his pioneering exploration and lasting impact on the Americas.

In summary, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer who sailed under the Spanish flag, made a significant impact through his historic exploration of the West Coast of the United States. His expeditions and discoveries continue to be celebrated, and his name remains synonymous with the early exploration of the Americas.

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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