Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• UC San Diego’s bioengineering team creates new bioinformatics tool

• San Diego local wins The Farmers Insurance Open

• A deep-dive into the life of Harold Bell Wright

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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 of these beaches is not in San Diego?

A) La Jolla Cove

B) Pacific Beach

C) Mission Beach

D) Zuma Beach

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

The San Diego Zoo was founded in A) 1916.

News

💼 Business

San Diego announced a Business Emergency Response & Resilience Grant, aiding storm-affected businesses with recovery and cleanup costs. (link)

MaryCarol Reeder of Scripps Health was honored with the Doris A. Howell Award for her advancements in palliative care in San Diego. (link)

Alaska Airlines resumed its Boeing 737 MAX 9 operations with stringent safety checks, initiating flights from Seattle to San Diego. (link)

UC San Diego’s bioengineering team created SigProfilerMatrixGenerator, a bioinformatics tool for analyzing mutational events in cancer genomes. (link)

Bumble Bee Seafoods' new brand identity and innovative packaging design clinched the 2023 Pro Award for Best Package Design. (link)

🏒 Sports

The San Diego Gulls clashed with the Bakersfield Condors, showing promise in the AHL’s Pacific Division with a series of recent victories. (link)

Monster Jam thrilled audiences at Snapdragon Stadium, marking its return with a showcase of spectacular motorized action. (link)

SDSU's women's basketball team, after a strong winning streak, faced a crucial match against the Mountain West Conference leaders, UNLV. (link)

The Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course drew renowned golfers, with local star Xander Schauffele vying for a win on his home turf. (link)

🏦 Finance

Larry Bellack joined Multifamily Utility Company as Chief Revenue Officer, aiming to transform utility cost management in the rental housing sector. (link)

Lassen Therapeutics secured $85 million in Series B financing to advance clinical trials for innovative disease therapies and cancer treatments. (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

🏃 La Jolla Coastal 5K Running Tour
San Diego, CA
Various dates including Feb 1, 2024 | (More Info)

🏃 Balboa Park 5k Running Tour
San Diego, CA
Feb 2, 2024 | (More Info)

🏃 San Pasqual Valley Trail Race
Escondido, CA
Feb 3, 2024 | (More Info)

🎉 Gaslamp Mardi Gras
Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego
Feb 9, 2024 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Johnny King
Humphrey's Concerts By The Bay, San Diego
Monday, Feb 5, 2024 | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Snakehips
Nova SD, San Diego
Saturday, Feb 3, 2024 | (More Info)

🎹 Too Many Zooz
Music Box, San Diego
Saturday, Feb 3, 2024 | (More Info)

🎵 DVBBS
Bloom Nightclub, San Diego
Sunday, Feb 4, 2024 | 10:00 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Trousdale
Voodoo Room at House of Blues, San Diego
Tuesday, Feb 6, 2024 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🐾 Bluey’s Big Play
Balboa Theatre - San Diego
Friday, Feb 9, 2024 | 6:00 PM | (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 as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

Sebastian Vizcaino's exploration and mapping of the California coast, naming San Diego Bay (1602)

In 1602, sixty years after Cabrillo's initial expedition, another significant chapter in San Diego's history unfolded with the arrival of the Spanish explorer and navigator Sebastian Vizcaino. Commissioned by Spain to map the California coast and establish safe harbors for Spanish galleons, Vizcaino embarked on a detailed exploration of the region. His expedition meticulously charted the coastline, paving the way for future navigation and settlement.

Upon entering the bay initially named San Miguel by Cabrillo, Vizcaino was struck by the area's natural beauty and strategic significance. Recognizing the importance of the harbor for Spanish ships traveling back from the Philippines, Vizcaino renamed the bay "San Diego" in honor of Saint Didacus (San Diego in Spanish), whose feast day was near the time of his arrival. This renaming cemented the bay's identity and began a new chapter in the area's history.

Vizcaino's exploration and the subsequent mapping of the California coast were instrumental in establishing Spanish presence and influence in the region. His detailed charts and descriptions provided valuable information for future explorers and settlers, marking a pivotal step in the European colonization of the West Coast. The naming of San Diego Bay was not just a symbolic act but a foundational moment that contributed to the shaping of the region's identity, laying the groundwork for the rich cultural and historical tapestry that defines San Diego today.

Famous People From San Diego

Harold Bell Wright (1872–1944)

Early Life and Overcoming Adversity (1872-1895)

Harold Bell Wright was born in 1872 in Rome, New York. He faced significant challenges in his early life, including a debilitating illness and the untimely death of his mother. Despite these hardships, Wright developed a deep love for literature and storytelling, which would shape his future career as a writer.

Ministerial Work and Early Writings (1896-1905)

Wright began his career as a minister, serving various communities across the United States. His experiences with people from different walks of life enriched his understanding of human nature and social issues. During this period, he also started writing, initially as a means to supplement his income and later as a pursuit of his passion.

First Published Novel and Breakthrough (1906-1910)

Wright's first novel, "That Printer of Udell's," was published in 1902 and received moderate success. However, it was his third novel, "The Shepherd of the Hills," published in 1907, that marked his breakthrough as a writer. The novel gained widespread popularity and established Wright as a prominent figure in American literature.

The Winning of Barbara Worth and Continued Success (1911-1920)

In 1911, Wright published "The Winning of Barbara Worth," which became one of his most celebrated works. The novel, set in the American West, resonated with readers and further cemented Wright's reputation as a master storyteller. His novels during this period were characterized by their vivid descriptions of rural America and their focus on moral and social themes.

Hollywood Adaptations and National Fame (1921-1930)

Several of Wright's novels were adapted into films, expanding his reach and influence. The success of these adaptations, along with his bestselling books, made him a national figure. Wright's ability to capture the American spirit in his writing contributed to his widespread acclaim.

Continued Literary Contributions (1931-1940)

Throughout the 1930s, Wright continued to write and publish novels. His works during this period delved into complex themes of morality, redemption, and human struggle. Despite changing literary trends, Wright maintained a dedicated readership and continued to be a significant presence in American literature.

Final Years and Reflection on Legacy (1941-1944)

In his final years, Wright settled in California, where he reflected on his career and the impact of his work. He continued to write until his health declined. Wright's novels had not only entertained but also provoked thought and reflection among his readers.

Death and Posthumous Recognition (1944)

Harold Bell Wright passed away in 1944. His death marked the end of a prolific writing career that spanned over four decades. Posthumously, Wright's work continued to be read and appreciated, although his popularity waned with the changing literary tastes of the later 20th century.

Legacy and Influence in American Literature (Post-1944)

Wright's legacy as a bestselling author of the early 20th century is significant. He was one of the first American writers to achieve both widespread popularity and financial success. His novels, particularly "The Winning of Barbara Worth," left an enduring mark on American literature and culture.

Key Achievements:

• Became one of the first American novelists to achieve national fame and financial success.

• Authored "The Winning of Barbara Worth," one of the bestselling novels of the early 20th century.

• Contributed significantly to the genre of American Western and rural literature.

• His works were adapted into successful Hollywood films, broadening his influence.

Harold Bell Wright's journey from a minister to one of the most popular American authors of the early 20th century is a testament to his storytelling prowess and understanding of the human condition. His novels, rich in moral and social themes, resonated with readers across the nation, making him a household name. Though his popularity has faded over time, his contributions to American literature and culture remain an integral part of the country's literary heritage.

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-Matthew Larsen

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