Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New Urban Target Store in East Village

• San Diego Wave extends contract with coach Casey Stoney

• A deep-dive into the life of Raymond Chandler

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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!

What year was the San Diego Zoo founded?

A) 1916

B) 1922

C) 1935

D) 1941

News

💼 Business

Arctic Rescue at SeaWorld: San Diego's newest coaster is set to open, offering an educational adventure at 40 mph. (link)

New Aldi Store in El Cajon: The budget-friendly grocer is opening a new location in East County. (link)

Costco to Revitalize North County Mall: The big-box retailer is set to take over the former Sears location in Escondido. (link)

New Urban Target Store in East Village: The 36,000-sqft store will anchor the Radian apartments, expected to start leasing soon​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The San Diego Strike Force opens the season against the Duke Gladiators and hosts the San Antonio Gunslingers for their home opener at Pechanga Arena. (link)

San Diego Wave extends contract with coach Casey Stoney. (link)

San Diego Wave to Open Challenge Cup Against Gotham FC. (link)

🏦 Finance

Viasat Inc. will equip over 150 aircraft with its European Aviation Network solution. (link)

Illumina Expands Collaboration with Janssen: The partnership aims to advance molecular residual disease cancer testing. (link)

Northrop Grumman's MTC-X Contract: The company supports the Department of Defense’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control mission. (link)

Andrew Kutanovski joins LPL Financial’s broker-dealer, bringing approximately $160 million in advisory, brokerage, and retirement plan assets​​​​. (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 Gulls Home Game
Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego
Friday, Feb. 2nd | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🥍San Diego Seals vs. Colorado Mammoth
Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego
Sunday, Feb. 4th | 3:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸Too Many Zooz Cloudchord
Music Box, San Diego
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | (More Info)

🎷Steel Panther
House Of Blues - San Diego
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | (More Info)

🎤The Disco Biscuits
The Observatory - North Park
Friday, Feb. 2nd | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎶 Whose Live Anyway?
Balboa Theatre - San Diego
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 3:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

📚 Winter Reading Program
San Diego Public Library
Until Jan. 31st | (More Info)

🎭 Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Balboa Theatre, San Diego
Friday, Feb 2nd | (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 domed buildings” 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

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's expedition claims San Diego Bay for Spain (1542)

In 1542, the course of San Diego's history was irrevocably altered when the Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, sailing under the flag of Spain, arrived at the shores of what is now known as San Diego Bay. Cabrillo's expedition marked the first European encounter with the West Coast of the present-day United States. His arrival heralded the beginning of European influence in the region, as he claimed the area for Spain, setting the stage for future exploration and colonization.

Cabrillo's expedition was primarily a voyage of discovery, charting unknown waters and seeking new trade routes as part of Spain's expansive exploration efforts. The arrival of his ships in San Diego Bay was a significant event, as it represented the first documented European presence in the area. Cabrillo named the bay "San Miguel," a name that would later be changed to San Diego by Spanish explorers who followed in his wake.

The claim of San Diego Bay by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542 had enduring implications for the region's history and cultural landscape. It marked the beginning of Spanish influence in the area, which would later evolve through missions and settlements, fundamentally shaping the development of San Diego. Cabrillo's journey not only signified the start of European incursion into the region but also laid the groundwork for the multicultural tapestry that characterizes San Diego today.

Famous People From San Diego

Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)

Early Life and Education (1888-1907)

Raymond Chandler was born in 1888 in Chicago, Illinois. After his parents' divorce, he moved to London with his mother, where he received a classical education at Dulwich College. Chandler's early exposure to literature and the arts in England would later influence his unique writing style and narrative approach.

Initial Career and World War I Service (1908-1919)

Chandler initially pursued a career in civil service and journalism in England. However, the outbreak of World War I brought him back to the United States. He enlisted and served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. His experiences during the war deepened his understanding of human nature, a theme that would prominently feature in his later work.

Venture into the Oil Industry and Personal Struggles (1920-1932)

After the war, Chandler settled in Los Angeles and embarked on a career in the oil industry. Despite achieving some success, he grew disillusioned with the corporate world. His personal life during this period was marked by struggles with alcoholism and the challenges of the Great Depression.

Turn to Writing and Early Literary Works (1933-1939)

In the early 1930s, Chandler turned to writing as a career. He contributed short stories to pulp magazines, honing his skills and developing a distinctive narrative voice. His early works laid the groundwork for his later success in the noir genre.

Breakthrough with 'The Big Sleep' and Literary Success (1939-1944)

Chandler's first novel, "The Big Sleep," was published in 1939, marking his breakthrough in the literary world. The novel introduced the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe and received critical acclaim for its complex plot and richly drawn characters.

Hollywood and Screenwriting Career (1944-1950)

Chandler's success as a novelist led to a career in Hollywood as a screenwriter. He worked on several films, including "Double Indemnity" and "The Blue Dahlia." His time in Hollywood was both productive and tumultuous, characterized by clashes with studio executives and continued personal struggles.

Later Novels and San Diego Ties (1950-1955)

During the 1950s, Chandler continued to write novels featuring Philip Marlowe. He also spent time in La Jolla, a coastal community in San Diego, seeking solace and inspiration. His ties to San Diego were reflected in the atmospheric descriptions and mood of his later works.

Final Years and Literary Reflections (1956-1959)

In his final years, Chandler's literary output slowed, but he remained a respected figure in the literary community. He reflected on his contributions to the noir genre and the landscape of American literature, solidifying his reputation as a master of crime fiction.

Death and Posthumous Recognition (1959)

Raymond Chandler passed away in 1959 in La Jolla, San Diego. His death marked the end of a significant literary career. Posthumously, Chandler's work gained even greater recognition, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in the noir genre.

Legacy and Influence on Literature and Film (Post-1959)

Chandler's legacy as a novelist and screenwriter is profound. He is celebrated for his contributions to the noir genre, his complex characters, and his sharp, stylistic prose. His influence extends beyond literature into film, shaping the noir aesthetic and narrative style.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the noir genre with novels featuring the iconic detective Philip Marlowe.

• Contributed to the film noir genre as a screenwriter in Hollywood.

• Left a lasting impact on literature with his unique narrative style and character development.

• His ties to San Diego and La Jolla enriched his literary works with a distinctive sense of place and atmosphere.

Raymond Chandler's journey from a disillusioned oil executive to a master of noir fiction is a testament to the enduring power of talent and perseverance. His contributions to literature and film have shaped the noir genre, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire writers, filmmakers, and readers around the world. His ties to San Diego, particularly to La Jolla, added depth and atmosphere to his narratives, making his work a rich tapestry of human experience and literary artistry.

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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