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Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Airbnb Stays Contribute $1.6B To San Diego Area Economy.

• Upcoming San Diego Padres match

• A deep-dive into the life of John D. Spreckels

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.”

– Joseph Campbell

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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 historical figure is the namesake for the city of San Diego?

A) Saint Diego

B) Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo

C) Father Junipero Serra

D) San Diego de Alcalá

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The highest peak in San Diego County is D) Palomar Mountain.

News

💼 Business

New affordable housing project to open in Carlsbad. (Link)

Plans for a new Little Italy hotel and wellness center overcome objections from San Diego airport. (Link)

🏒 Sports

MLB Trade Deadline Tiers: Which teams could be and should be aggressive buyers and sellers. (Link)

From veterans to rookies, first-time MLB All-Stars revel in moment: Today is the reward. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Airbnb Stays Contribute $1.6B To San Diego Area Economy. (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

⚾ Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
Petco Park, San Diego
Tuesday, Jul 30 - Wednesday, Jul 31, 2024| (More info)

⚾ Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres
Petco Park, San Diego
Saturday, Aug 2 - Monday, Aug 4, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Jeffrey Lewis and Quasi
Soda Bar, San Diego
Thursday, July 25| (More info)

🎵 NOVA SD and Alan Walker
Nova SD, San Diego
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | (More info)

Family

📚 Family Day Fiesta
1100 Market St, San Diego, CA
Sunday, July 28, 2024 | (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 “High-tech entertainment district in San Diego with virtual reality arcades” 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

1970 - First Earth Day celebration in San Diego.

The first Earth Day celebration in San Diego took place on April 22, 1970, as part of a nationwide movement to raise awareness about environmental issues. Local San Diego students joined others across the nation in a ""war against pollution"" and participated in the observance of Earth Day. The event was part protest and part celebration, with an estimated 2,000 high schools around the nation taking part in the movement. This inaugural Earth Day celebration in San Diego marked the beginning of the recycling movement and served as an awakening for environmental consciousness in the local community.

Forty years later, Earth Day has evolved from a counterculture event to a mainstream celebration, with San Diego's EarthFair drawing around 70,000 attendees to Balboa Park. Carolyn Chase, the organizer of EarthFair, was present at the first Earth Day celebration in San Diego and has been instrumental in shaping the event into a large-scale annual celebration. The first Earth Day in San Diego and across the nation increased environmental awareness and kickstarted the recycling movement, leaving a lasting impact on the local community and beyond.

To this day, Earth Day continues to be observed on April 22 each year, serving as a reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. The first Earth Day celebration in San Diego set the stage for ongoing efforts to protect the planet and promote eco-friendly practices, leaving a legacy of environmental activism and awareness in the local community.

Famous People From San Diego

John D. Spreckels - (1853-1926)

John Diedrich Spreckels, born on August 16, 1853, was the son of German-American industrialist Claus Spreckels. He founded a transportation and real estate empire in San Diego, California, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Spreckels played a pivotal role in shaping the development of San Diego and left a lasting legacy in the city.

Early Life and Business Ventures

John D. Spreckels was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and was raised in a family with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. His father, Claus Spreckels, was a prominent figure in the sugar industry, and this upbringing instilled in John a passion for business and commerce. In the late 19th century, Spreckels ventured into the transportation and real estate sectors, laying the foundation for his future impact on San Diego.

Expansion into San Diego (1887-1890)

In 1887, Spreckels visited San Diego on his yacht Lurline to stock up on supplies. Impressed by the real estate boom then taking place, he invested in the construction of a wharf and coal bunkers at the foot of Broadway (then called D Street). This marked the beginning of his significant involvement in the development of San Diego's infrastructure and economy.

Acquisition of the San Diego Union (1890)

On August 1, 1890, John D. Spreckels, along with his brother Adolph Spreckels, acquired the San Diego Union newspaper from Col. John R. Berry and Andrew Pollock. This acquisition was a strategic move that not only expanded Spreckels' influence in the media industry but also allowed him to shape public opinion and contribute to the growth of San Diego as a city.

Ownership of the Hotel del Coronado (1890-1926)

One of Spreckels' most notable business ventures was his ownership of the iconic Hotel del Coronado from 1890 to 1926. Under his leadership, the hotel flourished and became a symbol of luxury and elegance, attracting visitors from around the world. Spreckels' vision and management of the hotel contributed to its status as a historic landmark in San Diego.

Development of the San Diego Electric Railway

Spreckels played a key role in the development of the San Diego Electric Railway, which significantly impacted the city's transportation infrastructure. The railway system, established in the early 20th century, facilitated the growth of San Diego by providing efficient and accessible public transportation, connecting various neighborhoods and contributing to urban development.

Legacy and Impact on San Diego

John D. Spreckels' legacy in San Diego is evident in the landmarks and institutions that bear his name, such as the Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego, Spreckels Elementary School, and Spreckels Park in Coronado. His contributions to the city's growth and development continue to be celebrated, and his influence is felt in various aspects of San Diego's cultural and economic landscape.

Key Achievements of John D. Spreckels:

• Acquisition of the San Diego Union newspaper, contributing to the city's media landscape.

• Ownership and successful management of the Hotel del Coronado, a historic landmark in San Diego.

• Development of the San Diego Electric Railway, enhancing the city's transportation infrastructure.

• Establishment of institutions and landmarks that continue to bear his name, preserving his legacy in San Diego.

• Significant contributions to the growth and development of San Diego as a thriving city.

John D. Spreckels' entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership played a crucial role in shaping the development of San Diego, leaving a lasting imprint on the city's history and identity. His business ventures, infrastructure projects, and commitment to progress have solidified his status as a prominent figure in San Diego's legacy.

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-Matthew Larsen

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