Welcome to The San Diego Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• San Diego airport’s $4B project gets millions of dollars from FAA.

• Upcoming Cornelius concert

• A deep-dive into the life of Albert Spalding

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.” 

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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 San Diego park is famous for its annual December Nights holiday celebration?

A) Balboa Park

B) Mission Bay Park

C) Presidio Park

D) Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The San Diego museum dedicated to the exploration of human connections and creativity is D) The New Children's Museum.

News

💼 Business

AECOM to help manage San Diego International Airport expansion. (Link)

San Diego Int’l Film Festival Coming in October. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Aztecs Welcome Utah Valley to the Sports Deck on Sunday. (Link)

NBC Makes Big Decision On Cris Collinsworth's Future. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Morning Report: DeMaio Faces New Campaign Finance Complaint by Cop Group. (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

⚾ Petco Park Tours
Petco Park, San Diego
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

⚽ Portland Thorns FC at San Diego Wave FC
SnapDragon Stadium, San Diego
Saturday, Sep 28 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Nunslaughter with special guests at Brick by Brick
1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

🎶 Lamp - Future Behind Me Tour
House of Blues San Diego, San Diego
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

Family

🎶 Live Interactive Video Preschool/Kindergarten Storytime with Mr. Luan
Linda Vista Library, San Diego
Tuesday, September 24 | (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 an underwater section accessible to the public” 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

1985 - The opening of the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial.

In 1985, the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial was opened as a powerful and poignant tribute to the men and women who have bravely served in the United States Armed Forces. Located at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive, San Diego, CA, the memorial stands as a beacon of freedom and honors the legacies of over 6,000 veterans representing every race, creed, color, and culture. The memorial features 14 walls surrounding a 29-foot-tall cross at its center, providing inspiring 360-degree views of San Diego from the county's highest coastal peak. The opening of the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial marked a significant milestone in honoring and recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel for the country.

Since its opening, the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial has become a cherished landmark in San Diego, offering a place for visitors to honor and remember the nation's veterans. The memorial is open to the public every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, providing a serene and contemplative space for reflection and gratitude. The memorial's significance is evident in the stories and tributes of the men and women who have served the country, making it a place of historical and cultural importance in the San Diego community.

The Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial remains 100% privately funded and continues to preserve the legacy of veterans, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. The memorial has stood as a symbol of freedom and gratitude since 1954, and its opening in 1985 further solidified its role as a place of honor, remembrance, and reverence for the nation's military heroes.

Famous People From San Diego

Glen Bell - Founder of Taco Bell.

Glen William Bell Jr. was an American entrepreneur who founded the Taco Bell chain of restaurants. He was born in Lynwood, California, to Glen William Bell Sr. and Ruth Elizabeth Bell (née Johnson).

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit (1923-1947)

Glen Bell was born in Lynwood, California, and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1941. His entrepreneurial journey began when he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. After the war, he opened a hot dog stand called Bell's Drive-In in San Bernardino in 1948, which laid the foundation for his future ventures.

Introduction to Mexican Cuisine and Taco Bell (1948-1960)

Glen Bell's introduction to Mexican cuisine began when he learned how to make tacos from the Mitla Café in San Bernardino. This experience sparked his interest in bringing Mexican food to a wider audience. In 1962, he founded the first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, California, marking the beginning of a successful and iconic fast-food chain.

Expansion and Growth of Taco Bell (1960s-1970s)

The 1960s and 1970s saw the rapid expansion of Taco Bell, with Glen Bell's innovative marketing strategies and business acumen driving the chain's growth. He established a franchise system, enabling Taco Bell to expand across the United States and become a household name in the fast-food industry.

Legacy and Philanthropy (1980s-2010)

Glen Bell's legacy extended beyond the business realm, as he was known for his philanthropic efforts and community involvement. In 1993, he created Bell Gardens Farms, a 115-acre free educational facility in Valley Center, California, showcasing his commitment to education and agriculture.

Connection to San Diego

Glen Bell resided in Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego County, California, where he passed away in 2010. His impact on the local community and the broader fast-food industry is a testament to his enduring legacy in San Diego.

Key Achievements of Glen Bell:

• Founded the Taco Bell chain of restaurants, revolutionizing the fast-food industry.

• Pioneered the introduction of Mexican cuisine to mainstream America.

• Established a successful franchise system, leading to the nationwide expansion of Taco Bell.

• Created Bell Gardens Farms, a free educational facility promoting agriculture and education.

• Remembered as an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist, leaving a lasting impact on the fast-food industry and the San Diego community.

Glen William Bell Jr.'s story is one of entrepreneurial vision, innovation, and community engagement. His legacy lives on through the enduring success of Taco Bell and his contributions to the San Diego community.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen

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