Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Seattle Kraken home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Bertha Knight Landes

• Seattle Mariners’ recent trade

• 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!

Seattle's Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) was founded by which Microsoft co-founder, known for its eclectic collections related to music, science fiction, and pop culture?

A) Bill Gates

B) Paul Allen

C) Steve Ballmer

D) Satya Nadella

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The Seattle park that is the city's largest and offers extensive trails, beaches, and a historic lighthouse overlooking Puget Sound is A) Discovery Park.

News

💼 Business

Guardrails AI, co-founded by Seattle tech veteran, raises $7.5M to help manage AI application risks. (Link)

Amazon donates $9M to Seattle-area organizations to address homelessness, supporting six organizations. (Link)

Seattle-based startup Planette raises $2.4M for AI-boosted climate prediction technology. (Link)

IonQ expands its quantum computer factory, increasing its operational footprint significantly. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NBA's Isaiah Stewart, former UW Husky, was arrested for a pregame punch. (Link)

ESPN's David Schoenfield grades the Mariners' offseason, highlighting their potential in 2024. (Link)

Report details the Seahawks retaining QB Geno Smith by guaranteeing his 2024 salary. (Link)

Mariners trade for reliever Gregory Santos discussed as an "overpay," yet seen as a necessary move. (Link)

🏦 Finance

As Seattle's downtown recovers, the city reimagines its future, focusing on filling vacant storefronts and improving public safety. (Link)

The Seattle Restored program offers low-cost access to vacant spaces for small businesses and artists to revitalize downtown. (Link)

Efforts to address public safety and homelessness in downtown Seattle include targeted outreach and support for those in need. (Link)

New initiatives aim to attract small businesses and entrepreneurs downtown with access to capital and technical support. (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

🏒 Seattle Kraken vs. Boston Bruins
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Monday, Feb. 26th | (More Info)

🏀 USC @ Washington Basketball
Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion, Seattle, WA
Thursday, March 2 | (More Info)

⚾ Washington Huskies vs. Santa Clara Broncos Baseball
Husky Ballpark, Seattle, WA
Thursday, March 2 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Cherry Glazerr
Neumos, Seattle, WA
Monday, Feb. 26th | (More Info)

🎤 Waterparks & Loveless
Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
Monday, Feb. 26th | (More Info)

Family Friendly events:

🎨 Arty Party
Fremont Foundry, Seattle
Saturday, March 2nd | (More Info)

👑 Princess Party
Meridian Habitat Park & Community Center, Puyallup
Saturday, March 2nd | (More Info)

🦖 Dinosaur World Live!
The Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center
Tuesday, Feb. 28th | (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 “Seattle within a giant biodome” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

The Great Seattle Fire (1889)

The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 marks a pivotal moment in the history of Seattle, transforming it from a young, burgeoning town into the robust cityscape known today. On the afternoon of June 6, 1889, what began as a small incident in a woodworking shop at the corner of 1st Avenue and Madison Street quickly spiraled into an unparalleled disaster. Despite the frantic efforts of the volunteer fire department, the inferno, fueled by wooden buildings and a flawed water supply system, rampaged through the central business district, leaving devastation in its wake.

Over the course of approximately 12 hours, the fire obliterated roughly 25 city blocks, encompassing the heart of Seattle's business district, its railroad terminals, and several wharves. As the smoke cleared, the city found itself facing an estimated $20 million in damages (equivalent to hundreds of millions today) and the displacement of thousands of residents. Remarkably, due to the timing of the event and the nature of the materials burning, there were very few fatalities. The disaster did, however, lay bare the inadequacies of the city's infrastructure and prompted a period of intense self-reflection.

The aftermath of the Great Seattle Fire catalyzed a remarkable citywide rebuilding effort. Refusing to be daunted by the scale of destruction, the citizens and leaders of Seattle embarked on an ambitious plan to reconstruct their city. Key to this were strict building regulations that mandated the use of fire-resistant materials, such as stone and brick, and the elevation of the street level to improve sewage and drainage systems. This period of reconstruction not only physically reshaped the city but also symbolized its resilience and determination. As a result, Seattle emerged from the ashes of the Great Fire more robust and better equipped to pursue its future as a major Pacific port and industrial center.

Famous People From Seattle

Bertha Knight Landes (1868–1943)

Bertha Knight Landes, a pioneering figure in American politics, shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the first female mayor of a major American city, Seattle. Her leadership and vision not only changed the landscape of Seattle’s governance but also left an indelible mark on the role of women in American political life.

Early Years and Education (1868–1895)

Born in Massachusetts to a family that valued education and civic duty, Bertha Knight was instilled with a strong sense of responsibility and service from an early age. She excelled in her studies, eventually graduating from the University of Indiana, where she met her future husband, Henry Landes. Together, they moved to Seattle, laying the foundation for her deep connection to the city.

A Civically Engaged Life in Seattle (1895–1921)

Upon moving to Seattle, Landes became deeply involved in the community. She engaged in civic work through various organizations, emphasizing the importance of women's roles in public affairs. Her leadership in the Women's Century Club and her involvement in the city's welfare highlighted her commitment to social improvement and set the stage for her future in politics.

Stepping into the Political Arena (1921–1926)

Landes’s foray into politics began when she was appointed to the Seattle City Council. She was the first woman to hold such a position in the city, championing fiscal responsibility, public safety, and urban planning. Her tenure on the council was marked by her pragmatism and dedication to improving city governance.

The Historic Mayoral Victory (1926)

Breaking new ground in American history, Landes ran for Mayor of Seattle in 1926, winning the election to become the first woman to lead a major American city. Her campaign focused on cleaning up the city’s politics and administration. Her victory was a monumental step forward for women in politics.

Reform and Resistance as Mayor (1926–1928)

As mayor, Landes prioritized creating a more efficient, transparent government and addressing the city's needs for public safety and infrastructure. Despite facing resistance from those skeptical of a woman’s ability to lead, she successfully implemented reforms that laid the groundwork for modern Seattle.

A Legacy of Civic Responsibility (1928–1943)

After her mayoral term, Landes did not seek re-election, but her influence continued to resonate throughout Seattle. She remained active in civic life, championing education, urban development, and women’s participation in politics. Her advocacy paved the way for future generations of women leaders.

The Final Years (1943)

Landes passed away in 1943, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering achievements and steadfast public service. Her life’s work had a lasting impact on the city of Seattle and the broader landscape of American politics, embodying the potential for dedicated individuals to enact meaningful change.

Key Achievements of Bertha Knight Landes:

• Became the first female mayor of Seattle and the first woman to lead a major American city.

• Implemented significant reforms in city governance, focusing on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and urban development.

• Championed women’s involvement in civic and political life, encouraging future generations to engage in public service.

• Served on the Seattle City Council, advocating for public welfare and efficient administration.

• Left a lasting impact on Seattle’s civic and urban landscape, transforming the city into a more orderly, governed community.

Bertha Knight Landes's story is a testament to the power of vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public service. Her groundbreaking role as the first female mayor of a major American city not only transformed Seattle's political and urban landscape but also forever changed the place of women in American political life. Her legacy continues to inspire those who aim to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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