According to Alemi and Stevenson, in models of the early solar system it is nearly impossible for Venus to avoid a big hit. Most likely, Venus was slammed early on and gained a moon from the resulting debris.
The Golden Gate Bridge was built simply, to connect San Francisco to Marin County. The San Francisco Bay has rough currents and ferries were the only way to get across. Building a bridge just made it easier.
Representatives of 21 counties attended, and the Bridging-the Golden-Gate Association was formed. A bill was introduced in 1921 in the California Legislature, creating an incorporated bridge district to finance, construct and operate the project as a public toll bridge.