Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Sports & Entertainment Career Fair

• Upcoming lakers games

• 34% increase in house prices since 2020

• Hattie Mcdaniel’s impact on Los Angeles

• And more…

Support Local

We are all about supporting Angelenos whether that means:

• Businesses

• Artists

• Charities

• Sports

• Performers

If you would like to nominate yourself, your business, or someone you know to be featured in a future issue of this newsletter, fill out this form (link)

Quote of the Week

“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.”

-Abraham Maslow

My Goal For the Week

Training my “ability to focus” as if it were a “muscle.” I have always had a tough time focusing on what I am doing, and I am working on overcoming this.

I am trying to work in 60 minute bursts with a break in between.

I am literally training myself to sit there and focus with the hope that I will get better and better at “focusing” the more I practice.

One Idea For a Better Week

Dedicate the first hour of your day towards physical and mental well-being. Spend the first 20 minutes stretching. Spend the second 20 minutes journaling. Spend the final 20 minutes reading. This will set the tone for the rest of the day.

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 community in Los Angeles holds the distinction of being the city's oldest neighborhood?

• A) Echo Park

• B) The Palms

• C) El Sereno

• D) Century City

News

💼 Business

Foot Locker made headlines by signing the biggest industrial pre-lease of the year in LA County, showcasing confidence in the region's commercial real estate market.

As public funds started flowing in California, the sector of behavioral health real estate was identified as a promising growth area, hinting at a broader trend of investing in healthcare infrastructure.

🏦 Finance

A report highlighted the median price of houses in Los Angeles County, indicating a 34% increase since February 2020. The change in mortgage rates was noted as a significant factor affecting housing affordability in the region.

The Port of Los Angeles projected an operating revenue of $632 million for the next fiscal year, with expenses expected to rise by 6.5% to $326 million, showcasing a strong financial outlook for the port operations.

🏒 Sports

On October 16, a large brawl erupted at SoFi Stadium following a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dallas Cowboys, capturing the city’s attention and sparking discussions on security measures at sporting events.

The NFL game on October 22 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Rams was a noteworthy event, with fans from both sides filling SoFi Stadium to cheer for their teams.

📰 News

The Sweet Suites at Crypto.com Arena made headlines on October 16 as a new venture bringing more luxury to the sports and event scene in Los Angeles.

The P-22 Day Festival on October 22 celebrated L.A.’s most famous big cat with a family-friendly event at Griffith Park, offering exhibits and educational activities for big cat enthusiasts.

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 Kings Game (October 24) Catch the thrilling action on ice as the Los Angeles Kings clash with their opponents at the Crypto.com Arena at 7:30 PM.

⚽ UCLA Bruins Women's Soccer Match (October 26) Cheer for the UCLA Bruins Women's Soccer team as they compete in a stirring match at Wallis Annenberg Stadium at 4:00 PM.

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers Game (October 26) Join the roaring crowd and witness the Los Angeles Lakers in action at the Crypto.com Arena at 3:30 AM.

Music & Concerts:

🎶 Inner Wave Concert (October 23) Dive into a night of immersive tunes with Inner Wave at The Roxy, with doors opening at 7:00 PM.

Events:

🎨 2023 LA Kings Sports & Entertainment Career Fair (October 24) Explore career opportunities in sports and entertainment at the Crypto.com Arena starting at 2:30 PM.

Hobbies:

📸 Photography Walk: Downtown Los Angeles (October 25) Discover the photographic charm of Downtown LA in a guided walk, capturing unique architecture, street art, and bustling urban life.

🎨 Wine and Paint Night (October 23) Unleash your creativity in a fun, relaxed atmosphere while sipping on wine and painting your own masterpiece.

Family:

🎪 Circus Spectacular: A Family Show (October 26) Treat your family to an evening of wonder with breathtaking acrobatics, clowns, and performances in a show perfect for all ages.

🐾 Pet Adoption Fair (October 29) Open your heart to a furry companion at a local pet adoption fair, where numerous adorable pets are looking for their forever homes.

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Los Angeles as a Disney Movie” and this is what I got.

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

Famous Angelenos

Hattie McDaniel: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood

Introduction

Hattie McDaniel's name resonates with both admiration and controversy in the annals of Hollywood's golden age. As the first African American to win an Academy Award, McDaniel's contribution to cinema is monumental, but her journey was marred by the racial prejudices of her time.

Humble Beginnings

Born on June 10, 1893, in Wichita, Kansas, Hattie was the youngest of 13 children. Her parents, both former slaves, provided a nurturing environment, cultivating in her a love for performing arts. The McDaniel family eventually moved to Colorado, where Hattie began to hone her skills as a singer, songwriter, and actress.

Rising Through Ranks

McDaniel's professional career kicked off with performances in minstrel shows and vaudeville. It wasn’t long before she made history as one of the first African American women to sing on the radio. In the 1930s, seeking better opportunities, she migrated to Los Angeles and soon found herself in Hollywood, which was then an even tougher place for black artists.

Hollywood and Stereotypes

In Hollywood, roles for black actors were limited, and they were often cloaked in racial stereotypes. Hattie secured numerous roles, primarily playing maids, slaves, or other subservient characters. While these roles were a product of their era, McDaniel's portrayals consistently transcended the written script, as she infused her characters with dignity, depth, and human emotion.

A Groundbreaking Achievement

McDaniel's role as Mammy in the epic "Gone with the Wind" (1939) remains her most recognized work. Her portrayal won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first African American to win an Oscar. While this was a significant achievement, the award ceremony was tainted by racial segregation, as McDaniel was seated away from her co-stars at a separate table.

Criticism from All Sides

Despite her accomplishments, McDaniel faced criticism from various quarters. Many white audiences were uncomfortable with her rising profile, while segments of the black community believed she perpetuated harmful racial stereotypes. Her response was both graceful and poignant: "I'd rather play a maid than be one," highlighting the limited opportunities available to black actors and actresses of her time.

Off the Silver Screen

Beyond her film roles, McDaniel was a woman of many talents. She had a noteworthy radio career and was a key cast member in "The Beulah Show." Her involvement marked the first time an African American woman led a radio show.

Personal Struggles

McDaniel's life wasn't devoid of personal challenges. She faced professional hurdles due to racial biases, was thrice divorced, and had her share of health issues. Despite these obstacles, she remained committed to her craft and her vision for a better future for black actors in Hollywood.

Legacy and Remembrance

Hattie McDaniel passed away in 1952 from breast cancer. Posthumously, her contributions to cinema and the arts have been recognized and celebrated. Hollywood stars, such as Whoopi Goldberg, have cited McDaniel as an inspiration. Her gravesite in Los Angeles is often adorned with tributes, and her portrait proudly hangs in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Conclusion

Hattie McDaniel's life story is a testament to talent, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. While her roles were constricted by the prejudices of her era, her performances broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

She remains an emblem of the dualities faced by black artists — navigating the line between opportunity and stereotype, acclaim, and criticism. Through it all, McDaniel's indomitable spirit and undeniable talent shone brightly, solidifying her place as one of Hollywood's true trailblazers.

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