Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LA council committee OKs 22% raise over 5 years for thousands of city workers

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of Ray Bradbury

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Whatever you are, be a good one.

– Abraham Lincoln

Los Angeles 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!

What is the name of the Los Angeles district famous for being the center of the film industry?

A) Beverly Hills

B) Hollywood

C) Downtown LA

D) Silver Lake

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles landmark that is a concert hall and home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic is D) Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Housing developers win first ‘builders remedy’ battles in fight to bypass local zoning. (Link)

LA council committee OKs 22% raise over 5 years for thousands of city workers. (Link)

37% more Southern California workers added in March than average. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Viking cruise line seeks to raise up to $1.1 billion in IPO. (Link)

L.A. County and West Hollywood named prohousing communities by state. (Link)

Kroger, Albertsons to sell more stores to satisfy FTC concerns over $24.6B acquisition deal. (Link)

🏒 Sports

LeBron James, Lakers criticize officiating after Game 2 loss to Nuggets. (Link)

Clippers’ James Harden steps up in Kawhi Leonard’s absence in Game 1 win. (Link)

Roman Gabriel, former Rams QB great, dies at 83. (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

⛹️ Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers (Game 6 - Home Game 3)
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Thursday, May 2 | (More info)

⚾ Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

⛹️ Dallas Mavericks at LA Clippers (Game 7 - Home Game 4)
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Sunday, May 5 | (More info)

⚾ Miami Marlins at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Monday, May 6 | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Insomnium
The Belasco, Los Angeles
Tuesday, April 30 | (More info)

🎵 Sam Barber
El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
Tuesday, April 30 | (More info)

🎵 Yellow Days
Lodge Room, Los Angeles
Thursday, May 2 | (More info)

🎵 STRFKR
The Bellwether, Los Angeles
Friday, May 3 | (More info)

🎵 Aventura
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🎵 Ibrahim Maalouf
Lodge Room, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎉 Mother's Day Celebration
12833 Ventura Boulevard, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🎈 9th Annual Hey, Milestone's Great Big Family Play Day
4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (More info)

🛍️ Spring Family Fun Artisan Market
12775 West Millennium, Los Angeles
Saturday, May 4 | (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 “Los Angeles with a blend of ancient and futuristic architecture” and this is what I got.

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

Los Angeles History

1973: The completion of the Transamerica Pyramid, a notable skyscraper.

In 1973, the completion of the Transamerica Pyramid marked a significant milestone in the architectural landscape of San Francisco. Designed by architect William Pereira and overseen by San Francisco-based contractor Dinwiddie, this pyramid-shaped 48-story modernist skyscraper stands as a symbol of innovation and modernity. Upon its completion in 1972, the Transamerica Pyramid soared to a height of 853 feet (260 meters), making it the tallest building in San Francisco at the time. Its distinctive design and structural height made it one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the city's skyline.

The Transamerica Pyramid, located at 600 Montgomery Street in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District, served as the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation until 1999. Its construction, which began in 1969 and concluded in 1972, was a testament to architectural prowess and engineering excellence. With over 3,000 windows and 48 floors of retail and office space, the Transamerica Pyramid not only redefined the city's skyline but also became a symbol of corporate identity and architectural achievement.

As the tallest skyscraper in San Francisco from 1972 to 2017, the Transamerica Pyramid has left an indelible mark on the city's architectural heritage. Its completion in 1973 represented a triumph of modern design and engineering, solidifying its status as a San Francisco landmark and a testament to the city's spirit of innovation and progress.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Ray Bradbury (1920–2012):

Author and Screenwriter:

Ray Bradbury was an American author and screenwriter known for his works in fantasy, science fiction, and horror. His career and life story reflect a journey of literary innovation, social commentary, and a deep connection to Los Angeles.

Early Life and Love for Literature (1920-1938):

Ray Douglas Bradbury was born on August 22, 1920, in Waukegan, Illinois. His family later moved to Los Angeles, where Bradbury developed a love for literature and storytelling. He was greatly influenced by the city's vibrant culture and diverse community, which would later inspire many of his works.

Exploration of Science Fiction (1939-1947):

In 1939, Bradbury joined the Los Angeles Science Fiction Society, where he found a community of like-minded individuals who shared his passion for speculative fiction. During this time, he began writing and publishing his own stories, laying the foundation for his future career as a renowned science fiction author.

Literary Breakthrough and Fahrenheit 451 (1948-1953):

Bradbury's literary breakthrough came with the publication of The Martian Chronicles in 1950, a collection of interconnected stories that explored themes of colonization, humanity, and the unknown. This was followed by his iconic novel Fahrenheit 451 in 1953, a dystopian masterpiece that critiqued censorship and the suppression of knowledge.

Cinematic and Television Adaptations (1954-1965):

Bradbury's works gained widespread recognition, leading to numerous adaptations for film and television. His stories were brought to life on screen, captivating audiences with their thought-provoking narratives and imaginative worlds. Bradbury's influence extended beyond literature, shaping the visual storytelling landscape of the era.

Social Commentary and Cultural Impact (1966-1975):

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Bradbury continued to produce works that delved into social issues, environmental concerns, and the human condition. His writing reflected the changing cultural landscape of America, offering poignant commentary on the complexities of modern society.

Legacy and Literary Influence (1976-2012):

Bradbury's legacy as a literary icon continued to grow, with his works inspiring generations of writers, filmmakers, and artists. His impact on the genre of science fiction and the broader literary world solidified his status as a visionary storyteller whose influence transcended time and space.

Connection to Los Angeles:

Ray Bradbury's connection to Los Angeles was profound, as the city served as both a backdrop and a muse for many of his stories. His experiences in Los Angeles, from his formative years to his later life, deeply influenced the themes and settings of his works, creating a unique bond between the author and the city.

Key Achievements of Ray Bradbury:

• Author of Fahrenheit 451, a seminal work of dystopian fiction that remains a literary classic.

• Pioneering figure in the genre of science fiction, blending speculative elements with social commentary.

• Influential screenwriter with numerous adaptations of his stories for film and television.

• Cultural icon whose impact on literature and popular culture continues to resonate today.

• Deeply connected to Los Angeles, with the city serving as a source of inspiration for many of his works.

Ray Bradbury's life and work exemplify a dedication to storytelling, a commitment to social commentary, and a profound connection to the city of Los Angeles. His legacy as a literary luminary endures, inspiring readers and creators around the world.

Connect With Me

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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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