Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Clippers home game

• Upcoming Julia Jacklin concert

• A deep dive into the life of Jack Kerouac

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

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!

Which of these films was not primarily shot in Los Angeles?

A) La La Land

B) Blade Runner

C) Pulp Fiction

D) The French Connection

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous Los Angeles museum known for its extensive collection of art and unique architecture is D) Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

The Residence Inn in Manhattan Beach was sold for $68M, with Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. brokering the deal for Washington Holdings. (Link)

Fisker Inc.'s stock was halted when negotiations with a major automaker collapsed, impacting the EV company's performance. (Link)

Reviewing banking stability after the fall of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, focusing on trust and lessons. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Pirch, the luxury kitchen retailer, sued for unpaid rent and inventory, totaling $5 million. (Link)

HOA Homefront: Myths mold consultants use to scare residents, and homeowners. (Link)

Housing market malaise hasn’t cut options for equity-rich homeowners. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Taylor Ward hits his first home run of the season, going 2-for-4 with two runs and two RBI in a 13-4 loss to the Orioles. (Link)

Griffin Canning allows five runs over five-plus innings, taking the loss against Baltimore. (Link)

The Los Angeles Angels have a team meeting after starting the season 0-2, emphasizing the importance of staying on track. (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

⚾ Pepperdine Waves at UCLA Bruins Baseball:
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | (More info)

🏀 Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers:
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | (More info)

🏒 Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings:
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Thursday, Apr. 11th | (More info)

🥎 California Golden Bears at UCLA Bruins Softball:
Easton Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Apr. 12th | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers:
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Sunday, Apr. 14th| (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Julia Jacklin:
The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Apr. 9th | (More info)

🎵 Kazy Lambist:
Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | (More info)

🎵 Chastity Belt:
Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles
Thursday, Apr. 11th | (More info)

🎵 Jeff Tweedy:
Largo at the Coronet, Los Angeles
Friday, Apr. 12th | (More info)

🎵 Eric Roberson:
Lodge Room, Los Angeles
Sunday, Apr. 14th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🍳 Family Cooking Workshop:
7555 Van Nuys Boulevard, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | (More info)

🐕 Come Celebrate Dog Appreciation Day:
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles
Saturday, Apr. 13th | (More info)

🚚 Junior League of Los Angeles’s Annual Touch-a-Truck:
14006 Riverside Drive, Los Angeles
Sunday, Apr. 14th | (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 “Urban landscape of Los Angeles with advanced public transport systems” 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

1961: The Bel Air fire, one of the most destructive in the city's history.

The Bel Air fire of 1961 stands as one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles. In November 1961, a disastrous brush fire tore through the Bel Air community, destroying nearly 500 homes as it roared over a mountain ridge and swept through canyons. The fire, fueled by the notorious Santa Ana winds, jumped roads and charged up and down canyon walls in a terrifying run toward residential areas. The affluent enclaves of the Santa Monica Mountains were not spared, as burning embers spread fire across the area, damaging or destroying several homes belonging to Hollywood celebrities.

The Bel Air fire of 1961 had a profound impact on the city of Los Angeles, spurring major changes in fire safety rules and regulations. The fire, which covered an area of 6,090 acres and resulted in the destruction of 484 structures, remains a grim illustration of the potential for wildfire devastation. The precise cause of the fire remains undetermined, but its legacy serves as a reminder of the destructive power of wildfires and the importance of fire prevention and safety measures in the region.

The 1961 Bel Air fire is etched in the history of Los Angeles as one of the most destructive fires to hit the city. The devastation caused by the fire prompted significant attention and action, leading to lasting changes in fire safety protocols and emergency response strategies. The memory of the Bel Air fire serves as a reminder of the resilience of the community and the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of wildfires in the region.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Jack Kerouac (1922–1969)

Novelist and poet, a pioneer of the Beat Generation:

Jack Kerouac, born Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac on March 12, 1922, was a revolutionary figure in American literature, known for his influential role in the Beat Generation. His life and work continue to inspire and captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact on literary culture.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1922-1940s):

- Jean-Louis Lebris de Kerouac was born on March 12, 1922, to French-Canadian parents in the working-class neighborhood of Lowell, Massachusetts. His upbringing in this mill town influenced his later literary works, reflecting the experiences of his youth. Kerouac's passion for writing emerged during his adolescence, and he began to explore his literary talents through poetry and prose. His early writings laid the foundation for his future contributions to American literature.

On the Road and the Beat Generation (1950s):

- Kerouac's most renowned work, On the Road, published in 1957, solidified his status as a pioneer of the Beat Generation. The novel, largely autobiographical, captured the spirit of rebellion, freedom, and exploration that defined the Beat movement. As a central figure in the Beat Generation, Kerouac's writing style and themes challenged societal norms and embraced a countercultural perspective, influencing a generation of writers and artists.

Connection to Los Angeles and Literary Impact (1950s-1960s)

Kerouac's connection to Los Angeles was significant, as the city served as a backdrop for his literary explorations and personal experiences. His time in Los Angeles influenced his writing and contributed to the cultural landscape of the city. The impact of Kerouac's work on Los Angeles and the broader literary community continues to resonate, shaping the city's artistic identity and inspiring future generations of writers and creatives.

Later Years and Legacy (1960s-1969):

In the later years of his life, Kerouac continued to write and explore new literary avenues, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and creativity. His contributions to American literature remain influential and continue to be celebrated by readers and scholars. Jack Kerouac passed away on October 21, 1969, leaving a profound legacy as a literary trailblazer and a symbol of artistic freedom and expression.

Key Achievements of Jack Kerouac:

• Pioneer of the Beat Generation and author of the influential novel On the Road.

• An influential figure in countercultural literature, challenging societal norms and inspiring artistic rebellion.

• Legacy of literary innovation and cultural impact, shaping the artistic identity of Los Angeles and beyond.

• Continued influence on future generations of writers and artists, perpetuating the spirit of creative freedom and exploration.

Jack Kerouac's life and work continue to inspire and resonate with audiences, reflecting a spirit of artistic rebellion and cultural exploration that transcends generations. His legacy as a pioneer of the Beat Generation and a literary icon remains an enduring testament to the power of creative expression and individuality.

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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