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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Staley Point, Bain Capital flip Orange County industrial buildings for $12 million profit.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Sparks match

• A deep dive into the life of Lenny Bruce

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” 

— Vincent Van Gogh

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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 neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and colorful murals?

A) Venice Beach

B) Silver Lake

C) Koreatown

D) West Hollywood

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles Metro Rail first began operations in B) 1990.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Green Qween cannabis dispensary coming to West Hollywood. (Link)

Mayor Karen Bass signs 8th executive directive to facilitate local film production retention in L.A. (Link)

🏒Sports

Dodgers star Mookie Betts ‘focused on helping the team win. (Link)

Lakers will travel to Warriors as part of Christmas Day schedule. (Link)

🏦Finance

Staley Point, Bain Capital flip Orange County industrial buildings for $12 million profit. (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

🏀 2024 New York Liberty at Los Angeles Sparks
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

🏀 2024 Chicago Sky at Los Angeles Sparks
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Saturday, Aug 17th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 2024 RAC
Sound Nightclub, Los Angeles
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

🎵 2024 Troye Sivan
The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles
Friday, Aug 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎤 2024 Tell It! True Stories and Personal Essays presents FAMILY FUN TIME!
5571 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles
Saturday, Aug 17th | (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 celebrating a futuristic holiday with unique traditions” 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

1943: The Battle of Los Angeles, a mysterious event during World War II.

In 1943, during the height of World War II, Los Angeles became the center of a mysterious and unexplained event known as The Battle of Los Angeles. On the night of February 24th, the city was plunged into chaos as anti-aircraft guns opened fire on an unidentified flying object in the skies above. The incident sparked widespread panic and speculation, with residents fearing a potential enemy attack. Despite the intense barrage of artillery, no enemy aircraft were ever confirmed, leaving the events of that fateful night shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

The Battle of Los Angeles remains one of the most enigmatic and debated events of World War II. The official explanation at the time attributed the incident to a false alarm caused by war nerves and weather balloons, but many questions and theories persist to this day. Some believe the object in the sky was a UFO, while others suggest it may have been a secret military experiment or a case of mass hysteria. The event has captured the imagination of conspiracy theorists, historians, and UFO enthusiasts, making it a compelling and enduring part of Los Angeles' wartime history.

Despite the passage of time, the Battle of Los Angeles continues to be a source of fascination and speculation, with numerous books, documentaries, and films exploring the mysterious events of that night. The incident serves as a reminder of the fear and uncertainty that gripped the nation during World War II and the enduring allure of unsolved mysteries. The Battle of Los Angeles remains a captivating and enduring enigma, leaving a lasting mark on the history and folklore of the city.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Lenny Bruce (1925–1966): Stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist.

Lenny Bruce, born Leonard Alfred Schneider on October 13, 1925, in Mineola, New York, was an American stand-up comedian, social critic, and satirist. His groundbreaking and controversial style of comedy integrated satire, politics, religion, sex, and vulgarity, making him a pivotal figure in the world of comedy and social commentary.

Early Life and Career Beginnings (1925-1945)

Leonard Alfred Schneider, later known as Lenny Bruce, was born on October 13, 1925, in Mineola, New York. At the age of 22, Lenny Bruce began his career in stand-up comedy, showcasing his unique style and fearless approach to social commentary. His early success in comedy was interrupted when he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he served until his honorable discharge.

Rise to Prominence (1946-1952)

After his military service, Lenny Bruce resumed his career in stand-up comedy, quickly gaining attention for his bold and unapologetic approach to addressing societal issues. In 1953, Lenny Bruce and his wife moved to Northern California, where he continued to refine his comedic style and delve into darker and more controversial themes.

Los Angeles Connection (1953-1966)

Lenny Bruce's career brought him to Los Angeles, where he became a prominent figure in the city's comedy scene, performing at renowned venues and captivating audiences with his thought-provoking and boundary-pushing material. His time in Los Angeles marked a significant period of artistic and personal growth, as he continued to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of comedic expression.

Legal Battles and Controversy (1959-1966)

Lenny Bruce's uncompromising style of comedy led to numerous legal battles and controversies, as his material often clashed with prevailing social and legal standards of the time. His outspoken criticism of censorship and societal hypocrisy made him a target of law enforcement and authorities, resulting in multiple arrests and legal challenges.

Legacy and Impact (Post-1966)

Lenny Bruce's legacy as a trailblazing comedian, social critic, and satirist continues to inspire generations of comedians and artists who value free speech and the power of comedy to challenge the status quo. His influence on the comedy landscape and his unwavering commitment to addressing taboo subjects have solidified his place in history as a pioneer of provocative and socially conscious comedy.

Key Achievements of Lenny Bruce:

• Pioneered a fearless and unapologetic approach to social commentary through stand-up comedy.

• Challenged societal norms and legal restrictions on free speech, paving the way for future comedians and artists.

• Established a legacy of artistic integrity and uncompromising dedication to addressing controversial and taboo subjects.

Lenny Bruce's life and career were marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic expression and a commitment to challenging societal norms through comedy. His impact on the world of stand-up comedy and social commentary remains enduring, solidifying his status as a visionary and trailblazer in the realm of comedic artistry.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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