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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Monrovia apartment community Paragon at Old Town sells for $87 million.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of Groucho Marx

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” 

— Arthur Ashe

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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!

Which historic Los Angeles hotel is known for its celebrity sightings and infamous for the mysterious death of actress Elizabeth Short, also known as the Black Dahlia?

A) The Beverly Hills Hotel

B) The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

C) The Chateau Marmont

D) The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles neighborhood known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and colorful murals is A) Venice Beach.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Los Feliz's Barnsdall Square retail center gets new owner after piecemeal acquisition. (Link)

Skyline Smart Energy tops fastest-growing L.A. companies on Inc. 5000. (Link)

🏒Sports

Dodgers’ Walker Buehler feels ready to live up to standards. (Link)

Logan O’Hoppe returns to Angels’ lineup a day after feeling knee discomfort. (Link)

🏦Finance

Monrovia apartment community Paragon at Old Town sells for $87 million. (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

⚾ Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Mon, Aug 19th - Wed, Aug 21st | (More info)

⚾Tampa Bay Rays at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Fri, Aug 23rd - Sun, Aug 25th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Jon Bellion
The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles
Monday, Aug 19th | (More info)

🎵 Don Omar
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Aug 20th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎉 THE FAMILY JAM
1356 South La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles
Thursday, Aug 22nd | (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 public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” 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

1956: The opening of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1956, the Hollywood Walk of Fame was officially opened, marking the beginning of a historic landmark that has become a symbol of the entertainment industry. The Walk of Fame spans more than two miles of Hollywood Boulevard and is lined with stars bearing the names of some of the biggest celebrities in film, television, and music. The idea for the Walk of Fame was approved by the Los Angeles City Council in January 1956, and construction began on February 8, 1960. The original design for the Walk of Fame featured blue and brown tiles with caricatures of the honorees, but this concept was later revised to black and coral sidewalks without the caricatures.

Today, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized Hollywood icon and a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. It is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and hosts about 24 induction ceremonies annually. The stars embedded in the sidewalks serve as permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, honoring a mix of actors, directors, producers, and other notable figures. The Walk of Fame has become an integral part of Hollywood's cultural heritage and continues to attract millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most famous tourist destinations in Los Angeles.

The opening of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1956 marked the beginning of a legacy that celebrates the achievements of entertainment industry professionals and contributes to the cultural significance of Hollywood Boulevard.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Groucho Marx (1890–1977): Comedian and film star.

Groucho Marx, born Julius Henry Marx on October 2, 1890, was an American comedian, actor, writer, and singer who performed in film, television, radio, stage, and vaudeville. He was one of the Marx Brothers, known for his quick wit and snappy one-liners that entertained audiences for nearly seven decades.

Early Life and Career Breakthrough (1890-1914)

Julius Henry Marx was born on October 2, 1890, in New York City, where he grew up in a family of performers. His career breakthrough came in 1914 when he and his brothers, Leonard, Adolph, and Milton, formed the Marx Brothers comedy act.

Vaudeville and Film Success (1915-1930)

The Marx Brothers gained popularity in vaudeville and went on to star in successful films such as The Cocoanuts (1929) and Animal Crackers (1930). Groucho's comedic talent and distinctive appearance made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Radio and Television Career (1930s-1950s)

Groucho's career expanded to radio and television, where he hosted the popular quiz show You Bet Your Life from 1947 to 1961. His quick wit and humorous banter with contestants made the show a hit and solidified his status as a comedic icon.

Personal Writings and Autobiography (1960s)

Groucho was a prolific correspondent and had his personal writings published in 1967 as The Groucho Letters. His autobiography, Groucho and Me, was released in 1959, providing insights into his life and career.

Film and Radio Appearances (1950s-1970s)

In addition to his television work, Groucho made memorable appearances in films such as Mr. Music (1950) and continued to entertain audiences through radio guest shots and writing projects.

Connection to Los Angeles

- Groucho Marx had a significant connection to Los Angeles, where he made appearances at various theaters and radio shows. The American Cinematheque has long screened Marx Brothers movies on New Year's Day at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, showcasing the enduring appeal of Groucho's comedic legacy in the city.

Key Achievements of Groucho Marx:

• Entertained audiences for nearly seven decades with his quick wit and snappy one-liners.

• Hosted the popular quiz show You Bet Your Life, showcasing his comedic talent on television.

• Published personal writings and an autobiography, providing insights into his life and career.

• Made memorable film and radio appearances, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

• Connected with audiences in Los Angeles through theater and radio show appearances.

Groucho Marx's legacy as a comedic icon and entertainment trailblazer continues to inspire future generations, and his impact on the entertainment industry remains significant and enduring.

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

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