Sponsored by:

Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Intuit Dome opens in Inglewood ahead of NBA season.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of James Baldwin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” 

–Pele

Sponsored

Investors have trusted this platform with +$1bn - here’s why

Through COVID, soaring inflation, and today’s crushing interest rates, a group of enterprising investors have collectively entrusted one billion dollars from their portfolios to Masterworks’ art investing platform.

Why? Because the contemporary art Masterworks offers—from legends like Picasso and Banksy—has demonstrated a low correlation to the stock market, inflation resistance, and exceptional appreciation potential. Not to mention Masterworks has completed 23 successful exits to date, distributing over $60+ million in net proceeds to investors in those offerings.

These investors didn’t need art expertise to diversify with blue-chip art, because Masterworks does all the heavy lifting, finding artists with appreciation potential (buying <3% of works offered) and then breaking an art offering into shares for you. If Masterworks sells a piece again for a profit, investors get a return. With 3 illustrative sales, Masterworks investors have realized net annualized returns of +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%.

With 65,000+ investors, offerings can sell out quickly. Luckily, you can get priority access here.

Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investment involves risk.

Disclosures:

The content is not intended to provide legal, tax, or investment advice.

No money is being solicited or will be accepted until the offering statement for a particular offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers may be revoked at any time. Contacting Masterworks involves no commitment or obligation.

Contemporary art data based on repeat-sales index of historical Post-War & Contemporary Art market prices from 1995 to 2023, developed by Masterworks. There are significant limitations to comparative asset class data. Indices are unmanaged and a Masterworks investor cannot invest directly in an index. 

Net proceeds distributed back represents the total liquidation proceeds distributed back to investors, net of all fees, expenses and proceeds reinvested in Masterworks offerings, of all works Masterworks has exited to date.

See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

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!

In which Los Angeles building is the Central Library, known for its striking architecture and extensive collection, located?

A) The Los Angeles Central Library

B) The Getty Center

C) The Walt Disney Concert Hall

D) The Broad

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The historic Los Angeles hotel known for celebrity sightings and the mysterious death of Elizabeth Short is D) The Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Motiv Space Systems opens aerospace robotics facility in Pasadena. (Link)

Faraday Future to undertake another reverse stock split on Friday. (Link)

🏒Sports

Bobby Miller’s return looks familiar as Dodgers lose to Cardinals. (Link)

Lakers’ 2024-25 schedule features fewer back-to-backs, Michael Cooper’s jersey retirement. (Link)

🏦Finance

Intuit Dome opens in Inglewood ahead of NBA season. (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

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

⚽ Houston Dynamo FC at Los Angeles Football Club
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Saturday, Aug 31st | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Lettuce
The Novo, Los Angeles
Friday, Aug 23rd | (More info)

🎵 Ryan Pollie
Zebulon, Los Angeles
Monday, Aug 26th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎉 826Fest
1714 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
Saturday, Aug 24th | (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 “An architecturally symmetrical Los Angeles” 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

1965: The Watts riots, a significant event in the Civil Rights Movement.

The Watts riots of 1965 were a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement, marking a turning point in the struggle for racial equality in Los Angeles. The riots erupted in the predominantly African American neighborhood of Watts, sparked by long-standing racial tensions, police brutality, and economic inequality. Lasting for six days, the violence and unrest resulted in widespread destruction, loss of life, and a profound impact on the city's social and political landscape.

The Watts riots brought national attention to the systemic racism and discrimination faced by African Americans in Los Angeles and across the United States. The event served as a catalyst for the expansion of the Civil Rights Movement, leading to increased activism, community organizing, and demands for social and economic justice. The aftermath of the riots also prompted significant reforms in law enforcement practices and urban development policies, as well as a renewed commitment to addressing racial inequality and promoting civil rights.

Despite the devastation and trauma caused by the Watts riots, the event ultimately contributed to a greater awareness of racial injustice and the need for meaningful change. The legacy of the riots continues to resonate in Los Angeles, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and the enduring impact of the Civil Rights Movement on the city's history and identity.

Famous People From Los Angeles

James Baldwin (1924–1987): Novelist, playwright, essayist, poet, and activist.

James Baldwin was a prolific American writer, playwright, and civil rights activist, known for his groundbreaking literary works and influential voice in the American civil rights movement. Born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York, Baldwin's experiences as a Black man in America served as the foundation for his powerful and provocative writing. His revolutionary mind continues to inspire movements towards equality and social justice, making him a literary and cultural giant whose impact endures to this day.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings

James Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York. Growing up in the heart of the Harlem Renaissance, Baldwin was deeply influenced by the cultural and artistic movements of the time. His early life experiences as a Black man in America would later become central themes in his literary works, shaping his perspective and voice as a writer.

Literary Breakthrough and Guggenheim Fellowship (1954-1955)

In 1954, James Baldwin received a Guggenheim Fellowship, a prestigious honor that marked a significant milestone in his literary career. During this time, he published his next novel, Giovanni's Room, which further solidified his reputation as one of the 20th century's greatest writers. The novel broke new literary ground and showcased Baldwin's ability to explore complex themes with depth and nuance.

Civil Rights Activism and Social Criticism (1950s-1960s)

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, James Baldwin emerged as a prominent voice of the American civil rights movement. His essays, novels, and plays addressed issues of race, identity, and social injustice, sparking important conversations and challenging societal norms. Baldwin's fearless social criticism and activism made him a leading figure in the fight for equality and civil rights.

Connection to Los Angeles

In the 1970s, James Baldwin lectured at several universities, including Berkeley and the University of California, where he continued to advocate for social change and racial equality. His influence extended to Los Angeles, where his powerful lectures and writings resonated with audiences and contributed to the ongoing dialogue on race and civil rights in the city.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

James Baldwin's legacy as a writer, playwright, and civil rights activist continues to resonate with audiences today. His profound literary works and experiences amplify the importance of his contributions as a literary and cultural giant. Although he has been gone for almost 40 years, Baldwin's revolutionary mind lives on in his writings and the movements towards equality which his seminal ideas both chronicled and continue to inspire.

Key Achievements of James Baldwin:

• Groundbreaking literary works that addressed issues of race, identity, and social injustice.

• Received a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in 1954, marking a significant milestone in his literary career.

• Emerged as a leading voice of the American civil rights movement, advocating for equality and social change.

• Lectured at universities, including Berkeley and the University of California, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on race and civil rights.

• Remembered as a literary and cultural giant whose impact endures to this day.

James Baldwin's life and works reflect a journey of literary excellence, social activism, and a commitment to advancing the cause of equality and justice. His influence as a writer and civil rights advocate continues to inspire and shape the ongoing pursuit of a more just and equitable society.

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

Poll