Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Chevron headquarters leaving California for Texas after 145 years.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of Dashiell Hammett

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t waste your time chasing butterflies. Mend your garden, and the butterflies will come.”

–Mario Quintana

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 Los Angeles event, established in 1895, is known for its annual floral parade and college football game?

A) The Los Angeles County Fair

B) The Festival of Books

C) The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game

D) The LA Art Show

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The historic Los Angeles building, once the tallest in the city, known for its Art Deco style and observation deck is A) The Bradbury Building.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Chevron headquarters leaving California for Texas after 145 years. (Link)

Albertsons-Kroger grocery merger has no friends among these 5 LA City Council members. (Link)

🏒Sports

Noah Lyles wins first U.S. men’s Olympic 100 meter gold in 20 years. (Link)

Kevin Pillar says Angels’ keeping him at the deadline was ‘a mutual decision. (Link)

🏦Finance

Young people in L.A. County are trained in solar panel skills and other trades. (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

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

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

Music & Performances

🎵 The Last Dinner Party
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Trueno
El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles,
Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎨 A Faery Hunt Enchanted Adventure
23600 Roscoe Blvd, West Hills, CA
Saturday, August 10, 2024 | (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 “Futuristic Los Angeles with advanced weather control 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

1884: The founding of the Los Angeles Times.

In 1884, the Los Angeles Times played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of Los Angeles. This was a significant year for the newspaper, as it marked the incorporation of the Times-Mirror Company and the acquisition of key holdings by influential figures such as Colonel Harrison Gray Otis. The Los Angeles Times, originally founded in 1881 as the Los Angeles Daily Times, quickly became a prominent voice in the city, reflecting the evolving social and political dynamics of the region. The newspaper's coverage and influence extended beyond local affairs, contributing to the national conversation and establishing itself as a cornerstone of journalism in Southern California.

The Los Angeles Times has a rich and enduring legacy that spans over a century. From its early days as the Los Angeles Daily Times to its evolution into a leading newspaper, the publication has been at the forefront of reporting on key events and issues that have shaped the city's history. The incorporation of the Times-Mirror Company in 1884 marked a turning point in the newspaper's trajectory, setting the stage for its continued growth and influence. As the largest newspaper in the western United States, the Los Angeles Times has remained a vital source of news, information, and cultural commentary, reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of Los Angeles.

The founding of the Los Angeles Times in 1884 laid the foundation for a journalistic institution that has endured and thrived through the decades. The newspaper's commitment to quality reporting, investigative journalism, and community engagement has solidified its place as an integral part of Los Angeles' identity. As the city continues to evolve, the Los Angeles Times remains a trusted source of information, providing a platform for diverse voices and perspectives while upholding its legacy of journalistic excellence.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Dashiell Hammett (1894–1961): Author of hard-boiled detective novels.

Dashiell Hammett was born on May 27, 1894, in St. Mary's County, Maryland, as the second of three children. He dropped out of school at the age of thirteen and began working a succession of jobs. In 1915, he joined the Pinkerton National Detective Agency as an operative, where he gained valuable experience that would later influence his writing.

Influence of Detective Work on Writing

Hammett's experience as a detective in San Francisco and his subsequent enlistment in the army during World War I provided him with the inspiration for his novels. His characters were derived from the people he met or knew during his time as a detective, and his writing style was influenced by the terse, unsentimental prose he developed during this period.

Rise to Fame and Hollywood Move

By the mid-thirties, Hammett was at the height of his fame as an author of hard-boiled detective novels. No longer struggling to pay the rent, he moved to Hollywood, where he continued to write and became a prominent figure in the literary and film circles.

Contribution to American Crime Story

Dashiell Hammett may lay claim to having invented the modern hard-boiled American crime story. His influence extended beyond other pulp writers to the emerging discipline of screen dialogue writing. His work, contemporary to that of Hemingway, was characterized by its terse, unsentimental prose, which left a lasting impact on the genre.

Political Activism and Legacy

In addition to his writing, Hammett was also a screenwriter and political activist. He was described as the dean of the 'hard-boiled' school of detective fiction and left a lasting legacy in the literary world. His contributions to the genre and his influence on screen dialogue writing continue to be celebrated.

Connection to Los Angeles

Hammett's move to Hollywood in the mid-thirties marked a significant period in his life and career. His presence in the literary and film circles of Los Angeles contributed to his prominence and influence in the industry.

Key Achievements of Dashiell Hammett:

• Pioneer of the hard-boiled American crime story genre.

• Influential figure in screen dialogue writing.

• Prominent author of hard-boiled detective novels.

• Notable screenwriter and political activist.

• Legacy as the dean of the 'hard-boiled' school of detective fiction.

Dashiell Hammett's life and work continue to inspire and influence the literary and film world, leaving a lasting impact on the genre of hard-boiled detective novels and screen dialogue writing.

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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