Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LAPD Boxing event recap

• Upcoming L.A. Art Show

• A deep dive into the life of John Wayne

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Whether you think you can or you can't, either way you are right.”

-Henry Ford

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 iconic Los Angeles beach known for its boardwalk and Muscle Beach?

A) Santa Monica Beach

B) Malibu Beach

C) Venice Beach

D) Manhattan Beach

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Los Angeles hosted its first Olympic Games in B) 1932.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

StarPoint Properties launched new development projects in Phoenix and Denver, expanding its real estate portfolio​​. (link)

A Beverly Hills-based private equity firm started the year strong with several acquisitions and sales, marking a bustling beginning to 2024 for the company​​. (link)

Lions Gate received mixed ratings from analysts following a SPAC deal, reflecting the intricate financial maneuvers in the entertainment industry​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

A significant real estate deal in San Gabriel involving a $32 million loan, indicating active movement in the real estate market​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The UCLA Bruins faced off against the Colorado Buffaloes in a thrilling basketball game at Pauley Pavilion​​. (link)

The Professional Bull Riders brought their adrenaline-pumping event to the Crypto.com Arena for a two-day showcase of skill and bravery​​. (link)

The USC Trojans basketball team battled the Utah Utes at the Galen Center, showcasing their competitive spirit and team dynamics​​. (link)

A memorable boxing event hosted by the LAPD Boxing Team, celebrating the legacy and tradition of the sport​​. (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

🏀 UCLA Bruins vs. Colorado Buffaloes
Pauley Pavilion - UCLA, Los Angeles
Thursday, Feb. 15th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 USC Trojans vs. Utah Utes
Galen Center, Los Angeles
Thursday, Feb. 15th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ UCLA Bruins vs. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Feb. 16th | 5:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Cali Vibes Fest
Marina Green Park, Long Beach
February 16th - February 18th | (More Info)

🎷 Long Beach Symphony: Mussorgsky’s "Pictures at an Exhibition"
Long Beach Symphony
February 17th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Theater & Arts

🎭 Matthew Bourne’s Romeo and Juliet
Ahmanson Theater, Downtown
February 18th | (More Info)

🎥 Disney's The Lion King
Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
February 12th - 18th | (More Info)

Cultural Events

🖼️ L.A. Art Show
Los Angeles Convention Center, South Park
February 14th - February 18th | (More Info)

🎉 Golden Dragon Parade & Chinese New Year Festival
Chinatown, Los Angeles
February 17th | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

🍿 Crenshaw Dairy Mart Film Festival
The Miracle Theater, Inglewood
February 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 “A steampunk-themed Los Angeles with Victorian architecture” 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

1892: Discovery of oil at the present-day site of Dodger Stadium.

In 1892, a significant discovery was made at the present-day site of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, altering the course of the city's history and economy. Oil, a valuable natural resource, was found beneath the ground, signaling the dawn of an era of industrial growth and prosperity for the region. This discovery marked the beginning of Los Angeles's emergence as a pivotal player in the burgeoning oil industry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The discovery attracted a wave of entrepreneurs, investors, and workers, transforming the landscape both socially and physically. Oil derricks and rigs soon dotted the horizon, and the area became a hive of industrial activity. The oil boom contributed significantly to the economic development of Los Angeles, fueling its transformation from a modest municipality into a thriving urban center. The newfound wealth from the oil industry financed infrastructural developments and attracted a diverse population, drawn by the promise of opportunity and prosperity.

However, the oil discovery at the site that would become Dodger Stadium was not without its challenges and controversies. Environmental concerns, land disputes, and the impact on local communities became points of contention as the city grappled with the consequences of rapid industrialization. The site's evolution from an oil field to a baseball stadium decades later reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of urban development, highlighting the intricate relationship between natural resources, economic ambitions, and the shaping of urban spaces.

Famous People From Los Angeles

John Wayne (1907–1979)

Early Life and Career Beginnings (1907-1929)

John Wayne, born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, in Winterset, Iowa, moved to Glendale, California, with his family at a young age. He excelled in football at Glendale High School and later attended the University of Southern California on a football scholarship. An injury led him to work as a film extra, which began his path in the film industry.

Rise to Stardom in Westerns (1930-1949)

Wayne's early film roles were in small parts and B-movies. His big break came in 1939 with John Ford's "Stagecoach," where he played the Ringo Kid. This role catapulted him to stardom and established him as a leading figure in Western films.

Iconic Roles and Collaborations with John Ford (1950-1960)

The 1950s saw Wayne collaborating frequently with director John Ford. Films like "The Searchers" (1956) and "Rio Bravo" (1959) solidified his status as an American film icon. His roles often embodied rugged masculinity and American frontier values.

Academy Award and Continued Success (1961-1970)

Wayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "True Grit" (1969). He continued to be a box-office draw, appearing in successful films throughout the 1960s.

Later Career and Directorial Ventures (1971-1979)

In his later years, Wayne took on fewer roles but remained a significant figure in Hollywood. He directed and starred in "The Alamo" (1960) and "The Green Berets" (1968), showcasing his skills behind the camera.

Political Views and Public Persona (Throughout Career)

Wayne was known for his conservative political views, which he openly expressed. His persona, both on and off the screen, was closely tied to American patriotism and traditional values.

Personal Life and Legacy (Throughout Life and Beyond)

John Wayne was married three times and had seven children. He passed away on June 11, 1979. His legacy as an American cultural icon endures, symbolizing the Western genre and a particular image of American masculinity and heroism.

John Wayne's Key Achievements:

• Iconic actor in Western and action films.

• Academy Award winner for Best Actor in "True Grit."

• Directed and starred in significant films like "The Alamo" and "The Green Berets."

• Symbolized American values and rugged masculinity in film.

John Wayne's career spanned over five decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in American cinema. Known for his roles in Westerns, Wayne's impact went beyond the screen, influencing perceptions of American culture and ideals. His robust on-screen persona and off-screen presence made him a symbol of a bygone era in American history.

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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