Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Courtyard Comedy Showcase this week

• Upcoming Lakers home games

• A deep dive into the life of Sam Cooke

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 street known for its luxury shopping?

A) Hollywood Boulevard

B) Sunset Boulevard

C) Rodeo Drive

D) Melrose Avenue

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles museum famous for its outdoor Urban Light installation is C) Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

A 7,100-square-foot industrial asset in the Arts District was sold for $4.4 million. (Link)

San Gabriel asset received a $32 million loan, indicating significant financial activity in the region. (Link)

Lions Gate's rating showed mixed results following a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company) deal. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Wipfli listed a Senior Audit Accountant role in Financial Services, targeting professionals with 1-3 years of experience. (Link)

Crexi advertised for a Senior Accountant position, aimed at those with experience in real estate and software. (Link)

GoodRx was hiring a Finance Director for Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis. (Link)

🏒 Sports

LeBron James received treatment on his ankle during time off. (Link)

Anthony Davis stated he would play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics if asked. (Link)

Spencer Dinwiddie revealed his reasoning behind a $1 championship bonus after joining the Lakers, emphasizing his value addition. (Link)

Mac McClung appreciated Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal wearing his jersey during the Dunk Contest. (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

🏀 Colorado Buffaloes at UCLA Bruins Women's Basketball
Pauley Pavilion, Los Angeles
Monday, Feb. 26th | (More info)

⚾ Nevada Wolf Pack at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | (More info)

⚾ Michigan Wolverines at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 1st | (More info)

⚾ San Diego Toreros at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More info)

🏀 Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 2nd | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 The Mountain Goats
Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles
Thursday, Feb. 29th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Rosie Tucker
The Goldfish, Los Angeles
Thursday, Feb. 29th, 2024| (More info)

🎵 Sitting On Stacy and A-live
The Parish, House of Blues, Anaheim, CA
Friday, Mar. 1st, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Pablo Francisco
Levity Live - Oxnard, Oxnard, CA
Friday, Mar. 1st, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Portair
The Paramount, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 1st, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Judy Collins
Luckman Fine Arts Complex, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 2nd, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Arthur Hanlon
The Sun Rose, West Hollywood
Saturday, Mar. 2nd, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎭 Courtyard Comedy Showcase
Prince of Venice, Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Feb. 27th | (More info)

🎨 Family Paint Party
Pasadena, CA, United States
Thursday, Feb. 29th | (More info)

🎨 P.S. ARTS Family Art Night - Children's Institute
2121 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Friday, Mar. 1st | (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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in 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

1910: The Los Angeles Times bombing, a major event in labor history.

The year 1910 marked a pivotal moment in labor history with the infamous Los Angeles Times bombing. On October 1st, a bomb detonated in the Los Angeles Times Building, causing widespread devastation and tragedy. The explosion, attributed to a union member belonging to the International Association of Bridge and Structural Iron Workers, resulted in the loss of 21 lives and left approximately 100 individuals injured. This act of violence was a response to the ongoing labor strikes and unionization efforts in the city, reflecting the intense and volatile labor relations of the time.

The bombing of the Los Angeles Times Building had far-reaching implications, earning the moniker "crime of the century" by the Los Angeles Times. The attack was a stark manifestation of the tensions between labor unions and the city's industrial establishments. The aftermath of the bombing set labor progress back a generation, underscoring the profound impact of this tragic event on the labor movement in Los Angeles. The bombing not only resulted in loss of life and physical destruction but also cast a long shadow over the labor landscape, shaping the trajectory of labor relations and activism in the years to come.

The 1910 Los Angeles Times bombing remains a haunting chapter in the city's history, serving as a stark reminder of the complex and often tumultuous dynamics between labor organizations and industrial interests. The event stands as a testament to the enduring struggle for workers' rights and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of fair labor practices. The legacy of the bombing continues to resonate, underscoring the importance of understanding and commemorating this pivotal moment in labor history.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Sam Cooke (1931–1964)

Influential Soul Musician

Sam Cooke, born on January 22, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, was a trailblazing recording artist who helped shape the soul and pop scene with hits like You Send Me, Chain Gang, and Sad Mood. His life and career were marked by groundbreaking achievements and a lasting impact on the music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1931-1950s)

Sam Cooke was born to Reverend Charles Cook, Sr., a Baptist minister, and Annie May Cook. His early exposure to gospel music in the church laid the foundation for his future musical endeavors. Cooke's passion for music blossomed during his teenage years, leading him to join the gospel group The Soul Stirrers, where he gained recognition for his exceptional vocal talent.

Rise to Stardom and Solo Career (Late 1950s-1960s)

Cooke's transition to a solo career marked a significant turning point in his life. He achieved widespread success with hits like You Send Me, which topped the charts and solidified his position as a prominent figure in the music industry. His smooth, velvety voice and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences, earning him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

Innovative Business Ventures and Legacy (1950s-1960s)

Cooke's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own record label and publishing company, setting a precedent for artists to have greater control over their music and financial interests. His innovative approach to the business side of music left a lasting legacy and inspired future generations of musicians to take ownership of their work.

Connection to Los Angeles

In 1964, tragedy struck when Sam Cooke was found dead in a motel in South Los Angeles. His untimely death left a void in the music world and sparked speculation and controversy surrounding the circumstances of his passing. Despite the tragic end to his life, Cooke's influence and impact on the music industry continued to resonate in Los Angeles and beyond.

Key Achievements of Sam Cooke

• Pioneered the integration of gospel and pop music, shaping the soul genre.

• Established his own record label and publishing company, empowering artists in the industry.

• Produced chart-topping hits and left a lasting legacy as a trailblazing recording artist.

• Inspired future generations of musicians with his entrepreneurial spirit and musical innovation.

• Remembered for his smooth, velvety voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring influence on soul music.

Sam Cooke's story is one of musical innovation, entrepreneurial vision, and enduring influence. His contributions to the music industry continue to inspire and resonate with audiences, cementing his legacy as an influential soul musician.

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

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen 

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