Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rapid growth of local companies

• LA Galaxy unveils new coach

• A deep dive into the life of Raymond Chandler

• And more…

Quote of the Week

Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.”

— Walt Whitman

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 year was the City of Los Angeles officially founded?

A) 1771

B) 1781

C) 1821

D) 1850

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The Grauman's Chinese Theatre is famous for its celebrity handprints and footprints. Which of the following iconic elements is unique to this theater's architecture?

Answer: C) Pagoda-inspired entrance

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

An LA-based tech startup specializing in AI-driven marketing solutions secured $25 million in Series B funding. The investment, led by a renowned venture capital firm, will enable the company to expand its operations and hire additional staff. (link)

A major film studio in Los Angeles announced plans to expand its production facilities. The multi-million-dollar project includes new sound stages, post-production suites, and a state-of-the-art virtual production studio. (link)

A popular Los Angeles restaurant chain launched a new dining concept focused on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The initiative includes partnerships with local farms and a menu featuring seasonal specialties. (link)

🏦 Finance

The recent merger of two prominent Los Angeles banks is set to have significant impacts on the local economy. The merger creates the largest community bank in the region, with a combined asset value exceeding $10 billion. (link)

A Los Angeles investment firm announced a substantial investment in a renewable energy project. The project involves developing solar farms in Southern California and aims to contribute significantly to the state's clean energy goals. (link)

🏒 Sports

Los Angeles Lakers Sign New Player: The Los Angeles Lakers announced the signing of a promising young guard to a 10-day contract. The player, a recent standout in the G League, is expected to bolster the team's backcourt depth and bring additional scoring options. (link)

LA Galaxy Unveils New Coach: The LA Galaxy introduced their new head coach, a former international player with a strong coaching record in Europe. The coach's vision for the team emphasizes a fast-paced, attacking style of play, aiming to bring the Galaxy back to MLS prominence. (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

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers vs. OKC Thunder (January 15): Watch the Lakers take on the Thunder at the Staples Center in a thrilling NBA matchup. Enjoy an evening of high-energy basketball from some of the top players in the league. (link)

🏒 Los Angeles Kings vs. Nashville Predators (January 18): Head to the Staples Center for an intense NHL showdown between the Kings and the Predators. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Live Jazz at The Baked Potato (January 15): Dive into the world of jazz at one of LA's most iconic jazz clubs. The Baked Potato in Studio City hosts an evening of live performances from seasoned jazz musicians, offering an intimate experience for music lovers. (link)

🎸 Indie Rock Night at Troubadour (January 21): Experience the energy of LA's indie rock scene at the Troubadour, a venue known for launching many artists' careers. Enjoy performances from up-and-coming bands and solo artists in a legendary setting. (link)

Family

🎨 Children's Arts and Crafts Workshop (January 15): A creative and fun-filled workshop for children at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. An excellent way for kids to explore their artistic side. (link)

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 as an eco-friendly treehouse community” 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 Historical Events

The founding of Los Angeles by Spanish governor Felipe de Neve (1781)

In 1781, a significant event in the history of California and the United States occurred with the founding of Los Angeles by Spanish Governor Felipe de Neve. The settlement, originally named "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula," was established on September 4th. It was part of Spain's broader strategy to expand its influence and presence in North America, particularly in response to the Russian advancement into Alaska and Northern California.

Governor de Neve, following the orders of the Spanish Crown, selected a group of settlers from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, including Native American, African, and European, to establish the new pueblo. The location was chosen for its favorable climate, fertile land, and proximity to the Los Angeles River. The settlers were given plots of land, livestock, and tools to start their new life, laying the foundations for what would become one of the most diverse and populous cities in the world.

The founding of Los Angeles in 1781 marked the beginning of its transformation from a small frontier settlement into a major global metropolis. This event is notable not only for its role in the expansion of Spanish colonial influence but also for setting the stage for the cultural and demographic diversity that characterizes the city today. Los Angeles' early history under Spanish rule significantly shaped its development and identity, forming an integral part of the city's rich and complex heritage.

Famous People In LA History

Raymond Chandler (1888–1959)

Early Life and Education (1888-1907)

Raymond Chandler was born in 1888 in Chicago, Illinois, but spent much of his early life in England after moving there with his mother. He received a classical education at Dulwich College in London, which laid the foundation for his literary career. Chandler's early exposure to British culture and literature would later influence his writing style.

Return to America and Early Career (1908-1920)

Chandler returned to the United States as a young man, settling in California. He worked in various jobs, including as a journalist and a strung tennis-racket stringer, but struggled to find his calling. This period was marked by a search for purpose and stability.

World War I Service (1917-1918)

During World War I, Chandler served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force and later transferred to the Royal Air Force. His experiences during the war deepened his understanding of human nature and the complexities of morality, themes that would appear in his later work.

Venture into the Oil Business (1921-1932)

Post-war, Chandler ventured into the oil business, rising to a position of executive vice president for a Los Angeles oil company. However, the Great Depression led to his dismissal due to alcohol-related issues, forcing a career reevaluation.

Turn to Writing: Early Stories (1933-1939)

Chandler turned to writing, focusing on detective fiction. He published his first short stories in pulp magazines like ""Black Mask."" These early stories were marked by a gritty realism and complex characters, setting the tone for his later work.

First Novel and Breakthrough: 'The Big Sleep' (1939-1940)

Chandler's first novel, ""The Big Sleep,"" was published in 1939, introducing the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe. The book was a critical and commercial success, establishing Chandler as a significant figure in the detective fiction genre.

Hollywood and Screenwriting Career (1941-1950)

Chandler's success caught the attention of Hollywood, and he worked as a screenwriter for several films. His time in Hollywood was both successful and tumultuous, marked by clashes with the studio system and further struggles with alcohol.

Later Novels and Recognition (1951-1959)

In the 1950s, Chandler continued to write novels featuring Philip Marlowe. These later works solidified his reputation as a master of detective fiction. He received critical acclaim and was recognized for his contributions to the genre.

Personal Struggles and Final Years (1956-1959)

Chandler's final years were overshadowed by personal struggles, including the death of his wife and worsening alcoholism. Despite these challenges, he continued to write until his death in 1959.

Legacy and Impact on Literature and Film (Post-1959)

Raymond Chandler's legacy in both literature and film is significant. He is remembered for elevating detective fiction to the level of serious literature and for his distinct literary style, characterized by sharp dialogue and complex characters. His influence on the noir genre and modern storytelling continues to be felt.

Key Achievements:

• Revolutionized the detective fiction genre with his creation of Philip Marlowe.

• Authored iconic novels like ""The Big Sleep"" and ""Farewell, My Lovely.""

• Contributed to the film noir genre through his work as a screenwriter in Hollywood.

• Left a lasting impact on literature with his unique style and exploration of moral ambiguity.

Raymond Chandler's journey from a struggling journalist to one of the most influential figures in detective fiction and film noir reflects his profound impact on American literature and culture. His unique style, characterized by witty dialogue, intricate plots, and the enduring character of Philip Marlowe, redefined the boundaries of detective fiction and continues to inspire writers and filmmakers in Los Angeles and beyond.

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