Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Funding approved for high-speed train linking LA & Vegas

• 2024 Dodger Fest at Dodger Stadium

• A deep dive into the life of Alexander Judy Garland

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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 landmark is known for its large collection of tar-preserved animal bones?

A) The Getty Center

B) The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

C) The La Brea Tar Pits

D) Griffith Observatory

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The famous Los Angeles theater that hosts the Academy Awards is C) The Dolby Theater.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Jenny Pelaez and Julia Romano recognized in LA Business Journal's Minority Leaders of Influence list​​. (link)

Los Angeles continues to thrive as a tech hub with strong startup growth and supportive business ecosystem. (link)

🏦 Finance

Fisker Inc. enhances financial flexibility with new agreements, reflecting LA's dynamic automotive sector. (link)

VelocitySBA expands franchise financing, supporting LA's small and medium-sized business development. (link)

Approved bond for high-speed train between Las Vegas and Los Angeles boosts regional infrastructure. (link)

🏒 Sports

LeBron James leads Lakers to victory with a season-high score, showcasing team's depth. (link)

Clippers focus on roster strength through strategic player trades and acquisitions. (link)

USC Trojans' comeback win driven by star player's performance, boosting NCAA tournament prospects. (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

🏎️ Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum
LA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Sunday, Feb. 4th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ 2024 Dodger Fest
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM | (More Info)

⚽ MLS Preseason: LA Galaxy vs. St. Louis City SC
Location TBD, Los Angeles
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

Concerts

🎵 John Williams Spotlight
Disney Hall, Los Angeles
Friday, Feb. 2nd | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Digable Planets LIVE
Venue TBD, Los Angeles
Thursday, Feb. 1st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Matthew Bourne's Romeo and Juliet
Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles
Monday, Jan. 29th - Sunday, Feb. 4th | 8:00 PM | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Los Angeles with modern technology” 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

Arrival of the transcontinental railroad, connecting LA to the rest of the country (1876)

In 1876, a significant milestone in the history of Los Angeles and the nation was marked by the arrival of the transcontinental railroad. This pivotal development connected the once isolated city of Los Angeles to the rest of the country, heralding a new era of growth, connectivity, and economic opportunity. The railroad served as a lifeline, shrinking vast distances and transforming the city into a bustling hub, integral to the nation's expansive network of commerce and communication.

The completion of the railroad was not just an engineering feat; it was a catalyst for profound social and economic transformation. Los Angeles, once a sleepy pueblo, was now on a fast track to becoming a major urban center. The influx of goods, people, and ideas fueled the city's growth, fostering a diverse and dynamic community. Industries flourished, neighborhoods expanded, and the cultural landscape of the city became richer and more varied.

However, the railroad's arrival also brought challenges and reshaped the region's destiny in complex ways. It altered local economies, impacted the environment, and brought about significant demographic changes. Despite these complexities, the arrival of the transcontinental railroad in 1876 remains a defining moment in the annals of Los Angeles, symbolizing the power of connectivity and the relentless march of progress and innovation.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Judy Garland (1922–1969)

Early Years and Family Background (1922-1935)

Judy Garland, born Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was destined for stardom from an early age. Her parents, vaudevillians Frank and Ethel Gumm, nurtured her talents, and she performed alongside her sisters in the family's song-and-dance act. Garland's enchanting voice and vibrant presence on stage soon caught the attention of Hollywood scouts.

Rise to Fame in Hollywood (1935-1939)

Moving to Los Angeles, Garland signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) as a teenager. Her early roles in films like "Pigskin Parade" (1936) and "Love Finds Andy Hardy" (1938) showcased her burgeoning talent. However, it was her iconic role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) that catapulted her to international fame. Her rendition of "Over the Rainbow" became an enduring classic, earning her a special juvenile Academy Award.

Critical Acclaim and Continued Success (1940-1950)

The 1940s were a prolific decade for Garland, marked by critical and commercial successes like "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944) and "Easter Parade" (1948). Despite her professional triumphs, Garland faced personal struggles, grappling with the pressures of fame and the demanding studio system.

Personal Challenges and Comeback (1951-1955)

Garland's struggles with addiction and mental health issues led to her departure from MGM. She staged a triumphant comeback with concert performances, notably at the Palace Theatre in New York and the London Palladium. Her live performances showcased her immense talent and resilience.

A Star Is Reborn (1956-1959)

In 1956, Garland starred in "A Star Is Born," earning an Academy Award nomination for her powerful performance. The film's soundtrack, featuring "The Man That Got Away," became a hit, reaffirming her status as a leading star of the era.

Television Ventures and The Judy Garland Show (1960-1964)

Garland ventured into television with "The Judy Garland Show" (1963-1964), which, despite its short run, featured memorable performances and showcased her versatility as a performer.

Final Years and Enduring Legacy (1965-1969)

Garland's final years were marked by continued performances, though her health increasingly faltered. She passed away on June 22, 1969, in London. Her legacy as an actress and singer remains monumental, influencing generations of artists.

Judy Garland's Key Achievements:

• Starred in "The Wizard of Oz," delivering one of the most iconic performances in cinema history.

• Received a Juvenile Academy Award and a nomination for Best Actress for "A Star Is Born."

• Known for her powerful singing voice, delivering classics like "Over the Rainbow" and "The Man That Got Away."

• Overcame personal challenges to reinvent herself in concerts and on television.

Judy Garland's journey from a child performer in vaudeville to a Hollywood legend is a testament to her extraordinary talent and resilience. Despite facing personal struggles, Garland's enduring spirit shone through her performances, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

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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