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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Clippers’ James Harden re-signs for reported two years, $70 million.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Sparks match

• A deep dive into the life of Lucille Desiree Ball

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

—Muhammad Ali

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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!

In what year was the iconic Los Angeles music venue, The Troubadour, established?

A) 1957

B) 1962

C) 1967

D) 1975

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles university renowned for its film school, the oldest in the United States, is A) University of Southern California (USC).

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

5 TV shows to receive $58 million in California tax credits, including Kim Kardashian production. (Link)

Kroger identifies 63 California stores it will sell in effort to get Albertsons deal approved. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Dodgers find themselves in unexpected position with rookie rotation. (Link)

Clippers’ James Harden re-signs for reported two years, $70 million. (Link)

🏦 Finance

SBA sent thousands of PPP loans to collections. It didn’t always notify the businesses. (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

🏀 Seattle Storm at Los Angeles Sparks
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Jul. 16th | (More info)

⚽ Real Salt Lake at Los Angeles Football Club
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Jul. 17th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Maral, Slipper, and Eric Copeland
Zebulon, Los Angeles
Monday, Jul. 15th | (More info)

🎵 Ledisi
The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Jul. 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🧘 Free Musical Story Time and Kids Crafts
8840 National Blvd, Culver City, CA
Tuesday, July 16th | (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 city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over 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

1914: The opening of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.

In 1914, the Los Angeles Aqueduct marked a significant milestone in the city's history, as it brought a reliable water supply to the region. The aqueduct system, comprising the Los Angeles Aqueduct and the Second Los Angeles Aqueduct, was built and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The aqueduct, powered by gravity alone, tapped into the snows of the Sierra Nevada more than 200 miles to the north, ensuring reliable irrigation for farms and ranches in the area. The opening of the aqueduct in 1913 marked a turning point in the city's water supply and agricultural development.

The construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct began in 1912 and was completed in 1913, delivering about 430 million gallons of water per day to the city. The aqueduct's reach was extended by 150 miles in the 1930s to include runoff from five streams in Mono Basin. However, just three months after the aqueduct's official opening, a major flood in February 1914 caused the collapse of the aqueduct pipeline through Antelope Valley, highlighting the challenges of managing water resources in the region.

The Los Angeles Aqueduct played a crucial role in providing a reliable water supply to the city and the surrounding region, ensuring its growth and development. The aqueduct's construction and subsequent challenges reflect the complex history of water management in Los Angeles and the ongoing efforts to secure sustainable water resources for the city's future.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Lucille Desiree Ball (1911–1989):

Lucille Desiree Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. From an early age, Lucille showed a keen interest in performing arts, frequently participating in school plays and local performances. After her father's death and her family's subsequent financial difficulties, Lucille's determination to succeed in entertainment became her escape and focus.

Move to New York and Early Struggles (1926-1933)

At age 15, Lucille moved to New York City to attend drama school and pursue an acting career. Despite her passion and efforts, she faced numerous rejections and found it difficult to secure roles, leading her to work as a model under the name Diane Belmont. This period was marked by hard lessons and the gradual sharpening of her comedic skills.

Breaking into Hollywood (1933-1940)

Lucille moved to Hollywood in the early 1930s and finally began to find work as a chorus girl in RKO films, slowly transitioning to larger roles. She appeared in a variety of films during this period, showcasing her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, though true stardom still eluded her.

Rising Star and Meeting Desi Arnaz (1940-1948)

During the 1940s, Lucille's film career gained momentum with notable appearances in "Too Many Girls," where she met Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz. Their chemistry was immediate, both on and off the screen, leading to a whirlwind romance and marriage. By the end of the decade, Lucille was a respected film actress, though her greatest achievements were yet to come.

Breakthrough with 'I Love Lucy' (1951-1957)

In 1951, Lucille and Desi created "I Love Lucy," a television show that would become iconic. Filmed in Los Angeles, where the couple had settled, the show broke new ground with its live audience format, multi-camera setup, and focus on a multiethnic marriage. Lucille's portrayal of the zany, ambitious Lucy Ricardo won hearts worldwide and changed the face of American television.

Business Ventures and Desilu Productions (1957-1962)

After the success of "I Love Lucy," Lucille and Desi founded Desilu Productions, becoming powerful figures in television production. Desilu produced several successful series, such as Star Trek and "The Untouchables," showcasing Lucille's business acumen and vision for television’s potential.

Solo Career and 'The Lucy Show' (1962-1968)

Following her divorce from Desi Arnaz in 1960, Lucille continued to star in her own television projects, including "The Lucy Show" and later "Here's Lucy." These shows kept her at the forefront of American comedy while allowing her to be a single mother working in Los Angeles.

Later Years and Continuing Influence (1968-1989)

In her later years, Lucille took on fewer acting roles but remained a significant figure in the entertainment industry, mentoring younger comedians and actors. She continued to live in Los Angeles, where she was a beloved community member and an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Final Years and Legacy (1989)

Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989, but left behind a legacy that transcended her performances. She was not only a trailblazer for women in entertainment but also a master of comedy whose influence is felt in television to this day.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered the family sitcom format with I Love Lucy.

• First woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions.

• Winner of four Emmy Awards and recipient of the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.

• Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Lucille Ball's influence on American television and comedy is immeasurable. Her pioneering work in creating and producing "I Love Lucy" set new standards for television production and comedy. As a businesswoman, she broke gender barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in media. Lucille’s enduring legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

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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