Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Los Angeles FC game recap

• Upcoming Bad Bunny concert

• A deep dive into the life of Frank Zappa

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 tallest building in Los Angeles?

A) U.S. Bank Tower

B) Wilshire Grand Center

C) The Broad

D) Aon Center

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Griffith Observatory is located in C) Los Feliz.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

LA Metro Board endorses gondola project's environmental study, paving the way for better city transport. (Link)

Los Angeles real estate sees a major move with a senior-living property selling at $23.5 million. (Link)

Caleb Kramer steps into leadership as president at Century City's Forest Road Company. (Link)

🏦 Finance

The Port of Los Angeles started the application process for its Fiscal Year 2024/25 Community Investment Grant Program on March 4, 2024​​. (Link)

San Pedro Bay Ports to discuss 2023 Clean Air achievements and 2024 priorities at a March 18 update meeting. (Link)

The Los Angeles Office Conversions Summit scheduled for March 28, 2024, focuses on finance, marketing, and asset management​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

NHL game between Anaheim Ducks and Ottawa Senators held on March 6, 2024, at the Honda Center. (Link)

Recaps of the USC Trojans vs. Arizona Wildcats and Los Angeles FC vs. Sporting Kansas City matches in LA from March 9. (Link)

UCLA Bruins faced Utah Utes in a softball match at Easton Softball Stadium on March 8, offering an exciting collegiate sports event​​. (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

⚾ UConn Huskies at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 12th | (More info)

🏀 Minnesota Timberwolves at Los Angeles Clippers
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 12th | (More info)

⚾ Washington State Cougars at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 15th | (More info)

⚾ Washington State Cougars at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium
Los Angeles Saturday, Mar. 16th | (More info)

⚾ Washington State Cougars at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium
Sunday, Mar. 17th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎤 Claire Rosinkranz
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
Tuesday, March 12th | (More info)

🎸 Xandar
Unknown venue, Los Angeles
Thursday, March 14th | (More info)

🎵 Conor Oberst
Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles
Thursday, March 14th | (More info)

🎤 Bad Bunny
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Friday, March 15th | (More info)

🎧 Deorro
Academy LA, Los Angeles
Saturday, March 16th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🍳 Family Cooking Workshop
Van Nuys Boulevard
Wednesday, Mar. 13th | (More info)

👩‍🍳 Relationship Building Culinary Arts Workshops
Tampa Avenue, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 16th | (More info)

🌿 The Living Room: Sip & Plant
1026 Main Street Unit 123, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 13th | (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 “Los Angeles with architecture inspired by different planets” 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

1932: Los Angeles hosts the Summer Olympics.

In 1932, the vibrant city of Los Angeles played host to the Summer Olympics, marking a significant milestone in the history of the games. The event took place during a time of economic hardship, as the world was still reeling from the effects of the Great Depression. Despite this, Los Angeles embraced the opportunity to showcase its resilience and hospitality on a global stage. The city's warm climate and iconic landmarks provided a stunning backdrop for the athletic competitions, and the event brought together athletes from around the world to compete in the spirit of sportsmanship and unity.

The 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles left a lasting legacy, not only for the city but for the Olympic movement as a whole. It was the first time that the games were held in the Western United States, and the event's success helped solidify Los Angeles as a major international city. The games also introduced several innovations, including the use of electronic timing devices and the first Olympic Village, setting new standards for future Olympic host cities. The 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles served as a beacon of hope during a challenging time, inspiring people with the power of sports to bring communities together and uplift spirits in the face of adversity.

Today, the legacy of the 1932 Summer Olympics lives on in Los Angeles, as the city continues to be a hub for sports, culture, and international events. The spirit of the games remains ingrained in the city's identity, and the historic event serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination that define Los Angeles. The 1932 Olympics not only left a mark on the city's history but also contributed to the global Olympic movement, leaving a legacy of unity, innovation, and the enduring power of the Olympic spirit.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Frank Zappa (1940–1993):

Musician, Composer, and Bandleader:

Frank Vincent Zappa was an American musician, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative and unconventional approach to music. His career spanned three decades, during which he pushed the boundaries of musical expression and challenged the norms of the industry. From his early years in Baltimore to his influential presence in Los Angeles, Zappa's life and legacy continue to inspire and intrigue music enthusiasts around the world.

Early Life and Musical Epiphany (1940s–1950s):

Frank Vincent Zappa was born on December 21, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. His early exposure to music and his innate talent led him to become a self-taught musician, mastering various instruments and experimenting with different musical styles. It was during his formative years that Zappa had his musical epiphany, setting the stage for his future as an avant-garde composer and performer.

Pivotal Years in San Diego (Mid-1950s):

Zappa's pivotal years in San Diego, where he attended Grossmont High and Mission Bay High, played a significant role in shaping his musical identity. It was during this time that he honed his skills, explored new sounds, and developed a rebellious spirit that would define his artistic journey. The influence of San Diego on Zappa's early development as a musician cannot be understated.

The Mothers of Invention and Musical Innovation (1960s):

In the 1960s, Zappa formed the influential band The Mothers of Invention,
which became a platform for his groundbreaking musical experiments. The band's debut album, Freak Out! (1966), marked the beginning of Zappa's unorthodox approach to composition and performance, earning him recognition as a pioneer of experimental rock and avant-garde music.

Los Angeles: The Creative Hub (1960s–1990s):

Zappa's connection to Los Angeles was instrumental in shaping his career and artistic vision. The city's vibrant music scene provided a fertile ground for Zappa's creative endeavors, allowing him to collaborate with diverse artists and explore a wide range of musical genres. His iconic recording studio, Utility Muffin Research Kitchen, became a legendary space for musical innovation and production.

Champion of Musical Freedom and Activism (1970s–1980s):

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Zappa continued to challenge the status quo of the music industry, advocating for artistic freedom and speaking out against censorship. His outspoken activism and dedication to preserving creative expression made him a revered figure among musicians and fans alike, solidifying his legacy as a fearless advocate for musical innovation.

Legacy and Influence (1990s and Beyond):

Frank Zappa's untimely passing in 1993 marked the end of an era, but his influence continues to resonate in the world of music and beyond. His extensive discography, spanning over 60 albums, remains a testament to his unparalleled creativity and artistic vision. Zappa's impact on the music industry, his commitment to artistic integrity, and his fearless pursuit of musical innovation continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Key Achievements of Frank Zappa:

• Pioneer of experimental rock and avant-garde music.

• Formation of The Mothers of Invention and groundbreaking debut album Freak Out! (1966).

• Advocacy for artistic freedom and opposition to censorship in the music industry.

• Extensive discography of over 60 albums, showcasing his diverse musical talents.

• Enduring legacy as a fearless advocate for musical innovation and creative expression.

Frank Zappa's life and career exemplify a relentless pursuit of artistic freedom, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of music, and an unwavering dedication to preserving creative expression. His influence as a musician, composer, and bandleader continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

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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