Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LA Clippers game recap

• Upcoming Los Angeles Kings home game

• A deep dive into the life of Ella Fitzgerald

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 area is known for the iconic Hollywood Sign?

A) Beverly Hills

B) Santa Monica

C) Hollywood Hills

D) Downtown Los Angeles

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The tallest building in Los Angeles is B) Wilshire Grand Center.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Two Ventura County multifamily assets sold for $153 million, totaling 409 units, enhancing local real estate investment dynamics​​. (Link)

Fairmont Breakers receives a $122 million investment, highlighting strong investor interest in LA's luxury hotel and real estate market. (Link)

Death in Cancer Drug Trial Hinders Xencor’s Shares: Xencor Inc. faces a steep decline in share price following adverse news from a drug trial. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Xencor Inc. experienced a significant drop in share price following the announcement of its fourth-quarter and full-year financials​​. (Link)

Thin Line Capital closed its second fund with $14 million, highlighting the growth in sustainable investment opportunities​​. (Link)

The LABJ Stock Index update on March 11 offers insights into local market trends and performance​​. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The LA Kings clashed with the Chicago Blackhawks in a gripping NHL matchup, highlighting the week's sports events in Los Angeles​​. (Link)

The Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a highly competitive NBA game. (Link)

Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitched during the sixth inning against the Chicago Cubs in a spring training game in Phoenix. (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

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks at Los Angeles Kings
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 19th | (More Info)

🏒 Minnesota Wild at Los Angeles Kings
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

⚾ USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 22nd | (More Info)

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 22nd | (More Info)

⚾ USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 23rd | (More Info)

Music & Performances

🎸 The Dandy Warhols
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 19th | (More Info)

🎶 Dry Cleaning
El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 19th | (More Info)

🎵 Matt Hansen
The Echo, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 19th | (More Info)

🎤 Cold War Kids
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

🎼 Gruff Rhys
Zebulon, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

🎷 The Budos Band
Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 22nd | (More Info)

Family Friendly events

🍳 Family Cooking Workshop
7555 Van Nuys Boulevard, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (More Info)

👪 STAVE AND DAVE FAMILY REUNION
6320 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 20th | (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 “Spaceport integrated into Los Angeles's central hub” 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

1942: The Zoot Suit Riots, a series of racial conflicts.

In 1942, Los Angeles was the site of a series of violent clashes known as the Zoot Suit Riots. These conflicts involved mobs of U.S. servicemen, off-duty police officers, and civilians brawling with young Latinos and other minorities. The riots were a result of simmering racial tensions and were set against the backdrop of World War II. The clashes occurred from June 3 to June 8, 1943, and spread throughout the city, marking a dark chapter in the city's history.

The Zoot Suit Riots were fueled by fears and hostilities arising from the coverage of the Sleepy Lagoon murder trial and negative stories in the Los Angeles Times. The zoot suits worn by the young Latinos and other minorities represented a public flouting of rationing regulations, leading to officials casting the wearing of zoot suits as a threat to the broader community. The riots marked the culmination of racial tensions and discrimination faced by Mexican-American youths in Los Angeles during this period.

The aftermath of the Zoot Suit Riots led to a prohibition on the wearing of zoot suits on city streets, reflecting the impact of the clashes on the local community and the broader social and political landscape of Los Angeles.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996):

Jazz singer known as the First Lady of Song:

Ella Fitzgerald, known as The First Lady of Song, was a revolutionary American jazz singer who performed all over the world. Her signature style included her iconic vocal range, clear tone, and ability to improvise with her hallmark scat singing. Fitzgerald's influence on American songwriting and her impact on the status of female vocalists were instrumental in shaping the landscape of American music.

Ella Fitzgerald's Early Life and Musical Journey (1917-1933):

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917, in Newport News, Virginia. After her parents' separation, she moved to Yonkers, New York, with her mother and stepfather. It was in Yonkers that Fitzgerald's love for music began to blossom, and she found solace in singing. Her talent was discovered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem during an amateur night in 1934, where she performed a rendition of Judy by Hoagy Carmichael.

Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom (1934-1940):

Fitzgerald's performance at the Apollo Theater caught the attention of bandleader Chick Webb, who took her under his wing. She joined Webb's orchestra and recorded her first hit, Love and Kisses, in 1935. Fitzgerald's career gained momentum, and she became a prominent figure in the jazz scene, known for her captivating voice and improvisational skills.

Collaborations and Musical Innovations (1941-1950):

During the 1940s, Fitzgerald's collaborations with jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington solidified her status as a jazz icon. Her ability to scat sing, a vocal improvisation technique, became a defining feature of her performances. Fitzgerald's rendition of A-Tisket, A-Tasket with the Chick Webb Orchestra became a chart-topping hit, further propelling her into the spotlight.

Los Angeles Connection:

Ella Fitzgerald's connection to Los Angeles was significant, as she performed at renowned venues in the city, including the Hollywood Bowl and the Shrine Auditorium. Her performances in Los Angeles contributed to her widespread acclaim and solidified her status as a beloved jazz singer in the city's vibrant music scene.

International Acclaim and Legacy (1951-1960):

Fitzgerald's international tours and performances in Europe and Asia showcased her unparalleled vocal talent to audiences around the world. She received critical acclaim for her live performances and recordings, earning accolades and admiration from fans and fellow musicians alike. Fitzgerald's influence on American music continued to grow, and she became a symbol of excellence and innovation in jazz.

Later Years and Enduring Impact (1961-1996):

In the later years of her career, Fitzgerald continued to captivate audiences with her timeless voice and remarkable stage presence. She received numerous awards and honors, including multiple Grammy Awards, and remained an influential figure in the jazz community until her passing in 1996. Her legacy as the First Lady of Song endures, inspiring generations of musicians and music lovers.

Key Achievements of Ella Fitzgerald:

• Revolutionized jazz singing with her iconic vocal range and scat singing.

• Performed at prestigious venues in Los Angeles, contributing to her international acclaim.

• Collaborated with jazz legends and set a standard for excellence in American music.

• Received multiple Grammy Awards and left an enduring legacy as a jazz icon.

Ella Fitzgerald's life and career exemplify a journey of resilience, innovation, and musical excellence. Her impact on American music and her enduring legacy as the First Lady of Song continues to inspire and influence artists and 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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