Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Relationship Building Culinary Arts Workshops

• Upcoming Julia Jacklin performance

• A deep dive into the life of Dorothy Dandridge

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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 which year was the Hollywood Walk of Fame established in Los Angeles?

A) 1953

B) 1958

C) 1960

D) 1965

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles area known for the iconic Hollywood Sign is C) Hollywood Hills.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

The UCLA forecast suggests California's economy is set to grow faster than the U.S. average, fueled by increased imports and rising incomes. (Link)

Los Angeles Metro projects have received a significant federal funding boost, enhancing the city's public transportation infrastructure. (Link)

The City of LA issued fines to Smart & Final for a discriminatory bag policy, highlighting local government enforcement of corporate practices. (Link)

🏦 Finance

February saw the Port of Los Angeles cargo volume jump 60%, continuing a 7-month growth streak. (Link)

Nvidia has revealed its latest AI chip, hailed as the most powerful for AI, with potential major impacts on the tech sector. (Link)

A $130 million interchange revamp at SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge is underway to boost the port's infrastructure. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Lakers' Christian Wood to undergo knee surgery after a month out due to swelling, extending his time off the court. (Link)

Colby Parkinson, ex-Oaks Christian High star, signs a 3-year deal with the Rams, excited for L.A. return. (Link)

Taylor homers, Dodgers beat Team Korea 5-2 with standout pitching and RBIs from Muncy and Smith. (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

⚾ UC Santa Barbara Gauchos at UCLA Bruins Baseball
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

⚽ Argentina vs Costa Rica National Soccer
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

⚾ St Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

🥎 Oregon Ducks at UCLA Bruins Softball
Easton Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Mar. 29th | (More info)

⚾ St Louis Cardinals at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Sunday, Mar. 31st | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎤 Julia Jacklin
The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever, Los Angeles
Tuesday, Mar. 26th | (More info)

🎤 Hippie Sabotage
The Novo, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

🎤 DeVotchKa
El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

🎤 Mitski
Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
Thursday, Mar. 28th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🍳 Family Cooking Workshop
7555 Van Nuys Boulevard, Los Angeles
Wednesday, Mar. 27th | (More info)

🥚 Giant Easter Egg Hunt & Easter Celebration 2024
4810 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
Sunday, Mar. 31st | (More info)

🥗 Relationship Building Culinary Arts Workshops
8300 Tampa Avenue, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (More info)

🎨 Family Workshop: Painting with Natural Dyes
4837 E 3rd St, Los Angeles
Saturday, Mar. 30th | (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 buildings that change shape and color” 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

1953: The opening of the first segment of the Santa Monica Freeway

In 1953, the first segment of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) was opened, marking a significant milestone in the development of Los Angeles' freeway system. The Santa Monica Freeway, also known as the 10 Freeway, follows the path of the historic El Camino Real, a route established during the Spanish colonial era that connected California's missions. The opening of this segment provided a vital link between Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles, facilitating easier and faster transportation for residents and visitors alike.

The completion of the Santa Monica Freeway was a result of years of planning and construction, with the final segment through Santa Monica opening on January 5, 1966. The freeway's development was a testament to the city's growing infrastructure and the increasing need for efficient transportation routes. The Santa Monica Freeway became an indelible marker across the Los Angeles landscape, delineating boundaries between the cultural and historical hemispheres of the city.

The opening of the Santa Monica Freeway in 1953 and its subsequent expansion in the following years played a crucial role in shaping the transportation network of Los Angeles. It connected communities, facilitated economic growth, and became an iconic feature of the city's landscape, representing the ongoing development and progress of Los Angeles as a major metropolitan area.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Dorothy Dandridge (1922–1965):

Actress and Singer

Dorothy Dandridge was a trailblazing actress and singer, known for her captivating performances and glamorous image. Her life and career were marked by groundbreaking achievements and a legacy that continues to inspire. From her early years in Los Angeles to her rise to stardom, Dandridge's story is one of resilience, talent, and cultural impact.

Early Life and Family (1922-1938)

Dorothy Jean Dandridge was born on November 9, 1922, in Cleveland, Ohio, to entertainer Ruby and Cyril Dandridge. Her mother, Ruby Dandridge, was an actress, and her father, Cyril H. Dandridge, was a cabinet maker and minister. Dorothy's upbringing was marked by the absence of her father, as her parents separated before she was born. Her early years were spent in Los Angeles, where she began her journey in the entertainment industry.

Rising Star in Los Angeles (1939-1953)

Dandridge's career began in Los Angeles, where she landed small parts in films from 1939 to 1953. During this time, she also became a member of the singing Dandridge Sisters, performing in New York and gaining recognition for her vocal talent. Her time in Los Angeles laid the foundation for her future success in the entertainment industry.

Hollywood Success and Carmen Jones (1954)

Dorothy Dandridge's breakthrough came with her role in the 1954 film Carmen Jones, where she portrayed the title character. This performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first African American woman to receive this prestigious recognition. Her portrayal in Carmen Jones solidified her status as a Hollywood star and a symbol of talent and beauty.

Turbulent Personal Life and Legacy (1955-1965)

Despite her professional success, Dandridge faced personal challenges and turbulent times in her life. Her glamorous image and captivating performances were juxtaposed with the struggles she experienced, leading many to compare her to another tragic Hollywood figure, Marilyn Monroe. Dandridge's legacy, however, extends beyond her hardships, as she continues to inspire many with her talent, resilience, and cultural impact.

Connection to Los Angeles

Dorothy Dandridge's early years and rise to stardom were deeply intertwined with Los Angeles, where she began her career in the entertainment industry. The city played a significant role in shaping her journey and laying the groundwork for her future success.

Key Achievements of Dorothy Dandridge:

• First African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• Breakthrough role in Carmen Jones solidified her status as a Hollywood star.

• Member of the singing Dandridge Sisters, showcasing her vocal talent and early recognition in the industry.

• Inspiring legacy as a symbol of talent, beauty, and resilience.

Dorothy Dandridge's story is one of overcoming barriers, achieving excellence, and leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her contributions to film and music continue to be celebrated, and her legacy as a trailblazer remains an inspiration for future generations.

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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