Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Peloton CEO steps down as company cuts 15% of staff

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of Amelia Earhart

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going."

— Sam Levenson

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 university is the oldest private research university in California, founded in 1880?

A) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

B) California State University, Los Angeles

C) University of Southern California (USC)

D) Loyola Marymount University

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Sunset Strip is located in A) West Hollywood.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group facing layoffs across all divisions of the company. (Link)

Actor Bernard Hill, who starred in ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Titanic,’ dies at 79. (Link)

Viking cruise IPO makes CEO Torstein Hagen a multibillionaire. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Mortgage rate forecast for May 2024: No break for homebuyers. (Link)

Peloton CEO steps down as company cuts 15% of staff. (Link)

California consumers antsy, confidence tumbles to 21-month low. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Chaminade baseball beats Chaparral in walk-off fashion for first CIF-SS playoff win in 11 years. (Link)

Potential candidates for Lakers’ head coaching job. (Link)

Clippers face questions after another season ends early. (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

⚾ Stanford Cardinal at UCLA Bruins
Jackie Robinson Stadium, Los Angeles
May 16th, 17th, and 18th | (More info)

⚾ Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
May 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th | (More info)

⚾ Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Monday, May 20th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎤 Aaron May
The Belasco - Ballroom, Los Angeles
Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Panchiko
The Novo, Los Angeles
Friday, May 17th, 2024 | (More info)

🎶 Jacob Collier and Kimbra
Greek Theatre, Los Angeles
Monday, May 20th, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎭 STAVE AND DAVE FAMILY REUNION
6320 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles
Wednesday, May 15th | (More info)

📚 Family Storytime and Crafts
14561 Polk Street, Los Angeles
Thursday, May 16th | (More info)

🎨 Spinning Fun For Kids
801 Mateo Street, Los Angeles
Sunday, May 19th | (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 streets with interactive, responsive surfaces” 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

1992: The Los Angeles riots after the Rodney King verdict.

In 1992, Los Angeles was engulfed in a wave of civil unrest following the acquittal of four white police officers in the beating of Rodney King, an African American man. The incident, captured on amateur videotape, had sparked national debate and outrage. The jury's decision led to six days of rioting, looting, and fires, primarily in South Los Angeles and Koreatown. The violence first erupted at the intersection of Florence Boulevard and Normandie Avenue in south-central Los Angeles, and the unrest quickly spread throughout the city.

The aftermath of the L.A. Riots highlighted the deep-seated tensions between the LAPD and the city's African American community, exacerbated by the 1991 videotaped beating of Rodney King. The acquittals of the LAPD officers in the King beating case triggered a convulsion in Los Angeles, with the city caught in a crossfire of bullets as businesses were looted and buildings were set ablaze. The 1992 Los Angeles riots remain a significant chapter in the city's history, symbolizing the complex issues of race, police brutality, and social justice that continue to resonate today.

The 1992 Los Angeles riots serve as a stark reminder of the impact of systemic injustice and the power of community outrage. The events following the Rodney King verdict brought to light the deep-seated racial tensions and social inequalities that plagued the city. The legacy of the riots continues to shape conversations around police accountability, civil rights, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in Los Angeles and beyond.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Amelia Earhart (1897–1939?):

Aviation pioneer and author.

Amelia Earhart, born on July 24, 1897, in Atchison, Kansas, was a legendary American aviator who set numerous flying records and championed the advancement of women in aviation. She became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and was a prominent author and advocate for women's rights in aviation. Her life and career continue to inspire and captivate people around the world.

Early Life, Family, and Education:

Amelia Earhart's passion for aviation was ignited at a young age. In 1921, she had her first flying lesson with pilot Neta Snook, which marked the beginning of her remarkable journey in the field of aviation. Despite facing challenges, she worked various jobs, including as a truck driver and stenographer, to save money for flying lessons, demonstrating her determination and commitment to her passion.

Aviation Achievements and Record-Breaking Flights:

Amelia Earhart's aviation career was marked by groundbreaking achievements. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger. However, her most iconic feat came in 1932 when she became the first woman to fly solo across the North American continent and back. This historic flight solidified her status as a trailblazer in aviation and a symbol of women's empowerment.

Connection to Los Angeles:

In January 1939, Amelia Earhart was declared legally dead in a court in Los Angeles, marking a somber moment in the city's history. Her connection to Los Angeles is a poignant reminder of her enduring legacy and the impact she had on the aviation community.

Advocacy for Women in Aviation and Authorship:

Amelia Earhart was a vocal advocate for women's rights in aviation and used her platform to inspire and empower women to pursue careers in the field. She also authored several books, including The Fun of It and Last Flight, which provided insights into her experiences as an aviator and her vision for the future of aviation.

Legacy and Enduring Impact:

Amelia Earhart's legacy extends far beyond her aviation achievements. She continues to be celebrated for her pioneering spirit, resilience, and unwavering dedication to breaking barriers for women in aviation. Her impact on the world of aviation and her advocacy for gender equality continue to inspire future generations of aviators and women in STEM fields.

Key Achievements of Amelia Earhart:

• First woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

• Advocate for women's rights in aviation and gender equality.

• Author of influential books on aviation and women's empowerment.

• Enduring legacy as a trailblazer in the field of aviation and women's rights.

Amelia Earhart's life story is one of courage, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her contributions to aviation and her advocacy for women's rights continue to resonate with people worldwide, making her an enduring symbol of empowerment and inspiration.

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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