Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• How a former USC kicker is inspiring youth in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

• Upcoming ROME STREETZ concert

• A deep dive into the life of Sammy Davis Jr.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Magic is believing in yourself. If you can make that happen, you can make anything happen.” 

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

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 name of the first film studio built in Los Angeles?

A) Universal Studios

B) Paramount Pictures

C) Nestor Studio

D) Warner Bros. Studios

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

In what year did the iconic Los Angeles landmark, the Hollywood Sign, originally erected as "Hollywoodland, is A) 1923.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Michigan Ross Deepens Roots in Los Angeles (Link)

California’s film industry is in crisis. Can it be saved? (Link)

🏒Sports

Shohei Ohtani creates the 50-50 club. Is he having the greatest Dodgers season ever? (Link)

L.A. Times launches ‘Times of Troy’ newsletter covering USC Sports (Link)

🏦Finance

Another Brookfield L.A. Office Tower Wades in Financial Distress. (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

🏐 San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Tuesday, Sep 24 | (More info)

⚾ Phoenix Rising FC at Orange County SC
Championship Soccer Stadium at the Orange County Great
Wednesday, Sep 25 | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎶 Steve Aoki
The GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles
Monday 23 September | (More info)

🎤 Usher
Intuit Dome, Inglewood, CA
Tuesday, 24 September | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎨 Kids Club in Collaboration with Apple TV
189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles
September 26 | (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 “Futuristic Los Angeles where AI and tech blend seamlessly with iconic landmarks.” 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

The Los Angeles Aqueduct: A Turning Point in City Growth

One of the most significant events in Los Angeles history was the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, completed in 1913. Spearheaded by William Mulholland, this ambitious project brought water from the Owens Valley, more than 200 miles away, to the rapidly growing city. The aqueduct's completion transformed Los Angeles, enabling it to expand and develop into one of the largest cities in the United States.

However, the aqueduct also sparked controversy and conflict. The diversion of water from the Owens Valley led to the decline of agriculture in the region and created tensions between Los Angeles and rural communities. The environmental impact was significant, drying up much of Owens Lake and transforming the local ecosystem.

Despite the challenges, the Los Angeles Aqueduct was a pivotal moment in the city's growth. It allowed for further industrialization, population growth, and urban development, cementing Los Angeles' role as a major hub in the American West. Today, it remains a critical piece of infrastructure and a symbol of the city's expansion.

Famous People From Los Angeles

George Lucas (1944-Present)

Early Life and Childhood (1946-1964)

George Lucas, born on May 14, 1944, in Modesto, California, had a rather unremarkable childhood in a small farming community. However, from a young age, Lucas was deeply fascinated by cars and storytelling, spending much of his youth racing cars and dreaming of becoming a race car driver. His passion for automobiles can be traced back to his early days in high school when he would race at local tracks. A near-fatal car accident during his teenage years, however, shifted his focus away from racing, and he began exploring a passion for storytelling, particularly through film. This pivotal moment changed his life's trajectory, leading him toward a career in filmmaking.

Education and Early Influences (1964-1967)

Lucas attended Modesto Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, where he found his true calling. USC was an essential stepping stone in his career, and he became fascinated with experimental filmmaking techniques. His first short film, THX 1138:4EB, gained him recognition and connected him with influential figures in the film industry. During this time, Lucas developed his love for science fiction, drawing inspiration from comic books, television serials, and films like Metropolis and 2001: A Space Odyssey. His time at USC honed his storytelling abilities, and it was here that Lucas formed lasting connections with fellow filmmakers, including Francis Ford Coppola.

Forming American Zoetrope (1969-1972)

After graduating from USC, Lucas joined forces with Coppola to create the production company American Zoetrope, which aimed to foster independent filmmakers in an industry dominated by big studios. This partnership led to the production of Lucas’ first feature film, THX 1138 (1971), an expanded version of his student project. Although the film was a commercial failure, it demonstrated Lucas' ambition to push the boundaries of filmmaking, both in terms of visual effects and storytelling. Despite its initial lack of success, THX 1138 became a cult classic and cemented Lucas’ place in Hollywood as a visionary director willing to take risks.

Success with American Graffiti (1973-1975)

Lucas' breakthrough came with the 1973 release of American Graffiti, a semi-autobiographical film based on his youth in Modesto. The nostalgic coming-of-age drama, set in 1962, focused on a group of teenagers during one night of cruising and drag racing. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $140 million on a modest $777,000 budget. American Graffiti earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for Lucas. This success gave Lucas the creative freedom and financial backing to pursue his next project, which would forever change cinema.

Creating Star Wars (1975-1977)

The idea for Star Wars began in the early 1970s as Lucas sought to create a space fantasy reminiscent of the Flash Gordon serials of his youth. After years of development, the first film in the series, Star Wars: A New Hope, was released in 1977. The film was a revolutionary success, blending cutting-edge special effects with a timeless hero's journey. It became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and winning six Academy Awards. The success of Star Wars transformed Lucas into one of the most powerful and influential filmmakers in Hollywood. Lucas also made an essential connection to Los Angeles, as the city became home to his creative empire and Lucasfilm’s operations.

Building Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic (1977-1983)

Following the success of Star Wars, Lucas focused on building Lucasfilm into a major entertainment company. He founded Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), a visual effects company that would go on to revolutionize the film industry. ILM's groundbreaking work on Star Wars set new standards for visual effects and paved the way for future blockbusters. Lucas also established Skywalker Sound, a state-of-the-art sound facility. In the years following Star Wars, Lucas produced the sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983), both of which were commercial and critical successes. These films solidified Star Wars as one of the most influential franchises in cinematic history.

The Indiana Jones Franchise (1980-1989)

In the early 1980s, Lucas teamed up with Steven Spielberg to create another iconic film franchise: Indiana Jones. The first film, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), followed the adventures of the daring archaeologist Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford. The film was an instant hit, blending action, humor, and historical fantasy. It spawned three sequels: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). The Indiana Jones series further demonstrated Lucas’ ability to create captivating, crowd-pleasing blockbusters that left an indelible mark on popular culture.

The Prequel Trilogy (1999-2005)

After years of focusing on producing and expanding his companies, Lucas returned to the Star Wars saga in 1999 with the release of The Phantom Menace, the first of three prequels exploring the origins of the series' main characters. Although the prequel trilogy Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005)—received mixed critical reviews, it was a massive commercial success, earning billions at the global box office. The prequels also introduced new technology in filmmaking, with Lucas pioneering the use of digital cameras and visual effects, further establishing him as an innovator in the industry.

Selling Lucasfilm to Disney (2012)

In a surprising move, Lucas sold Lucasfilm, and with it the Star Wars franchise, to Disney in 2012 for $4.05 billion. The sale marked the end of an era, as Lucas stepped away from the company he had built over several decades. Disney quickly announced plans to continue the Star Wars saga, producing a new trilogy and spin-off films. Although Lucas was not involved in the creative process of the new films, he remained an influential figure in the industry. His decision to sell Lucasfilm allowed him to focus on personal projects and philanthropy, including his educational foundation.

Philanthropy and Legacy (2012-present)

Since the sale of Lucasfilm, George Lucas has focused on his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the George Lucas Educational Foundation, which supports innovative educational practices. He has donated large portions of his fortune to various causes, including education and the arts. Lucas remains an influential figure in the film industry, and his contributions to technology, visual effects, and storytelling continue to shape modern cinema. His enduring legacy is felt not only through the continued popularity of Star Wars and Indiana Jones but also through the filmmakers he has inspired over the decades.

Key Achievements:

• Creator of the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises

• Founded Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and Skywalker Sound

• Pioneer of digital filmmaking and visual effects

• Winner of numerous Academy Awards and lifetime achievement honors

• Sold Lucasfilm to Disney for $4.05 billion

• Established the George Lucas Educational Foundation

• Recipient of the National Medal of Arts

• Inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame

George Lucas, a visionary filmmaker, transformed the landscape of cinema with Star Wars and Indiana Jones, creating two of the most iconic film franchises in history. From his early days at USC to becoming a billionaire mogul, Lucas pushed the boundaries of storytelling and technology. His impact on film, both in front of and behind the camera, is immeasurable, and his legacy continues through his philanthropic efforts and ongoing influence on the entertainment industry.

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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