Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LA Metro to rename the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor Project

• Upcoming LA Chargers games

• Kesha and The Linda Lindas performances this week

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

- Steve Jobs

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!

The Doors was an iconic band formed in Los Angeles. Where did they serve as the house band in their early days?

A) The Roxy Theatre

B) Whisky a Go Go

C) The Viper Room

D) Troubadour

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved to LA in 1958. From which city did they relocate?

Answer: New York City (Brooklyn)

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

The Port of Long Beach reported its second straight month of growth in cargo volume on November 15, 2023. (link)

San Diego-based landscape and urban design firm, McCullough, has expanded to the Los Angeles area. (link)

🏦 Finance

Due to Rite Aid’s bankruptcy plans, 9 L.A. County stores will be shutting down. 31 of 154 total Rite Aids in California will also shut down. (link)

City leaders are intensifying efforts to combat the issue of labor exploitation, focusing on employers who unfairly withhold wages from their workers. They are implementing stringent measures, including tougher enforcement of labor laws and heightened penalties, to deter such unethical practices. (link)

🏒 Sports

Los Angeles Lakers' Victory Against Portland Trail Blazers: Anthony Davis scored 30 points with 6 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers with a score of 116-110. (link)

📰 News

Online voting is underway for the public to assist the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, or LA Metro, in renaming the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor project. (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. (link)

Sports

🏈 Baltimore Ravens vs Los Angeles Chargers (November 26): Witness an electrifying NFL game at SoFi Stadium, where the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Baltimore Ravens. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Kesha (November 20, 2023): Pop icon Kesha returns to the stage at the House of Blues, promising an unforgettable night of music and energy. (link)

🎶 The Japanese House (November 20, 2023): Experience the unique sounds of British singer-songwriter Amber Bain, known as The Japanese House, at The Fonda Theatre. (link)

🎸 The Linda Lindas (November 20, 2023): Join the rising punk band The Linda Lindas for a night of raw energy and music at The Observatory. (link)

Family

🎄 Hollywood Christmas Parade (November 26) The Hollywood Christmas parade is a festive and iconic parade in Hollywood that is perfect for families to kickstart the holiday season. (link)

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 as an undergound city” 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 Opening of the Getty Center (1997)

In 1997, Los Angeles witnessed the grand opening of the Getty Center, one of the most significant cultural and architectural landmarks in the city. Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center, designed by architect Richard Meier, is renowned for its innovative design, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of Los Angeles. Its establishment marked a major expansion of the J. Paul Getty Trust's efforts to make art and culture more accessible to the public.

The center houses an impressive collection of artworks, spanning centuries and continents, including European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts, as well as American and European photographs. The design of the Getty Center is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a unique use of natural light and a layout that encourages visitors to explore both the art and the stunning outdoor spaces.

The opening of the Getty Center was not just an addition to Los Angeles' cultural landscape; it represented the city's growing status as a global hub for art and architecture. It quickly became a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists, symbolizing Los Angeles' commitment to cultural enrichment and architectural innovation. The Getty Center continues to be a vital part of the city's cultural identity, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Famous Angelenos In History

Julia Morgan: 1872-1957

Julia Morgan, a groundbreaking architect whose influence resonates throughout California and particularly in Los Angeles, defied norms and left an indelible mark on the field of architecture. Her pioneering spirit and remarkable body of work have earned her a place among the most respected architects in history.

Childhood and Education (1872-1890)

Julia Morgan was born in San Francisco into a family that nurtured her intellectual pursuits. Her early interest in buildings and design was evident, and she pursued this passion with the support of her mother, a strong advocate for her education.

Academic Pursuits – Berkeley and Beyond (1890-1898)

At the University of California, Berkeley, Morgan studied civil engineering, a field closely related to architecture. Her encounter with mentor Bernard Maybeck, an architect and professor, was pivotal and encouraged her to pursue architecture professionally.

Parisian Challenges – École des Beaux-Arts (1898-1902)

Morgan's determination led her to Paris, where she faced and overcame significant obstacles at the École des Beaux-Arts. Her admission to this prestigious institution was groundbreaking, as she was the first woman to be accepted into its architecture program.

Early Career (1902-1910)

Returning to San Francisco, Morgan began her architectural career. Her early works, including various projects for institutions and private homes, showcased her versatility and attention to detail.

A Woman in Architecture (1910-1920)

In an era when women in architecture were rare, Morgan established her own practice. Her work during this period was marked by a blend of strength and elegance, embodying both functional and aesthetic excellence.

Building a Legacy (1920-1930)

Morgan's collaboration with William Randolph Hearst on Hearst Castle brought her talents into sharp focus. This project allowed her to explore and execute grand designs, blending various architectural styles in a cohesive and innovative manner.

Contributions to Education and Healthcare (1930-1940)

Beyond Hearst Castle, Morgan contributed significantly to the design of educational and healthcare facilities. Her work on projects like Mills College and the Los Angeles YWCA showcased her ability to create spaces that were both functional and nurturing.

Expanding Portfolio (1940-1950)

During this decade, Morgan's practice flourished. She took on diverse projects across California, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and skilled architect.

A Quiet Retirement (1950-1957)

In her later years, Morgan began to step away from the rigors of her profession, though her interest in architecture never waned. She lived a relatively private life until her passing, leaving behind a rich architectural legacy.

Honoring a Pioneer (1957-Present)

Posthumously, Morgan's work has been celebrated and studied extensively. Her groundbreaking role as a woman in architecture and her contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the AIA Gold Medal.

Key Achievements of Julia Morgan:

• First woman admitted to the architecture program at the École des Beaux-Arts.

• First woman licensed as an architect in California.

• Designed over 700 buildings, demonstrating a mastery of diverse architectural styles.

• Pioneering work on Hearst Castle, a testament to her architectural brilliance.

• Awarded the AIA Gold Medal posthumously, highlighting her enduring influence on architecture.

Julia Morgan's story is one of relentless pursuit of passion, breaking gender barriers, and leaving an indelible legacy in the world of architecture. Her work, particularly in Los Angeles, continues to inspire admiration and respect, underscoring the lasting impact of her visionary approach to design.

Photo of the Week

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen