Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Veterans' Day block party at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall

• $8 billion deal for amusement park company merger

• Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

My Goal For The Week

This week, I plan to wake up one hour earlier every day at 5:30am. I like how peaceful it is at that time of morning. I just re-read one of my favourite books called The 5AM Club over the weekend and I am motivated to get back to early rising.

One Idea For a Better Week

Every single day, write down one idea that you could do to make your life 1% better. Think small. Keep doing it. Stack these 1% improvements up over the course of a month, and watch how much it impacts your life.

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 Los Angeles Central Library faced a catastrophic event in 1986. What was it?

A. An earthquake

B. A fire

C. A flood

D. A tornado

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

What was the original name of Los Angeles when it was founded in 1781?

Answer: El Pueblo de la Reina de los Ángeles

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

Los Angeles experienced a notable development in the amusement park business sector, as the companies that own Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm theme parks announced a merger in an $8 billion deal.

🏦 Finance

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc., a California-based global shared intelligent electric mobility company, made headlines by announcing its vehicle delivery schedule in November.

🏒 Sports

On November 1, 2023, a highly anticipated basketball game took place between Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers, with the Lakers winning 130-125.

📰 News

In an effort to address city maintenance issues, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed Executive Directive No. 5 on October 30, 2023, aiming to improve the 311 system for residents to report problems like trash and potholes.

Residents and visitors indulged in a variety of events including a free “Huluween” activation, Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood, Spaghetti Festival at The Elysian, a John Williams Spotlight Series at Disney Concert Hall, and more, marking the week with a blend of spooky fun and cultural celebrations.

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

🏈 Los Angeles Chargers vs. Detroit Lions (November 12) Enjoy a thrilling NFL match as the Chargers host the Lions at SoFi Stadium.

🏀 LA Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (November 12) Witness the competitive spirit at Crypto.com Arena as the LA Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies battle it out on the court.

Music & Concerts

🎶 Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival 2023 (November 11 - November 12) Indulge in a two-day music festival at Dodger Stadium featuring a stellar lineup including Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and many more.

🎸 Vacations and Last Dinosaurs Concert (November 12) Groove to the indie tunes of Vacations and Last Dinosaurs at The Novo, creating a chill vibe to round off the week.

Hobbies

🎖️ VETDAYLA’23 (November 11) Celebrate Veterans' Day at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall with a block party, celebrity Army vs. Navy basketball game, food, games, and a resource fair, honoring the heroes in a festive ambiance.

Family

🍲 Sazon Latin Food Festival (November 12) Delight in a variety of Latin flavors at Mosaic during the Sazon Latin Food Festival, promising a family-friendly culinary adventure.

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 in the year 2100” 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 Hollywood Blacklist [1947]

In 1947, the Hollywood Blacklist emerged from HUAC's quest to root out communism in America, focusing on the film industry as a hub of alleged subversive activity. The Hollywood Ten, a group of screenwriters and directors, were cited for contempt of Congress for their noncooperation, resulting in prison sentences and an industry-wide blacklist.

The Blacklist grew as more individuals were accused of communist ties, leading to a climate of fear and self-censorship. Careers and lives were ruined, as those named were barred from work in the studios, pushing some to write under pseudonyms or leave the country.

By the early 1960s, the Blacklist's influence waned, and those once ostracized found opportunities returning. Its legacy endures as a cautionary tale of political paranoia infringing upon artistic expression and personal beliefs.

Famous Angelenos In History

Charles Mingus (1922-1979)

Charles “Charlie” Mingus Jr., born on April 22, 1922, in Nogales, Arizona, and raised in the Watts area of Los Angeles, was a virtuoso bassist, accomplished pianist, bandleader, and composer. He was one of the most important figures in twentieth-century American music, combining gospel, hard bop, free jazz, and classical music to create an unparalleled fusion that still resonates in the jazz world.

Watts, the Cradle of Inspiration (1922-1939) 

Charles Mingus was raised in a musically enriched environment in Los Angeles, where he was exposed to the church choir and local musicians. This period was crucial in shaping his musical sensibilities and understanding of racial dynamics, which later influenced his music.

Early Musical Endeavors (1940-1949) 

Mingus honed his skills as a bassist in local jazz clubs throughout Los Angeles. In 1945, he toured with Louis Armstrong, and by the late 1940s, he had played with Lionel Hampton's band, where he began writing music that bore his unique signature.

Rising Star in the Jazz Scene (1950-1959) 

The 1950s were prolific for Mingus, with 1956 marking the formation of the Charles Mingus Jazz Workshop, where he gathered musicians who could improvise on his complex compositions, leading to groundbreaking albums like "Pithecanthropus Erectus."

Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus, Mingus (1960-1969) 

In 1963, Mingus released "The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady," a ballet suite that is often considered his masterpiece. He challenged the boundaries of jazz, incorporating elements of classical music and collective improvisation.

Turmoil and Triumph (1970-1977) 

The early 1970s were turbulent for Mingus, who faced health issues and financial struggles. However, he managed a comeback with "Mingus Moves" in 1974, reaffirming his vital place in jazz history.

Farewell and the Mingus Dynasty (1978-1979) 

Mingus was diagnosed with a rare nerve disease in 1977 and passed away in Cuernavaca, Mexico, on January 5, 1979. After his death, the music community honored his legacy, and the Mingus Dynasty bands were formed to continue performing his music.

Major Achievements:

• Pioneered the technique of Jazz workshop which led to the development of modern jazz.

• Composed "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat," a jazz standard.

• Inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame in 1971.

• Posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.

• "Mingus Big Band" won a Grammy for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album in 2011.

Charles Mingus remains an emblematic figure of Los Angeles’ contribution to jazz music. His innovative compositions and performances pushed the boundaries of jazz, making him a seminal figure whose influence is felt throughout the world of music.

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