Mexico's Last Stand in California
In January 1847, Los Angeles was the final holdout against a U.S. military invasion of Mexican California. On the morning of January 8, anxious defenders were dug in for a fight, anxiously awaiting approaching American troops.
Largest Employers in Los Angeles County
There are more than 5 million people at work in Los Angeles County. Almost 1 in 5 work for this list of the county's largest employers.
L.A.'s First Pandemic Christmas
As we make our way through what has become a horrific pandemic holiday season, it may help to know that Angelenos have survived this before. It may even sound familiar.
First Public Hanukkah Menorah on the West Coast
Public Christmas trees have been a beloved feature of American holiday seasons since the early 20th century. Public Hanukkah menorahs, however, the most important symbol of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah, are more recent. Los Angeles saw one of the earliest installations.
Disability in Los Angeles County
Almost one million people in Los Angeles County manage their lives with a physical disability.
Yaangna - Early Los Angeles Community
For a period of time, it was the largest community in what is now Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County's Earliest Known Resident
Long before Wilshire Boulevard and Hollywood, she lived here. It did not seem, however, to end well.
Veterans in Los Angeles County
More U.S. military veterans live in Los Angeles County than in any other county in the United States. More than 18,000 are women.
Presidential Election Results, Los Angeles County, 1852-2020
Who did Los Angeles County voters select to become the next U.S. president in presidential elections since 1852?
Dodgers in the World Series, 1916-2020
Since 1916, 21 World Series appearances and 7 championships.
Don't Wish that You Had Prepared for "the Big One"
A monstrous earthquake can strike Southern California at any time. We promise that you and your loved ones will be much better off if you are prepared for it.
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the NBA for total number of NBA Championships and total Final games won.
Mortality in Los Angeles County
63,000 people die each year in Los Angeles County. What are the leading causes?
Friendship in the Face of Injustice
It is one thing to speak out against injustice. It is another to accept it as your own.
Hispanic Heritage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Four people of Hispanic and Los Angeles heritage who set high bars (some literally) in math, science and engineering.
Los Angeles County Hispanics/Latinos - By the Numbers
What do the numbers look like for Los Angeles County's largest ethnic group?
Some quick numbers about Los Angeles County workers.
Putting a Face on the Founders of Los Angeles
We put a face on the small band of 44 men, women and children who trekked almost one thousand miles to found El Pueblo de la Reina de los Angeles.
Cost of Educating a Pupil, K-12, in Los Angeles County
What does it cost to provide a public education for our kids in Los Angeles County?
Angelenos very much need to prepare for THE BIG ONE.
The Late, Great Animal Amusements of Los Angeles County
Angelenos once mounted ostriches and alligators, gawked at celebrity lions, threw peanuts at monkeys, and cheered killer whales.
Things Invented or Introduced in Los Angeles County
16 things that were invented or introduced in right in our own backyard.
Original People of Los Angeles County
People began permanently populating what is now Los Angeles County about 3,000 years ago. Their descendants are still here.
Licensed Hospitals in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County's 124 hospitals serve more than 10 million people and range in size from 12 beds at Catalina Island Medical Center to almost 900 beds at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Los Angeles County Consumer Spending
As happened across the nation, after the COVID-19 outbreak, consumer spending in Los Angeles County fell considerably from January through July 2020. Source: Opporutnity Insights Economic Tracker.
Click on chart for larger image
Homelessness in Los Angeles County
The 2020 homeless count in Los Angeles County came to be the highest in at least 15 years.
California's First Independence Day Celebration
California's first Independance Day celebration was held in Los Angeles in 1847, but, Angelenos then may have found a bit of irony in it.
The Segregated Beaches of Los Angeles County
For a period of time, for some Angelenos who wished to enjoy a day at the beach, their options were limited.
Long Before Stonewall, LGBTQ Angelenos Rose Against Injustice
By the time of the historic 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York, LGBTQ Angelenos had already risen up against unrelenting police abuses.
Six Stark Charts Show the Racial Disparities in Los Angeles County
We knew there are racial economic disparities in L.A. We were struck by just how much so.
This May Have Been L.A.'s Largest Wave of Unemployment Ever
Almost one million Angelenos found themselves unemployed in April 2020. This was likely the worst unemployment experienced by Los Angeles County since the Great Depression.
Angelenos Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
About 12,000 service men and women from Los Angeles County gave their lives in wars since 1941.
The Asian Capital of the United States
Los Angeles County is home to the largest Asian population in the United States and some of the largest ethnic Asian populations outside Asia.
Joining Together to Make Face Shields for L.A.'s Frontline
Join a collective effort to manufacture face shields for front-line workers in Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles Rainfall, 2019-2020 Season
One bit of good news during the COVID-19 Pandemic: L.A.'s rainfall season did not turn out so badly.
Poverty Guidelines in Los Angeles County
At what point does one fall beneath the poverty level in Los Angeles County?
Fastest Growing Occupations in Los Angeles County
Here are projections for the fastest growing occupations in Los Angeles County.
She is the only Native American woman known to have led a revolt against white domination.
Besides humans, they are considered the top predator in Los Angeles County.
Pet Ownership in Los Angeles County
More than half of Los Angeles County households are estimated to have at least one type of pet animal or another. How many pet households are in your community and what kind of pets do they own?
When Los Angeles Last Faced a Pandemic
Today's coronavirus threat is not the first time Angelenos faced a frightening pandemic. We can learn something from that last experience.
America's First Woman Police Officer
Los Angeles Police Officer Alice Stebbins Wells was the first woman in America to serve fully as a police officer.
If you today face a criminal charge and cannot afford to hire a defense attorney, thank Clara Shortridge Foltz.
Los Angeles County Voter Turnout
In Los Angeles County elections, only 1 out of every 3 eligible voters, on average, selects who governs us and how we are governed. Oftentimes less.
Los Angeles in "The Green Book"
From 1939 through 1966, this guidebook was indispensible for many African American visitors to the Los Angeles area and other major U.S. cities.
Our African American Legacy in Science, Engineering & Medicine
Eleven people connected to Los Angeles County who broke racial barriers and made their marks in science, engineering, medicine.
Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles
It is the only Los Angeles neighborhood to recognize an African culture. It also made U.S. history.
Los Angeles County in the U.S. Congress
Among those members of Congress representing Los Angeles County, prominently involved in the current impeachment process in Washington D.C., is Adam Schiff (Democrat, 28th District) and Kevin McCarthy (Republican, 23rd District). Los Angeles County is represented by 18 of the 53 people elected from California to the U.S. House of Representatives. It has the largest congressional roster representing any county in the United States.
Greetings From Los Angeles:
Vintage Postcard Views of Los Angeles County
Take a tour of Los Angeles County's past through our online exhibit of more than 500 vintage postcards.
Los Angeles Seasonal Rainfall Since 1877
Los Angeles has recorded each season's total rainfall since 1877.
88 Cities and 138 Other Communities
The City of Los Angeles is one among 87 other cities and 138 unincorporated communities that make up the "crazy-quilt" that is Los Angeles County.
Los Angeles County Archives & Records Center
Here, Los Angeles County keeps and dispenses copies of 94 years of its court files, dated from 1910 through 2004.
Southern California's First Christmas Tree
It was believed to be the first Christmas tree ever erected anywhere in Southern California.
Most Popular Radio Stations in the Los Angeles Area
With more than 11 million potential listeners every day, the Los Angeles metro area is the second largest radio market in the nation. So, what stations do we like to listen to?
Yes, it has snowed in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles County Origins of Some Famous Food Empires
Some well-known restaurant empires had their origins right here in Los Angeles County.
Emergency Rooms in Los Angeles County
In 2018, there were 3,238,050 visits to the 75 hospital emergency departments in Los Angeles County.
Gasoline Prices in Los Angeles County
March 1990 was when Los Angeles County last saw gasoline prices below $1.00 per gallon. By 2008, it hit its record peak.
Mysterious L.A.: The Blackburn Cult
Animal sacrifices, cadaver preservation, disappearing people. The Blackburn Cult was among the strangest of religious cults to have started in Los Angeles.
Mysterious L.A.: The Legend of an Underground World
The legend of a civilization of "lizard people" living below what is now Los Angeles is one of L.A.'s great folklores.
Mysterious L.A.: The Mysterious Battle of Los Angeles, 1942
What did anti-aircraft gunners shoot at for more than an hour in the skies over Los Angeles during the early morning of September 25, 1942?
Mysterious L.A.: Bigfoot in Los Angeles County
There are stories of a large, hair-covered, foul-smelling, bipedal creature frightening hikers, campers and hunters in the mountains of Los Angeles County since the 1960s.
The Hispanic/Latino Population of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County has the largest Hispanic/Latino population of any county in the United States. So, who is this Hispanic/Latino population?
Since the 1940s, Los Angeles has gotten warmer. Sorry to say, it looks like the future Los Angeles will be warmer yet.
What U.S. Census surveys tell us about how Los Angeles County commuter patterns have changed over the last 30 years.
20 Interesting Things About Pasadena
Let's start with one of the most beautiful public buildings in Southern California. Then there's booze, silly string, occultists, comedy, one amazing athlete...
Wireless Use in Los Angeles County - By the Numbers
Just how much are people on their wireless devices in Los Angeles County?
If Los Angeles County Were a State
The population of Los Angeles County alone is larger than that of most U.S. states. Population-wise, if Los Angeles County were actually a state of its own (and, geographically, it is larger than either of the states of Rhode Island or Delaware), where would it rank among U.S. states?
From Downey, California, to the Moon
50 years ago, human beings accomplished what was arguably our most amazing engineering feat ever – to set foot upon the surface of the moon. Downey had an important part in making that happen.
Fashion Schools in Los Angeles County
The $18 billion fashion industry in Los Angeles County is the largest in the nation. It is supported by an impressive array of local fashion schools.
Ten Wonderful July 4th Fireworks Shows Around Los Angeles County
Angelenos have a variety of great venues in which to celebrate Independence Day with fun and fireworks. Here are ten to enjoy, among other places, on an island, in a ball park or cemetery or among monster trucks.
22 Interesting Things About Avalon & Santa Catalina Island
No. You do not need a passport to visit the island, although, some have argued differently.
The Founding Father of Los Angeles
He planned and arranged the establishment of this little settlement near the Los Angeles River.
What People Earn by Occupation in Los Angeles County
Explore the range of earnings among 727 different occupations in Los Angeles County.
Two of America's Earliest Battlefield Casualties in Iraq - Immigrants
Two U.S. Marines from Los Angeles County were the 1st and 49th Americans in the Iraq War to have sacrificed their lives for their country. At the time of their deaths, however, these two American marines were not actually American.
Very Ancient in Southern California
Some say that, besides geology and fossils, there is nothing ancient in Southern California. Actually, there exists something here that is 13,000 years old and still lives. Yet, that may not be for much longer.
How Surfing Came to Southern California
This young Hawaiian introduced to Southern California what was, even in 1907, an ancient sport: Surfing.
Median Household Income by Zip Code - Los Angeles County
At the high end, one zip code has a median household income of $184,722. At the low end, it's $12,864.
Largest Religious Bodies in Los Angeles County
More than half of Angelenos are affiliated with religious groups. And they range far and wide.
So, how much money does Los Angeles County send to Washington D.C. and Sacramento?
Certified Farmers Markets in Los Angeles County
We may be one of the most urbanized regions in the nation, but we still have direct access to farmers.
Movie and Television Studios in Los Angeles County
They are perhaps the most exotic factories in the world...and perhaps in human history.
If you've driven across the freeways of Los Angeles County, you've probably driven across the work of these women.
Some Notable Women in Los Angeles History
A list of some of the women who had signficant impact in the history of Los Angeles County.
Largest Privately-Owned Companies Based in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County's eight largest privately-owned companies took in $30 billion and employed more than 93,000 people.
And one sells cool guitars.
Wealthiest People in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County has one of the highest concentration of billionaires in the United States. The 27 wealthiest Angelenos have a combined wealth of $123 billion.
A Fight for the Right to Care in Los Angeles
Los Angeles was the setting for a significant early 20th century civil rights victory.
The Arteries of Los Angeles County
If Los Angeles County freeways were straightened and lined-up end-to-end, they would almost reach Oregon or New Mexico.
The Rams in the Super Bowl & Other League Championship Games
Before they face the Patriots in Super Bowl LIII on Feb. 3, the Rams appeared in three prior Super Bowls and three League Championships before that.
The Big One is Coming. Prepare For It.
The Northridge Earthquake hit 25 years ago. What is the probability of a bigger earthquake rupturing L.A.?
By the early 20th Century, bears had been hunted to extinction in Southern California. So where do today's backyard-crashing, pool and jacuzzi-wading bears in Los Angeles County come from?
The Day Los Angeles (and all California) Became American
On January 13, 1847, at this table, in what is now Los Angeles, the future of California was settled.
Rose Bowl (Tournament of Roses) Game Results, From 1902
It is the oldest and, arguably, most prestigious of all post-season college football games. It is "the Granddaddy of them all."
Major Shopping Malls in Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County offers the largest (and, arguably, the most exciting) retail landscape in the United States.
He was the "dark horse" candidate for Sheriff of Los Angeles County and now he has broken a number of century-old precedences.
Bob Baker Marionettes Say "Goodbye" ...to Downtown Los Angeles
It is the oldest children's theater company in Los Angeles and the longest-running puppet theater in the country. It had to bid good-bye to its theater of 55 years.
Should They be Called "Santa Ana" or "Santana" Winds?
We call these superhot winds the "Santa Ana" or, sometimes, "Santana" Winds. Perhaps we are getting it all wrong.
Mysterious L.A.: The Curse of Griffith Park
It is the great park of Los Angeles, but lore says that it is cursed.
Mysterious L.A.: The Monster of Elizabeth Lake
Lore has it that a monster once terrorized a lake in Los Angeles County.
At one time, the Los Angeles region was surrounded by a secret ring of nuclear-tipped missiles.
Mountain Peaks in Los Angeles County
Above the Los Angeles metropolis are towering mountain ranges rising up to 10,000 feet.
Los Angeles County Jail System by the Numbers
Los Angeles County holds the unfortunate distinction of having the largest jail population in the nation.
Future Diversity of Los Angeles County
What will the racial diversity of Los Angeles County look like 40 years from now?
Los Angeles' Auto Manufacturing Past
Los Angeles County once rivaled Detroit as a center for auto manufacturing.
School Districts of Los Angeles County
Including the second largest school district in the nation among them, they educate about 1.5 million K-12 students each year.
The Los Angeles Basin is actually a gigantic bowl of sand.
Minimum Wages in Los Angeles County
Minimum wage earners in Los Angeles County are beginning to see improved wages, better than in many other parts of the country. However, what you earn can vary significantly, depending on where in the county you work.
It became an iconic Los Angeles eatery that blended Japanese, American, pop atomic-age and punk rock culture.
Most Populous Cities in Los Angeles County
Population-wise, as in pretty much every other category, the city of Los Angeles is the "900-pound gorilla" of Los Angeles County. But, which of the other 87 cities have large populations?
July is always a hot month for Los Angeles and August, on average, is the hottest. There is another month, however, that is more likely to break heat records.
Photo by Webstep, courtesy Pixabay.com.
Median Home Values in Los Angeles 1996-2018
The median value of homes in Southern California are perhaps now the highest they have been. Ever.
Los Angeles is nicknamed the "Gang Capital of the United States."
The Most Regrettable Mayors of Los Angeles
Name a major U.S. city where a mayor resigned from office to lead a lynch mob.
We use one all the time. Some are historical. Some are about our most iconic industry.
Los Angeles Zoot Suit Riots, 1943
While a war for freedom raged across two oceans, one of the worst episodes of racial violence in 20th century America ignited in Los Angeles.
The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Los Angeles, June 5, 1968
Fifty years ago, amidst a nation torn by conflict at home and abroad, millions looked to Kennedy in hope. That came to an end on a kitchen floor in Los Angeles.
The Spanish Language in Los Angeles
Is Spanish really a foreign language to Los Angeles?.
Cars, Trucks and Los Angeles Freeways
Of course, not every vehicle on L.A. freeways is registered here and not every vehicle registered here is on the freeway at the same time. Just enough of them are. That is why Los Angeles ranks as the most traffic-congested city in the world.
Miles of Public Roads in Los Angeles County
Vehicles Registered in Los Angeles County
Neighborhoods of the City of Los Angeles
140 major neighborhoods make up the City of Los Angeles. Here are their populations and racial compositions.
There are only two cities in the world in which big wild cats freely roam.
Can a Volcanic Eruption Occur in Los Angeles?
There are eight threatening volcanoes in California. Is the Los Angeles region in the danger zone?
What Do You Call People From...
People from Los Angeles are commonly called "Angelenos." So what are people from Burbank or Long Beach called?
Largest Publicly-Owned Companies Based in Los Angeles County
The 25 largest Los Angeles County-based companies employ more than 600,000 people worldwide.
Some Notable Women in Los Angeles History
They were pioneers, police officers, aviators, activists, leaders.
America's largest local preservation organization not only works to preserve L.A. history, but to eagerly share it.
Locations of the Academy Awards Ceremony
Since 1929, the Academy Awards Ceremony has been held at nine different locations in Los Angeles (and one in Santa Monica).
Executive Order 9066, February 19, 1942
Angelenos of Japanese ancestry are ordered to leave everything behind for relocation camps.
African American History & the Founding of Los Angeles
People of African descent have been in Los Angeles since, well, the beginning of Los Angeles.
Perez vs. Sharp - End to California Miscegenation Laws
In 1948, a couple's lawsuit against Los Angeles County led to California becoming the first state to end laws against interracial marriage.
Animal Shelters of Los Angeles County
In recent years, approximately 102,000 dogs and cats each year are taken just into the shelters of Los Angeles County and the City of Los Angeles.
Mission Bells Along El Camino Real
What are those bells placed along streets and highways in Los Angeles County (and throughout California)?
Orchestras of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County boasts one of the finest orchestras in the world, along with more than two dozen other formally-organized orchestras, the most in any U.S. county.
4-Year+ Colleges & Universities in Los Angeles County
Among Los Angeles County's colleges and universities are some of the best in the nation.
Wildfires of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County has a long history of wildfires. These are the biggest, most destructive and one ranks among the deadliest in U.S. history.
The oldest large-scale Christmas lighting display in the world and a seasonal delight to generations of Christmastime visitors.
Unauthorized Immigrants in Los Angeles County
An estimated one million immigrants in Los Angeles County did not arrive here legally. In Los Angeles' history, they were not the first to do so.
Mysterious L.A.: The Devil's Gate - Gateway to Hell?
The Devil's Gate area has long drawn the attention of paranormal enthusiasts.
The Second Largest Radio Market in the Nation
The greater Los Angeles radio market has 11.5 million potential radio listeners. Three of every four adult Angelenos listen to their radio every day.
Mexico City is a Wake-Up Call, Los Angeles
The San Andreas Fault offers a 19% chance of a 6.7+ earthquake within the next 30 years. It's TIME to prepare.
Poor, Seeking a Better Life, Mostly Dark-Skinned, All Spanish-Speaking
They were the founding families of Los Angeles on September 4, 1781
Origin of the Name "Los Angeles"
There is probably no other major city in America or even in the world whose original name is as disputed as that of Los Angeles.
