5 Events that Made All Los Angeles Residents Feel Like Neighbors
In a city that’s as large and diverse as Los Angeles, forming a close-knit community and coming together for a common cause is something that’s difficult to accomplish. In the past, there was community solidarity after the 1992 Los Angeles riots and the 1994 Northridge earthquake, but it’s hard to believe that these events happened over 20 years ago. With over 200 neighborhoods and districts in the city, the opportunity for locals to feel like neighbors is a rare thing. However, it’s not impossible.
Even though it’s easier for residents to stay at home instead of getting more involved or connecting with their neighbors, every once in a while, something big happens to shake things up. Whether it’s a major event, natural phenomenon, a city disaster, or a worthy cause, there are several events that have brought the folks of Los Angeles together.
Neighborhoods.com compiled a list of the city’s more recent major events that made all LA residents feel connected and neighborly in the aftermath.
The Rams Return to LA after 22 Years
For over two decades, Los Angeles did not have its own NFL team. In 1994, The Rams franchise decided to relocate to St. Louis and became the St. Louis Rams, which they remained until 2015. However, in 2016, it was announced that after 22 years, the Rams were coming home. Shortly afterwards the San Diego Chargers announced that they would be coming to LA as well. From having no NFL teams to two, many football fans in Los Angeles are thrilled about their return.
LA Wildfires
It’s true that Los Angeles is used to consistently temperate weather, but when it starts getting hot, the entire region can feel the heat. Since different parts of LA County sit at the foothills of several mountains and forests, fires can easily start, especially when the area is dry and lacks water. This year alone, California was rocked by over 15 wildfires that resulted in several deaths and destroyed countless acres of land, homes, and structures.
During this natural disaster, many locals and professionals came together to help out those in need. Tens of thousands of firefighters throughout the state joined forces to put out the forest flames and safely remove debris, while hundreds of local volunteers temporarily housed others, worked together for clean-ups, and helped rebuild destroyed property.
Moonlight and La La Land "Best Picture" Mix-Up at the Oscars
In the City of Angels, entertainment and award shows are a regular part of everyday life. However, for last year’s 89th Academy Awards, presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway made a major mistake when they accidentally named the film La La Land for Best Picture instead of Moonlight. This televised fiasco is one that will be remembered in the history of award shows, but especially for residents in LA. After this event, the entire city was buzzing, including media professionals, celebrities, film and television studios, entertainment news outlets, and paparazzi. According to Entertainment Weekly, this monumental mistake was a moment that put Hollywood in a state of shock.
#MeToo
The Me Too Movement is a local and international cause against sexual harassment and assault. It gained momentum earlier this year after it was revealed that media mogul Harvey Weinstein abused his power in entertainment for decades with the young, aspiring, women around him. This scandal thrust the issue of sexual harassment within the workplace into the limelight. In Hollywood, many local residents, including actors, musicians, models, athletes, and many others shared their own personal stories, as well as voiced their support and alliance with victims.
Lebron Signs With The Lakers
After Kobe Bryant’s retirement in 2016, Lakers fans seemed to go into hiding. However, with the recent signing of the basketball superstar Lebron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers back in July, excitement around what the Lakers could become has brought many locals together. Although opinions about the newest Laker are still divisive, everyone from co-workers and neighbors to the local deli and mom-and-pop businesses are talking about it. There’s so much buzz around the new Lakers team that game tickets have soared on Stubhub in the wake of the announcement, with tickets jumping from $50 to $550—and that doesn’t even include fees.