History of Los Angeles in Timeline
Los Angeles (L.A.), with a population of about 3.9 million, is the most populous city in California and the second-most populous in the United States. As the commercial, financial, and cultural hub of Southern California, L.A. boasts a diverse population and anchors a metropolitan area of 13.2 million. The broader Greater Los Angeles area, encompassing the Los Angeles and Riverside-San Bernardino metropolitan regions, is home to over 18 million residents.
1900: Paris Hosts the Summer Olympics
Paris hosted its first Summer Olympic Games in 1900, marking the beginning of its journey as a multiple-time host city.
1900: Los Angeles Population Reaches 102,000
The population of Los Angeles surpassed 102,000 residents by 1900, leading to increased demands on the city's water resources.
1903: Los Angeles as a Wartime Manufacturing Hub
During World War II, Los Angeles emerged as a critical center for wartime production, particularly in shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing. Notably, the region produced more aircraft in a single year during this period than in all the years combined since the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903.
September 14, 1908: Los Angeles Implements First Zoning Ordinance
The Los Angeles City Council established the first municipal zoning ordinance in the United States on September 14, 1908, designating residential and industrial land use zones.
1908: Variations in Los Angeles Pronunciation
Librarian Charles Fletcher Lummis observed at least 12 variations in the pronunciation of "Los Angeles" in 1908, advocating for a pronunciation with a hard "g" sound.
1908: London Hosts the Summer Olympics
London hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1908, marking the first of its three times hosting the event.
1910: Hollywood Merges with Los Angeles
Hollywood, with its existing film industry, officially merged with Los Angeles in 1910. At this point, ten movie companies were already operating within the city.
1913: Completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct
The Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed in 1913 under the supervision of William Mulholland, ensuring a water supply to support the continued expansion of the city.
1913: Completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct
The Los Angeles Aqueduct, a major infrastructure project that brought water from Eastern California to support the city's growth, was completed in 1913.
1915: Exceptions to Los Angeles Zoning Ordinance
Between 1908 and 1915, the Los Angeles City Council granted various exceptions to the initial zoning ordinance, allowing some industrial uses to emerge within residential areas.
1916: New York City Zoning Ordinance
The 1916 New York City Zoning Ordinance differed from Los Angeles's earlier ordinance by introducing a comprehensive zoning map and distinguishing between housing types in residential zones.
1921: Los Angeles Becomes Center of Film Industry
By 1921, Los Angeles had cemented its position as a global hub for filmmaking, with more than 80 percent of the world's film industry concentrated in the city.
1923: Construction of Breed Street Shul
The Breed Street Shul, built in 1923 in East Los Angeles, was once a prominent synagogue, being the largest west of Chicago in its early years.
1923: Founding of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel
Aimee Semple McPherson established the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Los Angeles in 1923, with the church initially convening at the Angelus Temple, one of the country's largest churches at the time.
1923: California Becomes Leading Oil Producer
By 1923, fueled by discoveries in and around Los Angeles, California rose to become the top oil-producing state in the United States, contributing approximately one-quarter of the world's total petroleum output.
1924: Paris Hosts the Summer Olympics for the Second Time
In 1924, Paris hosted the Summer Olympic Games for the second time, showcasing its experience and infrastructure in accommodating the global event.
1930: Los Angeles Population Exceeds One Million
Los Angeles achieved a significant population milestone in 1930, surpassing one million residents.
January 15, 1932: Record Snowfall in Downtown Los Angeles
On January 15, 1932, Los Angeles experienced a rare weather event: significant snowfall in the downtown area. The city recorded 2.0 inches of snow, marking the greatest snowfall in its history.
1932: Los Angeles Hosts the Summer Olympics
Los Angeles hosted its first Summer Olympic Games in 1932, marking a significant moment in the city's history, with the event leading to the renaming of 10th Street to Olympic Blvd.
1932: Los Angeles Summer Olympics
Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics for the first time in 1932.
1932: Los Angeles Hosts Summer Olympics
The 1932 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, marked a historical moment as they became one of the only two Olympic Games to turn a profit, according to an analysis of contemporary newspaper reports. This success solidified the city's ability to host large-scale international events.
1932: Los Angeles Hosts Summer Olympics
The city of Los Angeles was chosen to host the Summer Olympics in 1932.
1933: Long Beach Earthquake
The 1933 Long Beach earthquake was a significant seismic event that shook the Los Angeles area, causing widespread damage and highlighting the region's vulnerability to earthquakes.
1934: Official Pronunciation of Los Angeles
The United States Board on Geographic Names declared the pronunciation /lɔːs ˈændʒələs/ as the official pronunciation for federal government use in 1934.
1939: Union Station Opens in Los Angeles
Union Station, the primary rail station in Los Angeles and the largest passenger rail terminal in the Western United States, was inaugurated in 1939.
1940: Demographic Shift in Los Angeles
In 1940, Los Angeles's population was predominantly Non-Hispanic White, making up 86.3% of the city's residents.
1946: Rams' Early Years in Los Angeles
The Rams' history in Los Angeles dates back to 1946 when they first played their home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, becoming the city's first professional sports team.
1946: Aleutian Islands Tsunami
In 1946, Los Angeles experienced the impact of a distant earthquake when a tsunami, triggered by the Aleutian Islands earthquake, caused damage to the city's harbor areas, demonstrating the far-reaching effects of seismic events.
1948: London Hosts the Summer Olympics for the Second Time
The Summer Olympic Games returned to London in 1948, solidifying the city's capability in organizing and hosting such a large-scale event.
January 4, 1949: Lowest Temperature Recorded Downtown
The lowest temperature ever officially recorded in downtown Los Angeles was a frigid 28°F, on January 4, 1949. This event, though unusual, demonstrates that even in a city known for its mild weather, there can be periods of significant cold.
1952: Endorsement of Official Los Angeles Pronunciation
A "jury" appointed by Mayor Fletcher Bowron endorsed the pronunciation /lɔːs ˈændʒələs/ as the official pronunciation of Los Angeles in 1952.
1953: Study on Los Angeles Pronunciation
A 1953 article published in the journal of the American Name Society highlighted that the pronunciation of Los Angeles, /lɔːs ˈændʒələs/, became established after the city's incorporation in 1850.
1956: Dedication of Los Angeles California Temple
The Los Angeles California Temple, the second largest of its kind operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was dedicated in 1956. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard in Westwood, it was the first such temple built in California and held the title of the world's largest upon completion.
1960: Los Angeles Zoned Housing Capacity
In 1960, Los Angeles had zoning regulations in place that allowed for a potential population of approximately 10 million people.
1960: Valdivia Earthquake and Tsunami
The 1960 Valdivia earthquake, one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded, caused a tsunami that traveled across the Pacific Ocean and caused damage to harbor areas in Los Angeles, highlighting the city's vulnerability to tsunamis triggered by distant earthquakes.
1960: Chargers' Inaugural Season
The San Diego Chargers played their inaugural season in Los Angeles in 1960 before relocating to San Diego.
1962: Last Snowfall Before 2019
Prior to the snowfall in February 2019, the last time Los Angeles experienced snow was in 1962. This long gap between snowfall events highlights the rarity of such weather occurrences in the city.
1964: Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
Los Angeles experienced the effects of another tsunami in 1964, this time triggered by a powerful earthquake in Alaska. The tsunami waves caused damage to the city's harbor areas, underscoring the potential for tsunamis to impact coastal regions far from the earthquake's epicenter.
1965: Watts Riots in Los Angeles
Tragically, in 1965, racial tensions in Los Angeles culminated in the Watts riots, a significant civil unrest that resulted in 34 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries.
1969: Birthplace of the Internet
In 1969, California earned the distinction of being the birthplace of the Internet. This momentous occasion was marked by the first ARPANET transmission, sent from UCLA to the Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park.
1971: San Fernando Earthquake
The Los Angeles area experienced another significant earthquake in 1971, the San Fernando earthquake. The event caused considerable damage and served as a stark reminder of the region's location on the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire.
1973: Tom Bradley Elected Mayor
A significant political shift occurred in Los Angeles in 1973 when Tom Bradley was elected as the city's first African American mayor. He held this position for five terms, finally retiring in 1993.
1974: Symbionese Liberation Army Standoff
The Symbionese Liberation Army's standoff in South Central Los Angeles in 1974 was a major event of the decade, drawing national attention and raising concerns about domestic terrorism.
1977: Hillside Stranglers Murders Begin
A dark chapter in Los Angeles's history began in 1977 with the start of the Hillside Stranglers murder cases. The string of killings continued until 1978, instilling fear in the city and posing a significant challenge to law enforcement.
1978: Proposition 13 Impacts School Funding
Following the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, urban school districts, including the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), faced significant funding challenges.
1978: Hillside Stranglers Murders End
The Hillside Stranglers murders, which terrorized Los Angeles from 1977, finally came to an end in 1978. The case, with its multiple victims and brutal nature, left a lasting mark on the city's psyche.
January 29, 1979: Last Freezing Temperature Recorded Downtown
January 29, 1979, marked the last time the temperature dropped to freezing at the downtown Los Angeles weather station, highlighting the city's generally mild climate. While freezing temperatures are rare in the basin and along the coast, they occur more frequently in valley locations, and the mountains within the city limits typically experience snowfall every winter.
1979: Rams' Move to Anaheim Stadium
After playing at the Coliseum for over three decades, the Rams moved to Anaheim Stadium in 1980, where they remained until 1994.
1980: High Homicide Rate in Los Angeles
Los Angeles reported a high homicide rate of 34.2 per 100,000 residents in 1980.
1980: Rams' Move to Anaheim Stadium
The Rams relocated to Anaheim Stadium in 1980 after playing at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 1946 to 1979.
1984: Los Angeles Hosts the Summer Olympics for the Second Time
In 1984, Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games for the second time, solidifying its reputation as a suitable host for large-scale international sporting events.
1984: Los Angeles Summer Olympics
Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympics for the second time in 1984.
1984: Los Angeles Hosts Summer Olympics
For the second time in its history, Los Angeles hosted the Summer Olympic Games in 1984. Despite facing a boycott by 14 Communist countries, the games proved to be a resounding success. They not only became the most financially successful Olympics up to that point but also only the second to generate a profit, the first being the 1932 Summer Olympics, which were also held in Los Angeles.
1984: Los Angeles Becomes Second Largest City in the U.S.
In early 1984, Los Angeles achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Chicago in population. This officially made it the second-largest city in the United States, solidifying its position as a major urban center.
1985: Los Angeles Hosts the Deaflympics
Los Angeles hosted the Deaflympics in 1985, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity in sports and showcasing its facilities for diverse athletic events.
1987: Whittier Narrows Earthquake
In 1987, the Whittier Narrows earthquake struck the Los Angeles area, causing damage and injuries, further emphasizing the region's vulnerability to seismic activity along the San Andreas Fault system.
1990: Reduction in Los Angeles Housing Capacity
By 1990, due to policy changes and zoning restrictions that limited housing development, the city's zoned capacity had been significantly reduced to 4.5 million people.
1990: Los Angeles Metro Rail's First Line Opens
The Los Angeles Metro Rail system's inaugural line, the A Line, commenced operations in 1990.
April 29, 1992: Rodney King Riots
Racial tensions reached a boiling point in Los Angeles on April 29, 1992, following the acquittal of four LAPD officers in the Rodney King beating case. The officers, captured on videotape brutally beating King, were acquitted by a Simi Valley jury, sparking outrage and leading to large-scale riots across the city.
1992: Murders in Los Angeles Peak
The city of Los Angeles recorded a staggering 1,092 murders in 1992.
1993: Tom Bradley Retires
After serving for two decades, Tom Bradley, the first African American mayor of Los Angeles, retired in 1993, leaving a lasting impact on the city's political landscape.
1994: Northridge Earthquake
The 1994 Northridge earthquake stands out as a particularly destructive seismic event in Los Angeles's history. It caused widespread damage and loss of life, serving as a stark reminder of the ever-present risk of earthquakes in the region.
1994: Northridge Earthquake
In 1994, Los Angeles was struck by a devastating natural disaster - the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake. The quake caused widespread damage, totaling $12.5 billion, and tragically resulted in 72 deaths.
1994: Rams' Departure from Los Angeles
In 1994, the Rams left Los Angeles to relocate to St. Louis, marking the end of their time at Anaheim Stadium.
1995: Departure of Rams and Raiders
In 1995, Los Angeles saw the departure of both its NFL teams, the Rams and the Raiders, leaving the city without a team for two decades.
June 8, 1999: City of Los Angeles Adopts New Charter
On June 8, 1999, the City of Los Angeles adopted its current charter, which has undergone multiple amendments since. The city operates under a mayor-council government with Karen Bass as the current mayor.
1999: FIFA Women's World Cup at the Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl hosted four matches of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup, culminating in the final where the United States triumphed over China in a penalty shootout. This game is widely remembered for Brandi Chastain's iconic celebration, removing her shirt after scoring the winning penalty kick.
1999: Los Angeles Establishes Neighborhood Councils
In 1999, the City of Los Angeles established a system of advisory neighborhood councils through its voter-ratified charter. These councils aim to represent the diverse perspectives of residents, workers, and property owners within each neighborhood.
September 2002: Cathedral Opening
September 2002 marked the opening of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown Los Angeles, overseen by Cardinal Roger Mahony, the archbishop of the largest archdiocese in the country.
2002: Secession Efforts Defeated
The year 2002 saw Los Angeles facing potential division as secession movements gained traction in the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood. However, under the leadership of Mayor James Hahn, a campaign against secession successfully rallied voters, ultimately defeating the efforts to break away from the city.
2005: Housing Units Increase
Between 2005 and 2009, Los Angeles witnessed a significant increase in the number of housing units, rising from 1,298,350 to 1,413,995. This growth in housing stock reflected the city's continued population growth and demand for housing.
2006: Los Angeles Commute Time Compared
In 2006, the average commute time for workers in Los Angeles was 29.2 minutes, which was similar to the commute times in San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
2006: Los Angeles Ranked Most Polluted City
The American Lung Association's annual report in 2006 delivered a concerning assessment of Los Angeles's air quality. The city was ranked as the most polluted in the country for both short-term and year-round particle pollution, highlighting the ongoing challenges of smog and air pollution despite improvements from previous decades.
2007: Los Angeles Remains Most Polluted City
For the second consecutive year, in 2007, the American Lung Association ranked Los Angeles as the most polluted city in the United States. The city continued to struggle with high levels of short-term and year-round particle pollution, raising concerns about public health and the effectiveness of air quality control measures.
2008: Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Rank as Fifth Busiest Worldwide
In 2008, the seaports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, together known as the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor, achieved the ranking of fifth busiest container port globally, handling over 14.2 million TEUs.
2008: Previous Peak in Murders
In 2008, Los Angeles experienced a peak in murders.
2008: Los Angeles Ranked Second Most Polluted City
While still facing significant air pollution challenges, Los Angeles showed slight improvement in the American Lung Association's 2008 rankings. The city moved to second place on the list of the most polluted cities in the country, though it continued to have the highest levels of year-round particulate matter pollution.
2009: Los Angeles Reaches 50-Year Low in Homicides
Los Angeles experienced a significant decrease in crime, reaching a 50-year low in homicides with 314 recorded cases in 2009. This translates to a rate of 7.85 per 100,000 population.
2009: Housing Units Reach 1,413,995
By 2009, the number of housing units in Los Angeles had reached 1,413,995, marking a substantial increase from 2005. This growth in housing stock was indicative of the city's ongoing development and the need to accommodate a growing population.
September 27, 2010: Highest Temperature Recorded Downtown
Los Angeles experienced its highest recorded temperature at the official downtown station on September 27, 2010, when the mercury reached a scorching 113°F. This extreme heat event highlighted the city's vulnerability to heat waves, particularly during the summer months.
2010: Median Household Income and Poverty Rate
Data from the 2010 United States Census revealed that the median household income in Los Angeles was $49,497. However, the city also faced challenges with poverty, as 22.0% of the population was reported to be living below the federal poverty line, highlighting income inequality and the need for economic opportunities and support for vulnerable communities.
2010: Los Angeles Achieves Renewable Energy Goal
In 2010, Los Angeles celebrated a significant achievement in its efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The city successfully met its goal of generating 20 percent of its power from renewable sources, marking a significant step towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and improving air quality.
2010: Chile Earthquake and Tsunami
In 2010, a powerful earthquake off the coast of Chile generated a tsunami that reached the shores of Los Angeles. While the damage was not as extensive as previous tsunami events, it served as a reminder of the city's vulnerability to these powerful ocean surges.
2010: Demographic Shift in Los Angeles
In 2010, a significant demographic shift was observed in Los Angeles, with Non-Hispanic Whites constituting 28.7% of the population, a stark contrast to their 86.3% representation in 1940.
2010: 2010 U.S. Census Data for Los Angeles
The 2010 United States Census provided a detailed snapshot of Los Angeles's demographics. The city had a population of 3,792,621, with a median age of 34.1 years. The racial makeup was diverse, with Whites making up 49.8% of the population, followed by Hispanics or Latinos at 48.5%, African Americans at 9.6%, Asians at 11.3%, and other racial groups making up smaller percentages.
2010: Los Angeles: A City of Diversity
The 2010 census highlighted the rich cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. The city was home to people from over 140 countries, speaking 224 different languages. This diversity was reflected in vibrant ethnic enclaves like Chinatown, Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown, Little Armenia, Little Ethiopia, Tehrangeles, Little Tokyo, Little Bangladesh, and Thai Town, showcasing the city's global character and the contributions of various immigrant communities.
2011: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
The 2011 Japan earthquake, a massive earthquake that triggered a devastating tsunami, also had an impact on Los Angeles. The tsunami waves caused damage to the city's harbor areas, demonstrating the interconnectedness of coastal regions and the global reach of these powerful events.
2011: Revival of a Historic Tradition
In 2011, a historic tradition of a procession and Mass honoring Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, commemorating the city's 1781 founding, was revived by the Queen of Angels Foundation and supported by the Archdiocese.
2012: London Hosts the Summer Olympics for the Third Time
London became the first city to host the Summer Olympic Games three times when it organized the event in 2012.
2012: Los Angeles Kings Win the Stanley Cup
The Los Angeles Kings secured the 2012 Stanley Cup title, making Los Angeles one of only six North American cities to have won championships in all five major sports leagues: MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS.
2012: Los Angeles: An Alpha World City
A 2012 study by Loughborough University researchers designated Los Angeles as an "alpha world city," signifying its global influence and interconnectedness.
2013: Los Angeles Has Nation's Worst Smog
Despite ongoing efforts to combat air pollution, Los Angeles continued to face challenges, as evidenced by the American Lung Association's 2013 survey. The survey ranked the Los Angeles metropolitan area as having the worst smog in the nation and the fourth-highest levels of both short-term and year-round pollution. This highlighted the ongoing need for stricter air quality regulations and continued investment in clean energy solutions.
2013: Murders Decline in Los Angeles
Los Angeles saw a decline in murders in 2013, recording 251 cases, a 16% decrease from the previous year.
2014: Religious Study in Los Angeles
A 2014 Pew Research Center study revealed Christianity as the most practiced religion in Los Angeles, with a 65% prevalence.
2014: Study on Mange in Urban Bobcats
A 2014 study by Serieys et al. investigated the prevalence of mange in the urban bobcat population of Los Angeles. The study found that while mange is a common issue among these bobcats, there is evidence of selection for immune genetics at several loci, suggesting a potential for these animals to develop resistance to future mange outbreaks.
2014: Port of Los Angeles Welcomes Nearly 600,000 Cruise Passengers
In 2014, the Port of Los Angeles solidified its position as the largest cruise ship center on the West Coast, accommodating approximately 590,000 passengers at its World Cruise Center.
2015: Los Angeles Hosts the Special Olympics World Summer Games
In 2015, Los Angeles further cemented its dedication to inclusive sporting events by hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games, providing a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
2015: LAPD Under-Reporting Crime Revealed
In 2015, it came to light that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had been under-reporting crime statistics for eight years, resulting in a misrepresentation of the city's actual crime rate.
2015: Los Angeles Without an NFL Team
Until 2015, Los Angeles had been without an NFL team for two decades since the departure of the Rams and Raiders in 1995.
January 12, 2016: Rams Return to Los Angeles
On January 12, 2016, the NFL announced the Rams' return to Los Angeles for the 2016 season, marking their comeback after a 21-season absence.
2016: Public Transportation Use in Los Angeles
According to the 2016 American Community Survey, 9.2% of employed residents in the city of Los Angeles commuted to work using public transportation.
2016: Legalization of Cannabis
In 2016, Los Angeles legalized the sale and distribution of cannabis.
January 12, 2017: Chargers Relocate to Los Angeles
On January 12, 2017, the San Diego Chargers announced their relocation to Los Angeles, returning to the city where they played their inaugural season in 1960.
2017: Los Angeles in the Global Financial Centres Index
In the 2017 Global Financial Centres Index, Los Angeles secured the 19th position globally and sixth within the U.S. as a competitive financial hub.
2018: Los Angeles Metropolitan Area GDP
The Los Angeles metropolitan area achieved a gross metropolitan product of over $1.0 trillion in 2018, making it the city with the third-largest GDP globally, after New York and Tokyo.
2018: Fortune 500 Companies in Los Angeles
As of 2018, Los Angeles housed three Fortune 500 companies: AECOM, CBRE Group, and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., further solidifying its status as a business hub.
2018: Los Angeles Metropolitan Area's Economic Powerhouse Status
By 2018, the Los Angeles metropolitan area had achieved a gross metropolitan product surpassing $1.0 trillion, securing its position as the third largest economic metropolitan area globally.
February 2019: Most Recent Snowfall in Los Angeles
February 2019 brought a rare sight to Los Angeles: snowfall. This marked the most recent instance of snow in the city, breaking a dry spell that had lasted since 1962. While not as common as in surrounding mountainous areas, snowfall in Los Angeles serves as a reminder of the region's diverse microclimates.
August 2019: KCET Returns to PBS
In August 2019, KCET rejoined the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) network as a secondary affiliate. Prior to this, it operated as the nation's largest independent public television station for eight years.
October 2019: Regulation of Cannabis Industry
By October 2019, following the 2016 legalization of cannabis sale and distribution, over 300 cannabis businesses, including retailers and suppliers, received operational approval in Los Angeles.
2019: Los Angeles Ranked Most Congested in U.S.
The Texas Transportation Institute's Urban Mobility Report for 2019 ranked Los Angeles as having the most congested roads in the United States. This ranking was based on the annual delay per traveler, with Los Angeles residents experiencing an average of 119 hours stuck in traffic that year.
2019: Factors Contributing to Homelessness
In 2019, nearly 60% of the 82,955 newly homeless individuals in Los Angeles cited economic hardship as the primary cause, highlighting the role of housing affordability and substance abuse in the city's homelessness crisis.
2019: Union Station Passenger Traffic
In 2019, Union Station recorded 1.4 million Amtrak boardings and de-boardings, making it Amtrak's fifth busiest station.
January 2020: Homelessness in Los Angeles
By January 2020, Los Angeles City reported 41,290 homeless individuals, marking a 14.2% rise from the previous year and representing about 62% of LA County's homeless population.
September 6, 2020: Highest Temperature Recorded in Los Angeles
On September 6, 2020, the weather station at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, within the San Fernando Valley neighborhood of Los Angeles, recorded a blistering 121°F. This marked the highest temperature ever officially recorded within the City of Los Angeles, underscoring the region's susceptibility to extreme heat events.
2020: Population of Los Angeles
In 2020, the population of Los Angeles was recorded at roughly 3.9 million residents, making it the second-most populous city in the United States at that time.
2020: Rams and Chargers Move to SoFi Stadium
The Rams and Chargers moved to the newly constructed SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in 2020, providing a state-of-the-art venue for both teams.
January 2021: Recent Snowfall Adjacent to Los Angeles
In January 2021, areas adjacent to Los Angeles experienced snowfall, reminding residents that even though snow is rare within the city limits, it can occur in close proximity, particularly at higher elevations.
2021: Murders Rise in Los Angeles
In 2021, murders in Los Angeles increased to their highest level since 2008, with a total of 348 recorded cases.
2022: Los Angeles Metro Rail Ridership
The Los Angeles Metro Rail system served a total of 57,299,800 riders in 2022.
2022: Los Angeles Metro Bus Ridership
In 2022, the Los Angeles Metro Bus system recorded a total of 197,950,700 riders.
2022: Karen Bass Becomes First Female Mayor
In 2022, Los Angeles marked a historic milestone with the election of Karen Bass as its mayor. This made her the first female mayor in the city's history and also distinguished Los Angeles as the largest U.S. city to ever have a woman in the top executive position.
2022: Los Angeles County Population and Tourism
In 2022, Los Angeles County, where the city is located, had an estimated population of 9.86 million, making it the most populous county in the United States. The city itself saw over 2.7 million visitors, ranking it as the fourth-most visited city in the U.S.
2022: Michelin Guide Recognition
By 2022, Los Angeles's diverse culinary scene earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, with ten restaurants receiving stars, including two restaurants awarded two stars and eight restaurants granted one star.
2023: Los Angeles Metro Rail System Expansion
As of 2023, the Los Angeles Metro Rail system has undergone significant expansion and now comprises 101 stations spanning 107.4 miles (172.8 kilometers) of rail, encompassing various areas within Los Angeles County.
2023: Los Angeles Metro Bus Ridership Update
As of the third quarter of 2023, the Los Angeles Metro Bus system had an average weekday ridership of approximately 692,500.
2023: Los Angeles Metro Rail Ridership Update
As of the third quarter of 2023, the Los Angeles subway system ranked as the ninth busiest in the United States, while the light rail system held the position of the second busiest nationwide. During this period, the Metro Rail system recorded an average weekday ridership of about 189,200.
2024: Paris to Host Summer Olympics for the Third Time
Paris is scheduled to host the Summer Olympic Games for the third time in 2024, joining London in this achievement before Los Angeles follows suit in 2028.
2026: Los Angeles to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup
Los Angeles has been selected as one of eleven host cities in the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Matches are scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium.
2028: Los Angeles to Host Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games
Los Angeles is gearing up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympic Games. This will be the city's third time hosting the Olympics, making it the third city in the world to achieve this distinction.
2028: Los Angeles Summer Olympics
Los Angeles is scheduled to host the Summer Olympics again in 2028.
2028: Los Angeles to Host Summer Olympics for the Third Time
Los Angeles is set to host the Summer Olympic Games for a historic third time in 2028, joining London and Paris as the only cities to achieve this feat.