Misery and malaise cloud LA Why it feels so hopeless this time

Even LA’s greatest boosters had been struggling to spin within the early Nineteen Nineties.

The aerospace industry, an engine of the suburban growth, had collapsed with the tip of the Cold War, bringing a deep recession and real estate crash. Crime, notably murders, was hitting new records. The metropolis’s fragile race relations had crumbled with Rodney King, Latasha Harlins and the 1992 riots. Then, on prime of all that, a massive earthquake hit early on the morning of Jan. 17, 1994.

But for all that shock and ache, the LA dream hardened.

A Los Angeles Times ballot a couple of months after the quake discovered LA County residents feeling good: 78% stated they had been happy with their lives and 70% stated they favored the communities the place they lived. Most felt secure there and had been eager for the long run.

Even the writer appeared stunned by the great vibes: “Our optimism has always confounded the experts,” wrote Frank Clifford. “Despite all that has befallen Los Angeles in the last few years, most people have not slipped into a slough of despond.”

Darkness enveloping LA

These days, “despondency,” “malaise” and “miserable” are phrases usually used to summarize the temper of LA This valley feels not that completely different from the early Nineteen Nineties, marked by damaging fires, the Hollywood slowdown, postpandemic city woes, the homeless disaster and a City Hall hit by a collection of scandals.

Survey after survey underscore the bleakness. UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs was the most recent, with its annual Quality of Life in LA County index dropping to the lowest level ever recorded.

But one factor makes 2026 completely different from the early Nineteen Nineties: affordability. The UCLA report discovered sky-high housing prices and the overall state of costs on the prime of the grievance listing.

John Travolta (R) and Sam Jackson (R) in a scene from the film Pulp Fiction. Miramax Films. Photo by Linda R. Chen

(Miramax Films)

Priced in, priced out

The early Nineteen Nineties, in contrast, had been a time of falling and then stagnant residence costs. So many individuals credit score their fabulous actual property to once-in-a-lifetime deals they received throughout this interval (an acquaintance who was removed from wealthy bought an enormous Los Feliz hacienda in the course of the downturn). LA residence seekers can solely dream of such luck right this moment.

This was the period when the late Jonathan Gold was roaming LA’s neighborhoods discovering distinctive meals that would not break the financial institution. My colleague Laurie Ochoa, an esteemed meals author and Gold’s spouse, stated he believed again then that LA’s distinctive melting pot made it the uncommon metropolis the place you may not simply eat low-cost however extremely nicely.

“Pulp Fiction” got here out a couple of months after that 1994 ballot, and one memorable scene speaks to the worth sensitivities of this period. John Travolta rants to Uma Thurman about that $5 milkshake she orders on the fancy Hollywood-themed restaurant (“That’s just milk and ice cream? … You don’t put bourbon in it or anything?” he asks incredulously). What would he consider Erewon’s $21 Malibu Mango smoothie?

People hike the paths at Runyon Canyon.

(Juliana Yamada/Los Angeles Times)

An affordability agenda

Next week, the candidates for LA mayor will collect for a giant debate. There are so many points dealing with LA — fireplace restoration, homelessness, the struggles of downtown LA, the flight of leisure jobs. Faith in City Hall, at all times shaky, appears in free fall.

But the large query LA desires to know is how the candidates could make LA extra inexpensive, with cheaper housing, extra financial alternative — a spot the place young people without trust funds can think about a future.

It’s not too late. The UCLA survey offered some good news: A “strong majority” of LA County residents nonetheless imagine they’ve alternatives to stay a “good life” stuffed with tradition, scrumptious meals, numerous folks and entry to outside splendor.

They simply want their leaders to assist.

Today’s prime tales

Rifles line a show rack at Turner’s Outdoorsman in Torrance.

(Carlin Stiehl/For The Times)

DC taking pictures suspect charged with making an attempt to assassinate Trump

More rain might be in retailer for LA this week

• Isolated showers may reach Los Angeles this weekwith most elements of Los Angeles having a roughly 20% to 30% probability of rain by Wednesday evening.
• There’s an extra probability of very gentle rain early subsequent week, most likely on Monday, one meteorologist stated. These storms could symbolize the final of SoCal’s wet season, which generally ends in April.

The finest, worst and Hootiest moments of Stagecoach

• Post Malone headlined the final night of Stagecoach with a country-focused set, whereas Hootie & the Blowfish collaborated with Public Enemy on “Fight the Power” in a uncommon political second.
• An early morning earthquake did not dampen Day 3 spirits because the pageant featured ’90s nostalgia acts, superstar pop-ups and Shaboozey’s immersive themed saloon expertise.

What else is occurring

Commentary and opinions

This morning’s must-read

For your downtime

The “And Just Like That…” public sale options greater than 500 a number of clothes, sneakers, decor and props together with a Zimmermann High Tide Ikat linen maxi skirt from Charlotte York-Goldenblatt’s assortment.

(Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

going out

Staying in

A query for you: What’s your favourite California-themed e-book?

william says, “Due to how many times I read it, my favorite California book is ‘The Dreyfus Affair: A Love Story’ by Peter Lefcourt. It’s set in my favorite city, Los Angeles, and tells the story of a very unconventional love affair.”

Email us at essentialcalifornia@latimes.comand your response may seem within the publication this week.

And lastly… your photograph of the day

Tiana Holland, 18, from Buena Vista High School, fashions her new promenade gown on the Positive Results Center’s tenth annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair.

(Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

Today’s nice photograph is from Times photographer Genaro Molina on the tenth annual Prom Dress & Tux Gift-Away and Resource Fair in Los Angeles, the place students were offered free formal attire.

Have an ideal day, from the Essential California group

Jim Rainey, workers reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, quick break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew Campa, weekend author
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

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