Say the two magical words, “Rodeo Drive,” nowadays, and what comes to mind? Most likely, images of tall palm trees paralleling high-end boutiques, rays of sunlight reflecting off the bumpers of luxury cars, and people meandering about with handfuls of designer shopping bags. It is not long ago that Rodeo Drive, along with Beverly Hills, was once quite different from its glamourous reputation. In fact, Rodeo Drive’s beginnings are established on humble grounds.

The first Europeans known to arrive in the area came as part of the Portolà Expedition in 1769, headed by Don José Gaspar de Portolà, the first governor of provincial California. The expedition traversed through Indian territory, from present-day Wilshire Boulevard to present day La Cienega Park, named for a large swamp, “ciénega,” in Spanish. The Tongva (“Gabrieleño”) people who lived in this area considered it to be a holy site due to its precious commodities of water and abundant food. They named the site, “El Rodeo de las Aguas,” translating in English as, “The Gathering of the Waters.” In his discovered journal, the expedition’s chaplain, Friar Juan Crespí, documented sights of “a large vineyard of wild grapes and an infinity of rose bushes.” He went on to describe, “after traveling about half a league we came to a village of this region. People came into the road, greeted us, and offered seeds.”

Following the death of her Spanish soldier husband, Afro-Latina and early California feminist icon, Doña Maria Rita Valdez de Villa, was granted the deed to the area in 1838. Here, she operated the Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas until it was sold in 1854 to Benjamin D. Wilson and Henry Hancock for $4,000. Where her adobe home once stood, now stands the Beverly Hills Hotel, about a half-mile north of the present-day Rodeo Drive shopping district.

In 1961, "The Father of Rodeo Drive," Fred Hayman, opened Giorgio Beverly Hills, the street's first high-end boutique. Following suite, Aldo Gucci opened a store in 1968, catalyzing the process by which the street began to take on its present form. Subsequently, Van Cleef & Arpels opened in 1969, followed by a Vidal Sassoon salon in 1970. Memorably marking the brand’s first freestanding location, The Polo Store was established on the street in 1971...

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With board certification and fellowship training in the fields of dermatology and facial plastic surgery, Moy-Fincher-Chipps providers are able to combine medical and cosmetic procedures for outstanding results. With offices located in Beverly Hills, Encino, and Torrance, they are known as the largest dermatology office in the area. Known as “Beauty Gurus,” they have been featured in the Beverly Hills Courier, Glamour Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Popsugar, VoyageLA, and so much more. With five leading dermatologists specializing in mohs and facial cosmetic surgery, the newest and most innovative lasers and techniques are available in the office. All procedures in the office address patient-specific concerns, while maintaining natural beauty and integrity. 

History of Columbus Day

People, throughout the world, have celebrated Columbus's voyage since the colonial period. Historically, the Italian-born explorer set sail in August, 1492. He intended to chart a western sea route to China, India and the renowned gold and Spice Islands of Asia; instead, he landed in the Bahamas, becoming the first European to explore the Americas since the Vikings set up colonies in Greenland and Newfoundland during the 10th century. Columbus Day became an official state holiday in Colorado in 1906, and later became a federal holiday in the United States by proclamation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937.

The date on which Columbus arrived in the Americas is also celebrated as the Day of the Race (Día de la Raza) in Latin America and some Latino communities in the United States. Columbus Day 2022 celebrations are known to be controversial because the settlement of Europeans in the Americas led to the deaths of a very large proportion of the Native American people.

Traditions of Sweetest Day

Sweetest Day 2022 traditions are similar to Valentine's Day in most locations, with the most popular gifts and acknowledgements being cards, flowers, chocolates and candy. Popular gifts exchanged on the day include cards, fresh flowers, chocolates and sweets. Additionally, people also complement these with other gifts of love to express affection and love.

Making A Difference Day

On this day, millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects. Activities can take almost any form: cleanup, fix-up, painting, and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks, and municipal facilities. Commit to helping others for just one day. Make a difference on Make a Difference Day!

Did You Know? Each year on Make a Difference Day, ex-President Jimmie Carter gets out his hammer and saw, and helps to build or rebuild housing in underprivileged areas. There is no better example of people helping others than this!

Can you think of a time when you did something for someone else? Click below to share it with us and maybe we will share your story in next month's newsletter in order to inspire others!

The Rodeo Collection team is here for you! If you wish to be featured on the @rodeocollection Instagram & Facebook, add content to the Rodeo Collection website, or be added to the next newsletter please contact me at uria@dmanage.com