The podcast discusses the rise of Donald and Shelly Sterling, their reinvention, and becoming the biggest residential landlords in LA. Topics include their name change, passing as white, discrimination lawsuits, housing discrimination, controversial remarks, and Donald Sterling's upbringing.
52:00
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Quick takeaways
The importance of location and neighborhood in shaping one's success and trajectory in life.
Donald Sterling's controversial actions as a landlord and his discriminatory behavior towards tenants reveal his problematic views on race and mistreatment of women.
Deep dives
Donald Sterling's Name Change and Pursuit of Success
Donald Sterling, born Donald Tokowitz, faced challenges with his last name, which led him to change it to Sterling. He believed that having a recognizable and easier-to-pronounce name would help him achieve success in life. With his wife Shelley, Donald embarked on a journey through better neighborhoods, inching closer to Beverly Hills, where they believed success awaited them.
Donald Sterling's Journey from Boyle Heights to Becoming a Real Estate Baron
Donald Sterling grew up in Boyle Heights, a poor neighborhood in Los Angeles. Coming from humble beginnings, he witnessed the stark contrast between the Eastside and the wealthier Westside of Los Angeles, which fueled his desire to escape poverty. Sterling understood the importance of location in determining one's trajectory in life. He became a successful real estate baron, buying properties and amassing an empire, including the Sterling Corridor along Wilshire Boulevard.
Donald Sterling's Controversial Actions as a Landlord
Donald Sterling's success as a real estate baron was marred by controversial actions as a landlord. He earned a reputation as a landlord who took advantage of tenants, especially vulnerable groups like elderly individuals and families. Sterling would buy their buildings, considerably raise the rent, and force them out. His contentious practices were a catalyst for the implementation of rent control in Los Angeles.
Donald Sterling's Discriminatory Behavior and Legal Troubles
In addition to his questionable conduct as a landlord, Donald Sterling faced legal troubles related to discriminatory behavior. He was sued for housing discrimination, specifically discriminating against African Americans and Hispanics in his apartment buildings. The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of denying housing based on race and family status. These lawsuits revealed Sterling's problematic views on race and his mistreatment of women, further tarnishing his public image.
Donald and Shelly Sterling escaped poverty, reinvented themselves, and became the biggest residential landlords in LA. But in housing and basketball, they never had to face the consequences of their actions. The Sterling Affairs is hosted by Ramona Shelburne. Produced by 30 for 30 Podcasts and The Undefeated in collaboration with Western Sound. More at 30for30podcasts.com/sterling