Hot dang, I've always wanted to be a spy, and if it were not for a tendency to scream and run my mouth, I think I would be an excellent one. Come test out you detective skill with me at THIS event on May 7th as we learn all about the history of spies, and do some sleuthing ourselves, at the beautiful USC Doheny Library.
Hi Friends! In THIS, my first for Kcet in a series of stories uncovered in local LA archives, I take a look at the disturbing history of Loyalty Checks in Los Angeles...a cautionary tale that both the far right and left may be wise to ponder...
Oh how I loved writing THIS story for Atlas Obscura about the history of commemorative dolls. I would like every one of them to put in my attic to delight/and/or/creep my ancestors out in 100 years, please and thank you.
THIS is absolutely my hands down, boobs down, favorite story I've ever had the pleasure to research and write for Curbed LA. Included: David Niven anecdotes, Gatsby references, mysterious elderly party legends and a built German man dressed as Superman riding an elephant up the Hollywood Dell. #YottaLife #IloveLA
If you know me, it's a no-brainier why I so loved writing THIS Atlas Obscura article about whale poop that is worth its weight in gold.
In THIS story for Kcet, I take a look at the history of Van de Kamp's Holland Dutch Bakers- of the iconic windmills and attractively costumed servers.
I am so looking forward to leading THIS tour of Santa Monica's legendary Gold Coast for Atlas Obscura. The day will end at the lovely Marion Davies Beach House (designed by Julia Morgan, basically my absolute dream house) where a docent will give us an oh so exclusive tour.
In THIS, my latest installment of "Los Angeles Examiner" for Curbed LA, I take a look at the history of gas leaks in Los Angeles...it's a total (actually pretty terrifying) gas.
In THIS story for Atlas Obscura, I take a look back at the days when a spot of tea was as scandalous as a sniff of cocaine.
I am so excited to post THIS! In the first story for my new bimonthly Curbed LA column
"Los Angeles Examiner" I take a look at the history of the many, many homes of the Oscars!
As a proud Southerner and a prouder progressive-feminist-liberal, who counts friends on both sides of the aisles (and some on the moon) researching and writing THIS story for Atlas Obscura made me happy. Happy for unlikely friendships, the gift of reconciliation, and happy with hope for the continual mutual dream of a better tomorrow.
I am so looking forward to leading THIS tour of the amazing, touching and trippy LA Memorial Pet Park for Altas Obscura on March 20th! It promises to be a purr-iffic time!
What an inspirational woman to write about for THIS Lost Landmarks- my 75th Lost Landmarks for Kcet, and probably my last. The daughter of an expat aristocrat, Ida made a fortune as a Wild West Pioneer and became one of early LA's greatest philanthropists, a leader in business and culture, and just one hell of a human being.
I am so psyched to be co-leading THIS tour of the infamous St. Francis Dam disaster site on Feb 28th. It is such a joy to bring living history to folks through the awesome Atlas Obscura.
Who knew the famed lair of Hugh Hefner, the faded Tudor mansion of the infamous grotto and lubed up bunnies, was once a high society hot spot? In THIS story for Curbed LA, I take a peek into the oh so blue blooded early days and the now infamous Playboy Mansion West.
In THIS story for Atlas Obscura, I explore the dangerous, glamorous world of early ballooning and the vital role played by women. As someone who is most content earthbound, I am in awe of these corseted, cosseted women who threw off their misogynistic chains and took to the chilly skies.
What a joy to write this happy tale! I took a look at Chinatown's iconic Little Joe's restaurant in THIS article for Kcet Food. It was basically a mom and pop Olive Garden, with a real big heart and a real deep soul.
I absolutely loved writing THIS story for Kcet Lost Landmarks. Rudolph Valentino, Doris Duke, rumors of ghosts, whispers of murder...too much money, too much fame, too much luxury, too much isolation. Beware of the gilded cage...it can turn you into a kookoo bird. Such is the moral of the lives and loves of the inhabitants of Falcon Lair.
Happy New Year everybody! In THIS newest Lost Landmarks for Kcet, I take a look at the history of the Pacific Coast Club in Long Beach- which is basically every preservationist worst nightmare. Happy Reading!