A Seaside Fairyland...
In THIS, my first installment of the second leg of my journey up the #MyCACoast for Kcet, I take a look at the artsy beauties of Carmel-By-The-Sea.
The grand ole hotel
Ohhhh I just loved writing THIS history of the old Hotel Arcadia in gilded age Santa Monica...surf, scandal, shenanigans- it was my kind of place!
Me, Tarzan. You, Tarzana.
I am so excited to post THIS! In my first history for LA Weekly, I tell the fascinating story of Tarzana, perhaps the only city founded by a fiction writer.
California's forgotten genocide
In THIS story for Kcet's Lost LA, the disturbing history of the systematic decimation of the native people of Southern California.
A little bit of Switzerland in SoCal...
In THIS story for Atlas Obscura, the tale of that time Altadena almost became a winter resort...
Yummy yummy yummy I've got In-N-Out in my tummy!
I love In-N-Out (I mean who doesn't?) so it comes as no surprise that I loved writing THIS history of the storied SoCal staple for Kcet!
Blueprint for Living interview
I had such a lovely time discussing the history of the paper bag with the folks at Blueprint for Living on Australian Broadcasting Corporations Radio National. CLICK THIS to listen now!
Kcet Artboud Appearance
Hi darlings! Tune into Artbound's Third LA tonight June 14th at 9pm on Kcet (channel 28 in SoCal). I'll be discussing the origins of the Hollywood sign and wearing a snazzy Kermit colored shirt! Don't worry, it isn't actually him...And if you missed the show, you can watch it HERE. Ah, the wonders on the worldwide web.
Someday my Tsar will come...and force me to become a nun
In THIS, my latest for Atlas Obscura, I take a look at the history of royal Russian Bride-shows, which in terms of drama, intrigue and patriarchal romance put the fairy tales and reality shows inspired by them to SHAME.
Angels Gate Lighthouse Tour
Oh boy I do loooove lighthouses---the lore, the look, the view...so I am super excited to host THIS once in a summer adventure for Atlas Obscura on July 16th! Please join us!
President Cowboy Movie Star
In THIS, my newest story for Curbed, the rather touching history of Reagan's beloved Rancho del Cielo. Yes, I am still a Democrat, it's called being an unbiased reporter, people!
I thought it was bird but it was just a paper bag...
In THIS, my first article for the fantastic Aeon, I take a look at the surprisingly inspiring story of invention of the flat-bottomed paper bag.
Deadshot Mary
Oh I just loved writing THIS Atlas Obscura article about NYPD badass Mary Shanley, who had a gun and a handbag- and knew how to use them!
Agua Mansa 1862
In THIS feature for Curbed, the haunting history of Agua Mansa, the once thriving San Bernardino settlement swept away by the ranging flood of 1862.
Block'hood
In THIS profile for Curbed I take a look at the important work being done by Jose Sanchez, creator of Block'hood
Local Lore Los Angeles
Join Atlas Obscura on May 22nd as we tour THIS fascinating new exhibit at LosJoCos Art Gallery! Afterwards, I'll be giving a talk exploring the creepy urban legends that make Los Angeles the film noir capital of the world.
Calabasas Confidential
In THIS, my newest article for Curbed LA, I take a look at the wild west days of Calabasas, when the dramas that consumed the rough and ready settlers were realer than anything the five Ks could ever imagine.
Zangaland
Being a water junky, I loved writing THIS story on the Los Angeles zanja system for Curbed LA. Zanjas zig-zagged throughout early LA bringing essential water to the city for over 100 years. They also served as a recreation spot, washing machine, bathroom, bathtub, and occasionally, a morgue.
LA's First Fashion Queen
Oh how I absolutely loved writing THIS story for Curbed- the tale of the outrageous flapper fashionista Peggy Hamilton, whose original creations (some architecture based, some civically minded) helped put LA on the culture map!
The Many Deaths of Anne Boleyn
I have always been obsessed with tragic Queens- Marie Antoinette, Empress Alexandria, Mary Queen of Scott's, and of course Anne Boleyn. All these women's lives were shaped by the patriarchal society in which they lived, and their true characters were submerged in hateful propaganda. In THIS story for Atlas Obscura, I take a look at the many, many deaths of Anne Boleyn, as told by the different men who recorded her tragic last day.