A Whale of a Smell
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.
Dutch Girls and salt bread
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.
Tour of the Lalala American Riviera
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.
Gassy Los Angeles
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.
The terror over tea
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.
The many homes of Oscar
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!
Julia and Varina
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.
Tour of the famed Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park
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!
Madame Ida Hancock Ross
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.
St. Francis Dam Tour
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.
The Pre-Bunny Playboy mansion
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.
Women in Ballooning
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.
Little Joe's
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.
Falcon Lair
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.
Pacific Coast Club
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!
Old Griffith Park Zoo Tour
I am so excited to be leadingTHIS Jan. 23rd Atlas Obscura tour of the abandoned old zoo at Griffith Park. Lions, tigers and a killer polar bear named Ivan the terrible...Oh My!
A mapped introduction to Victorian Homes is Los Angeles
Nothing puts me in the Holiday spirit like visiting old Victorian homes, or as I like to think of them- gingerbread cookies come to life. So I just loved making THIS map for Curbed, featuring the best examples of existent Victorian architecture in all of LA.
Libertatia
I lovepirates! I love islands! I love the Lost Colony! I love sailing! I love mysteries! Therefor THIS article for Atlas Obscura, where I explore the legend of the pirate nation of Libertatia, is probably my hands down favorite story of all time. Enjoy!
The Hollywood Hotel
I have always wanted to live in a place just like the Hollywood Hotel. In THIS Lost Landmarks for Kcet, I take a look the famed early Hollywood Hostelry where silent stars took tea, danced into the night, and courted in rocking chairs on the broad porch...ah the romance of the past!
The BFFs who ruled silent Hollywood
I absolutely LOVED writing THIS history of the lifelong friendship between Mary Pickford and Frances Marion for Atlas Obscura. These two brilliant, ball busting and innovative minds helped transform the movie industry into the most powerful medium of the 20th century. More importantly, they never stopped loving and supporting each other, even when life got tough and the industry they helped create passed them by.