Ventura's Movie Magic

In THIS, my latest for Curbed LA, the Hollywood origins of a unique beach community. 

The Lipstick Murder

In THIS, my latest for LA Weekly, the devastating tale of the unsolved murder of Jeanne French, a pioneering nurse and pilot, whose brutal death has long been linked to the Black Dahlia.

Mrs. Van Tassel: Badass. Mystery. Legend.

THIS is my latest for LA Weekly and one of my favorite histories I've every written. The story of Mrs. Van Tassel, the first woman to parachute over Los Angeles (and possibly the United States)...it started out as a homage and ended up being a mystery, the ending of which is yet to be written...

A Grand Slam

In THIS, my latest for KCET, the history of Denny's, a SoCal original. Don't they have all those different flavored syrups? I love that.

Progressive Pride

In THIS my latest for Curbed LA the tale of the Clarke Estate in Santa Fe Springs, and its rad, progressive, powerful owner Marie Rankin Clarke, who helped purchase the Hollywood Bowl.

Grave-Hopping

Join me and Atlas Obscura for THIS tour, as we explore the long-lost graveyards of downtown Los Angeles. Perfect for the morbid, the historians, the city planners, and the taphophiles- both living and dead.

Through the Looking Glass

In THIS, my latest for Ventura Blvd. Magazine, the fascinating Earl Beard, glass maker extraordinaire.

Rebuilding Haiti

In THIS my latest for Curbed, the inspiring tale of Kyle Fishburn's architectural work in Haiti.

Fire Next Time...

In THIS, my latest for LA Weekly, the haunting story of cult leader Krishna Venta- the commie hating, barefoot apocalyptic hippy preacher who ruled a clutch of helpful hippies in Box Canyon in the 1950s.

Ghost Cats!

Ohhhh I loved writing THIS haunting history for Curbed LA about ghosts of the California Missions!

A Sunday Stroll

I wrote about some of my favorite spots in Atwater Village in THIS story for Ventura Blvd Magazine.

Crispy Surfer Goodness

In THIS, my latest for KCET the oh-so OC history of Wahoo's Fish Taco.

Catalina Lopez

In THIS, my latest for Ventura Blvd. Magazine, the inspiring story of Catalina Lopez, the Valley's first hostess!

Heritage Sqaure Twilight Tour

I'm so looking forward to leading THIS Atlas Obscura Los Angeles Obscura Society tour of the fascinating Heritage Square on Dec. 11th. Dress up in your best corset and top hat and join us!

The Power of Creativity

The wonderful folks at Healthy Hildegard asked me about the power of creativity. So I told 'em what I THOUGHT.

A Swinging Good Time

Let me count all the reasons I loved writing THIS story about the oh so 90s hotspot Monkey Bar for LAWeekly...
1. Jack Nicholson
2.Don Henley
3. Heidi Fleiss
4. Faye Resnick
5. Kiefer Sutherland.

The legend of Theodosia

A brilliant woman, a mystery off the North Carolina coast, a haunting portrait, possible incest, possible pirates, war, love, murder and revolution...I'd say THIS Atlas Obscura story has to be one of my favorite histories I've ever written. Ever

Forget it Jacques, its Frenchtown

In THIS, my latest story for LAWeekly I explore the once vibrant French colony in Los Angeles, where good food, high spirits and drama drama drama reigned supreme.

Walking on Broken Bones...

In THIS, my latest history for Curbed LA, I prove my thesis that the whole world is a graveyard...at least in the area of downtown LA.

KCHUNG radio interview: The Charming Mistakes of my Youth

Want to hear my thoughts on childhood, the south's rise and fall and the merits of Jewel's artistry? Give a listen to THIS episode of The Charming Mistakes of My Youth with the brilliant Susannah Tantemsapya! Just go to the archives, click on 9/15/16 and chose the show!