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.
Just like Sam Spade
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.
Loyalty Check: Los Angeles
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...
Just like us! The history of Celebrity dolls
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.
Party-town USA
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
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.