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California native garden
Julia G, November 27, 2018

We think of springtime as the season for planting gardens, but that’s not the case here in Southern California, where summers can be scorching and rains only come in the winter. Here in L.A. County, November and December are the perfect time to start a garden.


Machu Picchu in Peru with a Llama
Ana Campos, September 20, 2018

During the celebration of Latino Heritage Month, we'll be sharing a weekly segment highlighting interesting facts from pre-Columbian America. We'll give information about the contributions of these civilizations, from their greatest achievements to food, animals, and art.


pictorial map of california (detail)
Glen Creason, September 10, 2018

The last time I looked upon Admission Day as an important holiday for our dear Golden State was probably back in Sister Leocritia’s grade 4 classroom at St. Helen school back when electricity was new.


Tom Bradley on an escalator at the opening of the Red Line subway downtown, 1-30-93.
Central Docents, September 06, 2018

“Never give up. Keep your thoughts and your mind always on the goal.” —Tom Bradley


3 children heading into a school on the first day
Tina Lernø, August 10, 2018

It's the day lots of adults look forward to, and lots of kids dread. After a summer of fun, it's time to start setting that alarm again, shop for supplies, and go back to school!


Shaq vs a Shark
Tina Lernø, July 23, 2018

Actor Tracy Morgan said, "Live every week like it's Shark Week," but this week is actually Shark Week and it happens to be the 30th anniversary, making it the longest-running cable television event in history!


man on the moon with american flag
Tina Lernø, July 20, 2018

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the lunar surface, making American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first humans to walk on the moon. Armstrong was the first to touch toe, and he meandered about for two and a half hours outside the spacecraft.


Brenda Allen waits for policewoman Audre Davis to appear at hearing arranged by Judge William McKay. Davis never showed up in court. Herald Examiner Collection, photo dated July 9, 1949
Photo Friends, June 14, 2018

After Ann Forst, the Black Widow, was sentenced to serve time for pandering, one of her protégés, Brenda Allen (born Marie Mitchell and going under a number of aliases including Brenda Allen Burns, Marie Brooks, Marie Cash, Brenda Burris, and Marie Balanque) wasted no time in setting up her own prostitutio


Ann Forst testifies in court regarding collaboration with LAPD Vice Squad in photo dated August 5, 1940.
Photo Friends, May 31, 2018

And now, a bit of real life noir compliments of the photo collection of the Los Angeles Public Library and the real lives of two L.A. femme fatales – the Black Widow and the Vice Queen.


Decoration Day parade in Pasadena, 1891
Tina Lernø, May 26, 2018

Memorial Day is officially observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military. It was originally known as Decoration Day because families would decorate the graves of those who had fallen in the Civil War.


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