Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles

Red alert in Alhambra! Six years after the California Register eligible 1928 Marguerita bungalow court 1908 Curtis Craftsman bungalow were saved (https://proseofpreservation.org/2020/06/28/action-alert-endangered-1923-bungalow-court-and-1908-craftsman-bungalow/), they are again in grave peril, due to a density bonus project. But they can be moved to safety!

The project is likely to be rubber stamped at tonight's Planning Commission hearing. It's item #7, 7pm, and you can attend, call or Zoom in to ask that these good historic homes are MOVED TO ALTADENA and not sent to the dump! https://www.alhambraca.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05042026-1566

Notice anything odd about this gorgeous colorized glass plate image of Grauman's Chinese Theatre that the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce produced for the German speaking market? (source: Huntington Library)

What a sad story about Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, caring for vulnerable folk art environments in harsh conditions and grief. We hope someone can help Elliott Long carry the weight. https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/roadside-attraction-route-66-22230482.php

Strolling along Griffin Avenue sharing weird tales of preservation and terror.

Today! The Highland Park Arroyo Time Travel Trip celebrates a neighborhood rich in great architecture, weird history, cool characters and terrible tales. Come discover mysteries and lore in good company. Walking tour departs 10:30am from Lummis House.
https://esotouric.com/event/arroyo-time-travel-may-2026/

CBS LA: Nithya Raman hasn't even participated in a debate yet, and says if she doesn't win the Mayoral election, she's leaving politics. Does that mean she will step down from City Council?
https://youtu.be/b-XQAM2NXQg?si=_Lfo-0kxm2oKCYpu&t=130

Update: Something very weird is going on here. The mid-day Nithya Raman feature story on CBS Los Angeles, in which it was reported that the councilmember intends to quit politics should she not win election as Los Angeles mayor, has been scrubbed from YouTube and the CBS website. Did anyone happen to download it before it disappeared?

Second update: After several hours of a dead link, there is a NEW edit of the Nithya Raman CBS LA story online in which reporter Tom Wait wraps up with a different statement. Instead of quitting politics should she lose the Mayor's race, Raman says she won't run again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeO7PZ2j0uQ

Just filed: Los Angeles' reply in support of motion to dismiss the Marilyn Monroe house case. Scroll to 4/30/2026 to read it and join the City in asking what the owners' lawyers are seeking to accomplish with simultaneous filings in State & Federal court. https://esotouric.substack.com/p/marilynmonroe

Seven years on, and the Southwest Museum is no closer to reopening. Imagine what this shining castle on the hill could be for Northeast Los Angeles!
https://esotouric.com/southwestmuseum/