Beth Spotswood

From Yosemite to hidden Oregon gems, these West Coast waterfalls are at their peak now. Don’t miss your chance to chase these seasonal stunners.

Find the titles and authors from Alta’s 25 defining California book picks.

Sue Burnett, the town’s self-appointed “resident complainer,” joins Alta Journal contributor Stacey Grenrock Woods to detail the importance of Pioneertown’s preservation.

Alta Journal contributor Kailyn McCord explores how access to birthing options and care has changed in rural California communities.

Dennis Day’s fascinating life was overshadowed by his brief work on The Mickey Mouse Club and by his tragic death—until now.

Meet David L. Ulin, Jonathan Lethem, Stacey Grenrock Woods, and Gustavo Arellano and raise a glass to the newest issue of our award-winning magazine.

Anita Felicelli and Chris Colin will share their work from the Writers Issue, and David L. Ulin will read from his new novel, Thirteen Question Method.

California is tired of losing big money to runaway production—so it’s fighting back.

Six contributing artists were recognized in the Society of Illustrators Los Angeles’s annual competition.

How might new voices from inside prison expose, enlighten, and transform the way we see the world on the outside?

Poems from James Cagney, Ada Limón, and the late Jim Harrison are among the works featured in the past year’s pages of Alta.

This year, stories of uranium fortunes, tragic accidents, and creek freaks stood out to Alta Journal’s editors.

Relive the digital magic of Alta Journal’s weekly event series with a roundup of highlights.

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Héctor Tobar's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman and guest Reyna Grande.

Buyers at Alta Journal’s bookstore partners save the holidays with smart, surprising, page-turning gift ideas for last-minute shoppers.

An award-winning creator, combat artist, and former courtroom illustrator, Juhasz takes us through his storied career

Hidden waterways snake through the city, hosting clusters of biodiversity and providing cool solace for L.A. residents—and creek super fans.

True-crime enthusiasts, get excited!

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Maxine Hong Kingston's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman and guest James Janko.

Fourteen special recognition awards, category wins, and honorable mentions made this year especially sweet for the team at Alta.

What do marketed murals mean for L.A.’s storied history of stunning street art?

Dr. Chris Lowe, director of Cal State Long Beach’s Shark Lab, joins us to detail his research into these sharp-toothed creatures.

The noted Canadian illustrator joins us to discuss her extraordinary work and latest book, Original Sisters: Portraits of Tenacity and Courage.

Castillo and Alta Journal contributing editor Gustavo Arellano dig into some California-style barbecue.

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Rebecca Solnit's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman and guest Kristina Wong.

The artist takes Alta Live through her process from blank page all the way to hilarious published gag cartoon.

The author’s book, The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley’s Pursuit of Power, is the first definitive biography on the controversial and deeply influential entrepreneur.

The West has more than its share of secret spots, and we’re guessing there are a few you don’t know about—yet.

Has the pandemic changed live theater forever? (Answer: yes.)

Take a tour of hidden spots and quirky destinations around the West with two amateur explorers.

More and more California restaurants and bars are requiring patrons to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination. One Sacramento nightclub is sticking to its policy, whether you like it or not.

Bumblebees, butterflies, and other invertebrates need our help—and Alta Journal trailblazer Sarina Jepsen details how we can all pitch in.

Napa winemakers Priyanka French and Randy Dunn discuss how Northern California wineries are innovating their production to protect against smoke and burns

Despite its popularity, raising backyard chickens isn’t as charming as Instagram would have us believe—or is it? Alta Journal readers share their eggs-pertise.

“The pandemic has been a disaster for backyard chickens,”

Authors Geoff Manaugh and Nicola Twilley discuss their new book, Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine.

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author William Finnegan's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman.

What do an apparent spate of recent earthquakes tell us about "The Big One"?

As an artist and as an entrepreneur, Phil Ross has chosen one medium: mushrooms.

Wednesday, July 28, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time.

A Diego Rivera mural finds a handy new home in downtown San Francisco.

Red Light Lit cofounder Jennifer Lewis talks love, sexuality, and gender identity in her popular live reading series.

Wednesday, July 7, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Robin Coste Lewis's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman.

Not every famed Golden State dish is a culinary home run.

Wednesday, July 21, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time.

The San Francisco-based designer has blazed his distinctly creative trail around the globe.

That might be Tessie at your toes.

Wednesday, June 23, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time

Wednesday, June 9, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Rachel Kushner's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman and special guest Myriam Gurba.

California roads are filling back up but the pandemic has changed, at least for now, the way we drive.

What’s next in the cutting-edge world of fashion? Gender-free apparel, of course.

Susan Jones of Atelier Jones and EHDD’s Scott Shell join Alta Journal contributor Lydia Lee for a conversation about sustainable architecture

The Alta Journal contributor’s debut novel takes readers on a sweeping California journey

Wednesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. Pacific time

The Alta Journal cover artist takes us on a tour of his work, studio, and very creative mind.

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Myriam Gurba's conversation with California Book Club guest host Gustavo Arellano.

Food doesn’t just keep us alive—it’s a vital and constantly evolving part of our global culture.

Can an extinct species, the iridescent butterfly known as the Xerces blue, fly once again?

Ever seen a California condor in the wild? The experience, while still rare, was impossible only 30 years ago.

Dezso Molnar is on a mission to build a street-legal flying car on a budget—and he’s getting close.

Read a lightly-edited transcript of author Nina Revoyr's conversation with California Book Club host John Freeman and special guest Prof. Manuel Pastor.