“HUBRIS IN ART FORM,” BY JASON ASENAP
What are the implications of land art for Indigenous people, the original caretakers of the land upon which large installations sit (or, as in the case of Mount Rushmore, are carved)?
“SAN FRANCISCO’S 24-HOUR DINER STOPS THE COSMIC CLOCK,” BY CHRIS COLIN
A nondescript doughnut shop in San Francisco’s Bayview has retained its character and humility decades after its opening—and the diner’s doors have never closed.
“YESTERDAY’S NEWSREEL WAS CHASING ME,” BY ISHMAEL REED
Poet Ishmael Reed contemplates the enduring impact of the newsreels.
“THE SEARCH FOR MARDOU FOX,” BY LYNELL GEORGE
She was the inspiration for Jack Kerouac’s The Subterraneans, but who was Alene Lee?
“THE JOY OF A GREAT DESERT BIKER BAR,” BY LOUISE FARR
Six spots across Southern California to go hog wild—and get some delicious food too.
“THE GRIZZLY NEXT DOOR,” BY AJAY ORONA
Researchers like Peter Alagona want to return the iconic grizzly bear to California. But questions remain about whether the state’s residents will welcome their new predator neighbors or keep them out.
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“‘THAT DAMNABLE APPLEGATE ROAD,’” BY RUBY MCCONNELL
In a five-part Alta Serial, Ruby McConnell tells the historic, tragic, and largely ignored story of how the Applegate Trail was charted. It begins with three brothers who set out from St. Louis to the Oregon territory in 1843.
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“AN AWFUL LEGACY OF VIOLENCE IN THE ROUND VALLEY,” BY DANIEL DUANE
Beneath the rugged beauty of this corner of Northern California lies a history of forcibly relocated Indigenous tribes and genocide. Today, unspeakable crimes continue.
“BREAKDOWN IN THE RIGHT LANE,” BY RACHEL HOWZELL HALL
In bumper-to-bumper traffic, a sinister plan comes to fruition. Rachel Howzell Hall’s short story is a chilling and satisfying quick read.
“THE FOURTH DAY IN SAN FRANCISCO,” BY SHANGYANG FANG
Poet Shangyang Fang recounts a moment of frustration—and enlightenment—during the pandemic.
“MIKE HENDERSON’S PERSONAL RENAISSANCE,” BY MARCUS CROWDER
Now late in his career, the Bay Area artist is seeing his paintings praised as much for their craft and creativity as for their social critique and cultural representations.
“NO PITY,” BY DAVID WOLMAN
In Portland, a band of fed-up citizens are fighting back against car thieves and chop shops. They’ll step in where law enforcement can’t and do repos on behalf of crime victims.
