This next case hits very close to home, literally. I would drive along the highway near where this crime would take place often. Today, we will be looking at the mysterious death of Thelma Todd. Todd was a world-famous actress in the 1920s and 1930s, starring in silent films such as “Monkey Business” among other […]

Hollywood is known for the glitz and glamor of its residents and the lifestyle people live. However, it is full of more darkness than most would think. One of the cases that have plagued Hollywood is the drowning of Natalie Wood.     Natalie Wood, formerly known as Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko, was a Hollywood actress […]

It’s been over four decades since the Keddie Cabin Murders (or the murders of the Sharp family) took place in Keddie, California. A town in Northern California surrounded by forests and other cabins. Going clockwise are Sue Sharp, John Sharp, Dana Whitegate, and Tina Sharp. On April 12th, 1981, 14-year-old Sheila Sharp returned to her […]

One of my favorite cases to take place in California is the Alcatraz Escape. No one was hurt (except for the Alcatraz guards’ pride), which is the most important factor. If the three inmates, John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris truly escaped- they did not commit any more crimes (that we know of). Before […]

One of the most prevalent comments I receive when I say I am from Santa Monica (a beach town) is asking if I am a surfer. I am not, and I have never been able to surf a day in my life. However, most people in these beach towns do surf, and every so often […]

When I’m asked where I am from, I’m often met with gasps and questions of why I chose Pennsylvania and Penn State. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, life in California versus living in PA is almost two completely opposite ways of life. There are still some aspects of living in PA that are shocking […]

The “City of Angels” is known for its luxury lifestyle and famous celebrities flocking all around. However, Los Angeles is not as glamourous as it may seem. There are a lot of heinous events – even murder- that are integrated into LA’s history. One of the most famous cases, and personally one of my favorites […]

Whenever I met a new person and I tell them I’m from California, a few things tend to come out. Like I’ve mentioned before, surfing, acting gigs, and lack of schooling is the most common. But there are a few different things I’ve learned while being in Happy Valley. 1. There are different meanings to […]

Photo by Keith Mahne https://www.dizavenue.com/2015/08/the-day-disneyland-was-invaded-by.html   When I first arrived on campus, I asked a few friends to tell me some stereotypes or assumptions they had made about California, and those who live there. One that never fails to make me laugh was when I was asked if I even attended school, as it was assumed […]