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Hadley Meares

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Hadley Meares is a writer, historian, and singer who traded one Southland (her home state of North Carolina) for another. She is a frequent contributor to Curbed and Atlas Obscura, and leads historical tours all around Los Angeles for Obscura Society LA.  Her debut novel, "Absolutely," is now available on Amazon.

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FormosaCafe
It may be a tiny place, but since its beginning this re-purposed trolley car was packed with big Hollywood personalities.
Postcard view of Patton State Hospital
During the early years of Patton State Hospital, some patients were restored to sanity, some escaped, and others simply succumbed to their fate.
All photos: Los Angeles Public Library
For decades, this building was the lone county museum, dedicated to history, science, and art, until it could not contain all the county's artistic and scientific treasures.
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If you ever want to experience loneliness in the midst of a metropolis, take a trip to the Hotel Cecil in downtown.
SerbianCemetery
The Serbian Cemetery is in a little corner of hardworking, industrial East L.A. and cross the street is Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Once, this was the center of the Serbian community.
MorroRock
Morro Bay makes for a fascinating picture, equally gritty and idyllic, artsy and utilitarian, but ultimately, extremely beautiful.
San Antonio Winery, a family-owned winery based in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, has been producing wine since before the Prohibition.
Queen Anne's Cottage | Photo: Los Angeles Public Library
Some say that the California's land baron and "jolly joker" used this Arcadia cottage as a love shack for his many mistresses.
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An activist looks back on her life-long fight against PG&E's nuclear power plant in San Luis Obispo County.
Photo: California State Parks
Gaviota State Park is a strange beach -- on account of the giant, 811-foot long railroad trestle.
The Brownstone Lofts in Angelino Heights | Photo: Los Angeles Public Library
It's hard to believe that within this gentrified building in Angelino Heights, one of the grisliest, strangest murders in L.A. took place.
All photos Hadley Meares
Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara County is one of the most beautiful beaches in California.
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