Commentary

Opinions, offerings, and explanations.
The History of Monterey, California: A Seaside City’s Living Legacy

The History of Monterey, California: A Seaside City’s Living Legacy

Monterey, California, is a city that's captured my heart, not just as a visitor, but as a family member to residents who call this seaside gem home. With two aunts living here—one near the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the other in quaint Pacific Grove—I've had...

The History of San Diego: Exploring America’s Finest City

The History of San Diego: Exploring America’s Finest City

My connection with San Diego began with routine drives to the scenic city on my way to Mexico, with brief stops at the impressive San Diego Temple. In my adult years, I've returned for more than just a quick visit, discovering a city that's as rich in history as it is...

The History of Anaheim, California: More Than the Magic Kingdom

The History of Anaheim, California: More Than the Magic Kingdom

Anaheim is often synonymous with Disneyland, a place I've visited countless times. Yet, beyond the enchantment of Disney, Anaheim has a deep-rooted history that many may not know. Curiosity led me to dig deeper into the city's past, revealing a story that stretches...

The History of Stockton, California

The History of Stockton, California

My relationship with Stockton, California, began with family visits to an aunt and uncle and, later, trips for corporate events at the Stockton Ports' banner stadium. Outside of these visits, my knowledge of Stockton was like an unopened book. Curiosity led me to...

Alternatives to TikTok’s Creator Fund: Making Money Online

Alternatives to TikTok’s Creator Fund: Making Money Online

As TikTok evolves, so does the landscape of monetization for creators.  With the sunsetting of the $2 billion Creator Fund, many TikTok influencers seek new horizons for earning potential on the platform.  TikTok's new "Creativity Program" is just the beginning....

The History of Fresno, California: A Chronicle of Growth and Grit

The History of Fresno, California: A Chronicle of Growth and Grit

My familiarity with Fresno began with family visits to my aunt and uncle, who lived amid the region's expansive fruit orchards. Later, my career led me back to managing fundraising walks at Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies. These experiences prompted me...

Manhattan’s Mosaic: The Chronicles of New York City History

Manhattan’s Mosaic: The Chronicles of New York City History

From the instant I caught sight of Manhattan's skyline, a vista immortalized in countless films like "Home Alone 2" and "Balto," I knew I was entering a world steeped in as much history as spectacle. Manhattan, the pulsating core of New York City, is not just a...

Mammoth Lakes and Mountain: A History Etched in Granite & Snow

Mammoth Lakes and Mountain: A History Etched in Granite & Snow

Every summer, I'd watch the Sierra Nevada mountains approach on the horizon, signaling another adventure in Mammoth Lakes, California. Assisting my father at running events, from the bustle of marathons to the chill of the June Lake Triathlon, I became intimately...

The History of Chico, California: From Gold Dust to Green Hops

The History of Chico, California: From Gold Dust to Green Hops

Venturing into Chico, California, feels like stepping into a storybook where every page brims with history and local flavor. My visits, though initially for corporate events, unveiled a city rich in heritage, with a culinary scene as lush as its storied orchards. Let...

Sprinting Through History: My Summers in San Jose, California

Sprinting Through History: My Summers in San Jose, California

Every summer, I traded the slow pace of my hometown for the energetic buzz of San Jose, California. Here, amidst the clatter of starting guns and the cheers at finish lines, I learned more than how to manage marathons and triathlons—I uncovered the city's rich past....

The History of Sacramento, California

The History of Sacramento, California

Growing up, history lessons in school often painted a static picture of the past. But as an event director's son who managed myriad events in the bustling city of Sacramento, I learned that history is anything but static. It is alive, pulsating through the streets and...

The History of Santa Rosa, California

The History of Santa Rosa, California

As I sit here recounting the vibrant past of Santa Rosa, California, I'm reminded of the intricate tapestry that history weaves. Santa Rosa isn't just another dot on the map; it's a living museum, with each street corner whispering tales of yesteryears. Let's embark...

The History of San Francisco: A Saga Through Fog and Gold

The History of San Francisco: A Saga Through Fog and Gold

As someone who's breathed in the misty air of San Francisco since my youth, I can tell you this city isn't just a place on a map—it's a vibrant story unfolding. I've witnessed its pulse, helped set the stage for its events, and have been charmed by its indomitable...

Surfing Through History: The Waves of Change in Santa Cruz

Surfing Through History: The Waves of Change in Santa Cruz

Surfing Through History: The Waves of Change in Santa Cruz As a NorCal local, I have witnessed Santa Cruz evolve yet steadfastly hold on to its eclectic charm. Let's paddle through the tides of its past, exploring the colorful tableau of a city known for its vibrant...

The Historic Depths of Lake Tahoe and Truckee

The Historic Depths of Lake Tahoe and Truckee

Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region holds a treasure trove of memories, natural beauty, and history that seems to flow as vividly as the clear waters of the lake itself. Through the lens of my countless trips, the area is not just a...

Gold Dust and Resilience: The Story of Oroville

Gold Dust and Resilience: The Story of Oroville

Stepping into Oroville, you can't help but feel the pulse of history that beats beneath the city streets. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Oroville's past is as rich as the gold once mined from its hills. Let's delve into the golden history, natural disasters,...

Napa Valley: Where Vines Meet History

Napa Valley: Where Vines Meet History

Ever wonder how Napa became the synonym for fine wine in America? My own history is intertwined with the roots of the vines in this fertile valley. Let me take you on a stroll down the historical vineyards of Napa, California, where each grape seems to hold a story....

Bodega Bay: A Tapestry of Nature, Film, and History Unfurled

Bodega Bay: A Tapestry of Nature, Film, and History Unfurled

Whenever I hear the call of the sea mingling with the whispers of the past, my mind travels back to the rugged beauty of Bodega Bay. This coastal hideaway isn't just my escape; it's a place where history ripples beneath the waves and through the windswept grasses. The...

Golden Memories: The History of Grass Valley & Nevada City

Golden Memories: The History of Grass Valley & Nevada City

When one meanders through the streets of Grass Valley and Nevada City, the echoes of a bygone era are impossible to ignore. These neighboring towns in the heart of California's Gold Country are not just quaint postcards from the past; they're living museums brimming...

Reno, Nevada: The Biggest Little City in the World

Reno, Nevada: The Biggest Little City in the World

I've always found myself drawn to the stories of places with humble beginnings that grew into something unexpected, something grand. Reno, Nevada, known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," is one of those places. Let's jump into its history, uncovering how it...