Review of "California Babylon" by Kristan Lawson, Anneli Rufus

The theory here is that California has the juiciest past when it comes to scandal and mayhem. The authors have presented us with a tour of the sites and the people who have made the news with infamy. They also show us the homes of screen legends and their gravesites. A list of bars and restaurants are included for those who are willing to sleuth their way to finding celebrities.

The scandals covered here go way back and include a visit to the orphanage where Marilyn Monroe used to live, and the Hollywood stage on which Michael Jackson's hair burst into flames. Mostly Hollywood-oriented, there are a few sites through out the state that go back to Gold Rush times.