L.A. Mystery

Incredibly thorough investigations of Los Angeles’s most baffling local enigmas. Got a mystery for us? We’d love to solve it. Email [email protected].

L.A. Mystery

What Happened to West Adams’ ‘Diabolical’ Slide?

Aug 27, 2026

What Happened to West Adams’ ‘Diabolical’ Slide?

A hulking black play structure appeared at the newly renamed Michelle and Barack Obama Sports Complex only to disappear weeks later. Six months on, the park sits fenced and empty.

Antonia Cereijido

L.A. Mystery

Why is Everybody Parking on the Larchmont Boulevard Median?

Jul 22, 2026

Why is Everybody Parking on the Larchmont Boulevard Median?

“It’s the height of hubris to say 'I’m going to park here and it won’t be a problem for anybody else.'”

Tomo Chien

L.A. Mystery

Why Are L.A. Restaurants So Damn Loud?

May 15, 2026

Why Are L.A. Restaurants So Damn Loud?

A comprehensive inquiry.

Dave Schilling

L.A. Mystery

Why Is the Escalator at the AMC Burbank 16 Always Broken?

Apr 30, 2026

Why Is the Escalator at the AMC Burbank 16 Always Broken?

It's become one of America's most notorious escalators. To find out why, I went all the way to the top.

Alex Zaragoza

L.A. Mystery

Why Is There a Mosaic of Jim Jones Outside a Silver Lake Elementary School?

Apr 8, 2026

Why Is There a Mosaic of Jim Jones Outside a Silver Lake Elementary School?

The cult leader’s portrait was put up almost two years ago. We found the guy who made it.

Hayes Davenport

L.A. Mystery

Why Is a Billboard For the 2010 Census Still Up in Virgil Village?

Mar 19, 2026

Why Is a Billboard For the 2010 Census Still Up in Virgil Village?

A serene image of a breastfeeding mother and an expired civic plea.

Pablo Goldstein

L.A. Mystery

How Far Away Are the Mountains, Actually?

Mar 18, 2026

How Far Away Are the Mountains, Actually?

L.A. peaks can be dangerous in winter. So can posting a picture of them.

Hayes Davenport