Book

American Alcalde is a strictly researched ten-volume historical series that chronicles the evolution of Los Angeles through its mayoral elections, from its early days as a Mexican pueblo to its emergence as a global metropolis.

The series spans from 1848 to 2025, capturing the political power struggles, cultural transformations, and defining moments that shaped the City of Angels. Each volume comprehensively analyzes Los Angeles’ political landscape, exploring how shifting demographics, economic booms, social movements, and governance shaped its trajectory.

The series delves into key elections, influential figures, and the forces that drove the city’s transformation, from early California leaders to the dominance of Progressive reformers, the rise of minority political coalitions, and the modern era of Democratic control. American Alcalde offers an unparalleled deep dive into the city’s past, with over 34,000 footnotes documenting primary sources, including newspaper archives, government records, and firsthand accounts.