For nearly 30 years, Chris Epting has been a passionate chronicler of the lesser-known histories and intriguing mysteries that define Orange County. As a New York Times bestselling author, he has written numerous books covering a wide array of topics across North America, but his life in Orange County has inspired a particular focus on its unique narratives. 

For a decade, he penned a popular weekly column about the region for the Los Angeles Times, and he has contributed hundreds of articles to various publications, including Westways and Travel + Leisure. Epting served as a commissioner on the Orange County Historic Commission and has hosted a variety of local television shows on PBS, further solidifying his commitment to preserving and sharing local history. 

He believes that beyond the stereotypes of Orange County lies a cultural treasure trove that is ethnically diverse, culturally relevant, and delightfully quirky. Weaving in stories of iconic figures like Babe Ruth, Elvis Presley, and Lucille Ball—each of whom left an indelible mark on the area—Epting reveals that Orange County is truly a unique place with a rich tapestry of history waiting to be uncovered.

Thomas Gillespie is a Professor with research interests in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing, and Biogeography. Professor Gillespie leads the EOS seminars and teaches classes in remote sensing and the geography of the tropics.

Ph.D. University of California, Los Angeles, 1998 Department of Geography M.A. California State University, Chico, 1994 Department of Geography and Planning B.A. University of Colorado, Boulder, 1990 Department of International Affairs