Some of Cecilia's favorite columns

January 20, 2002

L. A. THEN AND NOW

A Mother's Love Was the Death of Her Daughter-in-Law

The worst mother-in-law in California was also the last woman to be executed in the state, in 1962.

April 30, 2006

L.A. THEN AND NOW

A Tale of Adultery, Mutilation Yields Obsession

Angela Mellus Copeland is obsessed with the 1928 murder of her grandfather's first wife.

April 22, 2007

L.A. THEN AND NOW

Buffalo Soldier's story finally is told, by kin

Civil War veteran George Hutchinson has been forgotten by everyone but his family.

February 4, 2007

L.A. THEN AND NOW

Unwitting pioneer of the battered-woman defense

Nellie May Madison got off on the wrong foot in life. She eloped at 13, married several times, chain-smoked, drank whiskey and, she'd later say, shot husband No. 5 in the back because he'd abused her.

May 21, 2006

L.A. THEN AND NOW

1st Woman Boxing Referee Rolled With Punches

Belle Martell's moment as queen of the boxing ring was almost as short as a knockout countdown, but she did it gracefully.

August 27, 2006

L.A. THEN AND NOW

Tooting the Horn for `All-Girl' Band Leader, 101

Indomitable saxophonist Peggy Gilbert got the beat back in the 1920s, when Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington and the Kansas City Nighthawks were wowing Jazz Age dance crowds.