THE SOCAL SCENE is the ultimate insider's guide to arts, culture, food, music, and entertainment.
WINNER
2021 Southern California Journalism Awards
“HUMAN INTEREST FEATURE, over 5 minutes”
The SoCal Scene Team, Spectrum News 1, "Ron Finley Gangsta Gardener"
GANGSTA GARDENER
In a fascinating portrait of the man who defied the city of Los Angeles by growing a garden in his yard, the Spectrum News I team tells an inspiring story of the “Gangsta Gardener” who now teaches gardening online and even conducted a TED talk.
THE OLD PLACE
This restaurant in the Santa Monica Mountains has survived wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters over its 50-year history. SoCal Scene Host Melvin Robert revisits this rustic outpost that still grills steaks to perfection over an oak fire and catches up with its owner, Morgan Runyon on how he is surviving the business downturn caused by the pandemic that is impacting restaurants across the country.
GREEN BOOK / THE GREAT MIGRATION
The Great Migration brought millions of African-Americans to the North and the West as they left the South for safety reasons and for better opportunities. Many used the Green Book series of books during their travels to find lodging, restaurants, gas stations and many other businesses to patronize along the way. SoCal Scene Host Melvin Robert has the story of LA's Green Book history and how the Great Migration became part of the SoCal Culture.
THE ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE
We went to the 42-thousand square foot gourmet food hall located within a 1919 historic former Sunkist orange packing building. SoCal Scene Host Melvin Robert tells the story of this Orange County gem and samples some of the wide variety of cuisines available in this iconic space.
THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW
Palm Springs is known for its beautiful examples of mid-century architecture. One of the best is known as the "House of Tomorrow". Built-in 1960 it is considered a mid-century modernism icon. It's also the house that Elvis and Priscilla spent their honeymoon in after their secret marriage in 1967. SoCal Scene Correspondent Alison Martino explores the architecture and shares its history.
