Dateline>City of Angels

Did you feel that Hollywood-like electricity in the air yesterday? That giddy feeling of a packed house on the edge of its seats as the moment came for the big award? The breathlessness as the envelope was unsealed? The sudden gasp of surprise followed by thunderous applause when the winner was finally announced?

No, I’m not talking about the Academy Awards…

While Angelenos were riveted to TVs at Oscar parties all over town, they likely missed news of another international contest: one in which the City of Angels walked away with “Best-Tasting Tap Water” honors.

Yeah, I’m stunned too — not just that L.A.’s overly chlorinated water could ever please discerning palettes, but that there’s even such a competition.

But what I really want to know is who accepted the award, which designer they were wearing, and what, if any, embarrassing faux pas they made in their thank-you speech.

I know it’s another long shot, but in addition to hunting for ghost stories, I’m also trying to track down descendants of several prominent early Los Angeles families, notably anyone with ancestral links to:

Juan Bautista Sanchez, aka John B. Sanchez (1858-1920). In 1887 he married Rosa Escadon from Mission San Buenaventura parish. The couple resided in Los Angeles.

Their children: Angel Erasmo Sanchez, Rose Sanchez Brooks, Consuelo Sanchez and Mrs. R. Raphael, aka Frances Sanchez Raphael.

Mary Hossman (d. 1930), a Los Angeles native and wife of Everisto Hossman, and/or her children: Henry Hossman and Julius Hossman of San Francisco, Alfonso Hossman and Everett Hossman of Los Angeles, Mrs. Carl Carey of San Francisco, and Mrs. Irene Culp and Mrs. Grace Schaffer of Los Angeles.

Cyrus Lyon, a well-known Los Angeles Ranger of the 1800s.

Raymunda Feliz de Romero, aka Raymunda Domingo (d. 1908), and/or her children, Louisa Domingo de Sepulveda, Juan Domingo and Antonio Domingo.

Catalina Verdugo, sister-in-law to Raymunda Romero, and former owner of the southern partition of Rancho San Rafael.

The above people are all vital to my research on Los Angeles history and folklore. I’d obviously like to interview descendants regarding any family memories passed down through the generations about your ancestors. By the same token, I’ll be more than happy to share what I’ve learned.

As I said, this post is a long shot, but you never know when a family genealogist might Google up these names and land on this blog. If you do, please e-mail me through the Comment link below. Leave your name and e-mail address. (I won’t post your comments or personal info — it will be used only to contact you directly.)

Again, this is a serious inquiry, so please be ready to verify your “family pedigree” as you would with any other genealogical site. Thanks!

I’m probably going to regret this. An open call for ghost stories is a sure way to attract crackpots, who will likely respond in far greater numbers than serious eye-witnesses. Nonetheless, here goes…

It’s no secret that for a while now, the legendary Feliz Curse has been a passion of mine. Thanks to years of rummaging through early California archives, I’ve finally got quite a compelling story to tell. (Without giving it all away, let’s just say truth is stranger than fiction and you can forget everything you’ve ever read about the tale from ghost hunters, historians and tourist websites…)

One thing I still need is modern-day reports of ghosts in Griffith Park, which I know are out there. I’ve seen a few on paranormal websites.

So, if you or anyone you know has witnessed something spooky in the park (that is, other than Tom LaBonge wandering the trails with urban ecologists), drop me a line through the comment link below.

But before you do, a few ground rules:

• Hoaxers need not apply. Your story must be serious, real and credible.
• You must provide your full name and a valid email address before I’ll even consider interviewing you. (The comments link does not auto-post, so don’t worry about your private info being made public. I will NOT post or publish full names or e-mail addresses without your express permission.)
• Don’t leave phone numbers. I’ll make my first contacts with potential interviewees through e-mail only.

OK, there’s my request. Let’s see what kind of monster I’ve created…