Crestwood Hill is like no other place in the vast metropolis of L.A. - its history is the result of the singular optimism that defined Southern California in the post-WW2 era. A handful of the region's optimists banded together to form a cooperative intent on building a utopian community. And they did. Author Cory Buckner follows the Mutual Housing Association as it purchased the land, designed and built the houses for its members and faced mounting difficulties establishing a truly communal community.

In Looking for Los Angeles 12 contributors present their responses to the world's newest major city. A variety of perspectives and approaches are covered. The text balances the importance of place with the importance of culture.

The man and his work are given an appreciative investigation in Garrett Eckbo: Modern Landscapes for Living a detailed and elegant study that features more than sixty of his projects - many published here for the first time. Marc Treib examines the aesthetic formation of Eckbo's manner; and by implication, the broader field of landscape architecture since the 1930s. Dorothee Imbert writes of Eckbo's social vision, noting his belief that ultimately landscape design is "the arrangement of environments for people". The book includes an afterword by Garrett Eckbo, a memoir by photographer Julius Shulman, a biographical and professional chronology, and a bibliography of publications by and about the landscape architect and his contemporaries.

A transcription of an apparent self-initiated taping of Siegel's memories about the beginning (after WWII) and evolution of a Brentwood housing community called Crestwood Hills. There is much information about the operation and management of community, in which a group called the Mutual Housing Association played a big part.

Los Angeles magazine is a regional magazine of national stature. Our combination of award-winning feature writing, investigative reporting, service journalism, and design covers the people, lifestyle, culture, entertainment, fashion, art and architecture, and news that define Southern California. Started in the spring of 1961, Los Angeles magazine has been addressing the needs and interests of our region for 48 years. The magazine continues to be the definitive resource for an affluent population that is intensely interested in a lifestyle that is uniquely Southern Californian.

Los Angeles magazine is a regional magazine of national stature. Our combination of award-winning feature writing, investigative reporting, service journalism, and design covers the people, lifestyle, culture, entertainment, fashion, art and architecture, and news that define Southern California. Started in the spring of 1961, Los Angeles magazine has been addressing the needs and interests of our region for 48 years. The magazine continues to be the definitive resource for an affluent population that is intensely interested in a lifestyle that is uniquely Southern Californian.

The future Brentwood began to change more than a century ago when 300 wild acres of brushy canyons and rabbit and coyote habitat along with sheep-grazed mesas were contributed to the cause of needy veteran soldiers. Landowners Sen. John P. Jones of Nevada and Arcadia Bandini de Baker turned the land over to the board of managers of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The Pacific branch of this national hospice organization opened its doors to patients in 1888. Soon families and staff began to purchase lots and build homes near the gates. Businesses began to open to service the new residents. Through the late 20th century, this western area of the city of Los Angeles became known for beautiful neighborhoods, movie star residents, and a relaxed lifestyle--it became Brentwood.