Michele Zack’s new book, Southern
California Story: Seeking the Better Life in Sierra Madre, has been
recognized for excellence by the American Association of State and Local
History (AASLH) in its 2010 awards. AASLH was founded in 1904 under the
wing of the American Historical Association to support the field of
state and local history. Now independent, it is the only such national
organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting this history to
make it meaningful to all Americans. The award will be presented at the
annual meeting in Oklahoma City in September
Zack’s book was
cited as a “landmark study that is a fascinating history of an important
community . . .that tells us much about the history of greater Southern
California and the wider state, and at heart, about the broadest brush
strokes of American history as well.”
In a separate development, designer Jeff Lapides was honored with an American Design Award for Southern California Story’s cover design in its 2010 Winter Design Contest. Lapides was one of 54 designers to receive top accolades in a number of categories from among 1,888 entries. The painting on the book cover is by local artist Carolyn Gravatte.
