D. J. “Duke” Dukesherer is a local writer and official historian of the Ballona Blog. He is the author of Beach of the King, The Early History of Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, CA, and ‘Round the Clump of Willows. Howard “Sonny” Hughes purchased 1000 acres at the foot of the Playa Del Rey/ [...]

Early French and Basque Settlers in the Ballona Valley D. J. “Duke” Dukesherer is a local writer and official historian of the Ballona Blog. He is the author of Beach of the King, The Early History of Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, CA, and ‘Round the Clump of Willows. By Duke Dukesherer Playa Del [...]

Developer and Trolley Magnate Brought Thousands Weekly to PdR D. J. “Duke” Dukesherer is a local writer and official historian of the Ballona Blog. He is the author of Beach of the King, The Early History of Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, CA, and ‘Round the Clump of Willows. By Duke Dukesherer Vermont born [...]

The Playa del Rey Pavilion D. J. “Duke” Dukesherer is a local writer and official historian of the Ballona Blog. He is the author of Beach of the King, The Early History of Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, CA, and ‘Round the Clump of Willows. By Duke Dukesherer Southern California has a long and [...]

History Pop Quiz: What’s a Motordrome? D. J. “Duke” Dukesherer is a local writer and official historian of the Ballona Blog. He is the author of Beach of the King, The Early History of Playa Del Rey, Westchester, Playa Vista, CA, and ‘Round the Clump of Willows. By Duke Dukesherer In 1910, an ex-bicycle racer [...]