Skip to Content
Arcadia

Et in Arcadia Ego

9:34 AM PDT on April 23, 2009

I found these guys caught in mortal coils on a mountain trail high above Arcadia. The smallest one, the one being bitten but not biting, was dead and had been for some time. His limbs were curled up and the color had faded from his body. They were roiling and boiling all around the place, tumbling down the trail in a rolling, reptilian ball of concentrated aggression. From the looks of it, they had been at it for days and showed no signs of letting up. It was without a doubt the strangest thing I've seen in all my tramps through the forest.

Or was it really so strange? I invite you to disregard your intricate mammalian brain, with its gaudy pleats and involutions! Recede with me past years of evolution innumerable and into the throbbing medulla oblongata of your own reptilian core--do you see here perhaps a metaphor for your day? Kinda reminds me of a fistfight I saw late one night last week, beside a taco truck on San Fernando Road.

More Stories

Juicy Ribeye Khao Soi In a Wisteria-Covered West Hollywood Courtyard

Where to get a big bowl of rich, coconut-creamy Thai curry with fresh noodles and dry egg noodles, and pickled mustard greens, with an entire medium-rare sliced ribeye, cooked to your preference, on top.

November 6, 2026

ICE Watch Newsletter: Will Newly Elected Officials Finally Melt ICE?

If these politicians are truly working in the best interests of their constituents, we’ll see the quick defunding and absolute abolishment of ICE, as well as better support for small businesses, working families, and improved resources for the homeless community.

November 5, 2026

Raman and DSA Candidates Have Defeated the Odds. That May Be the Easy Part

It's been 21 years since an incumbent L.A. Mayor didn't win a second term, plus other crucial takeways from the mid-term election.

November 5, 2026

Ye Rustic Inn (and Its 50 Years Worth of Regulars) Are Not Going Down Without a Fight

Hear ye, hear ye. Over 100 regulars gathered at Ye Rustic Inn, including L.A.'s new Mayor-Elect Nithya Raman. Where were you?

November 5, 2026

Southeast L.A. Residents Can Save Thousands on an Electric Vehicle by Attending This Free Event In South Gate

It can also bring you money-saving rebates on electric upgrades to your home.

November 5, 2026

Asada Inflation: A Rare Look at How L.A. Taqueros Are Handling Soaring Beef Prices

We take a deep dive into carne asada inflation with the owners of Sonoratown, Tacos Royale, and Luis' Butcher Shop.

November 4, 2026