Notes & links: 'The Murders that Made Us'

Thank you to everyone who joined this past Sunday's discussion of The Murders that Made Us by Bob Calhoun. There was much to discuss about local history, the role of the media in covering these types of events, law enforcement, and the lasting impacts.

This book in particular has abundant cinematic tie-ins; murders, cults, and mayhem are popular for film adaptations. To list just a few:

• Milk (2008; Harvey Milk)

• Vertigo (1958)

• River’s Edge (1986)

• San Francisco (1936)

• Zodiac (2007)

• Dillinger (1945)

• Gimme Shelter (1970; Rolling Stones at Altamont)

• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019; includes interpretation of the Manson Family)

Other links to explore:

• Carolands Mansion in its present state.

• Season of the Witch by David Talbot (discussed previously by the book group)

• Altamont: The Rolling Stones, the Hells Angels, and the Inside Story of Rock’s Darkest Day by Joel Selvin

• The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple by Jeff Guinn

• SF Police Department’s update on the 49-year-old Doodler cold case, release in January 2023

• The Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence (now Giffords Law Center) grew out of the tragedy at 101 California.

• Retrospective of KGO Channel 7 News, including Van Amburg and the cowboy promo mentioned in the book

Our September Discussion

Topic: How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith.

A deeply researched and transporting exploration of the legacy of slavery and its imprint on centuries of American history, How the Word Is Passed illustrates how some of our country's most essential stories are hidden in plain view—whether in places we might drive by on our way to work, holidays such as Juneteenth, or entire neighborhoods like downtown Manhattan, where the brutal history of the trade in enslaved men, women, and children has been deeply imprinted." (more)

When and Where Sunday, September 24, from 11:00 a.m. to approx. 12:15 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Books Inc. Opera Plaza, 601 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco The paperback book is in stock. The Ebook also is available.