Our Mission
At SoCal Observer, we strive to bring you the best of Southern California's news and stories. With a team of unique voices, we tackle the topics that matter most — and sometimes the ones that don't.
Meet Our Writers
Walter Crankshaft
Political Analyst
After earning a degree in Public Administration from Fresno State, Walter worked as a campaign aide for several small-town politicians. Known for his sharp wit and uncanny ability to spot a cover-up from a mile away, Walter has a knack for dissecting political scandals. Though his insights are razor-sharp, he’s been caught mispronouncing "filibuster" more than once. Walter claims his political awakening came during a high school debate tournament — where he was disqualified for heckling the judge. He spends his weekends volunteering at his local library, though rumor has it he only goes for the free coffee.
Tucker Blunderbuss
Tech Correspondent
Tucker studied Computer Science at a community college in Reno before landing a job at a local startup — which folded after three months. Passionate about innovation, he spends hours exploring the latest trends in AI, though he’s yet to figure out how to set up his own Wi-Fi. Tucker’s proudest achievement is winning a high school science fair with a “smart toaster” prototype that only worked half the time. Despite his quirks, his analysis on emerging tech is surprisingly insightful. His friends describe him as “a walking contradiction,” but Tucker insists that’s his superpower. When he’s not writing, he’s tinkering with his 1998 Dell laptop, which he insists is “vintage.”
Rusty Knuckleford
Environmental Writer
Rusty earned his reputation as an environmental expert after years of documenting California’s changing landscapes for independent research projects. While he insists he has no formal degree, his blog on climate solutions has attracted a modest but loyal following. Raised in a family that ran a scrapyard, Rusty believes in the mantra, “Reduce, reuse, recycle — and duct tape.” He’s currently working on a self-published book about sustainable living, though he claims writer’s block has stalled progress for five years. Rusty’s articles mix practical advice with wildly unverified anecdotes, like the time he says he fixed a broken wind turbine with leftover pizza boxes. On his days off, he hikes barefoot to “feel closer to nature” but often ends up with poison oak.
Willis Buckfin
Business Analyst
Willis studied economics at a vocational college before launching a string of small businesses, including a goldfish rental service. While none of his ventures succeeded, he claims they taught him “what not to do” in business. Known for his bold predictions about market trends, Willis has a knack for pointing out inefficiencies — even if his solutions rarely pan out. His writing often combines solid financial principles with outlandish anecdotes, like the time he sold a fake Picasso to a hedge fund manager by accident. Willis spends his weekends at flea markets, where he barters for vintage items he later resells at a questionable profit. His latest side hustle? Personalized financial advice on TikTok, where his following consists mostly of bots.
Buckly McGraw
Sports Reporter
Buckly played baseball in high school, though his teammates mainly remember him for tripping during a game-winning play. After dabbling in a sports broadcasting course, he decided his true calling was writing. His columns are a mix of heartfelt stories and wild conspiracy theories — like his insistence that the 2017 Super Bowl was rigged by aliens. Buckly prides himself on interviewing local athletes, even if half of them don’t remember agreeing to it. Despite his questionable credentials, his passion for sports shines through, earning him a small but enthusiastic readership. When he’s not writing, he’s managing his fantasy football league, where he’s consistently ranked dead last.
Brock Hardcastle
Culture and Arts
Brock studied Fine Arts at a liberal arts college in Oregon before moving to Venice Beach to “find himself.” He’s written for several indie publications, though most of his pieces mysteriously disappear after a week. Brock’s unique voice has made him a standout in cultural commentary, despite his tendency to compare every new movie to The Godfather Part II. He spends his free time attending underground art shows, where he once mistook a trash can for an exhibit. Brock believes his greatest achievement is his ability to analyze fashion trends while wearing socks with sandals. His latest goal? Pitching a reality show about local muralists to Netflix — so far, they haven’t called back.
Mavis Chortleworthy
Health & Welness Writer
Mavis earned her yoga instructor certification in La Jolla but quit after a disastrous class involving hot coffee and downward dogs. Now she channels her passion for wellness into writing, where she explores topics like mindfulness, healthy eating, and the occasional detox that no one should attempt. Mavis claims to have cured her allergies through essential oils, though her doctor strongly disagrees. Her articles often combine legitimate health advice with bizarre personal experiments, like the time she ate nothing but kale smoothies for a month. Despite her unconventional methods, readers appreciate her dedication to trying everything herself first. In her spare time, she runs a side business making scented candles inspired by her favorite yoga poses.