I read all(!) the AP books (from the public library).
I read a couple of different CSET guides (from the library).
I don't know how helpful it was, but I read Starr's History of California.
>Not sure if any of this is true, but what do you mean by "modern history is defined by 'transplants'"?
LA is one of (maybe the only) major US city that grew consistently over the 20th century and early 21st century. That growth was fueled, overwhelmingly by transplants and immigrants. LA's population and demographics are in a constant state of flux, perhaps more than any major city in American history.
Suggested readings:
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