James R. SmithJames R. Smith is a California historian and the author of "The California Snatch Racket", "San Francisco's Lost Landmarks", and "San Francisco's Playland at the Beach: The Early Years", as well as a number of historical articles. He is a member of te California Historical Society, the San Francisco History Association, the San Francisco Museum & Historical Society, and the Library Fund at the University of California, Berkeley and is active in the preservation and promotion of history and historical lore. He is a frequent lecturer and discussion leader at universities, historical societies, libraries, and bookstores. He lives in San Francisco. Read More Read Less