Zócalo Public Square

We know them when we feel them, or when we hear them blowing through the trees--and we can quote L.A. writers Raymond Chandler and Joan Didion on their power to inspire murderous thoughts and unease. But what exactly are the Santa Ana winds? How do they wreak destruction on Southern California? And why have their legends persisted? UCLA meteorologist Robert Fovell, L.A. County Fire Captain Drew Smith, and novelist Janet Fitch talked with Libros Schmibros founder David Kipen about the myths, history, and science of the Santa Ana Winds