By Jennifer Ciotta

The German playwright's influence is hard to find in the Southern California of today.  However, at the University of Southern California, one can find his influence at the Feuchtwanger Memorial Library by going online and clicking through the literary tour dedicated to Brecht in honor of his 100th birthday in 1998.  Journal excerpts, photographs and newspaper clippings are on display.

Due to the beautiful weather, German immigrants fled from the Nazis to the west coat of the United States.  The beaches still attract many tourists and transplants alike.  Laguna Beach is the artists' sanctuary while Venice Beach maintains its freakish reputation with muscle men, scantily dressed roller-bladers and a strange mix of natives.  Marina del Rey houses boats and yachts of all assortments, while Malibu's waters provide surfers with perfect waves and restaurant diners with perfect oceanfront views. 

Brecht finally found "home" in Santa Monica.  Its famous pier holds carnival rides such as a large ferris wheel and carousel.  For a more serene experience, a tourist can fish off the pier or sit under it and watch the ocean's waves break against the posts, creating varying water patterns.  One can watch the famous extraordinary sunset.  On an absolutely clear day, legend has it "the green flash" will appear when the sun fully sinks below the waves.  The Promenade, located near the pier, has a variety of shops, bars, restaurants and street performers.  A tour through Santa Monica's neighborhoods showcases cozy, pricey bungalows owned by industry people, inspiring many film scenes to be shot here and seaside.