Meet Michael Stockstill | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Stockstill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
After a career in journalism followed by public affairs, I never gave up on the idea of writing a book.
Following the admonition to “write what you know” I contacted a former colleague at the Irvine Company and
decided to join him in writing a history of the early, critical time at the company when the New Town of Irvine
was created.
My research and writing over two years was very rewarding as many untold stories about that time were
revealed. The result was the book “Transforming the Irvine Ranch: Joan Irvine William Pereira Ray Watson
and THE BIG PLAN.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Starting as a journalist, I was fortunate to have many opportunities to develop my writing skills. Also, a journalist must learn to absorb tremendous amount of information and learn to synthesize it quickly and efficiently.
Journalism, especially reporting, also means learning how to win people’s trust so they will be comfortable providing
a story, sometimes a tough one.
From journalism I moved to public affairs/lobbying in the political arena. Here my natural interest in government and history was put to good use. The more I was exposed to issues, the greater was my understanding of how and why the government system works. Much of my work was essentially translating this knowledge for clients who had little to no appreciation for the subtleties of how a public official or staff member makes a decision.
My brand came down to this: competency, honesty, willingness to work hard, and a clean reputation.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love the Los Angeles and Orange County of the past, being a history buff.

We’d start at Musso and Frank in Hollywood for a glimpse into the 1940’s, followed by a sightseeing tour of old
movie locations, like the staircase where Laurel and Hardy filmed “The Music Box,” and the house in the Hollywood Hills where “Double Indemnity” was filmed.

Then to the Getty Center for lunch on the patio and a tour of great art, followed by a drive to the Bel Air Hotel and drinks in the lovely cool gardens, watching the swans drift by. Back to Hollywood for a visit to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences Museum, and then the Grammy Museum.

Then a visit to the Huntington Museum in San Marino, followed by a long drive to Orange County for a walk down to Crystal Cove State Park and dinner at the Beachcomber right on the sand.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was fortunate to have many mentors. First and foremost my father, who gave me the elemental lessons for life: be yourself, be honest, find ways to serve others and learn from your mistakes.
Second was professors Mac Maclaren and Howard Seemann at my journalism school.
Third Robert Shelton and Tom Wilck at the Irvine Company, William Woollett Jr. at the Toll Roads and Gary Hunt
and John Withers, my colleagues at California Strategies, along with Jack Flanigan.

Website: https://www.thebigplanbook.com

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