Hi There
Welcome to my website. I've been thinking about what to write in this space. It has to be smart, thoughtful, and captivating. I am a writer after all. I can't have you read this short description thinking, "huh... I thought she's supposed to be a writer but this intro is just ok I guess."
Like any writer, before I write this amazing introduction that will clearly make you feel confident in my ability, I'm going to make a cup of tea, fold the laundry, paint one wall of my bedroom "Admiral Blue"... or should it be "Agreeable Gray," no definitely "Admirable Blue," research the best free pilates video and contemplate doing it sometime in the next year, and then I'll have the best idea for what to write in this little section.
Published Work
Edhat Santa Barbara
Edhat Santa Barbara
Edhat Santa Barbara
Articles ranging from breaking news to restaurants reviews covering all things newsworthy in Santa Barbara, CA.
Freelance Articles
Edhat Santa Barbara
Edhat Santa Barbara
Freelance work including articles published by Authentic Luxury Travel, Curve Magazine, and A Family Co,
Highlighted Articles
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
Dr. Melissa Drake Announces Sudden Closure of Bustling Practice, Creating Long Waits for Remaining Providers
UC System Directs Staff to Stop Donating Medical Supplies to Hospitals
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
The University of California sent out a mass email last week directing university staff to stop donating medical supplies to local hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.
Local Communities Join Nationwide Protests Against Police Brutality
Maternal Healthcare Series: Santa Barbara's 'Unicorn' OB Calls it Quits
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
Local protestors joined the nationwide movement to protest police brutality and injustice after the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery.
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
A collection of documents released by the National Transportation Safety Board points to lithium-ion batteries and electrical systems as potential sources of the Conception boat's deadly fire, as well as a lack of fire training for crew members.
Santa Barbara's Sister City: Dingle, Ireland
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
Satanic Documentary at Local Theatre Ruffles Religious Feathers
An Irish town with a quirky name and an even quirkier mascot just so happens to be Santa Barbara’s Sister-City.
Satanic Documentary at Local Theatre Ruffles Religious Feathers
Lack of Fire Training and Lithium-Ion Batteries Highlighted in Conception Boat Fire Report
Satanic Documentary at Local Theatre Ruffles Religious Feathers
A new documentary exploring the Satanic Temple and its followers has debuted at the Riviera Theatre, much to the dismay of a local religious leader.
The Laying Down of Blankets: Where Civility Goes to Die
The Laying Down of Blankets: Where Civility Goes to Die
The Laying Down of Blankets: Where Civility Goes to Die
Concerts in the Park is a summer staple in Santa Barbara, but reserving blanket space feels like running with the bulls.
Media Appearances
Television: Newsmakers
Television: Newsmakers
Television: Newsmakers
Edhat owner and publisher Lauren Bray joins the panel in the latest episode of “Newsmakers TV."
Radio: KZSB
Television: Newsmakers
Television: Newsmakers
Edhat's Lauren Bray was a featured guest on KZSB-AM 1290 discussing citizen journalism, local news, and the future of Santa Barbara's best website.
Residencies
Dorland Mountain Arts
Selected as a resident for their 2021 programming
Novel In Progress
Beneath the Grain
Genre: Memoir, Creative Nonfiction
[Currently Unrepresented]
After losing her job and breaking up with her first serious girlfriend, Lauren decides to finally fulfill her late grandmother’s promise, writing the story of her grandmother's life. While going through a box of items left to her, Lauren discovers stacks of World War II letters that hint at hidden details about her grandparent's "love story."
With nothing to lose Lauren embarks on a tense road trip across Nebraska with her conservative mother to uncover family secrets that hadn’t been spoken of in over 70 years. While learning more about her grandparent’s lives during the war, tensions and hurt feelings boil as she uncovers layers of secrecy surrounding her family members and her self.
While she aims to reconnect with the women in her life, Lauren is faced with the decision to change old patterns and work towards authenticity or continue on with the familial cycle.
About Me
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." Maya Angelou
L.C. Bray, but you can call her Lauren, is the owner and publisher of the popular community news website edhat.com in Santa Barbara, CA. Her day, and often night, is devoted to the never-ending cycle of local news keeping her readers updated, informed, and entertained. She's contributed to other publications including Authentic Luxury Travel and LGBTQ-focused pieces for Curve Magazine and A Family Co. She's also working on her debut creative nonfiction novel that focuses on uncovering family secrets, including her own. She currently lives in Santa Barbara with her wife and children.