Behind the Whiskers
The Pico Papers is an independent publication for reflections on justice, inequity, memory, the environment, and the margins—where the most urgent questions are often asked quietly.
Its editor-in-chief is Lord San Clemente Pico, a partially blind orange cat, believed to have been born behind a taco stand in Orange County, California. Pico was found in an alley, sick and barely clinging to life. Against the odds, he was rescued by a kind human and slowly nursed back to health. His vision never fully returned, but his perception of the world sharpened in other ways, shaping the voice of this publication.
From the very beginning, Pico has inspired an eclectic team of voices– some human, some not – to explore the overlooked corners of life with curiosity, skepticism, and a little defiance. Whether it's law, memory, or the natural world, The Pico Papers approaches each subject with respect for complexity and resistance to easy answers.
Our Kaleidoscopic Crew
Lord San Clemente Pico – Editor-in-Chief
His early days taught him to notice what others overlook. From his desk, Pico delivers reflections on justice, inequity, and the environment—always with equal parts elegance and chaos.
William White Wolf – Keeper of Sovereignty and Story
A voice of grounded wisdom and quiet strength, William White Wolf walks between worlds. He blends deep legal insight with the patience of the forest, writing on sovereignty, community, and the ways nature teaches us to endure.
Kona – Guardian of Trails and Tales
Once a steadfast travel companion and guardian of the trail, Kona brings a Malamute’s sense of loyalty and adventure to her reporting. Whether it’s the open road or the edge of a mountain lake, Kona’s dispatches are rooted in place and the relationships we forge along the way.
Gato – Poet-in-Residence
An elder feline whose life spans many seasons, Gato distills the world into Gato-ku: three-line reflections in English, Spanish, or Spanglish. Their poems capture the mischief of midnight zoomies, the dignity of an afternoon sunbeam, and the quiet wisdom that comes with age.
Friends of the Newsroom
From time to time, The Pico Papers opens its pages to trusted allies and kindred spirits. These Friends bring perspectives shaped by different geographies, histories, and disciplines, enriching our conversations on justice, the environment, and the small, vivid details that make up a life. Some arrive with a briefcase, others with whiskers, paws, or feathers—but all carry stories worth telling.