The Muckraker: How Lincoln Steffens Won the Hearts of Carmel–2 Sep. 2026

Lincoln Steffens was one of America’s most influential muckraking journalists – a fierce critic of political corruption and a relentless advocate for reform. Through works like The Shame of the Cities, he exposed graft in city governments and helped define the Progressive Era’s demand for accountability. In his later years, Steffens settled in Carmel, bringing his radical ideals to the quiet coastal town. Carmel offered him a place to reflect, write his memoirs and engage in spirited  debate with the town’s artists and intellectuals. Despite his uncompromising views – he remained a vocal socialist and internationalist – Steffens was warmly received. His neighbors may not have shared his politics, but they respected his integrity and wit. In Carmel, the muckraker found a home, and the town, in turn, embraced the rebel in its midst.
Speaker Joe Livernois is an award winning journalist with more than 35 years of experience covering the Central Coast of California. He served as executive editor of The Monterey Herald, where he led coverage on local politics, agriculture and social issues. He is also the founding editor of Voices of  Monterey Bay, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to in-depth, community-centered journalism. He is widely respected for his commitment to storytelling that reflects the diversity and complexity of the Monterey Peninsula.