John Lofland is a local author who has written much about the history of Davis. Dr. Lofland is a Professor of Sociology Emeritus at UCD.
His book Davis Radical Changes, Deep Constants is a very informative read about the history of the town and is both factual and entertaining. Demolishing a Historic Hotel: A Sociology of Preservation Failures in Davis, California is a comprehensive history of the Terminal Building/Hotel, where the Chen Building now stands. Lofland's first published book about Davis is Old North Davis: Guide to Walking a Traditional Neighborhood (1999). Lofland also wrote Davis Heritage Buildings, 2000.
His first book was Doomsday Cult (1966, enlarged edition 1977).
