Richard Carrico

Richard L. Carrico, writer and educator, is a U.S Army veteran. He is a lecturer in the Department of American Indian Studies at San Diego State University and lives in Warner Springs. He is a well-respected scholar, public speaker, and researcher who has made significant contributions to our understanding of local Native American culture.

His primary area of research is the Indian people of southern California and northern Mexico followed closely by the Spanish colonial period in San Diego County. Richard was recently presented with the prestigious Norman Neuerburg Award for Outstanding Contributions Towards the Study and Preservation of California’s Missions, Presidios, and Ranchos.

In addition to more than 30 publications in professional journals, Richard is the author of an award-winning true crime book Monsters on the Loose (2024), History of Wines and Wineries of San Diego County (2016); Ramona and other books including the revised Strangers in a Stolen Land: The Indians of San Diego County (2018).

Beyond the academic realm Richard has authored historically or archaeologically based articles for the San Diego Union, California Magazine, Ranch and Coast Magazine, San Diego Home & Garden, and other popular magazines. He also has authored stand-alone chapters in four academic books.