About
About
Southland Alibi was the student-run literary journal published by the Writers’ Program at UCLA Extension from 2020 to 2026. During our run, we sought high-quality works of fiction, poetry, nonfiction, reviews, and visual art. Our publication was open to all, welcoming submissions from both emerging and established creatives who moved us—whether by making us laugh, cry, reflect, or simply marvel at the complexities of life.
We were committed to publishing a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Our editorial team valued work that challenged boundaries—whether of genre, form, or subject matter—and we were especially interested in pieces that explored underrepresented experiences and viewpoints. We believed in fostering an inclusive literary community where all writers and artists felt seen and heard.
The name Southland Alibi reflected both our regional literary identity and a playful nod to classic California noir. “Southland” established us as an integral part of Southern California’s literary landscape, where we contributed to and shaped conversations in the arts. “Alibi” was a wink to the film Double Indemnity, in which characters use “taking night classes at UCLA” as an alibi—an acknowledgment of our UCLA roots and the creative spirit that drives lifelong learners.
At our core, we were passionate about literature, art, community, and diversity. Our mission was to discover, publish, and promote exciting literary voices wherever they may be found, and to connect writers and readers across the globe. We strived to uplift both new and established writers, believing that great storytelling transcends borders and backgrounds.
As of June 2026, Southland Alibi has officially closed for submissions and publication. We are deeply thankful to every writer, artist, editor, and reader who helped shape this journal over the years. It has been an honor to share your work and to be part of such a vibrant creative community.
While the journal is no longer active, the site and archive will remain online so readers can continue to enjoy the incredible work published here over the years.
Editorial Staff
Charlie Jensen
Publisher and Director of the Writers’ Program
Charles Jensen is the program director of The Writers’ Program. He’s the author of a forthcoming memoir, Splice of Life: A Memoir in 13 Film Genres; three poetry collections, most recently Instructions between Takeoff and Landing; and seven chapbooks. His work has appeared in American Poetry Review, Crab Orchard Review, The Florida Review, New England Review, Passages North, and Prairie Schooner. The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs designated him a 2019-2020 Cultural Trailblazer.
Jeanne De Vita
Managing Editor
Jeanne De Vita has worked in publishing for more than a decade in acquisitions, content editing, and copyediting. As a developmental editor, she has worked with NYT, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers as well as aspiring writers just beginning their author journey. A former staff writer for a serial fiction app, Jeanne’s bestselling paranormal dystopian series Bug was an Amazon Editor’s Pick upon its release on Kindle Vella and she has ghostwritten several bestselling novels. She has been featured on podcasts and interviewed on topics ranging from romance novel cover art to writing craft and was the guest book coach on the Dale L. Roberts YouTube reality show Book Rescue. Jeanne holds an MFA in Creative Writing-Fiction from the University of Notre Dame and teaches writing and editing at UCLA Extension.
Aleesha Nash
Managing Editor/Art Editor
Aleesha Nash is a New York city-based visual artist who tells stories that help shift the inaccuracies around African Americans' cultural identity. Aleesha’s recent theater projects include Lipstick (Cherry Lane Theatre), Park Bench (Primary Stages), The Raven (The Wild Project), Lilies (The Arctic Group). Yellow Banter (The Flea Theater), We Dem Boyz (Goddard College) Black Hole Dating App (Kraine Theatre), and Yours Truly, Vincent. (Emerging Artist Festival).
Aleesha is an alumna of the Lincoln Center Director's’ Lab and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Observership program. She holds an MA from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and an MFA in dramatic writing from Goddard College in Vermont, where she received their Engaged Artist Award.
Stephanie Fung
Fiction Editor
Stephanie Fung is an editor based in Santa Clara, California, bringing three years of diverse experience across publishing, technology, and public service. She holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning from the University of Waterloo and a Certificate in Editing and Publishing from UCLA Extension. When she isn’t reading and writing, she loves playing the harp and cuddling her two cats, Kitkat and Jingles.
Nikkita Mitchell
Art Editor
Nikkita (Nike) is a Multimedia Artist based in Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese, she finalized dual certifications in Design Communication Arts and Entertainment Studies at UCLA Extension, which placed her on a path toward Motion Graphics, Visual Effects, AI art, and Immersive Media. She is currently completing her master's in Localization Project Management at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Galen Cline
Nonfiction Editor
Galen is an editor based in Portland, Oregon. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics from Portland State University and a Certificate in Editing and Publishing from UCLA Extension. They have burning passion for spreadsheets and storytelling in equal measure. In their free time, they love to play tabletop games, hike, and paint.
