Tebot Bach, the little teapot publisher of Orange County (located in Huntington Beach), came into existence in 1993, publishing Spillway Magazine. In 1999, founding members Mifanwy Kaiser and Mark Bergendahl chose to incorporate as a not-for-profit publisher in 1999. For almost three decades, the press published lovely books of poetry and fiction as well as organized local events, including poetry readings. Those events were held throughout their local area, in cafes and theaters as well as homeless shelters and nursing homes. Like their little Welsh teapot (tebot) namesake, they wanted to promote a spirit of community.

While little news has been published about their current status and the press is currently in “good standing” as a Nonprofit Corporation – CA – Public Benefit, evidence suggests that Tebot Bach has been winding down since 2021. They do not currently have any calls for proposals, their Facebook page is rather quiet, and their appearance in most bookstores is limited to older publications. To add to the impression, this Library appreciated Moon Tide Press (in Whittier, CA) picking up the excellent Spillway Magazine in 2023.

If the impression is accurate, we at Doe Library thank the members of and writers for Tebot Bach and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

[1] “Tebot Bach,” SparkOC.Com – The Happening Place for Arts Happenings in the O.C., n.d., accessed June 22, 2026, https://sparkoc.com/organization/tebot-bach/; “About Tebot Bach,” Tebot Bach, accessed June 22, 2026, https://tebotbach.org/about.html.

[2] “Business Search,” California Secretary of State, accessed June 22, 2026, https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business.

[3] “Spillway,” Mood Tide Press, accessed June 22, 2026, https://www.moontidepress.com/spillway; “Los Ángeles Literary Journals,” Los Angeles Literature, April 20, 2015, https://losangelesliterature.com/the-literature/los-angeles-literary-journals/.