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'California City' Podcast Is A Tale Of Money, Power And Deception In The Mojave Desert
Four years ago, as this newsroom's brand-new environment reporter, I was assigned to cover a story about the drought.
I had no idea it would turn into "California City," a seven-part investigative podcast launched by LAist Studios this week about the bizarre history of a half-built town in the Mojave Desert where, for over 60 years, real estate developers have sold a dream: If you buy land here, you'll be rich one day.
A lot of people did buy in California City. But most of them didn't make a penny.
California City is a podcast that exposes the dark side of the American Dream. This Western crime-noir chronicles the bizarre history of a small town. For over 60 years, real estate developers have sold a dream: if you buy land now, you’ll be rich one day. https://t.co/MoYi3irHxB pic.twitter.com/5EuKDl2000
— LAist (@LAist) July 14, 2020
To hear how the dream of California City has been carried on for more than half a century, you can listen and subscribe here.
To hear me talk about the podcast today, tune in to our public affairs and culture show Take Two with A Martinez at 2 p.m. on 89.3 KPCC, or livestream it here.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
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