California City

LAist Studios

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About

Deep in the Mojave Desert, there is a little town with a big name and a bizarre history: California City. For decades, real estate developers have sold a dream here: if you buy land now, you’ll be rich one day. Thousands of people bought this dream. Many were young couples and hard-working immigrants looking to build a better future. But much of the land they bought is nearly worthless.  In this new podcast from LAist Studios, host Emily Guerin tells a story of money, power and deception.

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Recent episodes

  • Imperfect Paradise: President Trump says ‘Hollywood is dead.’ What’s being done to revive it?Sep 18, 2026 · 22 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: Is your smoke-damaged home safe? The toxic aftermath of LA’s 2025 firesSep 11, 2026 · 26 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: Is LA becoming a public transit city?Sep 4, 2026 · 27 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: How one man rebuilt his life, 100 miles at a time ReduxAug 28, 2026 · 48 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: Most Californians don't own a home until 47. What that says about the CA DreamAug 21, 2026 · 24 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: More than an internet star. The life & legacy of Big Bear’s famous eagle JackieAug 14, 2026 · 23 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: After two years of progress, homelessness went up in LA. Why?Aug 7, 2026 · 32 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: Can a city built by the oil industry stop drilling for good?Jul 31, 2026 · 30 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: Who gets due process? Inside the fight over immigration bond hearings at AdelantoJul 24, 2026 · 24 min
  • Imperfect Paradise: More dads are taking parental leave than moms. Here's why.Jul 17, 2026 · 21 min

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