Monday Far East Madness

Slightly East of Sanity

I’ve always advocated East County for its relative calm, good value, easy commute and many virtues. I’ve thoughtfully added that proximity to the City is part of the joy of East County living. One occasionally craves the facilities that only an important city can offer. Yet there are those who snub the city for serious remoteness. Today I have to say that it is entirely possible to go too far to the East. Lemon Grove is a treasure trove, Alpine is fine, Guatay is OK, Crest may be best, but Slab City is sh*tty.

If you are somewhat absent minded and drive to the East beyond San Diego County, you may find yourself in the Salton Sea valley. I call it that because its elevation is low and the Sea once connected to the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. There is a cluster of cities there around El Centro and the Salton Sea and they aren’t that interesting for the most part, but there is one that defies comprehension.

Slab City. If you’re looking to buy some real estate, you’ve driven too far. Nothing here to buy because it’s all free. No rent, no mortgage, no utility bill. Pick a spot and it’s yours. Bring your RV, tent, VW camper or build a shanty and call it home.

Slab City can look shabby and it’s easy to turn your nose up and walk away unimpressed, but Slab City is better known in, say, Montreal, than National City or Santee or Rancho Bernardo. Every winter, starting about now, thousands of RVers from the Northern climes begin arriving to enjoy the warm desert weather and the free rent.

The most prime real estate in Slab City is taken year-round by Leonard Knight who is building a mountain and a museum out of desert mud, straw and donated paint. Scriptural texts are scattered about his work in bold, colorful characters. Leonard welcomes visitors from around the world, eager to share his story and show the extensive grounds that he has built with his own two hands. The Folk Art Society of America has designated the Mountain a National Folk Art Site.
Notice the rugged brown area beyond Leonard’s colorful Salvation Mountain in the aerial photo. That’s the native terrain, the ‘city’ is generally flatter and the dirt roads can generally be recognized. There is no water, sewer, electric, gas, telephone, garbage service, mail, or even paved streets in Slab City. Just slabs from buildings the military abandoned long ago. Summer heat is unbearable for all but a few permanent residents who travel to nearby Niland for their needs. A resident provides garbage pickup and others help with various needs. There is a sense of community despite some bickering among the natives. There is a library, pool, public shower, swap meet, bulletin board, web site, golf course, pet cemetery and other amenities developed over many years.

You can learn much more about Slab City and Leonard Knight from the internet or a day trip across the Imperial Valley.