Introducing a new show from LAist Studios, "California City." 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. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

In 2017 Ben Perez goes to a Mojave desert resort for a free vacation and ends up signing away his life savings. Turns out Ben is one of tens of thousands to believe a version of this dream over the past 60 years. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

California City is a limited series with 7 episodes. Show support by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.