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, host Emily Guerin tells a story of money, power and deception.

Listen and subscribe to this limited series at laist.com/californiacity.

California City sponsors include:

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