18 December 2023 , 22:57
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A filmmaker has documented his two-week stay in Slab City, a lawless, off-grid community populated by homeless and unemployed squatters and ex-convicts, and uncovered what truly happens within the infamous community.
A YouTuber known as Ranger Rick, from Louisiana, has visited various "abandoned places" around the world and recorded each experience for his channel, which has garnered more than 137,000 subscribers. His latest expedition took him to a remote area in Californian desert known as Slab City, which is known for its reportedly dangerous community members and egregious lack of police presence.
As Rick ventured into the society, he discovered the rumors were exaggerated. He was surprised to find the community filled with "individuals from all walks of life" who had banded together to form a tight-knit community that puts independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of simple pleasures above all else.
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Slab City resident Agent K has lived there for nine years without fearing for his safety (RangerRickTV/Youtube)Although, the rumours about the majority of residents having a criminal past was true. Rick described them as "unconventional souls" who bonded over their shared desire of living alternatively from "societal conventions." "Nestled away in the California desert, Slab City is a vibrant and eclectic community where unconventional souls find solace and freedom from societal conventions,' he began in his video.
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Disagreements in the off-grid community usually ends with someone's home being set ablaze (RangerRickTV/Youtube)"Here, individuals from all walks of life come together to form a tight-knit community that values independence, self-expression, and the pursuit of simple pleasures." The content creator observed how the lack of police in the area taught residents to "take matters into their own hands" when dealing with a disagreement, which usually entails someone trailer catching fire.
"Slab City is definitely not for the faint of heart," he said. "You have to earn your stripes around here to stay and live in peace. "Police rarely come out this way so residents usually take matters into their own hands. They'll burn your house down."
Some tenants say Slab City is home to those who have nowhere else to go (RangerRickTV/Youtube)Rick approached several people who call Slab City home to hear their take on living in the off-grid community. One tenant named Kevin acknowledged the reputation the community has and the lack of police but said "it's a lot safer than you'd think." One of the unspoken rules of Slab City is to not make enemies because if you do, Kevin said, someone might feel compelled to burn your home down.
"If you're doing something you shouldn't be doing and people want to get rid of you, they burn your camp." Another resident, known as Agent K, explained how the off-grid society is filled with "mentally wounded" people who struggle with their mental health. He said it pertains to most in Slab City from those who can't afford an apartment to others who simply can't live in the outside world.
Agent has resided in the society for nine years and said he doesn't fear for his safety.