Established in 1958, the vision for California City was grandiose, with aspirations to outgrow cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. However, over six decades later, its population has barely reached 15,000 residents.

Tucked away in Kern County's desert, situated to the southwest of Death Valley and adjacent to Edwards Air Force Base, California City is a labyrinth of vacant streets and barren lots.

Envisioned in the 1950s to compete with the size of Los Angeles, the harsh desert conditions and developmental lags rendered it nearly deserted today.

By 1980, despite having numerous plots and a sprawling network of roads leading to vacant cul-de-sacs, the town's population remained sparse. Although it's California's third-largest city by land area, its deserted streets stand as silent witnesses to the unfulfilled ambitions of its founders.

Post World War 2, California experienced a housing boom driven by returning soldiers and the state's burgeoning tech industry. Amid this boom, it seemed almost impossible to fail in real estate. Many capitalized on this, buying up vast expanses of barren land, dividing them into plots, and selling them off to newcomers.

Sociology professor Nat Mendelsohn was one such visionary. He purchased a whopping 82,000 acres in the inhospitable Mojave Desert. With his rich background, having migrated from Czechoslovakia and expertise in rural land use, Mendelsohn was uniquely suited to turn this dream into reality. After successfully transforming an abandoned Army park into a thriving town named Arlanza Village, Mendelsohn sought greater control over his next project in the Mojave.

In 1956, he purchased the expansive Mendiburu and Rudnick Ranch, drawn by its abundant water sources. He spent two years planning his dream city, with visions of artificial lakes, parks, and vast neighborhoods. By 1958, infrastructural groundwork began, with roads being carved out and signage installed, awaiting an influx of residents.

However, this dream city faced unforeseen challenges. Its remote desert location lacked appeal. The extensive land clearing also stirred up sandstorms, deterring potential residents. While some parts gained a few inhabitants, the anticipated boom never materialized.

Despite its slow progress, California City saw minor achievements. By 1965, it had its own postal services and emergency departments, even though it housed fewer than 1,000 residents. Yet, as the years passed and the challenges grew, Mendelsohn's visits dwindled.

In 1969, he sold his majority stake in the city, distancing himself from what he considered his greatest setback. Nevertheless, the city persisted. Its population doubled in each of the subsequent decades, reaching almost 6,000 by 1990. However, as water resources depleted and living costs rose, growth stagnated.

While Los Angeles flourished with a population close to four million by 2020, California City struggled to breach 15,000 residents. The grand vision of it becoming a metropolis remained elusive.

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