Self-Governing Off the Grid Squatters Paradise - Slab City's Story

[@DaddySlabCity]

It's so validating that they depict us as the human beings we are, rather than exaggerated stereotypes. They showed up by surprise and a 5 minute interview turned into following me around for the day and filming my daily routine. Finally someone took the time to find out what I actually do around here and what my life is like in Slab City rather than exploit me for views or profit. I am so grateful to be chosen to be featured in this documentary. Way to make a grown slabber cry. Thank you for this from the bottom of my heart. I'm proud to be a Slabber.

[@peopleareinteresting]

Your time, hospitality, and contribution was much appreciated, Luis!

[@deborah6347]

So will you be there when I arrive? Where are you located there?? I missed the video.

[@DaddySlabCity]

@@deborah6347 2/3 of my camp burned down a couple of weeks ago (It was accidental). We are the first burnout on the left before salvation mountain, lol. All humans and animals are safe and accounted for. Everything else can be replaced. Everyone stayed to rebuild. We currently have 7 people staying here for the summer. I am staying for my 5th summer in a row. I live in the neighborhood between the hot springs and salvation mountain, which is the first neighborhood on the left as you enter slab city. Ask anyone in the neighborhood where Luis or Daddy is and they'll point you towards me. There are literally "where's Luis?" and "Have you seen Daddy?" Shirts floating around the Slabs. It's a commonly asked question in whatever neighborhood I'm living in at the moment. (This is the third entire neighborhood I've helped build in Slab city).

[@bobbiesmith4814]

@@DaddySlabCity you KNOW you're winning BIGTIME at life when you're literal address is "1st Burnout (Lane) on the Lefty ☝🏜🎯1️⃣🪧⬅️ 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Isn't this WHAT life SHOULD be about?!?! PPL living life on THEIR OWN TERMS. Doing what feeds their soul not what or how SOMEONE else has determined every human should be living in order to live within society. Stray from that and bet ur ass you'll suffer in some form from the consequences. Fu$k you're idea of living a life that gives YOU happiness it seems. If that's outside of working ur bag off 50hrs a week just to have a place to lay ur head at night and feed urself. And better hope u can keep that up until retirement so u can maybe enjoy life if ur not to warn out, old or STILL financially fucked despite working for the man ur entire life and never actually getting ahead cuz we re always Incurring more payments which line the pockets of everyone who has dictated our lives FOR US. And in the end dont ever ACTUALLY LIVE b4 Dying. THAT is the real Tragedy. I admire you're ability to DO YOU, and carve out a space to live the life YOU choose to CREATE . That's pure magic Babeh 🙌✌👏

[@daniellynch3099]

@@DaddySlabCity wow...that's awesome man I would love to come out

[@lollafala2949]

I LOVE that lady from Dots donuts! The fact she still keeps in touch with her kids and has such a positive attitude and friendly. She is my role model, she is living her life EXACTLY how she wants

[@PaperPearls24]

find a more functional role model honey.

[@stephenh4307]

​@@PaperPearls24lol

[@RobertRatliff]

Meth addict? Lol

[@RodriguesPaul360]

Smmfh I hope you are kidding

[@heathersteele5560]

How does this channel NOT have more subscribers? Your documentary style is top-notch.

[@maryannemaclean8079]

Jack, So sweet of you to share the air conditioner with the pets, bless your heart, and stay safe

[@graceweber2822]

I admire his compassion towards animals.

[@yvettejones4249]

Yes even the pets looked happier.

[@Adventure-Outside]

@@graceweber2822 qqqqqqqqq

[@rich2185]

Yea. It's little. Hot 🔥🥵

[@threethrushes]

The Professor deserves a documentary all by himself. If there is any justice in this universe, please make it happen!

[@832738]

seems like a pathological liar

[@Thelavendel]

yeah he's completely full of shit though of course

[@Chris-yv9tv]

You are as sick as the people that live there.

[@Chris-yv9tv]

No I've worked for 30 fucking years after skull fractures, cancer, knee surgery, I've been in a mental institution I didn't allow myself to go that way, they have kids and don't even care a lazy bunch of mother fucking people that wants to stay high forever guaranteed I've been through more than most all them. You and I and the rest of the word know so we will continue to talk shit.

[@bdub0983]

Totally. It'll be called "How to live off government handouts in a faux commune and pretend to be morally superior"

[@mhrgall]

We have a similar kind of place here in Denamrk (but a fraction of the size, and well within the center of Copenhagen) called Christiania. Well it started out as a squatted military base hippie commune back in the early 70s, but now it's more of a curious tourist destination with arouond 1000 residents. Unfortuanately it had gotten overrun by biker gangs and drug dealers starting in the 80s, but luckily it seems to be recovering from this in recent years. This was great!! Thank you!!

[@christiekaye5013]

Must be a lot colder there…

[@ceeweedsl]

Go Christiania. Been through there once long ago. May it find a way to recover and grow healthy.

[@joycedaly1689]

❤hugs to these oeople too ❤flint Michigan

[@BumDad]

No yall sold it Slabs needs to learn about Christiana

[@RhebelGaming]

Christiania is a great place.

[@evodiscogc3422]

Honestly, I've watched a few videos on Slab City. Yours is by far the best in communicating the story on behalf of the people that live there, and not communicating a story of your understanding if that makes sense. I'd expect this from a channel with a lot more subscribers. Definitely earned my sub and attention on anything you post in the future. Thank you for all of the time you put into this.

[@Peter-ob6ue]

It's a failure of the state of California, they should have thrown them out and shut it down years ago.

[@evodiscogc3422]

@@Peter-ob6ue .. What does that have to do with my comment?

[@alwayslive7460]

INDEED

[@lalaniathielen8917]

Right On!

[@alarmservicepros]

They won't be there much longer due to the needle exchange. That is the first trick to attract cancerous drug addicts, making it easy to shut down in the name of public safety.

[@Dylise]

This video was incredibly well done, and i really enjoyed it. I didn't want it to end. Other videos on Slab City are usually brief and less informative. You did an excellent job.

[@CarolynnMc01]

I was fascinated through this entire little documentary. What incredible people. I'm rooting for them. I can see how difficult life can be in Slab City and I can also see the survivors. It's a hard life, for sure. The professor and the airbnb man were impressive. So was the man who provided food and shelter for random folks. It seems Slab City is a loving community.

[@TheOpenSociety777]

Don't be conned by a one sided selectively edited "documentary" .... The professor, the engineer, Soma the benevolent needle exchanger, etc these are all just anecdotes used as justification for drug abusers, misfits, & criminals as well as polices that have destroyed and will continue to destroy places like San Francisco ,Los Angeles ,Portland ,Seattle, Boston , Philadelphia, NY, Chicago etc It's perfectly fine to live off the grid, but there should never be a justification or normalization of degeneracy, crime and abuse. Society will not survive

[@Fishingwithcampbell]

Those folks are there because of mental illness and drug dependency

[@True99Yank]

I assure you they don't want your pity

[@tsteinebach287]

How is it difficult is they get everything from the government and never have to work?

[@CarolynnMc01]

@@tsteinebach287 Well, you tell me lol

[@travisoutlaw9511]

This was an amazing little documentary. I've seen many videos on Slab City and this one is the best. You did a great job giving the people a voice. I really want to visit this place and have conversations with these people after seeing this. Great work on this video

[@world.on.fire2024]

I agree. I think they should be left alone by the government. Who in the world has the right to say they can not live the way they want too. Nobody owns this planet or the land other than God.

[@mattheishman170]

I lived in Slab City for 5 yrs. I still call it home.

[@jackburton6462]

I'll be there soon. Society has chewed me up and spit me out enough for me to know I don't belong to it. Thank you for your comment.

[@manuelsalcido881]

​@jackburton6462 I myself feel the same way I had enough of this city life style its killing me from inside man. I'm strong i just don't like the fast lifestyle no more I need the freedom depending on me and few off people as the can depend on me that life style.

[@justkeepswimming8892]

Can you live without a cold shower in 120 degree heat 😂​@@manuelsalcido881

[@ccrider00]

Must be one of the ---- " insiders " They dont pay no stinkin Rent!

[@JohnnyBeGold]

Amen

[@bradlycassidy-bs2dz]

Instant fan of that guy Louis. Keep paying forward brother!

[@primesspct2]

I live on SSDI which is not much money, but I am very thankful for it. I can easily see myself in slab city. I am fortunate in that my uncle provided me with a house to live in when I got sick. I have had many people come and go in the last 30 years, and have fond memories of all. We live as a community and take care of one another. Its great to see what people can do together when they pool their resources, whether that resource is financial, physical, emotional , intellectual or even spiritual. Keep safe Slabbers, and keep taking care of one another. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with this little gal from Ohio.

[@cIeetz]

some of these people have talents. some of that art is decent. with the right connections they could make money for sure

[@Chris-yv9tv]

Let me tell you something these people are failure in life always have been if you lived somewhat right before you got sick your not cut from the same cloth, but if you have been like them you will fit in perfectly.

[@dickhitswater4836]

@@Chris-yv9tvwho sets the definition of what is a failure in life and what isn’t? Because they tell you that you should work? They tell you to buy a house and have kids? To these people that’s a failure. You live by rules and guidelines set by other people. You work just to give the majority of the money you make away to others for food, housing and material goods you don’t need. Some people like that structure, some people don’t.

[@Chris-yv9tv]

So would you rather work and get a luxury of a home, a car, a phone and food, or would you rather be a bum at the end of the day it's only paper anyway.

[@josefn1234]

Wow! I just stumbled upon this documentary by accident, as you do on KZbin. Suddenly, while watching Jack's intro, I realized I met the man in San Fran in 2011 when a friend and I were on a study trip there, from Denmark. He is a great guy. He was staying at the same hostel as us. He showed us around San Francisco, the nice places to go, hooked us up with smoke and just really gave us some good memories. I still have the pictures of him and us on a roof top on San Francisco that he got access to. I actually think he had just lost his job at this point or was about to. I remember the one of the first thing I talked to him about, was a Bear Gryll's show running on TV, explaining to him that Bear Gryll's always drank his own pee. Good times. I wish you all the best Jack. You've not been forgotten in all these years, across the globe.

[@capt.jackoffgrid]

Hey! I remember ! Yes I had just lost my main job and was living in hostel's around SF, you have a pic of us on a roof? I do remember this time 👍✌️🖖🙂

[@josefn1234]

@@capt.jackoffgrid I should have a few! Baban, the kurdish guy, is passed out drunk behind a grill in the bottom corner. I think this pic was of the roof of the.. Amsterdam Hostel we met in, if I remember correctly 🤔 could have been a different name though. I'll have to look through the archives when I get back home next week 👍

[@capt.jackoffgrid]

@@josefn1234 yes it was the Amsterdam hostel 👍

[@helenwingeier]

How does ppl shower 🚿 or bath out in Slab City ? I am from the East Coast and am wondering how ppl cook and take care of hygiene . Especially if School buses pick up kids out their.

[@capt.jackoffgrid]

@@helenwingeier I have a shower in my RV and a outdoor shower with a 300 gallon water tank, most people have an outdoor shower of some kind 🌵🌞✌️

[@richfiryn]

A few decades ago I lived in an encampment in Marin County comprised of about 30-40 residents. My time there was but a couple months. And it is true that such places take care of their own business "in house". Phuque Around & Find Out is for real. There are such places all over the country. Slab City, big props to the residents.

[@yvettejones4249]

Very interesting and you can't blame any of them for wanting to live outside of mainstream society paying exorbitant amounts of rent, electricity, CABLE and other things. I wouldn't make it out here because I love water, lots of it. I pray that they are remain safe, happy and loved.

[@vincentbradshaw9980]

BRAVE NEW WORLD.....V

[@starlite556]

I hate to break it to you but the "New World Order" is coming for your water and food and every necessity known to man and all luxuries. Making America a sh*t hole is part of the NWO. That is what making their useful idiots complain about everything being racist in America and wanting to make it fall is really about bringing in the NWO. They will make man suffer as he has never suffered before in the history of mankind. What they call the 'useful idiots' don't know that though. They just believe everything that the media and schools tell them without thinking for themselves.The media and schools and politicians tell them to loot, kill and destroy. Right now they are telling them to do it because of Roe vs Wade ruling . That is the one they and their god satan cares about the most because those babies are a sacrifice to him.

[@danandlaura707]

Blessings to all of them indeed,any place is amazing especially if you can live in peace and harmony with your neighbor's and environment ⚠️🏴‍☠️🌞♨️🔞🚭🤍🖤💓👌💸🥰😎🇦🇬

[@dddd4735]

9

[@bcmcboot]

Eternal rest would be better than that shit

[@frankwestphal8532]

Best Slab City Documentary out there, by far. 45:45 is cinematography pure gold. You should submit this to film festivals. EXCELLENT work. I've been to Slab City a couple times. This is very accurate as far as I can tell.

[@oliviadegrood8477]

Most interesting place & people. Hearty people for sure!

[@lovealways2609]

all ppl are valuable.. i like the ppl featured in this video.. hope they all reach fulfillment

[@lovealways2609]

the fella with the air bnb ~ what a boss..

[@digdugbingo]

Seeing so many people that actually care about one another is so moving. This place seems so chill and welcoming.

[@BeverlyJaneUnfiltered]

I don't even know how this video came into my feed but I am so happy it did. I had never heard of Slab City before this. Thank you, Our Story TV, you did a wonderful job, and thank you to all of the residents who shared their stories and homes with us. Mainstream society grows worse by the day, crime is increasing and the judges are allowing murderers out on bond to kill again, our freedoms are continuously being whittled away. The idea of a self-governing Slab City is quite appealing. Best wishes to everyone ♥

[@anthonyb7571]

Slab City is full of NOTHING but people like... us. This is a better, much more BEAUTIFUL setting than what we have here in San Francisco. I'm actually thinking about coming out here to live

[@flyingjoed]

Stop voting democrat and those criminals wont be right back out on the streets. You are paying the price for thinking eeveryone should have a second chance.

[@michaelferreri1256]

This is an absolutely superb documentary about Slab City. Extremely well done.

[@Jesus_Saves_Believers]

You did an EXCELLENT job. You should get an award for this seriously.

[@HigherWaysWoman]

I agree w/the considerable number of commentors w/this is one of the best docu's on Slab City. People helping People...Protecting Each Other & those who don't want to get along &/or directly prove they're dangerous & are immediately dealt with....if only communities that have so much more resources could be like this. If I could take the heat not end up in the ER from it.....I would so be there. Good for you all there....!!!! Truly enjoyed spending this time w/everyone....Blessings to You All

[@ghost-user559]

That’s not actually what it is to be there. That’s a very limited and idealistic propagandist perspective.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

Wow. I never knew this place even existed. Such a cool documentary... So many of these folks are really creative, smart and inventive. I hope they are able to continue with it, and be safe...

[@dpz9872]

15 deaths in 2 months and if someone doesn't like you they burn you to the ground 🔥. Yeah, real nice place to "be safe". Face it, it's just a dopers paradise funded by welfare taken from your tax dollars.

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

@@dpz9872 You're probably right but don't most people die from dehydration? I'm not too worried about it. I'll never live there.

[@dpz9872]

@@The-Portland-Daily-Blink No they mostly die from drug overdose and the occasional murder. And the lifestyle of people who choose to live on food stamps and government cash aid means that your kids schools needs and bad roads will just have to wait. And that's how liberal socialism works, unless you happen to be a socialist career politician with millions in the bank, then you don't think about things like tires and car maintenance or how dumb your kids are because their school books are so outdated and the classroom lacks a computer as well as a decently paid teacher.

[@Theressomethingwrongwiththem]

I went years ago. It's changed. I wouldn't go again, alone, if at all now. Sort of like downtown Portland. I hadn't missed Rose Festival in over 2 decades. But that's also changed. This land and any profits from it are supposed to go straight to the Teacher's Retirement Fund. Instead of doing something with the land, CA just decided to say, "Eh, f*ck it. Teacher's don't need retirement funds and we don't want to deal with sweaty people." And it's not someplace that should be romantics, really. It's called "lawless" for a reason.

[@jonliebling]

Brilliant. I have visited often. Like to think Dot and I are pals. You and your team nailed it. Slab City makes almost any other city in this country pale by comparison in terms of honesty and heart.

[@lollafala2949]

@AmericanTraitors-GOPthere are sex offenders everywhere ! At least there they aren’t around kids. Not all sex offenders are registered and accounted for. Those are the only ones that get caught. I live in a big city and when I use the app to notify where sex offenders are that are registered and the map lights up !! They are literally on every corner

[@OzarkGiGi]

Me and my dog been to slab a couple years ago, nicest people I ever met. We were living in a little pickup truck and the worst of the summer was done. Everybody's got their own story but I do right by people and expect the same in return and I'm never disappointed. If you go, please take stuff to share. Many would love to have a gift of anything. Wish I could have done more. Blessings from Grandma Gia in the Ozarks!

[@jamesdobson1547]

If you see this is brought tears to my eyes, I pray to God the world doesn't blow up before I can go there. I'll bring some gifts that should be appreciated, but yeah, they should be an awesome person later

[@johnbagewll2321]

😮

[@nocapyoulackn3594]

Luis seems so wholesome and willing to help anyone just because he can.. not to get likes and follows, just to be a good man .. and with his skills he could make a good living. I've seen 3 of these on the slab city now this one is the best.. edited very well and told the peoples stories affectively thanks great job.

[@Healertiffanytarot]

He is a really good man. I know him personally! A wonderful man.

[@rainbowlove2245]

My time in the slabs I learned a lot, especially from Luis… I learned there are people out there that be your friend just to see what you have and can steal from you, Luis is one of the most tweaked out people i k ow in slabs besides one other!

[@melissacalder1190]

The footage of earlier times seemed less violent and trashy. Looked like a fun rv park or campground. It seems as though the surrounding communities throwing their garbage everywhere and disregarding the community had a massive affect. Although it provided materials, it also welcomed in a different kind of energy. Perhaps those neighboring communities weren't there in the 70's/80's and that is why the external body changed so drastically. I enjoyed this documentary. A friend of mine went there and posted pics a few years back. He was welcomed by the community and they allowed him to play and create beautiful art. Lots of creativity and unconditional love amongst the community. I was curious how people were able to grow food and get water. Now I know. :) Thank you.

[@dannysunwantedopinions]

On top of all the serenity, you get to listen to thousands of dogs barking all day/night long! 😃

[@cristinaherrera5321]

And trip over piles of human waste and wade through used needles. Sounds like the west coast.

[@charlesmartin800]

Truly the best slab city documentary I’ve seen. Great job.

[@tyronetb3]

Shoutout to you and Chapman University for the rare old slab city video, cool to see how it was back in the day, looked like an RV Park, thank you for this whole video tho! I already seen a couple of vids on Slab City, but this one is special for the history parts too.

[@ThorneyRose]

These are the most sensible humans I’ve come across in a long while.

[@cristinaherrera5321]

This is an insult to ALL of humanity.

[@couldbegood]

Lewis seems like such a beautiful soul and has such a lovely face. The artist is very talented and I love how dogs and birds have been given somewhere

[@missirritated4872]

Being homeless here in Indiana this place looks so peaceful and filled with old souls. Blessings to you all

[@angelacharlebois6567]

These are by far more intelligent and wonderful people than I come across in my city on any given day! How refreshing. So impressive how happy you can be for so little and the things you can make by upcycling, and garbage.

[@boutrosboutrosboutrosboutros]

well some of them. not all as observed in this video

[@natemurray311]

You must live in California.

[@angelacharlebois6567]

@@natemurray311 Canada thankfully

[@natemurray311]

@@angelacharlebois6567 I don't know which ones worse... Both have totalitarian style governments currently.

[@angelacharlebois6567]

@@natemurray311 your right. Definately shouldn't be tooting Canadas horn right now as it's a darn right mess.

[@isaiahmajka3030]

I’m from Oklahoma we are very much different here. I’m very happy I came across this doc very interesting people and don’t blame them for not wanting too be apart of most people in this day and time. They seem too be happy and they don’t bother people so I hope everyone leaves them alone and let them enjoy life the way they want. Peace out and God bless each of you❤️🙏

[@catherinewilke5583]

I’ve been interested in this for a while. Thanks for the awesome video. I was on the way to visit with my kids a few years ago and we never made it (they said they didn’t want to go). If I can’t save enough for retirement, I’m headed West 💪🏻

[@tamaraskinner4877]

Wow if only more humans would be as resilient, open,honest ,raw and true as the people in this documentary

[@d.ingram6264]

Like the guy who smokes weed, doesn't work because of choice not disability, and eats with his taxpayer provided EBT card?

[@loribethartist6353]

@@d.ingram6264 EXACTLY the comment I was going to make!

[@erinmenke162]

Take away their EBT card & weed and see how resilient they are.

[@ponetastic]

@@erinmenke162 meh. EBT is 200 bucks a month.in a state where 40% of the people pay no state tax and the top 1% pay over half I say let him have it. slab city is the perfect place for him.

[@ponetastic]

@@loribethartist6353 Why dont you shoot me your address and ill have him come out and move in next to your alley. ebt in cali is 200 a month. slab city is the perfect place for him.

[@clay1556]

This document of Slab City is by far the best. Great story telling, camera work, background music, narration and inside interviewing I've ever seen. I've watched quite a few, nothing beats this one. Great work.

[@irieneophyte7539]

Well done Jeff. This was beautifully made with a sensitivity that honesty portrayed the dignity of the folk of Slab City. Thank you

[@ayabokti161]

Aww....I love the dogs & kitties. That guy turning on his AC & the animals come running 😂😜👍🏼❤

[@yellowbug5113]

That was great. I would totally watch a regular series about life within the camp. 👍👍

[@bcmcboot]

just join em

[@DaddySlabCity]

I have a youtube channel going back a few years.

[@dannyj5688]

Same here!!!

[@brianmcmanus4690]

Yeah, right?!? Make a fantastic reality show.

[@noblsht]

The one guy wearing the skippers hat his name is Jack he has a KZbin channel he uploads videos weekly slab city Jack is the name of the channel for the latest information on slab city

[@claudiacamargo5104]

How cool would it be to hang out with this weird, beautiful group of misfits for a while !

[@JK-lp6uw]

They are mo more misfit than the overall population of this country.

[@Itried20takennames]

Probably great, but most of us have our good and bad sides, and I would not romanticize this community….like the rest, it likely had some great people, and some criminals hiding out.

[@taimatsuko]

@@Itried20takennamesI agree with you but I want to add that being a criminal doesn’t mean you’re not a great person. Everyone holds both good and bad inside.

[@dondamon4669]

It's not great! No has ever said woth a normal mind " god I love being homeless"

[@jonmeans2637]

​i see Alot of people romanticizing this community, " oh it looks so cool" " oh what A wonderful community", when in reality, people are only seeing A tiny fraction of the life , of course your only going to see the " good and positive" side of things. There's probably.A very good reason why there's not tens of thousands of people living there @Itried20takennames

[@Shar_Bandraoi]

I don't feel like I belong anywhere.... at least these people found home. ❤️

[@robinluich6626]

You are a child of God and wont feel part of the world You are not of this world.

[@Mossyz.]

@@robinluich6626 Love your comment...thank you .

[@onecrak]

so I'm not the only one then, cool, so there is hope ;) the search continues...

[@interrupted9671]

I know that feeling. You actually aren’t alone.

[@interrupted9671]

I wouldn’t fit in there either.

[@sammiewagner4657]

Such a good documentary. At the beginning I thought this people were very strange but by thr end, I respected them and was amazed at their creativity. More power to them.

[@MizzAugust7]

For me it wsnt the people, Ive been in AA a Loooong time & I wasnt always socially acceptable. Living 5 yrs in LA you meet all kinds , the people in this film were ok to me- but the ugliness from just garbage isnt acceptable to most folk, I think... ?

[@thealleytalk3661]

The idea is beautiful. The danger and drug use is horrible and shouldn't be allowed to happen.

[@tammytammy9547]

@@MizzAugust7 byi

[@Tyrfingr]

I don't think that it is possible to have any kind of society that would be universally fit for everybody. Given the sheer amount of people and equally as many different mental statuses, not to mention desires and ambitions. It only seems to be expected to see societies within a dominant society where people gather according to their "nature". All countries have them in some shape or form. The criminal underworld as it is called is one such place. For some people that kind of life is what the dominant society considers to be a place to be fixed. Whilst people in that society itself are jam packed with people who find a meaning and place to exist, or simply the life is less complicated in the daily tasks. Not many people appreciate how complicated life is for us who go to work and do our daily things. It's simple for the people who can do it, but if you think about all that you are required to do from morning til bedtime. Every day just to make ends meet. It isn't simple for people who have severe mental challenges or other form of difficulties. If you build a small medieval village, you can easily find tasks suited for each person. But as society is as complicated and advanced as the modern age. It's not so simple anymore. You can understand why there is a lot of people who find themselves in various sub-societies. The challenges brings people to those societies and back to ours again as well, and those are the ones who are strong and adaptable enough to do it. Many never had much of a chance from the start of life. The stories are endless, and so it seems. Is the lifestyles people adopt to survive. As far as i can tell, nothing has ever changed for as long as we have had cities going back a few thousand years.

[@tinfoilhatcovidiot]

You are judgemental. Are you ever going to get the whole story like this, about the people you walk past and judge in the street.. nope.

[@poolfixer]

I like Spyder's setup, awesome having his daughter and son also taking advantage of the lifestyle.

[@brucewooley8694]

Well done. Each story holds hope for the whole of humanity. There is no excuse for anyone of us to not treat each other as these folks do.

[@maxmanus4637]

Amazing. I wish i could live in such place. All places need a Slab City.

[@lynnjudd9036]

Yup, I wish there were places like this in every state where people can get away from life's hassles for more than just a vacation.

[@ghost-user559]

You don’t actually want that. It’s a violent and awful place. This video is completely unrelated to how the lifestyle and people actually are. It’s dangerous and dark.

[@cristinaherrera5321]

You do have them. Just take a walk on the wild side of your area.

[@elizabethtipton4193]

You did an excellent job capturing the essence of Slab City.

[@simulationsecrets6540]

Phenomenal video. Should get millions of views. Thanks for posting!

[@peopleareinteresting]

Thank you!

[@gertpacu3926]

I never saw the guy that did the narcam, but that's a good thing to have because I did see a LOT of needle and hard drug users out there. There was a Fentnyl scare on one of my nights there in december 2021. I guess someone was passing out drugs but it was Fentanyl and not crack. I don't do drugs so the people that checked on me were cool. I hated it in June of 2021 but in december of 2021 it was much more quiet. Not sure why.

[@nevertoopoortotour.3033]

I agree

[@Kumudragon]

How can I infinitely like this video. Thanks for going out there and making this video. Like the guy said, "something magical about this place ". I can feel it just from this video. Really makes you reflect on your own life.

[@bcmcboot]

Magical poverty

[@primovid]

"Really makes you reflect on your own life"...And to that I repeat what a friend told me years ago: "There's a difference between standard of living and quality of life"

[@bonniecline5014]

I could be totally happy with these people. I'd love to make art out of their trash😅 so many creatives amongst them! I love you guys❤

[@sweesuri7760]

My husband and I landed in Slab City completely by accident we stayed a year one of the best experiences of our life

[@viola1426]

Really that’s so awesome!

[@FestiFesti31]

@@viola1426 you like to

[@SandcastleDreams]

How did you get enough water? Out of the canal?

[@CrunchyTire]

You dont just trip and fall and magically land in slab city lol.

[@krmccarrell]

​@@SandcastleDreams I believe he said that he has a delivery service that comes and fills up his two tanks.

[@500midnightmary]

I've been hearing about the Slabs for years and about the change but never about the history. This was great. Thanks.

[@His1andOnly81]

And let me mention, everyone he interviewed is unique and amazing in their own way!! What an amazing community of people!!

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

I have watched many documentaries on Slab City and this is by far the best I’ve seen!!!! Bravo 👏🏻 It truly is the last “free” place left in America, where you get back exactly what you put into it, where you are sovereign over yourself and what you create as long as what you create doesn’t hurt anyone else and where you can find family and community or be left entirely alone if you so choose! You did a phenomenal job representing Slab City and the people who choose to call it home, thank you!!!! 🙏 Cheers

[@johnziggykelleher4871]

Without alcohol the place would be empty. Most are drunk from morning to pass out. A lot of lying about being in the Military or CIA. Most are scared and try to make themselves tough. The reporters give them alcohol and they will say anything.

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

@@johnziggykelleher4871 What a crock of shit 💩 you just made all that up in hopes of getting a rise out of someone. Good try, but most intelligent people won’t fall for it. No one believes this place is perfect or some kind of utopia. What it is, is a place where creative individuals who are burnt out on our so called “civilized society” can freely express themselves without fear of some government agency or large corporation coming along saying “oh no, you can’t do that, there are rules” A great example of what I am talking about would be police forces around the country wasting tax payers money by arresting 9 year girls for making and selling lemonade or old men veterans feeding the homeless. 😱🤬🤬🤬 Cheers

[@DaddySlabCity]

As someone who is featured in it. I couldn't agree more. We don't open up to outsiders very often, let alone so many of us, but they were so cool and you could see their genuine love, excitement, and curiosity for the Slabber community so it was easy to let them get an insider view. They were also brave. They sat in sketchy trailers with addicts and spoke with tough "scary" people and treated them like human beings. It paid off in a great final film. They followed me into burned out bunkers in the middle of nowhere surrounded by wild dogs and we're never afraid to go out even further. I really admire them for that. They are artists. Tourists NEVER do that.

[@johnziggykelleher4871]

@@DaddySlabCity Nicely put, Luis. My friend Carl went into the hot springs and passed out. He floated up the next day. 2011. A young girl went to hop a train for the first time and fell between the cars. That was it. The place continues to have different groups and Cafe owners. Most feel it is their place. Sometimes it was purgatory. I fed many people and would do it again. The difficult thing was a lack of Women. Peace Brother.

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

@@DaddySlabCity I found the film excellent and fascinating! Thank you for allowing us a view into your life and the interesting place you and all the other slabers choose to call home! Slab City is definitely on my bucket list of places to see before I die! 😉 Cheers

[@JW-ku7nn]

This is fascinating! Actually how I imagined a post apocalyptic world to be like. Small self governing communities are formed, where services are provided to each other based on need. Although the overall conditions are harsh, it can also feel quite liberating especially if you feel welcomed within the community.

[@jackburton4892]

Right? I'm going to drive up there and scream, "I HAVE THE LAST OF THE V8 TURBO INTERCEPTORS!"

[@candaceshadowen790]

Yep. And no welfare benefits

[@Cocoftcu]

@@candaceshadowen790 yesss and nobody can read 😋🥰🥰

[@bendover-bz4bc]

Bunch of hupsters and lunatics trying to evade government so they can sniff drugs . What a pathetic existence.

[@adoe2305]

Another community living with the safety of the United States of America 🇺🇸

[@pipfox7834]

that was amazing. I used to read a lot, biographies and history etc. But now i mainly watch youtube because of films like this one. The more you watched, the more interesting it got...I was surprised, in a good way - and I have seen and heard a lot in six decades of life.

[@dionst.michael1482]

Love Charlie. Salt of the earth, kind soul. I'll take a kind soul over an affluent one any day. God bless you, Charlie

[@darcyrosewilson]

This was one of the best documentaries I've seen on slap city. I love how you gave the people a voice and really showed them because they make slab city. If it wasn't for the people, it would be nothing. Absolutely awesome 😎

[@Charles-ei6fv]

You have incredible skills. What a cool place. Whoever edited and produced this. did an awesome job

[@bonafideslacker2626]

Been obsessed with the community of the slabs for a decade. In many ways, it's my dream home.

[@casse1458]

Same😁

[@ghost-user559]

It shouldn’t be. It’s not what it seems.

[@bonafideslacker2626]

@@ghost-user559 I get that. Neither am I.

[@ghost-user559]

@@bonafideslacker2626 Yeah, that’s true. But honestly it’s not a place to live. Especially when you could do the same thing anywhere in almost any country on earth. They douse people in gasoline while you sleep and light you on fire if you don’t give them what they want. Not really worth it. Better to just do the same thing wherever you want and start fresh without the baggage.

[@stopthewefscam]

Excellent piece of work 👏... shine on ❤

[@dionst.michael1482]

One of the better documentaries I've watched on this community. Very respectful and honest. Thank you for sharing.

[@runthomas]

i personally would like to live like this...i am not from a broken family and the only thing i am running away from is the evil society in which we live...where everything is just about making money...i want to live my life...ideally in the countryside.

[@aegisreflector1239]

Im thinking more and more like this. The older I get the more I believe the world is cold and evil. I'm tired of being exploited by jobs and landlords.

[@warrenthompson7803]

Wow you had such low standards and less faith in humanity if you want to call the rest of the society that doesn't live like that evil.

[@aegisreflector1239]

@@warrenthompson7803 Nah you're over reaching. Or don't understand what he meant. Living in a world that normalizes the toxic rat race way of life, as well as the work till death, and pay to live rules IS in fact evil and should be scrutinized and criticized. He isn't necessarily calling the people evil, but the systems, laws and institutions that force this way of life on most of humanity is evil.

[@warrenthompson7803]

sounds like a boring life style to me ..when new technology arises ...new electronics ...new toys to play with you will be to broke to enjoy all that. Nothing in life is free. And one you only have enough electricity to last two hrs ..and always worrying if your gonna have enough heat to last you the night when it gets cold. your the one who's gonna be suffering. Just wait until you bring a girlfriend to live there with you ...and you she gets rapped or you get your shit end up getting stolen cause there is no laws or police to protect you...and you think the outside world is tough lol.

[@warrenthompson7803]

@@aegisreflector1239 plus why would you restrict yourself to a small community that is 80 miles from a store. The view will get boring after a while and talking to the same people over and over again. Your not gonna get layed bro being in a place like that all the women are probably old ..cant work or have some kind of disability or health problem. Sense your stuck in one place that 80 miles away and you see nothing but desert and sand. good look seing any trees ...the ocean or any lakes anytime soon lol.

[@brianjay9811]

Yep, this is the best documentary on the slabs to date. Great job! The fact that you included Huell Howser's original coverage is amazing. Had I not caught his report long ago, I would probably never have discovered the place. I didn't stay long enough to be worthy of being called a resident, but I did have some absolutely amazing and sometimes frightening times there...

[@VidGirl88]

That's awesome. Good to know there's still off grid places thriving

[@cristinaherrera5321]

Correction: hidden drug dens.

[@nostalgiabynicola9158]

I was actually scared to read the comments thinking that there would be so many mean people.... BUT I WAS SO WRONG!!!! 🤩😍 It's so wonderful to see the love and compassion everyone is expressing 😍🤩🤗

[@misshillary784]

📡🙀 ... OMFG, STRAIGHT BAFFLED YOU TRACKED THEY ASS' DOWN!!! 🎱WHERE ANY HUMAN'S LANGUAGE FORM'S, CAN BE TRANSLATED .. & REGARDLESS OF TOPICS OR ANY FACTOR WHATSOEVER!!! W/O A MF'N DOUBT... BET YOUR MAN'S, THE NEGATIVITY, HURT & HATE'S THERE FOR EVERYONE'S VIEWING PLEASURE & ALL FELLOW HATER'S, WELCOME TO INPUT ANY HATE TYPE SHITS !!! ... 😻 SOO, I OBVY HAVE THOSE EXACT EXPECTATIONS! I'M BASICALLY IN SHOCK, & AMAZED YOU'VE FOUND SUCH A THING/BEING! AN ENTIRE FUCKING GANG A HUMAN BEIN'S... REALLY BE OUT HERE BANGIN POSITIVE VIBES, KEEP STRAPPED IN SMILES, COMPLIMENTS SHOOTING OUT, REP'N LOVE, HOPE N RESPECT... & KEEPING NEGATIVITY IN THEY REARVIEW'S! BEAUTIFUL TO SEE & I'M FULLY AWARE MY HUMOR IS BEYOND... HILARIOUS! BAHAHA😼! REALLY THOUGH... REGARDLESS OF SARCASM , I SADLY RELATED TO EXACT FUCKERY OTHER HUMANS PUT OUT THERE... & THEY ARE FOR REAL & CLEARLY DON'T SEE THE JUST... JUST CRAZY SO MANY HATEFUL, MEAN PEOPLE ARE YOU AROUND US, EVERYWHERE! SOO, IMMA KEEP W/ MY SAME SHITS... & YOU CONTINUE YOUR SHITS AS WELL!!?! DEEEAL? KAY DOLL, SENDING MY LOVE & POSITIVE VIBES TO THE VERY KIND FEW PEOPLE THIS ENTIRE COMMENT & RESPONSE IS FOR! 🖤🤍🖤🤍🖤 🖤🤍😻🖤🤍

[@wheresmydamnedkeys2179]

I completely agree.

[@shannonm.townsend1232]

Same

[@robertwebb9008]

awesome video I found myself so engrossed by the people and the creativity all around thank you for giving them a voice

[@ReneeFitch]

This is the most under subscribed channel on YT. But certainly not for long. Your work is phenomenal! I can’t wait to see what else you produce.

[@inonamouse229]

This documentary is a masterpiece in production! It's genuinely astonishing that your channel only has 17k subscribers, but I have no doubt that your remarkable talent will attract a much larger audience in no time. Your work is bound to catch the attention it truly deserves. Keep up the incredible work, and thank you for sharing your talents with us! 🌟👏🎥

[@scottmcandrew9642]

I agree

[@nina-maeforde3269]

Yes, he makes it look easy to get people to open up like that

[@AngieHarding-k5j]

What a intriguing thoroughly wonderful documentary....I love that place ...and the interesting...creative beautiful souls you interviewed are some of the most authentic .. courageous beings they are ... I would love to live in such a place ...but the heat would get me pretty quick ... The sense of belonging must fill so many empty spaces we all feel ❤

[@RawDaDa]

The best documentary on Slab City I've seen so far!

[@brianmcmanus4690]

This is hands down the most informative, interesting and fairly honest overview of The Slabs. Seriously considering a move post-retirement, fuckin' love the Imperial Valley.

[@istartedajoke1704]

I'm seriously considering it myself

[@brianmcmanus4690]

@@istartedajoke1704 Right?!?

[@ghost-user559]

Well it’s not actually a reflection of the place. It’s not intentionally misleading but it’s basically a type of propaganda. I would not do that. It’s not what it seems like at all

[@AllenFreemanMediaGuru]

Excellent video. I have visited around 2015 and 2018. I’m a photographer so found a lot of interesting sights. Went to the art installation and enjoyed every minute. Friendly people.

[@insomniavisions]

Excellent video. You really told this story with heart, portraying all sides with equal unbiased coverage. Very well done. I've always wanted to visit, and was surprised to hear there are Airbnb ops! Who knows...

[@YosemiteBreeze]

That was very interesting, a bit disturbing, but also inspiring at the same time. It's like the American Spirit in a very raw way. Most would consider most of these folks live in extreme poverty, yet they're happy and many say they have no desire to change it. Fascinating indeed. Thanks for taking the time to bring this to us. You have brought something unique to us that we probably wouldn't have experienced any other way.

[@krmccarrell]

Please forgive me if I misunderstood your comment, but tread lightly to assume that any of these people are living in poverty. I live in low income housing with zero debt and have more disposable income than most middle-class families.

[@dickhitswater4836]

@@krmccarrellhow do you qualify for low income housing with lots of disposable income?

[@kolaida]

@@krmccarrelllow income housing is one thing. Living out in the desert without plumbing is quite another lol

[@krmccarrell]

​@@kolaida You're right, lol. Thank you for your comment!

[@carolinestacey3799]

Lovely footage of the coastline and a great video as always. That cave's impressive size and beauty would be at its best, like you said, without the noise and people!

[@lelagarnett8653]

I had heard of slab city when I was researching alternative lifestyles. Your video was so well done I want to visit. I don't think I would want to stay, but to experience this lifestyle for a few months would be cool. Thank you for letting us meet the people and get to know this place.

[@claireclaire0166]

It would be cool… lol 😂

[@deebwylinington5066]

@@claireclaire0166 🤣😩😭

[@instanteggnoodl]

I'm Australian and Coastal orientated so would find the barreness depressing but this is exactly what my grown family and I are looking for. We've spent years learning about going off grid. To actually experience life.

[@RLDacia]

Thank you for making this wonderful video, it really gives me hope that we can still build communities and watch out for each other.

[@kkupsky6321]

I can’t believe the makeup job you did on Adrian Brody for the thumbnail. Great actor.

[@claremaidofthewave251]

Got to be one of the best most enjoyable film on Slab City I’ve watched from over here 🇬🇧🙋🏻‍♀️. Can’t imagine the heat. Not a place for contact lense wearers😂 😵‍💫

[@jeffreyfougnie2841]

I met two of these people while I visited there in 2020. I collect stickers for places I visit and they went way out of their way to help me find the stickers. I will retire in February 2023 and I may just want to live in slab city. Dot was one of the most welcoming people I’ve ever met and I have a problem getting to know people.

[@jaydavis2793]

Jeffry I want to go, when I was younger I wanted to find a good commune to live in. My nickname is 'Freedom'.

[@krmccarrell]

Hi Jeffrey! Well it's now past February 2023, and I'm wondering if you were able to get to Slab City?

[@denoydeboer]

One of the best documentaries out there on Slab City. I was surprised that your channel has such few subscribers. I suspect this channel will grow by leaps and bounds very shortly. Wonderful job on this video.

[@mrlaw711]

I wish all the Slabbers good health, and the prosperity of doing what you want - on your terms. I enjoyed he interviews, and the perspectives of each. They all possess something unique...most of us do not have their courage. We've been too conditioned to working for the government (indirectly).

[@amircollins2672]

i use to live in slab city at flamingo camp, great to see faces i know and was friends with. hope everbody has a great life

[@williambedell6894]

Out of all the slab city shorts this one's my favorite.

[@UpsetOctopus]

How do you only have 15K subs on your channel?! This documentary was really well polished. Great work man. Keep up this kind of quality and youl surpass 1M before you know it.

[@steved8610]

Very fascinating, well put together documentary. I love hearing peoples stories and experiences, was great watching this. It's wonderful to see people looking out for one another, there's no judgement or nastiness. I wish all the residents of Slab City all the best, their living their lives on their terms in complete freedom😊

[@lucrative1020]

This is the best slab doc I've seen!

[@maxthemoon2290]

Very well done - the Pizza Oven model of Salvation Mountain was sooo awesome. I've been to both and I am so grateful that places like these still exist.

[@commonlawsouthafrica]

good to see babylonians repeatedly pilgrimage to the slab and return with well documented stories, anecdotes and wisdom from a world of disarray and delight...

[@janellcrews6108]

Dude with the rentals reminds me of bubbles when he made the shed motels lol. I love it.

[@karenbochinski]

My husband and I went to Slab City a few years ago. We got to meet Peter and Spider. Everyone there was so nice. I love unique places and this was one of them on my hit list. Go to Salvation Mountain it is totally worth a visit as well

[@Curious-Irish-Angel]

You get what you put out... That theory is swift within Slab City. Good & Bad... I'm in the Windy... Charlie hit my heart hard... My brother is an addict. He never comes around for the same reason. I still hunt him down when I can and make sure I bring him a beef sandwich, cheese puffs, Gatorade and cigs. Most importantly a big hug. The tears come after I pull away.... Take care of yourselves and each other *ALWAYS* This docu was well done ❤️

[@unLuckyFetus]

You're an angel, truly. I just want to say that you're not alone and very brave, very strong. Nobody understands how soul crushingly difficult it is to be so selfless and compassionate. Your brother will feel the sweet kiss of sunshine upon his face again, he will. Thank you for being you. Your brother loves you more than he could ever articulate.

[@Curious-Irish-Angel]

@@unLuckyFetus TY for saying that. I appreciate it more than you realize 💚

[@danjones8182]

Kudos to Slab city for being so successfully well self governed without corruption and being perfect environmentalists. Imagine if the world could follow by their example in a modern sense.

[@kmlund42]

Super interesting documentary of a group of people coming together to help eachother. I can't imagine how hard of a life it would be to literally have nothing and live in the desert and have to stake a claim on a peace of sand. There has to be a real sense of community for this to work and has probably saved the lives of many who do not fit into regular society. Lovely that a place like this exists. Regular suburban neighborhoods do not have as a rule this kind of helping spirit.

[@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT]

This little documentary is the complete opposite of what slab City is. Slab city is meth heads running around with machetes that burn each other's camps down over something as small as a cigarette. Slab city is the epitome of mental illness.

[@dianes5762]

@@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT Agreed. This is complete sugar coating. It's a violent place full of people riddled with misfortune, mostly in the mental health area. This is not an easy or good life, unless maybe you're a con, like the first guy who's known to have money. The yr. round people aren't really shown, the older woman said she was "visiting" at first. This place is another indictment on our country throwing us away.

[@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT]

@@dianes5762 Our country throwing us away? Slab City is a five star resort compared to most other countries, continents, etc. Those are grown adults who made their own decisions. Look up ,"West Point" Africa.

[@paulsupronojr.4976]

. . . a piece of sand. 😎

[@dianes5762]

@@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT That's like someone saying "Save the whales!" Then someone yells "Save the Turtles, they have it worse!".

[@3generations393]

I have watched many documentaries on Slab City but this one was very insightful. Great job-thank you 🙏💞

[@gidgettrophy]

I visited the slabs a couple years ago,also the salton sea while in the area,very interesting to say the least.cool unusual adventure.

[@yungcharlied]

This exactly what life is supposed to be. My heart desires nothing more than to live this free.

[@ghost-user559]

No. It really isn’t. You don’t know what the place is like at all. It’s a place full of ped os and people running from the law. The worst accounts I have heard from one one the former residents was a young hippie couple who got tricked by documentaries like this into thinking it was some kind of idealistic place. They went to a party after they got comfortable and everyone “seemed” inviting and friendly. The “locals” literally waited until those people let their guard down and they handed them a few beers. The drugged and gang r@ped the girlfriend and beat the unconscious boyfriend with a pipe and st@bbed him until his guts were hanging out. The entire party did this. Dragged their blood y bodies into the desert to die. You have no idea what “life is” in a place like this. These people use these documentaries to attract new victims. Police will not help you when you are there. Vulnerable people go there and just never get seen again. If you think that’s what “life is supposed to be” you don’t know how their life really is.

[@SANTA124-12]

Same!!!

[@ponetastic]

theres nothing stopping you from giving up everything you have to go out there and live in a run down trailer on food stamps you should do it. lol i never even heard of this place and its only 80 miles away from where I live now. im certainly considering it. ive already got a fully self sustaining trailer set up with all the fixins, id be living like a king out there.

[@JarthenGreenmeadow]

You apparently just ignore the part 15 people in 60 days died. Have fun with that. Living there seems incredibly dangerous.

[@ponetastic]

@@JarthenGreenmeadow thats fentanyl in a nutshell. anywhere you live. take all the restrictions off life and add blistering heat and thats what you'll get.

[@astreet339]

This is by far the best Slab documentary