Community Visit - Slab City

Summary of Research Article

According to the Los Angeles Times, in the article Slab City Showdown Artwork May Be Bulldozed as an Environmental Hazard, written by Tony Perry. The author further explains how artist Leonard Knight’s visionary masterpiece known as Salvation Mountain, may poses a threat to the environment due to the high toxic levels of lead found in the soil. Knight who worked countless days and nights painting a mound with Biblical scriptures, such as The Sinner’s Prayer, and his deliberate message to the world by saying “GOD IS LOVE.” Leonard truly believed that his powerful statement would resonate among others, and his faith in God would reflect upon people all over the world by showing more love, and compassion towards one another. According to Perry, Salvation Mountain, yet alone Slab City itself began to gain popularity experiencing a diverse multitude of tourist like religious pilgrims, or a simple coriouse seekers. In fact the mountains rising notability captured the attention of State Lands Commissioner staffer, Don Reese. As an elected official, Reese manages 5 millions acres of state land including the notorious “squatters paradise,” most popularly known as Slab City. On June 30, the commissioner staff held a meeting in Sacramento, and agreed to pass a budget of $225,000 to clean up Salvation Mountain, and the rest of Slab City. He insisted on proving his point by saying, “Expressing yourself is great, but not at the expense of the environment.” That's why test were conducted for Salvation Mountain to check for lead toxins found in the paint. On the other hand, as much as the Imperial County government would like to turn Slab City into a respectable, and profitable attraction. The county does not have a fixed budget, or proper funding to preserve the land. If the Imperial County was to be held liable for the cost; the Valley would suffer from many financial repercussions. Leonard described this stage of his life as a “toxic nightmare,” the negative toll effects it had on him, and his beloved mountain. To alleviate his tension, and nerves, Knight composed a country- western style song at in goes as follows:

“I contaminated California with a four-inch hand paintbrush,

All I ever wanted to do was be an artist.

Lord Jesus I gave them my best.

California is going to hang me tomorrow,

And put my body to rest.”

Despite of all the commotion, Leonard Knight stayed true to himself, and his religious principles. Perry, makes a concluding statement by saying the following “He is not mad at anyone.” He loves even those who would remove Salvation Mountain, although he is mystified at the whole process.

Summary of Research Article

Summary of Research Article

According to the Los Angeles Times, in the article Slab City Showdown Artwork May Be Bulldozed as an Environmental Hazard, written by Tony Perry. The author further explains how artist Leonard Knight’s visionary masterpiece known as Salvation Mountain, may poses a threat to the environment due to the high toxic levels of lead found in the soil. Knight who worked countless days and nights painting a mound with Biblical scriptures, such as The Sinner’s Prayer, and his deliberate message to the world by saying “GOD IS LOVE.” Leonard truly believed that his powerful statement would resonate among others, and his faith in God would reflect upon people all over the world by showing more love, and compassion towards one another. According to Perry, Salvation Mountain, yet alone Slab City itself began to gain popularity experiencing a diverse multitude of tourist like religious pilgrims, or a simple coriouse seekers. In fact the mountains rising notability captured the attention of State Lands Commissioner staffer, Don Reese. As an elected official, Reese manages 5 millions acres of state land including the notorious “squatters paradise,” most popularly known as Slab City. On June 30, the commissioner staff held a meeting in Sacramento, and agreed to pass a budget of $225,000 to clean up Salvation Mountain, and the rest of Slab City. He insisted on proving his point by saying, “Expressing yourself is great, but not at the expense of the environment.” That's why test were conducted for Salvation Mountain to check for lead toxins found in the paint. On the other hand, as much as the Imperial County government would like to turn Slab City into a respectable, and profitable attraction. The county does not have a fixed budget, or proper funding to preserve the land. If the Imperial County was to be held liable for the cost; the Valley would suffer from many financial repercussions. Leonard described this stage of his life as a “toxic nightmare,” the negative toll effects it had on him, and his beloved mountain. To alleviate his tension, and nerves, Knight composed a country- western style song at in goes as follows:

“I contaminated California with a four-inch hand paintbrush,

All I ever wanted to do was be an artist.

Lord Jesus I gave them my best.

California is going to hang me tomorrow,

And put my body to rest.”

Despite of all the commotion, Leonard Knight stayed true to himself, and his religious principles. Perry, makes a concluding statement by saying the following “He is not mad at anyone.” He loves even those who would remove Salvation Mountain, although he is mystified at the whole process.

Faces of Imperial - The Anecdote "Slab City"

Faces of Imperial - The Anecdote

 “Slab City”

At times I like to think of myself as an adventurous, a thrill seeker, a person who is willing to live life in search of a new experience. Ever since I was young child, I can recall being a nature enthusiast. Something about the great outdoors, such as the open air gives me a sense of peace, and tranquility. “Beauty Through Simplicity,” that's my motto in life! Such saying, has changed my perception, of the way I view myself, and many things that surround my life. In other words what I am trying to say, is that we live in a complex world; where we as individuals have become blindsided by many things in life. Nowadays, we live in a common world that is filled with prejudice, and hatred that does not allows us to focus on what is truly important, and necessary. Which is recognizing the simple things you can do in life for others, has become more complicated, and it’s slowly starting to fade away.

I came to this realization the day, I went to “Slab City,” for the first time. It was then when I stood in front of a ton of dirt, and soil; that I was able to appreciate the beauty of such place, for what it was. It was like finding a gem in the middle of the desert. If your able to look past your judgement, and ignore the growing population of modern day hobos trashing the land. You can actually see the beauty of such place, known as the “Slabs.” The Slabs is a place that welcomes all kinds of people such as the homeless, the broken, the unfortunate people who are simply holding on to dear life. People who don’t have many prized possessions, besides the clothes in their back. It is the essence of this place, that keeps giving this individual's a second opportunity, and a chance in life. As I sit here today, writing this phrases, I can’t stop thinking how fortunate most of us we truly are.

"The Love of My Life"

Lemec Torres

English 110

Professor Lewenstein




My Professor, Mr. Lewenstein always comes up with clever ideas in his English class in order, for his students to become inspired and write passionately about their reading assignments. This week, for example, we read a short story titled “The Love of My Life” written by a novelist, T.C. Boyle. The short story is based on true events, and it focuses on the journey of two high school students who go through teen pregnancy at such a young age. Such a sensitive topic opened an insightful discussion among the class, which lead all students to give their opinion. Although the story focused on fictional characters, teen pregnancy is an issue we commonly hear today.

In the story “The Love of My Life,” the author unfolds a horrific scene that unfortunately an innocent child was the victim. The story is based on Jeremy and China who are deeply in “love” and will do anything for one another; for instance, they were so blindsided with “love” that they even committed murder. However, Jeremy and China were not your typical high school students: they both came from an educated family, they were well respected among their fellow students, and even managed to be on the top ten academic G.P.A for the whole school. It seemed that both Jeremy and China had a promising future; moreover, a successful life in front of them.

However, their story came to an end when Jeremy and China decided to have unprotected sex. China feared that her unexpected pregnancy would only ruin her; therefore, when the infant child was born, the child never lived long enough to be referred to as anything other than “it”. They both opted to dispose of the body of the innocent child in a dumpster as if he was a piece of trash. So, the dilemma here is to find the motives of what lead these young teenagers to commit such horrendous act? I mean, think about it, could it possibly be the fact, that both Jeremy and China were just still “children” themselves and as teenagers, they are trying to figure out life. Whatever the reason being the story is very tragic and sad. After reading “The Love of My Life” I learned that unfortunately many teenage pregnancies are common today. I believe, that maybe if we took the time to better educate young adult about the consequences of having unprotected sex, we as a society can help prevent unwanted pregnancies. Inclusively, if we provide the proper resources to teenagers like access to contraception can lead to effective methods to prevent pregnancies. 

Song Lyrics/ Text Passage Comparison

Wiki-Curtain - Discussion Board

Song Lyrics/ Text Passage Comparison

The Tortilla Curtain By T.C. Boyle	“Pal’ Norte” By Calle 13
by T.C. Boyle	“Pal’ Norte” By Calle 13

[ Verse 1: Calle 13]

[ Translation]

[Tortilla Curtain]

Sin brújula, sin tiempo, sin agenda, Inspirado por las leyendas Por historias empaquetadas en lata Por los cuentos que la luna relata Aprendí a caminar sin mapa A irme de caminata sin comodidades, sin lujo Protegido por los Santos y los brujos

Without compass, without time, without schedule, Inspired by the legends, By stories packaged in cans, By the tales I learned to tread without a map, To go for a walk without commodities, without luxuries, Protected by the saints and the witch doctors the moon recounts.

One day Candido ran into sixteen- year- old America. "You're America, and I'm going to take you with me when I go North." (pg.55) Both Candido and America ventured into their future. "He'd taken America from her father, so they could have a better life, so they could live in the North, where it was green [..] and everyone, even the poorest, had a house, a car, and a TV- and now he couldn't even put food in her mouth. Worse: She going to earn his keep."(pg.26)

In Pursuance of the American Dream 

This is a song done by a Puerto Rican group “Calle 13” in honor of all immigrants, in particular, the journey of those who cross into the United States, as "illegal" immigrants. "Pa’l Norte” is a Spanish slang term meaning “going north.” In the Tortilla Curtain novel, we read about Candido and America who sacrifice everything they have in order to live a better life."You're America, and I'm going to take you with me when I go North." (pg.55). This song is about immigrants illegally crossing the borders and the hardships faced by undocumented immigrants as they try to make their way to greater opportunities. Many immigrants from Latin American countries are actually from indigenous populations: they are so oppressed within their own nations and face nearly impossible economic challenges that they often decide to head north, sometimes to America."He'd taken America from her father, so they could have a better life, so they could live in the North, where it was green [..] and everyone, even the poorest, had a house, a car, and a TV- and now he couldn't even put food in her mouth. Worse: She going to earn his keep."(pg.26) Sadly, many undocumented immigrants come to America, with the illusion of living the American Dream; however, the reality of illegal immigration is that it is not as easy as they envisioned it. Once within the US, many undocumented immigrants face "racism" and "discrimination," especially the women."Beaners die." (pg.65) Because of their undocumented status, they are vulnerable to victimization, especially sexualized violence abuse. In the novel, we read about America being sexually abused by Jose Navidad which left her with permanent psychological scars. "What kind of life was it when you felt safe in the bushes, crouching to piss in the dirt like a dog? Was that what she'd left Tepoztlan for? Both the song "Pal' Norte" and the Tortilla Curtain novel, makes us wonder about all the risk factors that all undocumented immigrants face when illegally crossing the border, even if that means sacrificing their lives?