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.