Mars College: A Desert Utopia Built from Scratch

2025-06-17
Mars College: A Desert Utopia Built from Scratch

Mars College, located in Bombay Beach, California, is a unique community of artists, AI enthusiasts, and creatives. Every year, they build a temporary campus in the desert, constructing everything from the ground up, only to dismantle it at the end of March. This unconventional approach fosters collaboration and experimentation. Beyond its creative AI focus, Mars College offers programs in culinary arts, lifestyle engineering, and theater, attracting a diverse international group. The result is a vibrant, experimental living and learning experience.

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Rethinking Parenthood: Village Raising vs. Nuclear Family

2025-05-28
Rethinking Parenthood: Village Raising vs. Nuclear Family

In many Western societies, raising children is viewed as a massive sacrifice, often involving sleep deprivation, limited social life, and neglected hobbies. This article challenges that perspective by highlighting examples of communities where raising children is a shared, joyful endeavor. Several case studies showcase how co-housing and eco-villages offer support networks that alleviate parental stress, fostering better-adjusted children and happier parents. The author argues for a shift away from the isolated nuclear family model, suggesting that communal child-rearing is a more sustainable and fulfilling approach.

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California Makes Building Friend Compounds Way Easier

2025-03-26
California Makes Building Friend Compounds Way Easier

Two new California laws, SB 684 and SB 1211, significantly simplify the process of building "friend compounds." SB 684 allows subdividing large lots into smaller ones for individually owned homes, perfect for friends to live together. SB 1211 permits building many more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on existing properties, up to 8! These laws reduce costs and streamline approvals, offering Californians flexible housing options. The author plans to use SB 684 to build a 6-home compound in Alameda.

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From Coffee to Community: How a San Francisco Couple Transformed Their Neighborhood

2025-03-25
From Coffee to Community: How a San Francisco Couple Transformed Their Neighborhood

A San Francisco couple transformed their isolated neighborhood into a vibrant, mutually supportive community through a simple weekend tradition: "stoop coffees." Their initial efforts attracted more and more neighbors, eventually evolving into a bustling WhatsApp community organizing diverse events, from pancake parties and neighborhood cleanups to a unique "Dipsgiving" potluck. This story demonstrates how small, consistent actions can yield significant results and how to build community connections without sharing a kitchen or roof.

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