Staring up at a 10-foot polar bear, you may not notice the Hells Angel sitting next to you. But as the bartender with a tail goes on about the prostitute who once ran the joint, the haunted hotel across the street, and the Bigfoot skeleton that used to be upstairs, you might think somebody really ought to tell the story about this place.

Done.

Below is the story of one of the quirkiest small towns in America. Meet the extraordinary handful who remain in this resilient California outpost that's way off the beaten path—and the newcomer who locals fear threatens its future. And what about that torso in the tub? Watch the whole film here.

Director, Cinematography, Editor | David Swope