In an effort to shed the negative connotations of shanty-dwelling, Tent City has incorporated and is in the progress of establishing a Chamber of Commerce.
"We're trying to establish a system of trade here," Said Floyd "Bud" Smucker, "so far we have adult relaxation facilities," he said, gesturing to a red tent where a 200 pound woman in a mumu and a mane of two-toned hair waved and smiled, "We also have a pharmacy and several liquor stores.
"We plan to have a mayoral election next week and I'm running." he pinned a piece of cardboard to my shirt with a used hypodermic needle that read "Bud", and we've already started our bare-knuckle fighting league, which is always a tourist attraction."
Bud informed me that there is currently a request put forth to Governor Shwarzenegger to produce a TV spot similar to the one he made last year with wife Maria Shriver: "How soon can you start?" beams Mr. Smucker, a grin dissecting his gaunt face.
Success seems promising: 20 to 30 new residents arrive each week.
