A low-down town in the California desert loves its flagpole — formerly the world’s tallest

CALIPATRIA, Calif. —  The little desert town of Calipatria, known for its state prison, is a humble place. It struggles with poverty. It’s in the middle of Imperial County, where the 20% unemployment rate is California’s highest. And some days, its dusty air carries the stench of the polluted Salton Sea eight miles west. But if … Read more