A small union of several survivor communities and trade posts leads to the creation of the nation of Salton. The nation’s borders are established to encompass the Colorado Desert, Chocolate Mountain Naval Reservation, Joshua Tree National Park, Borrego Springs, and meets the Mexican border. In 1983, Guillermo Batista, the mayor of Catherdral City, became president. The previously independent town of Slab City is incorporated into Salton. The town becomes one of the fastest growing settlements in southern California. Salton also annexes much of the Imperial Valley, fortifying the south from the city of Mexicali. In 1987, A Mexican warlord known as Abelino Gutierrez begins to gather a small following in Mexicali. He begins to consolidate control of the city, causing crime and refugees to fl