Hard times in Maricopa

A window at the long-gone Maricopa Social Club, a reminder of a more prosperous time.
See full story  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

City Councilman Andy Blakely chats at Tina’s Diner, one of the few businesses left in Maricopa. Blakely does not think the town should be dissolved.
See full story  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Mick Taylor, who lives in Taft, stops at the Jolly Kone in Maricopa after visiting his grandmother, who lives in town. In today’s Maricopa -- population 1,154 -- the only thing surging seems to be hard times.
See full story   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Residents of Maricopa talk outside Gusher Hall, where the City Council was in session.
See full story  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Maricopa City Councilmen John Crump Jr., left, Gary Mock and Virgil Bell during a meeting in Gusher Hall. Blaming past administrators for failed leadership, Kern County’s grand jury said the city was deep in debt.
See full story  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Taking a break from skateboarding in front of First Congregational Church are Nickolas Dean, 13, left, Daniel Galindo, 10, Christian Gibson, 13, and his brother Garrett Gibson, 11.
See full story  ((Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Buildings stand vacant on California Street in downtown Maricopa. Though many California cities are struggling with finances, Maricopa is in a different league, according to the grand jury.
See full story   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)