Living off the Grid

He went wherever he wanted, crisscrossing the country, before settling on the street near Santa Monica College. The college offered the facilities and space he didn't have in the van, a home away from home. Easy spent his days at the school's library, using their computers and reading books, or working out in the gym, where he could shower and use the toilet. He even used the microwave in the student lounge.

"I buy those Ramen noodle packs and toss the little flavor packet. That has MSG in it; that shit's no good. I add some fresh, chopped onions, a little garlic, ketchup, a little salt and pepper, and heat it up. "

PHOTO BY ORLY OLIVIER

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PHOTO BY ORLY OLIVIER

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One day last year, Easy returned to find his van gone. "Well, my home was towed today," he says, completely unshaken by the event. True to his name, he was calm and unworried. "They're only things, baby." When Easy is passionate about something, he speaks like a preacher, drawing out words and adding extra emphasis to others. "O-n-l-y things!" he adds, gesturing as if he were giving a sermon. "This whole world is crazy. Stuff, things, money. That's all anybody wants is money. Simplicity. That's what I say. Life is about simplicity."

Lately he has been having trouble on the block. Many of the old neighbors have moved and a few new people don't want Easy there anymore. He suspected one lady of calling the cops, which resulted in his van being towed.

"Don't worry," he says with a smile. "I have places I can go. I'm not gonna sleep in the bushes."

But no one ever saw him on the block again — his cell phone's turned off, and he never did have e-mail. No one knows where Easy's gone.