In Southern California, where wildfires and housing shortages displaced countless residents, alternative living options like RVs and vans are more than a trend—they’re a lifeline.
TIMELINE:
—0:05 Wildfires in California: how some homeowners live on RVs while they rebuild after fire. Our friend Johnny Sanphillippo explains.
—1:07 In Los Angeles, UCLA Med Student Ethan Liebross explains his experience living on his dorm-on-wheels during the recent fires.
—7:45 We visit the Benders (SuChin Pak and Mike Bender) in their Santa Barbara home; due to Mike's Lyme disease complications, they decided to build a house and a campervan that are "quiet" (toxin-free, radiation-free, and fire-ready thanks to HEPA air purifiers).
[Watch our previous video with Ethan Liebross, "L.A. med student turns small van into ideal dorm on wheels, $14K total" 👉 https://youtu.be/bXhL7q1XbAc?si=StNmQFSY3G8qJQ42]
For some, it’s a stopgap after losing a home. For others, it’s a lifestyle choice offering offering mobility and independence in uncertain times.
We revisit UCLA medical student Ethan Liebross, now in his second year of medical school and still loving van life. Not only has it helped him avoid taking out as many loans compared to dorm living, but it also fits his preference for simplicity and flexibility. This year, as he travels to different hospitals for rotations, Ethan parks near each one, avoiding hours-long commutes and embracing the freedom of his mobile setup.
We also meet writer Mike Bender, who built a toxin-free "Quiet Van" to support his health needs. Extending principles he applied to creating a “Quiet Home,” Mike designed his van to prioritize clean materials and air, proving that van life can be both functional and deeply personal.
This video explores how van life isn’t just a way to survive — it’s a way to reimagine home and community in the face of environmental and personal challenges.
—Mike Bender: https://www.instagram.com/iammikebender
—Quiet House article on Men's Health magazine: https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a39049886/mystery-illness-lyme-disease-emf-essay/
—Atlas Vans: https://atlasvans.com
—Optimal Dwelling Spaces: https://www.optimaldwellingspaces.com
—Safecoat paint: https://afmsafecoat.com
—Havelock Wool: https://havelockwool.com/
—Van Window Covers: https://moohah.com/
—Cali Flooring: https://www.califloors.com
—Regarding the increase in airborne toxic chemicals, SoCal. Article for those interested: "Airborne Lead and Chlorine Levels Soared as L.A. Wildfires Raged: The findings give new insight into the dangers of urban wildfires that burn plastics and other chemicals in homes and property": https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/20/climate/los-angeles-wildfires-lead-chlorine-air-quality.html
On *faircompanies: https://faircompanies.com/videos/van-beats-home-2-best-socal-stealth-van-conversions-fire-ready/