Random Scrap:
The fact that school like College of the Desert had so many good teachers could come as a surprise considering that it was located... well, in a desert. My guess was that with its slow pace and weather it was an attractive place for academic minds who wanted a bit of peace in their lives. Also, it was the only college around so if you happened to live there and wanted to teach (whether full or part time) there were not many other options left.