William E. Riker

William Edward Riker (February 17, 1873 - December 3, 1969) was a cult-leader who founded Holy City, California and unsuccessful candidate for Governor of California.

Riker grew up working as a palm reader and mind reader, but soon faced trouble for Bigamy. Riker fled to Canada and soon founded his religious sect "The Perfect Christian Divine Way" which emphasized White Supremacy, Racial segregation, separation of people by gender, and not drinking alcohol. [cite web | url=http://www.apologeticsindex.org/393-holy-city-william-e-riker | title=Holy City - William E. Riker | publisher=apologeticsindex.org| author= | date= | accessdate=2007-07-28]

Soon Riker bought land that was used to found Holy City. Riker turned Holy City into a tourist destination including a telescope, gas station, and restaurant. As well, Riker founded the radio station KFQU, which was the second radio station in California. The station lasted for two years before being shutdown due to irregularities.

Riker ran for Governor of California four times. Once in 1938 as a Progressive candidate, and three times as a Republican candidate. Riker lost in the primary each time, winning a small percentage of votes.

Riker was also arrested in 1942 for sedition due to pro-Nazi views. Riker was freed due to the efforts of attorney Melvin Belli but Riker soon sued Belli for defaming him by referring to him as a "crackpot" during the trial. Riker lost that suit.

After Highway 17 was rerouted to bypass Holy City, the city began to decline. Real estate difficulties also led to the decline of Holy City. At the age of 93, Riker converted to Catholicism.

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