Like an oasis in the desert, the Southern California Veterans Home rose out of a massive site on the outskirts of Barstow. Built to handle the burgeoning number of veterans who will need medical and nursing care into the next century, the five-building complex is home to 400 veterans. A main building houses the medical suites, dining facilities and skilled nursing units. Four additional buildings are constructed as residential facilities, but are ready for conversion to skilled nursing care status. Patios, game tables, picnic benches, an exercise course and a barbershop are just some of the amenities provided to residents of this veteran community.