The rapid expansion and development of Rajneeshpuram quickly led to tensions with local Oregonians [
15]. One of the earlier flash points between the Rajneeshees and the surrounding community was over the land use of the former ranch, initially zoned as agricultural land, but which the cult wanted to establish a town on [
16]. Within several months, the cult purchased multiple properties within the small nearby town of Antelope. As the cult’s influence grew, concerned locals attempted to disincorporate the town to prevent a Rajneeshee takeover. Taking advantage of Oregon’s voter registration laws, the Rajneeshees moved a large group into Antelope and won control of the Antelope City Council in 1982. Under the tight control of the cult, Antelope was renamed 'Rajneesh' and remade in the Bhagwan’s image. Streets were renamed, taxes raised to force out older residents relying on fixed incomes, an intimidating “Peace Force” patrolled the tiny town with semi-automatic rifles, and a new landfill was insultingly placed next to the local church and named the “Adolph Hitler Garbage Dump” [
15]. Hostility between Oregonians and Rajneeshees soon escalated, with local protests and Rajneeshee counter-demonstrations soon becoming a regular occurrence throughout nearby communities [
16].
