2024 Pajaro Report

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Table of Contents 1.Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 2.Background................................................................................................... 2 3.Methodology ................................................................................................ 3 4.Findings and Analysis ................................................................................... 4 5.Recommendations ......................................................................................... 6 6.Conclusion .................................................................................................... 8 7. References .................................................................................................... 9 8.References .................................................................................................... 10

---- The Pajaro 2023 Flooding Report: Community-Led Climate Resilience

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CHIRLA

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights

1. Introduction This project was developed and implemented through a partnership among the following organizations: The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) was founded in 1986 with the goal to advance the human and civil rights of immigrants and refugees. With a vast history spanning over decades, CHIRLA has become one of the larg­ est and most effective advocates for immigrant rights, organizing, educating, and defending immigrants and refugees.

Founded in 1965, the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. (CAB), operates multiple programs assisting close to 12,000 low-income people with emergency, sustaining/self-sufficiency services and serves an additional 7,000+ with requests for information and referrals. Over three quarters of CAB's clients have family incomes of less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and at least a quarter of clients have less than 150% of the Guidelines. CAB's mission is to partner with the community to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services.

Founded in 1955, The Middlebury Institute oflnternational Studies (MIIS) is a graduate school of Middlebury College and training ground for developing and implementing practical solutions. It is home to some of the world's leading ex­ perts in global security, sustainability, development, education, and language services. MIIS educates professionals to advance understanding, promote peace, and drive change in pursuit of a more just world.

In March 2023, Pajaro, California, faced devastating flooding due to heavy rainfall and a rapidly melted snowpack, which led to the flooding of the Pajaro River. The storm overwhelmed local levees, whose infrastructure and flood man­ agement upgrades had been delayed for decades. Residents were forced to evacuate as floodwaters surged, leading to ex­ tensive damage to properties, schools, and essential services. Despite previous warnings about the levees, inadequate measures were taken to improve emergency response effort in the town and as a result, many residents lost their homes, belongings, and livelihoods.

After a year of advocacy, there was a still a severe lack of government assistance and local community organizations were still struggling to assist residents with recovery. To support advocacy efforts, the community partners listed above created and launched a community impact survey. The results demonstrate sustained impacts of the flood on the popula­ tion and highlight resident guidance on solutions.

Spanning the course of 3 months, (April - June 2024), CAB staff members spoke with 244 individuals about the impact of the flood on their livelihoods, homes, and communities. This report will cover the specific socio-economic and health impacts during the period in which individuals were surveyed, a brief methodology, and an analysis of the information that was collected.

This report aims to analyze the experiences of individuals in Pajaro, California, following the catastrophic flood of March 2023, with the objective of identifying strategies for the equitable distribution of resources and accessibility in future natural disasters.

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2. Background Pajaro is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Monterey County, California. The population was 2,882, as of the 2020 census, and is predominantly Hispanic or Latino, comprising about 96% ofthe total popula­ tion.I The majority ofthe population, 84%, speaks Spanish at home. Household and family sizes are larger than average household size in California, with many households having five or more members without adequate accommodation for all. The area faces economic challenges with a median household income significantly lower than the national average, with 18.3% ofthe population living below the poverty line.

The Pajaro region has a past riddled with natural disasters; mostly stemming from the town's proximity to the Pajaro River. Since its inception in 1949, the Pajaro River levee has continually failed to protect the community from disastrous flooding. A 1963 report from the U.S. Army Corps ofEngineers reported that "The magnitude and frequency ofrecent floods (1955 and 1958) and developments subsequent to the completion of the authorized project clearly show that an urgent flood problem remains".2 Following this, a 1966 Congressional authorization created an opportunity for recon­ struction ofthe levee, but this reconstruction never occurred, leaving the area vulnerable. As expected, Pajaro later faced major floods in both 1995 and 1998 with damage upwards of$95 million and the unfortunate deaths oftwo individuals.3 A current resident touched on this government neglect stating, "The government needs to understand how deeply we've been affected. We need better communication and long-term support, not just temporary fixes". To this day, the levee remains unfixed, despite state intervention and funding.

In the case of March 2023, the flood led to significant flooding and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. Efforts to repair the levee have consistently been delayed, as the federal and county governments have prioritized wealthier areas in the region over poorer.4 Pajaro residents have grown more anxious about natural disasters in the area, as each event increasingly impacts the safety of their families and the security of their properties. This experience is a part of a growing trend for vulnerable communities across the United States, in which climate change significantly impacts their day lives and heightens mental, emotional, and physical stress. A review of 12 years of research reveals that their health outcomes are exacerbated by the events and inadequate action.5

"The flood impacted every aspect of our lives - our health, our homes, our finances. The recovery process has been slow and chal­ lenging, and we need comprehen­ sive support to rebuild. " Respondant describing flood impact

A year after the 2023 flood, Pajaro residents are still struggling to rebuild their community. The flood displaced thou­ sands of residents, and widespread damage remains common in the region. The community faces significant chal­ lenges, including insufficient financial aid, legal battles over responsibility, and ongoing concerns about future flood risks.

1 Bureau, United S tates Census. "Pajaro CDP, California." US Census Bureau. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://data.census.gov/profile/Pa­ jaro_CDP,_Califomia?g�l 60XX00US0655044.

2

Corps of Engineers. "Interim Report for Flood Control: Pajaro River Basin, California and Appendices." San Francisco, CA: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1963.

3

Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present. Future." KS BW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-levee-failure-history-fu­ ture-investigation/43842779.

4

Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present. Future." KS BW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-levee-failure-history-fu­ ture-investigation/43842779.

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3. Methodology The objective of the field survey is to understand the socio-economic, health, and societal impacts on residents following the March 2023 flood. This report utilizes the information collected from a series of surveys conducted by the CAB team in Pajaro, CA. 244 surveys were conducted from April 25th, 2024, to May 22nd, 2024.

All respondents are residents of Pajaro, California. The area's population prior to the March 2023 flood was 2,723 resi­ dents. Located in Monterey County, the community sits on the banks of the Pajaro River and has an elevation of 26 feet, making it susceptible to the conditions of the surrounding environment. Pajaro is an unincorporated community and cen­ sus-designated place under the jurisdiction of Monterey County.

Surveys were chosen as the best methodological approach as it allows respondents to share a narrative testimonial of their expe­ riences and expand on certain resources. The team distributed a 36-item survey that included open ended and multiple response items. Surveys allow a level of standardization, which can make it easier to analyze responses and observe trends. Our methodo­ logical approach utilized purposive sampling, specifically seek­ ing respondents who were residents of Pajaro, recipients of Storm Assistance for Immigrants funds (SAi), and experienced the March 2023 flood. Regarding immigration status, a notable high­ light is that the overwhelming majority of respondents were un­ documented with 228 (93.4) respondents choosing this option.

Other options for immigration status were citizen (0.4%), perma­ nent resident (0.4%), and prefer not to answer (5.7%)

■ ■

Undocumented Citizen

■ ■

Prefer Not to Answer Permanent Resident

Representatives from MIIS, CHIRLA and CAB then developed the survey content and format. CHIRLA then carried out a pre­ liminary survey in-person with a small general sample of the pop­ ulation in February 2024. CAB later refined the survey further

through consultations with Indigenous Mixteco speakers. Moving forward, respondents were Pajaro residents receiv­ ing SAI assistance and consisted of undocumented and mixed-status families. Surveys were conducted by CAB staff members via telephone, due to their role as trusted messengers in the community and reliable source of assistance.

The survey, see appendix A, asks for basic demographic information such as a respondent's country of origin, gender, and age. Next, the survey seeks to understand the experiences of the individuals living in Pajaro, CA at the time of the flood. As Pajaro is primarily a migrant worker community, the survey asks respondents to list their employment and the length of time they have been employed. Also, respondents were asked to provide their citizenship status and the household size to better understand the demographics of those affected by the flood. After this, respondents were asked to describe their suggestions for future natural disasters and the agencies they interacted with. Through a narrative re­ sponse, respondents shared their testimonials fully and without limitations.

1 Benevolenza, Mia A., and LeaAnne DeRigne. 2018. "The Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Vulnerable Populations: A Sys­ tematic Review of Literature." Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment 29 (2): 266-81. doi: 10.1080/10911359.2018.1527739.

---- The Pajaro 2023 Flooding Report: Community-Led Climate Resilience

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Page 4 4. Findings and Analysis The various findings of respondents were broken down and analyzed amongst four categories: demographics, support and resources, communication, and information and guidance.

244 residents of Pajaro, CA were surveyed with the average age being 37.6 years. The ages of respondents were 18-74 years. Respondents were primarily female with 147 (60.2%) respondents choosing this as their preferred gender identi­ ty, while 97 (39.8%) respondents were male. Next, respondents were primarily broken down into two ethnic groups: Hispanic (69.7%) and Non-US Indigenous/ Indigenous communities (30.3%).

Many respondents had families with the av­ erage household size being 3.7 individuals and the range of household sizes went from single individuals to a household size of 9.

Most respondents were involved in the agri­ cultural sector (78.3%), followed by car­ egiving and home services (4.9%), and culinary/food services (4.1%). Respondents had, on average, been at their occupation for 10.3 years with a range of 1 month to 30 years. It is imperative to emphasize that the majority of respondents are involved in the agricultural sector, as the Pajaro flood ruined the surrounding land, making it diffi­:ult for many individuals to return to work.

Resource Access and Barriers Respondents expressed the difficulty in obtaining support and re­ sources due to the following barriers: immigration status, safety, in­formation, limited resources, transportation, and disorganization. Many individuals were confused over eligibility due to the citizen­ship requirement for certain relief programs.

Similarly, many re­spondents reported being denied assistance from lack of documenta­tion. Next, there were levels of concern regarding safety in shelters due to aggression and discomfort due to overcrowding and sharing facilities which caused stress for many respondents.

Correspondingly, respondents experienced overcrowding, long lines, and poor re­source allocation which resulted in shortages of necessary supplies. There were also reports of disorganization causing delays in receiv­ing aid and nonresponse. One resident stated," Let's start sooner­let's evacuate sooner, evacuate before we're about to flood- let's not wait until the last second- emergency kits, handing out emergency kits day of or in the surrounding days. Organized- respond quicker, more educational meetings on what to do in case of emergency".

■ Agriculture

Manufacturing/ Production Caregiving & Home Services Culinary/ Food Services

■ Other ■ Multiple Roles Unemployed/ ■ Retired

"I missed several weeks of work due to the flood and now my job is at risk. I need financial support to cover the lost income and job pro­ tection to ensure I don't lose my livelihood."

"The emotional toll of the flood has been overwhelming. I've been dealing with severe anxiety and de­ pression, and there's not enough mental health support available."

Respondant describing flood impact.

Furthermore, lack of access to transportation, conflicting work schedules, and hours of operation contributed to the ina­ bility of many individuals to access community resources. Moving forward, respondents reported it would be more helpful to receive support from trusted community organizations who can distribute financial aid to the impacted community.

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Page 5 Community Provided Relief

IP

Organizations

9%

Catholic Charities La Manzana Community Resources

Food Banks

Faith Based Institution

No Assistance Needed

68 respondents specifically stated accessing food banks

22 respondents specifically stated accessing churches

117 respondents did not I could not access these resources

Casa de la Cultura Loaves and Fishes Red Cross Local schools Fire department

Outreach Strategies Outreach Strategies Ineffective communication contributed to the lack of support for many Pajaro residents. Information was distributed through multiple channels of communication including friends/family/neighbors (43%), government agen­ cies (38%), community organizations (16%), ethnic media (7%), faith institutions (2%), and other channels (18%). Nevertheless, a major limita­ tion in reaching certain demographics of respond­ ents was that oflanguage. Primarily, it was difficult to reach Mixteco and Zapoteco speakers, as most in-language warning systems and resources were not translated into these two languages. In the future, it would be helpful to include these languag­ es as well as any others spoken by residents in the region. This proactive guidance could take the place of workshops, information programs, and meetings.

t:119 tlli9 15+

7%

Government Agencies Connnunity Organizations Friends, Family, Neighbors Faith Institutions Ethnic media Other

A major criticism of the Pajaro flood's handling was the lack of direct communication and guidance on what steps were necessary to take and what resources were available to community members. Finally, respondents asked for a more quick and comprehensive alert system during emergencies, giving them a proper amount of time to prepare to leave their homes. Residents continue to search for a sense of normalcy following the flood. One respondent shared the following statement," Returning to normalcy has been impossible. We face ongoing challenges with housing, health, and finances. The support we've received is insufficient for the scale ofour needs". Over a year later, 34% of :espondents reported that their lives have still not returned to normal.

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5. Recommendations The survey findings make clear that the impact of the flood on the immigrant indigenous undocumented residents of Pajaro was wide­ spread and intersectional. From job loss to mental health crises, the complexity of the impacts necessitates the leadership of directly im­ pacted community members for a truly equitable recovery. To that aim, the following are community-sourced recommendations to ad­ dress the flood impacts, ongoing unmet needs and long-term climate.

Outreach Strategies 1. Cash Assistance a. Implement direct cash assistance programs to provide immediate financial relief to residents affected by the flood. b. Ensure eligibility criteria accommodate undocumented individu­ als and mixed-status families.

2. Food Banks a. Establish and support food banks, such as Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, to address food insecurity caused by the flood. b. Collaborate with local organizations to ensure culturally appropri­ ate and sufficient food supplies.

3. Disaster Clean-Up a. Organize community clean-up efforts with ade­ quate supplies and support. b. Provide financial assistance or vouchers for clean-up services to affected households.

"Navigating the aftermath of the been incredibly flood has challeng­ing.

We've faced numerous barri­ers to accessing the resources we need. Financial aid has been insuf­ficient and difficult to obtain, the lack of clear communication from the dark, and finding temporary housing has been a nightmare. On top of this, my family's health issues have worsened due to the conditions, and mental health sup­ port is practically non-existent. We need a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses all these in­terconnected issues."

Respondant describing flood impact

4. Community/Family Support a. Invest in existing support networks within the communi­ ty to assist families in navigating recovery processes. b. Facilitate access to mental health services and coun­ seling for those affected by the trauma of the flood.

Long-Term Recovery and Climate Resilience 1. Co-governance; Empowering Community Involvement a. Foster active participation of community members in the decision-making process for all infrastructure investments and climate resilience planning. b. Create avenues for community-based organizations to play a central role in identifying needs, proposing solutions, and overseeing implementation. c. Compensate community leaders for their time, energy, and efforts to better the community.

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Page 7 2. Community Resilience a. Workshops and Emergency Preparedness i. Conduct regular workshops on disaster preparedness and resilience hubs. ii.Co-create with community members climate emergency response strategies tailored to the needs of Pajaro residents. iii. Develop comprehensive emergency plans that are accessible and understandable for all residents, including those with limited English proficiency. b. Information Programs: i. Expand information dissemination efforts to include meetings and programs that specifically cater to undocumented individuals and other vulnerable groups. ii.Use multiple languages, including Mixteco and Zapoteco, to ensure accessibility of information. c. Effective Communication i. Establish robust communication channels that ensure timely and accurate dissemination of emergency information. ii.Implement a multi-lingual alert system to improve warning and guidance during disasters.

3. Long Term Recovery a. Financial Support i. Coverage for Losses: - 1. Develop programs to cover financial losses due to property damage, missed work, and other impacts - 2. Include provisions for both physical and mental health support to address the broad spectrum of recovery needs. ii. Emergency Fund Creation: - 1. Create an emergency fund to provide swift financial assistance during future disasters. The fund must be accessible to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

- 2. To ensure funds help the most vulnerable impacted communities, distribution of the funds should be outsourced to trusted messengers such as community-based organizations or faith-based institutions. b. Youth and Housing Programs i. Prioritize the creation and expansion of youth development programs that provide safe spaces, education, and vocational training to empower the next generation. ii.Develop comprehensive programs that address the root causes of houselessness in Pajaro, which have been exacerbat­ed by the flood but existed long before it. iii. Establish and fund a rental assistance program to support debt relief and support residents thrive. c. Infrastructure Investments i. Levee Reconstruction - 1. Prioritize the repair and reinforcement of the Pajaro River levee to prevent future flooding.

- 2. Engage with federal and state agencies to expedite funding and construction processes. ii. Flood Resilience Infrastructure - 1. Invest in additional flood mitigation infrastructure such as retention basins, improved drainage systems, and flood barriers.

- 2. Incorporate community input into infrastructure planning to ensure it meets local needs and conditions

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6. Conclusion The recommendations outlined above aim to address both the immediate needs of Pajaro residents following the March 2023 flood and to build long-term resilience against future climate-related events. By focusing on cash assistance, food security, disaster clean-up, and robust community support, Pajaro can better recover from current challenges. Concurrently, investments in disaster preparedness, effective communication, financial support, and critical infrastructure improvements will help safeguard the community against future floods and climate impacts. The most important aspect of these recovery efforts is community participation, programs must be developed and implemented with the leadership of impacted community members. These measures, centered on collective support and inclusivity, are essential for fostering a resilient and secure future for Pajaro.

The Pajaro 2023 Flood Report: Lessons in Climate Resilience from Immigrant Community

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References Bureau, United States Census. "Pajaro CDP, California." US Census Bureau. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://data­ .census.gov/profile/Pajaro_CDP,_California?g= l 60XX00US0655044.

Corps of Engineers. "Interim Report for Flood Control: Pajaro River Basin, California and Appendices." San Francisco, CA: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, June 1963.

Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present. Future." K SBW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-lev­ ee-failure-history-future-investigation/43842779.

Benevolenza, Mia A., and LeaAnne DeRigne. 2018. "The Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters on Vulnera­ ble Populations: A Systematic Review of Literature." Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment 29 (2): 266-81. doi: 10.1080/10911359.2018.1527739.

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Appendix A Pajaro 2024 Flooding Community Impact Survey

Description: This survey data will be used by Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights LA, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County and Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey to formulate a community report on the impacts of recent flooding and provide community-driven policy solutions. Participants can remain anonymous.

Data will be shared publicly in the form of a data/policy report used for advocacy purposes. Please respond to as many questions as you can. Please provide information you are comfortable sharing.

Goals: Thank you for talcing time today to speak with us about your experience during the Pajaro flood in March 2023.

We are conducting interviews of Pajaro residents to identify specific impacts of the flood on residents, name possible barriers to resource access, and hear about your ideas for solutions for these climate-related emergencies.

First we'd like to learn a bit more about you.

1. What is your age?

2. How long have you lived in Pajaro? (in years) 3. Where have you lived previously? a. Within the US b. Outside the US 4. How would you describe your gender identity? a. Female b. Male c. Other: ___ 5. What race or ethnicity best describes you? a. American Indian or Alaskan Native b. Asian I Pacific Islander c. Black or African American d. Hispanic e. Non-US Indigenous I Indigenous Communities f. White / Caucasian g. Multiple ethnicity/ Other (please specify) 7. What is your job? How long have you had this job?

8. How many people are in your immediate family AND are living in the same home?

9. What is your immigration status? a. Citizen b. Permanent Resident c. Undocumented d. Prefer not to answer Now we'd like to learn more about the specific effects of the March 2023 flood on you, your family, and/or your work.

1. Can you describe how specifically you were impacted by the March 2023 flood? Share as much detail as you would like. Possible impacts include: a. Permanently displaced b. Temporarily displaced i. If so, for how long? Weeks, months, or ongoing? c. Significant damage to home i. Ifyes, what was the damage? (be specific) ii. Ifyou know, do you have an estimate on how much it will cost to repair it? iii. Has it been repaired? d. Loss or damage to property (e.g. car, furniture) i. If so, what was the damage? e. Missed work i. If so, for how long? f. Physical injury g. Health Issues i. If so, what were the health issues? ii. Are they resolved or going? h. Emotional distress or mental health issues i. If so, can you describe it ii. Are they ongoing? i. Debt & est amount:_____2. How long did it take for things to get more or less back to normal? How many weeks or months, or still not back to normal?

3. What would be most helpful in preparing for an evacuation in the future? a. In-language warning systems b. Community workshop on emergency preparedness plans c. Flyers with emergency resources such as shelter, evacuation route d. Other:_______-

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Identify barriers, systemic failure, gaps in the system for mitigation and disaster response 1. For each of the following kinds of disaster relief, provided by the government, please let us know if you were able to access the benefit: a. Emergency shelter i. I used this benefit ii.I was not eligible to apply for this benefit iii. I was denied iv. I did not know about this benefit v.When and for how long and in what way did you use this benefit? How was your experience?

Were there any problems? b. FEMA assistance i. I used this benefit ii. I was not eligible to apply for this benefit iii. I was denied iv. I did not know about this benefit v.When and for how long and in what way did you use this benefit? How was your experience?

Were there any problems? c. Assistance with debris cleanup and rebuilding? i. I used this benefit ii. I was not eligible to apply for this benefit iii. I was denied iv. I did not know about this benefit v.When and for how long and in what way did you use this benefit? How was your experience?Were there any problems? d. Storm Assistance for Immigrants (SAi) i. I used this benefit ii. I was not eligible to apply for this benefit iii. I was denied iv. I did not know about this benefit v.When and for how long and in what way did you use this benefit? How was your experience?Were there any problems? e. Other (please describe): _

_ _

2. Did you receive disaster relief assistance through community based organizations like the food bank, faith based institutions? If so, please explain?

3. Where did you get information about the flooding emergency? (warnings, information about shelters, relief benefits, etc.) a. Government agencies b. Community organization c. Friends, family, or neighbors d. Faith institution e. Ethnic media f. Other (please specify):_ _ Now we would like to hear your thoughts on what solutions would best address emergencies like flooding.

1. What support or resources have been most helpful for you during and since the March 2023 flood? a. Not having to pay rent b. Cash to pay debt and bills c. Help from other family members d. Help from a local organization (CAB, Food Bank) e. Others: _ _ _ _ _ 2. What kind of support or resources do you believe would be most helpful for you, your family, and your community to prevent and/or respond to future flood or climate related emergencies?

3. If you could speak directly to a local or state-level government official about your experience during and since the flood, what would you want them to know?

4. Is there anything else you would like to add?