California Youth Media Network

‘Younger People See Race Differently’: Teens Reflect on Identity

State Launches Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign

BY CONTRA COSTA PULSE EDITORS

The California Department of Public Health in late March launched a new youth suicide prevention campaign called “Never a Bother” to increase awareness, support and resources among California’s youth. In preparation for the launch, more than 400 young Californians and a youth advisory board helped to guide the campaign’s direction.

The campaign to address youth suicide includes oversight by CDPH’s Office of Suicide Prevention.

“Young Californians are facing a mental health crisis like never before,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás J. Aragón in a press release. “While this crisis has been growing for years, the pandemic put a spotlight on the issue, especially those in marginalized and underserved communities. This campaign directly addresses this crisis with education, tools, and resources informed and co-created by diverse young people across the state.”

As The Pulse previously reported,

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pediatric health leaders declared a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health in 2020 prompted by "the stress brought on by COVID-19 and the ongoing struggle for racial justice." Racism was a particularly acute source of trauma for Asian and Black youth, sometimes even more so than the pandemic.

First partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said the new campaign’s use of the voices of youth is one of the most important tools in addressing the youth mental health crisis.

“The youth who partnered with us to create this campaign provided invaluable insight into the resources, knowledge, and support needed to best address their needs” she said in the release. “As a mother, I am proud to see a campaign that resonates with youth and serves as a reminder to them that they are never alone and never a bother.”

State officials noted that suicide was the second leading cause of death among youth aged 10-25 in California between 2018 and 2022. Youth aged 10-18

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The California Youth Media Network is a network of youth-driven community journalism hubs around the state of California. The project is supported by The California Endowment.

experienced a more than 20% increase in suicide rates from 2019 to 2020.

The “Never a Bother” concept was chosen by youth due to the inviting and welcoming look and feel of the campaign, which includes approachable icons and language, the officials noted.

In addition to the 400 youth from diverse communities, creation of the program was aided by 34 youth-serving community-based organizations and tribal entities from across California. It also has been supported by The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, all working on youth suicide prevention initiatives.

The multilayered “Never a Bother” campaign will use traditional advertising, social media and community outreach strategies to reach young people across California up to age 25.

“As we continue to prioritize the future of our youth and their mental health, California continues to invest in a significant, multi-year overhaul of our mental health system,” Aragón added. “This campaign focuses on really listening to our young people and putting

resources in the hands of those who need them most.”

To that end, it pays special attention to young people who are LGBTQ+ or who have struggled with substance abuse or been in foster care.

The “Never a Bother” campaign is the latest endeavor of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health and the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative. The master plan was released in October 2022 at a time in which the state said nearly 300,000 children had major depression and about two-thirds of youth with depression were not getting treatment.

Officials stressed that anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide should remember that they are not alone.

Individuals can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7). Trained professionals at that number can help reconnect people with the reasons to keep going and show ways to cope with difficult days. •

The California Department of Public Health in late March launched a new youth suicide prevention campaign called "Never a Bother."

First Fruits Market – Fresno’s First Free Grocery Store

BY ALEXIS ZUNIGA | THE KNOW YOUTH MEDIA

L ast fall, Fresno’s first free grocery store, First Fruits Market, had its grand opening.

Located at City Center Fresno at 2025 E. Dakota Ave. and in partnership with Central California Food Bank, the grocery store provides financially struggling families and those suffering from food insecurity a resource to receive free groceries.

Unlike food distribution centers, this market provides individuals with an independent, dignified grocery store shopping experience. People are allowed to choose the items they want rather than receiving a pre-packaged box with food items they are less likely to use in their household, which in the process, reduces food waste.

“I love the fact that it’s a market,” said Rosa Franklin-McGuire, a first-time volunteer. “They just walk in and they grocery shop like you would at a normal grocery store.”

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Danielle Parenteau-Decker

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Gabby Ochoa

Jazmin Alvardo Villegas

Tracy Rios

Alexis Zuniga

Priscilla Sanchez

Denis Perez-Bravo

Andrew Lopez

Phoebe Lefebvre

Sussie Andrade

The California Youth Media Network is a network of youth-driven community journalism hubs around the state of California. Groups work together to build youth skills and leadership, raise the visibility of youth voice statewide, bring more voices into high-profile media outlets that can influence policy, convene regularly to share best practices in media production, and build coalitions and impact.

The project is supported by The California Endowment.

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The First Fruits Market does not request any information about income or mandate certain requirements. All are welcome with the privacy of their financial status. Registration is required, but only generalized information is requested. Once registered, shoppers receive a number and wait for it to be called.

Restrictions do apply when it comes to the amount of groceries selected.

Shoppers are allowed to select up to 15 items of their choosing that fit into their cultural and dietary preferences. In addition to these items, shoppers have access to an unlimited amount of produce.

In order to serve many within the community, individuals are limited to two shopping experiences a month. The market serves 100 families on Fridays and 140 families on Saturdays. These numbers may change depending on how much food is still available and the amount of people who show up. In addition to free food, the market will provide educational resources about healthy foods, cooking demos including recipe cards. And for those unaware of CalFresh, resources will be provided in educating individuals about the program and the enrollment process. Franklin-McGuire explained the best part of volunteering at Fresh Fruits Market is being about to give back to the community.

“We do have people that are a little bit less fortunate,” Franklin-McGuire said. “But, more than anything, just being able to help the people of Fresno, that’s the best part of this.”

The market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Individuals can sign up to volunteer at the market by completing an application on the Central California Food Bank website.

First Fruits Market is one of many

resources that Fresno Mission City Center provides for individuals and families struggling financially.

Fresno Mission City Center is a growing two-story complex that holds different organizational programs. Each provides different resources and utilities that are free to the community.

They will have showering areas that include accessible features such as a detachable shower head, stabilizing pole on the wall, and a seat.

Currently they are under construction building areas for a salon and barbershop. They will have their own coffee shop with multiple tables and chairs for individuals to have a comfortable space for personal use, as well as lounging areas are located all over the complex with couches and cushioned chairs as well as additional tabling areas.

For children, there is an indoor playground that features forest inspired elements. City Center is also in the process of creating an outdoor playground that will be attached to an inviting outdoor courtyard.

They also have a store called The Landing that provides toiletries, clothes, and household items for teenagers in out-ofhome care.

Ultimately, the Fresno Mission City Center is a campus complex that welcomes everyone to escape to a safe, comfortable environment. Anyone can join to simply hang out or utilize their free resources. •

To Combat Hate, Rob Bonta Says He ‘Makes Their Fights My Fights’

BY JAZMIN ALVARADO VILLEGAS CA YOUTH MEDIA NETWORK

C alifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta said April 6 the state Department of Justice wants to work with community groups to fight hate.

“So if there's something happening here, where you think there's criminal activity involved, we're interested,” he said. “We want to work with you, we want to help you, we want to be part of the solution that will get folks accountable, and make sure nobody gets hurt.”

Bonta was the keynote speaker of the United Against Hate Summit hosted at Fresno City College as part of the United Against Hate Initiative, a national effort to combat and raise awareness of acts of hate.

The U.S. Department of Justice launched the initiative in September 2022, bringing all 94 U.S. attorney offices together to host outreach and community events designed to educate members about how to handle and prevent hate crimes.

According to the 2022 Hate Crime in California report, the most recent released by Bonta’s office, the number of hate crimes reported as well as the numbers of victims and suspects all significantly increased from the year before. Reported hate crimes motivated by prejudice against the victims’ race, religion, sexual orientation or gender also went up.

Bonta said his inspiration for being part of this initiative comes from his parents.

“They made me believe in my greatness, everything that I had, the gifts that I had,” Bonta said. “I thought maybe

one day I could be an elected official, and not be the one that turns his back on the people, but stands with the people and that makes their fights my fights.”

When he was first elected three years ago, he said the state was going through a surge of hate, especially with racial injustices.

“One of the first things I did was I created a department of racial justice, to make sure that we, as a state, acknowledge the fact of racial injustice in activity,” he said.

In addition to Bonta, the summit also featured workshops and an event fair where community media groups, youth coalitions and governing officials offered information on their services with the goal to combat hate with love.

“I'm going to call you lovers today in an affectionate way because … we're here to stop hate and really the only armed force we have against hate is love,” said Daren Miller, board member of the San Joaquin Valley Media Alliance newspaper and lead sponsor for the event during his opening statements.

Miller also said that during his time as a college football player, his coach taught him that no single person is stronger than an entire team. He said he applies this concept to the work he does now because he believes that coming together as a community is how hate will be diminished.

“That's how we're going to eradicate hate is by coming together not as a finger, or individual silo, but as a fist, being able to walk hate outside the gate,” Miller said.

Following the opening remarks, attendees dispersed and were able to pick one of four hour long workshops to attend.

One workshop, in which the Fresno

Center discussed anti-Asian and Pacific Islander hate, taught people what to do if they were the victim of a hate crime. A bystander training workshop informed people on what to do if they witnessed a hate crime.

The Stop the Hate coalition campaign workshop provided information about a program by the Fresno Center designed to provide support to survivors of hate incidents and their families.

The fourth workshop, called “Know Your Rights,” was a mini lecture about the rights U.S citizens possess as employees and when engaging with law enforcement. It was hosted by the Council on American Islamic-Relations, a nationwide group based on four pillars: outreach and education, youth empowerment, civic engagement and legal services.

“We are the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the country, but first and foremost, we protect civil rights, ” said Sukaina Hussain, deputy executive director of CAIR’s Sacramento/Central Valley chapter. “So if folks experience just what we're talking about today — hate crimes, a violation of their rights, discrimination because of race or religion — we are there to support them.”

Ameer Brooks, outreach coordinator at CAIR, explained the basics about what employee discrimination is, what steps to take if that kind of discrimination is encountered, and what to do in an interaction with law enforcement.

“So this ‘know your rights' training is designed to provide an overview of the rights when interacting, not just with law enforcement, of course, but with your employer, especially in a certain city and various situations,” Brooks said.

The Reality of Life as a Motorhome Resident in the Bay Area

BY GABBY OCHOA CALAFIA

T he city of Pacifica along the coast of California is encapsulated with immense beauty. Residents are surrounded by the gentle waves that crash on the shore, by the golden sand that leaves a warm comfort like no other and by trails filled with serene and earthy tones.

Though they live in Pacifica, the people who reside in motorhomes are not able to enjoy the same level of serenity and stillness as others who dwell in the comfort of their homes. Instead of being treated with dignity, they are pushed into the margins while under constant pressure.

To address the number of motorhome residents, the city of Pacifica has adopted ordinances that aim to reduce the number of large automobiles on the streets. In July 2021, the Oversized Vehicles Ordinance was passed, which placed restrictions on parking for motorhome residents as a safety measure, assessing where they could park in the city without compromising the safety of other road users.

However, some are unsure about whether the city enacted this law to reduce the number of oversized vehicles or whether their sole purpose was to lessen the quantity of motorhome occupants.

Anita Rees, executive director of the Pacifica Resource Center–which seeks to provide critical resources and support to those in need–commented, “The [ordinance] was not about the vehicle being an eyesore… It really came down to a way to try to address people who were living in those vehicles and the fear based on stereotypes of people who are unhoused.”

Motorhome owners were ultimately left vulnerable by the regulation as they were forced to relocate out of the city

because their vehicles did not comply with the new safety regulations. Motorhome residents not only endure pressures at the hands of the city of Pacifica, but from the people of Pacifica as well.

During her time at the Pacifica Resource Center, Rees has encountered numerous complaints from motorhome occupants who feel unfairly treated by their neighbors.

Rees recounted several instances of discrimination where motor home residents were specifically targeted: their vehicles have been vandalized, parts of their vehicles have been stolen, and they have incessantly been bothered by others honking their horns as they pass by throughout all hours of the night.

She said that “someone’s license plate was covered with black paint to the point where their license plate was [unreadable], so that they could potentially get in trouble if they were driving or even parked.”

These numerous incidents depict how owners of motorhomes are not treated as human beings and are frequently subjected to cruel abuse from their own neighbors.

These inequitable laws and treatment

from the city of Pacifica and its citizens depict the harsh circumstances that motorhome dwellers in Pacifica are forced to succumb to. In order to alleviate these pressures, it is up to the people to abandon their differences between themselves and motorhome residents.

Rees placed emphasis on the significance of relationships between motorhome dwellers and housed residents as no one should be seen as superior. She described, “It’s essential to be a good neighbor to people who are struggling economically. People living in a motorhome are often ignored and vilified. It’s so important to see them as humans, and to see them as your neighbor. They are somebody’s child and they have a family, just like all of us.”

Despite the fact that Pacifica has made some economic progress regarding disparity, such as their Safe Parking Program, it’s ultimately the responsibility of the residents of Pacifica to disregard stereotypes associated with motor home residents, and rather treat them with dignity in order to mitigate malicious acts and be able to provide funding for those in need. •

‘Younger People See Race Differently’: Teens Reflect on Identity

Editor’s Note: We asked a group of Richmond students how they identify themselves, how they see race in themselves and others, and how they think views on race differ between them and adults. Here’s what they had to say. Their responses have been lightly edited.

The most important way I identify myself is by my personality. I don’t find that my race describes who I am as a person but rather generalizes myself with others. My personality helps me to stand out and let others understand who I am. If I were to say I were Asian (my race), then people would put stereotypes such as being intelligent. If I were to present my traits, then someone could form a better idea and viewpoint of myself. Race is very generalized and an old way to describe things nowadays.

I often work with people of other races. In our school, students and teachers are diverse in their general race. I have friends who are different too. What is different is that we have our own personal cultures and what they consider normal. I find it interesting to learn about others’ “normal.” It shows how we are different. The first time I had to think about my racial identity was in school. In recess,

someone said something about me being “Chinese.” I am not. I don’t regularly talk about race and racism. Younger people see race differently than adults, as we grew up surrounded by people embracing or getting harassed because of their race.

— Janet Madison, 17

The most important way I identify myself is by how I am, how I feel and such. I’m a person with many qualities that I think define me, like drawing or playing an instrument. My hobbies play a part in telling you about me. I’m also shy, so usually, I pretty indirectly show it; you would understand over time.

I have close friends of other races. I interact with them as a person. Everyone’s a person, so there isn’t any need to treat them differently; that would be unfair. However, everyone has their different customs when it comes to traditions. It’s nice to learn what they do differently compared to my culture.

I don’t really think about it honestly; however, I’m pretty sure young people do see race differently. We’re a new generation, so older generations have it a bit different because their time was different. We live in a time where social norms were intact, and respect is something that’s really important. A lot of adults now (pass) it onto their children, because they were never taught those norms to respect others. We, however,

Navigating the Waters: McFarland’s Struggle With Water Scarcity and Quality

BY TRACY RIOS | SOUTH KERN SOL

McFarland, California, has been facing significant water issues in recent years. One of the main challenges is water scarcity, which is primarily caused by prolonged drought conditions in the region.

This has resulted in a reduced water supply for residential, agricultural, and industrial use. In the past, McFarland relied heavily on groundwater as a source of water. However, overextraction of groundwater has led to declining water levels and the depletion of aquifers. This has harmed the local environment, including the drying up of streams and wetlands, which are crucial habitats for various plant and animal species.

To address these challenges, McFarland has implemented various water conservation measures, such as promoting water-efficient practices, encouraging the use of drip irrigation in agriculture, and implementing stricter regulations on water usage. These efforts aim to reduce water consumption and ensure a more sustainable water supply for the community.

In terms of water quality, McFarland has also faced issues related to pollution and contamination.

“We’re down to two wells. The levels of nitrate that came out high, we’re still doing maintenance we replaced the pump, and we’re still testing for it, but not until then that well because of that not until we get the levels a little lower then we will be able to implement that well again But I went to the state a year ago, and we put in for a fund which was called a grant, and we’re able to get 40 million to get new water wells, new water meters, and new storage tank,” stated McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon.

have an opinion of our own and we are all different people, but due to the awareness our generation has made, we understand it more.

— Diana Nguyen, 17

Most, if not all, of my friends are a different race or ethnicity than me. It can be very different to speak to people that don’t speak the same language as you. For example, most of my friends don’t speak Spanish or, at least, not well, so they would not be able to understand me. Therefore, I don’t speak it in the U.S. However, when I am in Mexico, I only speak Spanish.

— Betzy Ruiz Moncada, 17

I engage with people of other races everyday. Most of my friends are from other races. Do I interact with them differently from people of my race? No, I don’t. They are no different from me. Why are we talking about race? Why don’t we talk about real problems of this world?

The first time I thought about my race was when my dad was talking to me about all the dangers that I could possibly face with my skin color. He told me to be respectful to police officers. I don’t regularly face racism from adults, but there is this one person who treats me and my other coworker who is Black differently from all of the other workers.

See Race, pg. 6

Agricultural activities, such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers, have contributed to the contamination of water sources. The city relies on wells and canals for irrigation purposes. The water quality in McFarland is closely monitored to ensure it meets the standards set by regulatory agencies. The city takes measures to protect the water sources from contamination, including implementing best management practices in agriculture and wastewater treatment.

Being an agricultural area, McFarland’s water environment plays a crucial role in supporting the growth of crops and sustaining the local ecosystem. Farmers in the region depend on water for their livelihoods, and proper management of water resources is essential for sustainable agriculture. It’s important to note that water availability and quality can vary depending on factors like weather patterns and conservation efforts This has raised concerns about the health and safety of the local population, as well as the impact on ecosystems. Today, there are increased efforts to monitor and improve water quality in McFarland. Water treatment facilities have been upgraded to remove contaminants, and stricter regulations have been put in place to prevent further pollution. These measures aim to protect both human health and the environment. Overall, the water issues in McFarland have had a significant impact on the local environment. The combination of water scarcity and

Shohei Ohtani Gets Mural Treatment in Little Tokyo

At the foot of the eastern wall of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo, hundreds of Dodger fans gathered this morning to celebrate the unveiling of the newest mural by Boyle Heights-based artist Robert Vargas.

Lowriders proudly displayed Dodger blue paint jobs, families dressed their newborns in hometown baseball merchandise, and fans of all ages buzzed with excitement as the blue tarp covering the mural fluttered in the wind.

The larger-than-life mural towers over 328 1st St., just over a mile from Robert Vargas Square in Boyle Heights, the intersection at 1st and State streets dedicated to the muralist who has painted around the globe. Vargas said he was honored to contribute his work, dubbed “L.A. Rising,” to the team’s history and to welcome Shohei Ohtani to the City of Angels.

“I’m painting an icon and somebody who hopefully will be the missing piece that delivers another championship to Los Angeles,” Vargas said.

Vargas depicts Ohtani twice in the artwork, pitching a ball in one scene and bracing for a home run, bat in hand, in the other. He freehanded the mural on the side of the Miyako Hotel, a first for the Little Tokyo structure that overlooks Boyle Heights and the Eastside. It was done without a grid, projections or help from any other painters.

The local muralist noted the significance of producing a massive piece of art so close to the community he was

born in.

Vargas said the surface of the wall was extremely porous, making painting with a brush difficult. But despite inclement weather, Vargas finished the piece in about ten days, surprising friend Butch Kadomatsu. Wearing a shirt emblazoned with the word “Vargas” in Dodger font style, Kadomatsu attended the unveiling to support his close friend’s achievement.

“He was born and grew up in Boyle Heights. He was tight with the Japanese community, geographic-wise, and he has a respect for the Japanese community and always wanted to give back to it,” Kadomatsu said.

Ohtani, the Japan-born pitcher and the newest addition to the Dodger roster, began his career in Los Angeles this year. The 29-year superstar is the highestpaid player in MLB history, securing a record-setting $700 million 10-year contract.

“This is humongous for Little Tokyo and for the Miyako Hotel, of course,” said Elaine Harada, decked out in her Dodger gear. “It’s going to bring more activity, more foot traffic, and hopefully more business into our community.”

Vargas, who visited Little Tokyo a lot while growing up, said that the mural on 1st Street bridges the Japanese cultural hub of Los Angeles with his own, MexicanAmerican one across the 1st Street bridge.

“The inspiration for this mural really comes down to unity, bridging cultures, and representation. The mural’s really been able to speak to the greater Los Angeles area where everyone feels like they’re a part of this mural,” Vargas said. “So I’m really looking forward to the people who are from all different parts of the city that will come

here to look at this mural and, and feel a sense of city pride.”

As the blue tarp dropped, fans cheered with excitement to see the face of their newest Dodger.

A QR code at the base of the mural allows passersby to see the artwork come to life in augmented reality, something Vargas has experimented with once before. On their phones, viewers can see the mural Ohtani swing into motion, hear the crack of the bat, and hear the voice of the beloved late Vin Scully say, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”

Lately, it’s hard for fans of the newest Dodger to ignore the latest controversy surrounding the Japanese-born pitcher. Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is accused of stealing funds from the player to settle gambling debts, which Ohtani claimed to have no knowledge about during a March 25 conference.

Vargas felt confident that the controversy was just a minor bump in the pitcher’s road to an otherwise successful and memorable career playing with the Dodgers.

“He’s going to be fine. I have 100% faith and confidence in him as a person and a player. I think that’s why Los Angeles is so happy and lucky to have him because he brings so much more to the sport,” Vargas said in an interview over lunch in Little Tokyo. “And if anything, I think that the timing of this mural now, after that little hiccup, is a unifying thing for Los Angeles and for Dodger nation.” •

The finished mural took Robert Vargas about 10 days to complete without help or a grid to work with.

STORY AND PHOTOS • ANDREW LOPEZ BOYLE HEIGHST BEAT

Robert Vargas smiles as his latest mural is revealed to the public.

A man in an Ohtani jersey stands in Little Tokyo.

Robert Vargas, wearing hat and sunglasses, and his friends and family huddle for a pep talk before the ceremony.

Several lowriders were showcased in Little Tokyo the day of the mural unveiling. Taiko drummers begin the ceremony in Little Tokyo.

Dancing to Preserve Tradition: Pittsburg Youth Uphold Folklórico Legacy

BY DENIS PEREZ-BRAVO

CONTRA COSTA PULSE

T he preservation of identity came to life one evening in Pittsburg as an art form known as folklórico weaved together centuries of culture and tradition through dance.

Folklórico — a collective term for types of dances from different regions of Mexico that combine elements of ballet and local folk culture — was on stage March 1 at Willow Cove Elementary School.

The vibrant rhythm of music and dance echoed through an auditorium filled with more than 400 people paying to attend the first Folklórico Extravaganza hosted by Pittsburg High School Folklórico Group.

“It is all about culture,” said Tezol Tlahui Gonzalez, a Pittsburg High senior and folklórico dancer. “To be able to come together as a group and as a family, and celebrate, not just the dance but the music all at once, has been very beautiful to me.”

Alongside her peers that night, Gonzalez ran the technical side of the show like slideshows, TV graphics and the sound system.

“To be able to create such a big event like this takes a lot of planning, so it creates a lot of skills for us youth,” Gonzalez said.

With all of the chairs filled in Willow Cove’s auditorium, those who couldn’t find a seat sat on the floor down front or along the sides. Toward the back, cafeteria tables were filled as well and the back row lined with people enjoying Mexican treats like shaved ice drinks and street corn sold by a vendor.

A roster of folklórico dancers and singers from different disciplines and regions of origin took the stage from 7 to 9 p.m.

After an intermission midway through, professional dancer and instructor Janitzia Rodriguez, a 40-yearold Pittsburg High alumna, recalled the rich history of folklórico in Pittsburg. This included her own family’s involvement.

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Since the 1940s, a dedicated lineage of individuals has safeguarded the heart of folklórico in Pittsburg, Rodriguez said.

Among the trailblazers she recalled was Jesus Perez — her grandfather — who arrived in Pittsburg in 1920 to labor at the steel mill. Alongside his wife, Perez was among the founding families of a local Sociedad Guadalupana in the 1940s.

Simultaneously, Carmen Gonzalez led the Sociedad Guadalupana and nurtured the tradition locally from the '40s to the '60s, offering classes from her home to the next generation, including Rodriguez's aunts and uncles. Rosadelia Detwiler, a teacher at Central Junior High School, created a Folklórico Mexica group during the 1970s Chicano Movement and spearheaded a La Raza Club at the school.

In the '70s, Nick Vazquez, a member of Folklórico Mexica, pursued studies at UCLA. Upon his return, he introduced Los Angeles-acquired Folklorico to Pittsburg, helming Folklórico Mexica from 1975 to 1978. The group would perform at vibrant afternoon community parties known as "Tardeadas” that could last up to eight hours.

In subsequent years, Ernestina Ruiz and Angel Valencia sustained the Folklórico Mexica tradition, laying the groundwork for Ruben Rodriguez's leadership in creating the ballet folklórico group Olin De Contra Costa. From 1986 to 2016, Rodriguez served as a dance instructor, and he performed for over 50 years.

“He (Ruben) was the person who really helped sharpen

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my skills in folklorico,” Janitzia said.

Further driving folklórico's prominence in contemporary times is Eugenia Rodriguez, who established the first official folklórico group at Pittsburg High School in 2012, according to Janitzia. Today, Eugenia has championed more teachers at the high school, including Janitzia, who is a drop-in instructor and Sagrario Ibarra, a new ballet folklórico instructor at Pittsburg High and the founder of the "Asi Se Siente Mexico" group.

“This is just the beginning," Tezol said, stating the plan and sentiment of many of the students is to make the event an annual tradition.

With plans for future editions and dedicated students and alumni, Pittsburg High School is poised to continue the legacy of preserving folklórico through dance and music for years to come.

“You can see the countless hours of preparations,” 51-year-old Concord resident Luisa Carrera said. “I am blown away by the musicians, the violinists, the vocalists. Everything.”

Carrera came to support her 8-year-old niece Isabel who is part of the “Asi Se Siente Mexico” group. This was the first folklórico festival Carrera has been to. And she found it warming how youth were able to connect with their roots through their teachers and art. She said that organic connection is special.

“It is special that these kids can connect their roots with the community here,” she said. “You can see the generations coming together.” •

The community must continue implementing sustainable water management practices and prioritize conservation efforts to ensure a healthier and more resilient environment for future generations. • Brooks emphasized that the most important thing for an individual to do in the face of discrimination in the workplace is to document the incident in writing and be up to date with the employee handbook and guidelines of their job.

He also said not to sign anything without seeking legal advice first, and suggested filing a complaint with government agencies depending on the severity of the issue.

The workshop also taught attendees their basic rights when it comes to being pulled over or an officer showing up at their house.

“We just say don't talk to them at all,” Hussain said. “Just assert your rights. Don't consent to anything. Don't answer the questions, tell them to speak with your attorney, take their contact information if they show up at the door and if you're being stopped or if you're walking down the street, just say, ‘Am I being detained or am I free to go?’ Most of the time, they have no right to detain you, so you're free to go.” •

pollution has affected ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and the overall sustainability of the region.

I saw that really early on, and I try to ignore it. I think that younger people see racism differently from adults because they haven’t faced real racism — the type of racism that hurts your soul and you as a person, and they don’t have the same life experience so I think that plays a factor as well so as one gets older they will see more clear then before.

— Stefán Quilter, 17

I don’t think my identity relies on my ethnicity. What I do know is that I am me. I am a female, I enjoy baking for friends and family. I like to cook for myself. I love talking! And last of all, I enjoy being in the company of others. That’s all there is to it. My identity is just an average person going through the routine of life.

My school is full of people from around the world, which is something I like. I’ve encountered many people proud of their heritage, which is something that encourages me to be proud of mine as well. As for my people, my ethnicity, I don’t really care about it. I’m just glad I have many friends and people to talk to. Nor do I care about an individual’s ethnicity/race. If they’re friendly, they’re friendly. That’s all that matter to me.

I don’t particularly talk about race anywhere nor do I think about my racial identity. However, I will say that the younger adults are more afraid to say certain words out of fear of being labeled as racist.

— Laiba Shahid,

17 •

DENIS PEREZ-BRAVO

Dancers celebrated Mexican culture and Pittsburg history at Folklórico Extravaganza on March 1 at Willow Cove Elementary.

Queerness & Sacred Ritual In Community

BY PRISCILLA SANCHEZ | WE 'CED YOUTH MEDIA

This piece was inspired by an Indigenous People’s Day’s event at CSU Stanislaus. One of the guests at the event is an Indigenous, non-binary poet that is illustrated in the middle. They are holding a Popoxcomitl and sage stick which is used by some Natives for their spiritual practices. The main message is celebrating indigeneity and queerness in community and amplifying queer, Indigenous creatives. •

Toxic Coal Terminal in West Oakland Seems Imminent

BY PHOEBE LEFEBVRE | YR MEDIA

I ’ve lived in West Oakland for 14 years, but I've never once had a friend over. I was always ashamed to live in a neighborhood that was so different from all of my friends, most of which lived in upper-middle class areas of Oakland, like Montclair or Rockridge.

I didn’t used to see the rich culture that West Oakland was built on, because I was so distracted by its differences from the rest of Oakland. What I hadn’t considered is what created those differences. Why hasn’t West Oakland thrived like the rest of the city has? What’s stopping it now?

Being a predominantly Black, low-income community, West Oakland has been a target of environmental racism for almost a century — dating back to government supported redlining in the 1930s.

Now, developer Phil Tagami and his company, Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal, are fighting against the city to build a fossil fuel export terminal at the old West Oakland Army Base at the Port of Oakland. But the transportation and utilization of coal at the terminal would contribute to carbon emissions and douse West Oakland, a community already overwhelmed with some of the worst air quality in California, in toxic coal dust.

OBOT sues the city of Oakland

On Oct. 27, 2023, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noël Wise issued a proposed decision which found that the city breached its contract with developer Phil Tagami by not granting him an extension amid delays in the planned construction of the export terminal. The decision is currently tentative, but if made final, it could allow Tagami to store and transport tons of coal at the city’s port before shipping it overseas. This new development could cost Oakland residents millions in taxpayer dollars, despite the decade-long organizing efforts from city officials, West Oakland residents and environmental advocacy groups.

OBOT entered into an agreement with Oakland in 2013, and claims in the suit that the city sabotaged the project by creating an anti-coal ordinance. In 2016, the Oakland City Council voted to ban the handling and storage of coal in West Oakland. This was informed by decades of research confirming that being directly adjacent to the port forces West Oaklanders to endure the most detrimental effects of pollution — like high increases in cancer and asthma rates.

Tagami and Oakland had briefly entered settlement discussions, but continued suing each other over the contract dispute. Now the developer is closing in on a legal victory that could dissolve efforts to prevent coal from being stored and transported through West Oakland.

According to the lawsuit, filed by OBOT in 2018, the

Social Media's Impact On Cyberbullying

BY SUSSIE ANDRADE | SOUTH KERN SOL

Social media can have many negative impacts on people’s lives. It’s crucial to shed light on the potential negative effects, such as the spread of propaganda, addiction to phones, and even cyberbullying.

One major concern is how false information and propaganda can easily spread on social media platforms, leading to misinformation and confusion. It’s crucial to be aware of what you see online and ensure you’re seeing is accurate before believing everything you come across. Another issue is the addictive nature of social media and our phones. It’s really easy to get caught up in the constant scrolling and checking for notifications, which can lead to feeling any sort of anxiety and even impact sleep patterns.

Another important issue that mostly impacts teenagers is cyberbullying. It’s very unfortunate how some people will use their social media platforms to

city “engaged in an uninterrupted pattern of delay and interference, all with the objective of preventing OBOT from completing this project.” Oakland argued that OBOT ruined their own project by missing construction milestones, and that the city has the right under the development agreement to enact health and safety regulations like a coal ban when evidence of danger to public health exists.

Government supported pollution of communities of color

Environmental racism isn’t a new concept for West Oakland, whose air quality had been devastated by interstate construction.

State departments of transportation in the United States have a long and documented history of systematically displacing communities of color. Neighborhoods have been divided — small business’s closed and main streets demolished, and this division has always hit minority communities the hardest. Oakland’s Interstate-980 is a prime example of the racism cemented into the untold history of highway construction.

Built in 1985, I-980 became the third freeway to surround West Oakland alongside the MacArthur (I-580) and Cypress (I-880) freeways, which already disconnected the neighborhood from the rest of Oakland. The construction of the Cypress freeway resulted in 5,000 homes being destroyed before its collapse in the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Soon after, I-880 was rerouted along the Western and Southern borders of West Oakland, ensuring that the neighborhood was still encased in concrete barriers. These freeways were a physical manifestation of the redlining that was already taking place. In 1939, a government-backed Home Owners Loan Corporation created maps of “residential security,” in Oakland, which presented who was eligible for government-backed mortgages. These maps ranked areas from “Best” to “Hazardous” determined by “racial infiltration.” West Oakland was deemed hazardous due to its “detrimental influences” of lower economic classes and racial

spread hate and target others, which can cause serious harm to their mental well-being. Especially for teens who struggle to find a place in life or are still figuring out who they are, social media can create a lot of pressure to fit into certain standards. It’s important to remember that everything on social media isn’t always the whole picture.

“Social media may have its benefits but it’s crucial to use it mindfully and take breaks when needed. Prioritizing our mental well-being over the world online is key,” said Tabitha Myrow, a social worker at McFarland High School.

Myrow was also asked if she’s ever had any students approach her about being bullied on social media and how she thinks that bullying can affect students.

“Yes, not necessarily at this campus because I’m new and I don’t think a lot of students know that there is a school social worker on campus. But in my experience, in previous schools, I worked in, oh absolutely. Lots of students have come to me about being bullied on social media,” Myrow commented. “Bullying on social media affects students in many ways. Often students get sad about it, get upset about it. It can lead to aggression, so it can lead to bantering back and forth where students go back and forth and say very unkind things to each other which then escalates which can lead to potential fights. It can lead to further mental health issues. Bullying can lead to students feeling very bad about themselves,

minority groups.

Building I-980 separated the primarily poor community from social and economic opportunities. Its construction destroyed more than 500 homes, nearly two dozen businesses and multiple churches, while stripping West Oakland of its access to the revival experienced by Uptown Oakland. Residents of West Oakland should be able to walk to the near and bustling Uptown, but instead are blocked by the two-mile long, 560 ft. wide freeway.

Environmental racism harms residents' health

The other effects these highways had on West Oakland are detrimental. The Environmental Defense Fund shows that 50% of asthma cases in West Oakland are due to air pollution, whereas only 20% of cases in the Oakland Hills can be attributed to air quality. West Oakland has some of the highest asthma rates in California, in the 99th and 100th percentile, and notably poor access to healthy foods. Impacts on childhood asthma are the worst near highways and major roads. The freeways that surround the West, which are also designated truck routes, have trapped the neighborhood in exhaust, and the addition of coal exportation at the port would only worsen air quality.

Oakland City Council and politicians at state and local levels are all in opposition to the threat of coal in Oakland. Alongside them is grassroots organization No Coal in Oakland, a community run campaign dedicated to protecting West Oakland’s climate, and residents from environmental racism.

I didn’t know this was going on until a few months ago, when my mom sent me news about the developers of the coal terminal going to trial. But this fight began when I was in elementary school.

I’m in high school now, and learning about the community’s unwavering efforts inspires me to talk to people my age about what’s at stake. My community is already suffering from decades of environmental injustice. West Oakland doesn’t deserve to be invaded by coal-carrying trains further polluting our air. •

and then they don’t want to come to school, they start to maybe engage in self-harm because they believe the things that the bully is saying to them. It’s an epidemic that our country is facing and I do see it a lot.”

Additionally, the McFarland High School student development teacher, Joel Campos Lopez, was also asked about his experiences with social media. He was asked about if and how he restricts social media for himself or his kids — to which he responded yes — and if social media was something that was a positive influence.

“Social media I think could be positive, but at the same time it could also be negative because of what’s out there, what people post, how they post it. So it just depends on how you handle social media,” stated Campos.

A McFarland High School junior, Alexya Orozco, was also asked about her screen time and how social media affects her life.

“My screen time is seven hours, and I feel like I’m addicted to social media; at night I don’t usually get enough sleep,” Orozco said.

Orozco also commented that she feels like she notices herself procrastinating and wasting time due to social media and that she uses it constantly.

It’s important to not let social media take over reality. To be able to know what’s real and what isn’t. As well as staying away from things that could ultimately harm your mental health. •