Jesus H.

Jesus H. is a student at Watsonville High School and lives in Royal Oaks. He is involved with Watsonville Wetlands Watch and the Environmental Science and the Natural Resource Academy at Watsonville High School. Outside of school, he enjoys playing guitar.

"I decided to participate in the Photovoice Project to highlight the neglected areas currently facing environmental challenges throughout the Pajaro Valley. My goal was not only to call attention to these issues, but also to present them from the lens of a local resident, providing a more intimate perspective."

Consequences

Despite local conservation efforts, environmental damage and climate change have still left their mark on the community. Years of fertilizer runoff and pesticide use have contaminated Pinto Lake, a major freshwater lake along the Central Coast, fueling toxic algae, contaminating fish with pesticides, and making it unsafe for both humans and wildlife. This scene reminds me of the importance of conservation.

Disparities

New pavement markings from the recent Las Lomas Drive Bicycle & Pedestrian Lane Project, much like several areas of sidewalk, come to an abrupt end. While not only hazardous for pedestrians due to the lack of sidewalks, this street is also dangerous for cyclists due to the absence of visual cues. The sudden end of clear lane markings impedes both road users’ abilities to judge their position and maintain a clear path, leading to potential collisions—many of which have already occurred. This highlights infrastructural disparities in my community.

Recreation

Pinto Lake County Park, located in the northern corner of the Pajaro Valley, serves as a space for recreation and natural beauty. Its accessibility to the public makes it an ideal place, providing an area for the community to gather—regardless of background—and appreciate the valley’s remaining natural landscapes, many of which have been lost to agriculture. With its several trails, benches, and facilities, the park offers a welcoming environment for both relaxation and exploration in a pocket of preserved nature. Personally, this image reminds me of the importance of preserving local landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

Walkability

A healthier Pajaro Valley starts with proper infrastructure—walkability, canopy cover, and green spaces. This image captures an example of ideal infrastructure within the area, a well-maintained sidewalk with safety in mind, sufficient greenery, and most importantly tree cover, which not only helps mitigate pollution by absorbing harmful contaminants, but also helps combat rising temperatures as a result of the release of greenhouse gases. On a personal level, this image serves as a reminder of what the rest of the community is capable of working towards, but is often held back from due to limited resources.

Accessibility

The Las Lomas Drive Bicycle & Pedestrian Lane Project recently brought several positive improvements to the small unincorporated community of Las Lomas, CA. Despite the many advancements in favor of walkability and biking, the project still has several major shortcomings, most notably around sidewalks, which come to an abrupt end. This is particularly dangerous as the sudden end of a sidewalk forces pedestrians to shift onto the shoulder of a road and limits visibility, placing them at risk of oncoming traffic. Additionally, it also creates significant accessibility barriers for those faced with mobility challenges and serves as a tripping hazard. This photo is significant to me because it highlights challenges often faced during urban planning in smaller, rural communities, oftentimes with limited resources.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 3-5 pm PST

Jesus H.

Regeneración

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