Week 4: My California

1) "The Big Valley" by Mark Arax

2) Summary: Mark Arax is a native of Fresno. In his essay he shares tales of his life in the central valley. Like many individuals who grow up in this region, farming is a part of life and Arax was no exception. He recalls growing up on a farm filled with an assortment of crops specifically, Figs. His father was an avid fig farmer and Arax was always helping him maintain the lush central California soil. It isn't a surprise Arax still identifies himself as a farmer because it is in his blood. As California sped toward the future, so did Fresno. Arax discusses the influx of industrial expansion and how he, along with Fresno, changed. Arax discarded his farming life and traded it in for the thrill of big corporations and money. However, he hasn't completely abandoned farming. Arax has a lively garden with an assortment of crops. Arax seems genuinely proud of his relatives and the lifestyle they chose to live.

3) Favorite Quote: "Summer here isn't measured by the calendar but by the pick and pull and squeeze and crush of the unbroken harvest." (pg. 20)

4) What did Arax make me think of? I didn't feel much connection to Arax's essay after the first few paragraphs. I have never been to Fresno, nor did I plan on ever going. However, I quickly began to think of my Grandmother who grew up in Fresno long before Arax was even alive. She always discusses the hot summers and miles and miles of crops. In the 1930's and 1940's she says it was one big farming town. About five years ago she visited for the first time in a long time. Like Arax she was amazed at the amount of shopping centers. Near her old neighborhood, which used to be surrounded by grass patches, it is now encompassed by Arco gas stations/markets. It is disappointing to read and hear stories of the region before it was polluted, I can only dream of what Fresno must have been like before its rapid expansion.

5) One thing I did not know before I started the reading that I now know: I was unaware of how many people miss the "old Fresno." Whenever I read about Fresno or hear about Fresno everyone thinks of the past rather than what the city stands for now. The shopping centers are diminishing its history.

1) "Transients in Paradise" by Aimee Liu

2) Summary: Liu writes about Beverly Hills. All of the stereotypes of southern California seem to come to life in Beverly Hills. Liu gives specific examples of the shallow people spread throughout the city. She recalls a funeral that looked more like a beauty contest. Instead of morning over the dead, many decided to compare their looks and see who had bigger muscles. Liu says that there is little regard for the many homeless throughout Beverly Hills. Outside of a famous deli in Beverly Hills named "Nate 'n Al's," nobody would offer a homeless man named Richard any food or money. When he ceased showing up everyone seemed at odds. It was later discovered that he was a screenwriter hindered by a malicious disease preventing him from realizing his dreams. Liu insists that Beverly Hills is in a league of its own. The city is filled with expensive cars and face lifts. Despite all this, Liu admires the city for its beautiful houses, views and cleanliness.

3) Favorite Quote: "She crouches down under a black woolen poncho and holds up a cardboard sign that reads in hand-lettering: Sick, Pregnant, Stranded." (pg. 34)

4) What did Liu make me think of? Liu made me think of the judgments people make regarding southern California and Beverly Hills. It is places like Beverly Hills which give many places in the region unfair stereotypes. For example many individuals from Northern California and outsiders view southern California as a place of plastic faces and spoiled people. Her writings confirmed that this may be true, but to people who have actually seen these places, they know it is not. People outside of California always think of beaches, celebrities, glitz and glamour but, there is also a drastically different side.

5) One thing I did not know before I started the reading that I now know: How are there no medical facilities in Beverley Hills?! This needs to change. I had no idea this was the case. One also will not come across many other places seen in typical cities such as, cemeteries and sanitation facilities. This is truly amazing. It could possibly be the fakest places in the US. I also didn't realize the huge gap between the wealthy and poor. There doesn't seem to be a middle class in Beverly Hills.

1) "Showing off the Owens" by Jefferson Parker

2) Summary: Parker and his friend head west to the Owens River for a fly-fishing adventure. Parker tells his friend Brian about the size of the fish they'll be catching and he is disappointed but, once they arrive in Bishop, California he is amazed. Brian is an angler in New York and writes as well. He has caught numerous fish. Parker loves fishing and describes how he constantly thinks about it. The Lower Owens River is where they spend most of their time. They end up catching quite a bit of fish. Parker discusses that once you drop the line the water it becomes infectious and very exciting because what ends up on the other end is a mystery.

3) Favorite Quote: "Now is a good time to digress very briefly on the topic of fly fishing. It's a progressive disease, like rabies that starts with an innocuous bite then lies dormant." (pg. 39)

4) What did Parker make me think of? Parker made me think of the many times I have been fishing with my grandfather. Sonoma County and Northern California have some of the best places to fish in the world. I wish I did it more often and every time I do go it is always infectious, like Parker describes. I never seem to catch anything but, somehow it is invigorating. Parker has inspired me to go fishing again.

5) One thing I did not know before I started the reading that I now know: I have never heard of the Owens River before reading this story. It sounds like a place I would like to go because I enjoy the countryside. Parker makes it sounds like must-see.

1) "The Distant Cataract about Which We Do Not Speak" by Mary Mackey

2) Summary: Mackey recalls her time spent on an island located along the American River Parkway in Sacramento. She discusses how it is a safe haven for her and her husband, who are both college teachers. Among the high speed pace of California's capitol, Sacramento lays an oasis where people of all cultures go to find serenity. Mackey is amazed at the wildlife which surrounds the island suck as, Ducks, Beavers and other animals. The water is very cold due to the Sierra's and is never warm, but refreshing. She says it seems secluded yet, it is located near a busy overpass. One of the cultures she specifically writes about is the Japanese. Many Japanese are attracted to the island and river's beauty as well. They often send illuminated floating lanterns down the river honoring those lost at sea. Mackey loves the river and enjoys the mix of cultures and creatures who keep her entertained.

3) Favorite Quote: "We are sitting on an island in the American River, right in the middle of Sacramento, the state capital, a metropolitan area of well over a million people, but my husband and I like to preserve our mutual delusion." (pg. 48)

4) What did Mackey make me think of? Mackey brought to mind my time spent living in Sacramento. The American River is impossible to miss. I have been there many times to find peace. All along the river are secluded areas where one can get relax and enjoy the beauty. Everyone flocks to the river because it is the only place to go in Sacramento other than the dirty, Folsom Lake. I also thought of the diversity in the city. Sacramento is actually a more diverse city than San Francisco and one the most diverse in the state. It has a huge Russian population and many others cultures.

5) One thing I did not know before I started the reading that I now know: I did not know that that many people conduct religious and spiritual ceremonies by the American River. It truly is an oasis for many people living in Sacramento.

What similarities and differences do you see between the authors and the topics they chose to discuss? All of these stories contain knowledge about different areas of California that are special to each of the author has an emotional connection. Arax recalls the days spent in his youth along with father and grandfather. Lui writes about the sadness she feels when watching homeless melting away among the brightness reflecting from the concrete of Beverly Hills. Parker discusses his love for fly-fishing and how it infects every part of him. Mackey points out the peace and serenity a person can feel fifty yards from a line of speeding automobiles. It story involves a different pace of life. Lui writes about busy Beverly Hills, Mackey about Sacramento/American River, Parker about the secluded Owen's River and Arax discusses a mix of city life and rural life. They all come from intriguing backgrounds with one thing in common, trying to discover what matters among a changing landscape.

Classmate Responses:

1) Lola: "Freire believes that we live in a world that has controllers but we can participate and change the outcome." Yes, everyone has the chance to change their future despite obstacles that may set people back.

2) Kimmie: "Like Ariza, Freire never gave up what he was passionate about." I agree, Freire always strived for what he believed would affect people's lives positively and intellectually. He never stopped until his last day.

3) Tarissa: "The communication between Florentino and Fermina was always strained and that had a tremendous effect on their relationship throughout their lives." Communication definitely played a key role in Florentino and Fermina's relationship. Florentino failed to ask important questions which would have improved their bond.

4) Marylou: "This is a story about a man that never stops loving a woman; this is even though he is not with her." It is amazing how much time passes before they connect with each other once again, one does not see this happen much in today's society.

5) Rachel: "Paulo Freire's quote of "Reading the world before reading the word," would be an important message in how this love story is a human story that transcends borders." This is a great quote. There are so many factors that go into understanding humanity and the words which explain the world.

7) Jason: "Love is not a small emotion felt by unique individuals, it is an emotion full of passion, and it is an emotion that makes both men and women do the unthinkable." Yes, love, as we can see from the movie will drive people to extreme lengths.

8) Aloma: "Let's say that both of these men stayed devoted to their work, beliefs and convictions no matter what obstacle may have been put into their path." They were indeed intent on following through with their beliefs.

9) Chris: "This story applies to the whole world in many ways. It beckons us to follow our heart: “Life, not death, has no limits.”" I don't agree with this quote. Nobody knows what will happen to us after we die, so how can one come to the conclusion that death has no limits?

10) Hilary: "This movie made clear to me how social class can affect your life." Social class can change the course of one's life very easily, for better or worse. "Love in the Time of Cholera," is a prime example.