Selected interview transcript

This interview transcript has been modified for clarity and conciseness.

What brought you to the San Joaquin Valley? Is it where you would like to stay or your children to stay? Why or why not? 

I arrived in the San Joaquin Valley in 1988. I liked it because there are job opportunities and there is nice weather. The San Joaquin Valley offers so much and we have everything. 

Describe your life 10 years ago as compared to now. Consider the following: location, significant places, daily routes.

It has changed a lot in the past 10 years. When I first arrived there were a lot of fields full of trees. On my way to work now I see more houses and they have chopped down trees. It has also changed regarding the fact that now they cultivate citrics, that has brought more jobs during the winter, and it gives jobs all year long. The big difference between then and now is that now I see more job opportunities. Citrus fruits have helped with that. 

Now we are going to talk about your typical day. Can you describe you day including when does it start and when does it end? How do you divide your time during the day? How do you move around your community?

My day starts at 4:00am and I finish working at 2:00pm or 2:30pm. I usually arrive from work, take some rest, and cook for my kids. I move around in my own car. I do enjoy my work and home. 

If you could change anything from your typical day, what would it be?

I would love to work from Monday to Friday and enjoy my family during the weekends. 

What would make your day easier?

Have a fixed schedule. Start at 4:00am work for eight hours and then just have time to be at home. It will help me to have more rest.

So, you don´t have a fixed work schedule?

No, I don’t. We start at 4:00am and sometimes we finish around 6:00pm

Do you depend on family members to get through your day?

No, but people in my house depend on me. I need to support my family financially.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I always dreamed about being a nurse.

If you were elected to office (County Board of Supervisors or mayor) and had unlimited power to make any changes you thought would improve your community or your environment, what would be the top 3 things on your agenda? County Board of Supervisors? 

The first thing I would change is to give people working on packaging more benefits. I would reduce the working hours. Working for 12-14 hours is exhausting. I would bring more activities for young people and elderly. This with the purpose of providing activities for them to be occupied, and that that older people would feel useful.