Nonprofits Are The Backbone of Representation in Santa Paula

The view of the iconic “SP” on the South Mountain in Santa Paula from my backyard. (Cytlalli Salgado)

Growing up and living in Santa Paula for 21 years has been very comforting for me as a Mexican because there is a strong sense of belonging and I can identify myself within the community since it is primarily made up of low income households and 81% Hispanic or Latinx people.

However, at the same time Santa Paula being a community primarily made up of low-income households and Latinx people makes the community a target for various social injustices.

The issues I’ve noticed are concerning because in the near future it may force generations who have lived here for years to move out or to settle for an uncomfortable future. From my personal experience, when I was in high school I was a volunteer and an intern for a local nonprofit organization in 2016, CAUSE, where I got to see and take action against some of the injustices. At the time we were primarily fighting against a proposal for a power plant to be built in Santa Paula.

A screenshot from an article about one of the many power plant public hearings. I’m the one with the teal backpack on my legs.

For the construction of a power plant to be proposed in my hometown was very alarming because only Santa Paula would be facing the negative effects of the powerplant if the proposed plan was passed. Meanwhile, the richer communities like Ventura and Santa Barbara would be benefiting from the same power plant without any of the consequences. At the same time, with CAUSE we were advocating pushing for more funds to be directed to youth programs. I was even mentioned in the local newspapers a few times such as on the VC Star.

I would like to know more about what the current issues being tackled are now after I’ve been away for a few years focusing on my college education. However, I do know that in 2019 the application for the powerplant was officially pulled.

I want to be involved with what’s going on to inform myself and as many people as I can. I also know most people in Santa Paula get their news through Facebook or from their friends and family. I know this because although the local newspaper posts the major ongoing news in the community, it is published in English so many of the Spanish speakers get informed through those who can translate or help breakdown or understand the news.

Local hotspots in Santa Paula where most of the important city banners with information are placed.

During my time with CAUSE I know this is the case for many people in Santa Paula. When I would go canvassing, as a Spanish speaker, I was be able to inform the residents about the current events we were focusing on in both English and Spanish. I was also able to answer or direct them to the adequate sources for any of their questions or concerns.

I think Santa Paula could be better represented by possibly adding an official Santa Paula Spanish news source. Although many of the nonprofits are very inclusive and informative in helping Santa Paula residents with what's happening in the community, I believe establishing an official news publication from the city in Spanish will help comfort those who may be weary of political affiliations.