Childern of the San Joaquin Valley
By Dorina K. Lazo
Photographed by Josh Hires

Today, you’re going to meet some special people. They are all part of this big family I was telling you about. They came here from places like Mexico, Japan, Armenia, Laos, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, Vietnam, Ireland, India, China, Russia and even parts of Africa.

Some boarded planes, trains, cars and boats. Others came with their families. Others came on their own to make a new life. These special people brought their family traditions with them. They brought favorite foods, like olives and grapes. They brought music like mariachi and reggae. They brought dances and games and more than 100 new languages. They even brought different styles of clothes in all colors of the rainbow.