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Fernando Lara recently completed a Hispanic Access Foundation biology and Geographic Information System (GIS) internship at the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. He is interviewed by public affairs specialist, Vanessa Morales. Read on to learn about his path to wildlife conservation through geography.
VM: Hey Fernando! Can you tell me about your Hispanic Access Foundation internships?
FL: I started as a biology intern for six months, doing a lot of educational outreach, including joining the MERITO Foundation Beach Camp in Ventura to teach students about ocean ecosystems. I also helped create educational videos about different species and habitats that reside around the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office jurisdiction. Additionally, I did a lot of technical writing like the species status of the California condor and an informal consultation for the Southern sea otter.
After that, I served as a GIS intern, and in this position, I was able to work on geospatial analysis with products the office uses. I got the chance to participate in a lot of field opportunities and visited the Guadalupe Nipomo Dunes National Wildlife Refuge where the staff and I worked on trail mapping for the refuge. They hope creating a new map will make the refuge more accessible to anyone who wants to visit it. I also visited the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge to participate in California condor check ups. We worked with the Santa Barbara Zoo, and I got to see how data was collected and how they are trapped for lead testing.
VM: Sounds like you had great experiences! Can you tell me about where you went to school and what you studied?
FL: I attended California State University Long Beach and majored in Geography with a focus in GIS. I was especially interested in natural resource management.
VM: What made you want to pursue your major?
FL: My girlfriend is a school guidance counselor. She saw I was miserable in my business classes, because at the time I was pursuing a business administration major. She said, “You love maps and Google Maps, so why don’t you try switching your major to geography?” At the time, I didn’t know if there were employment opportunities as a geographer, but the school opened my eyes to the different fields I could get involved with. Sure enough, I switched majors and excelled. Overall, I did enjoy their geography program.
VM: What great advice from your girlfriend! Is there something or someone you can point to that sparked your interest in maps and the outdoors?
FL: The person who got me into maps was my dad. He used to go out of town for work, and we had just purchased a computer and internet. He did not have a GPS system in his truck, so he would call me on the phone, and I would be his navigator, live streaming him directions that I read from a map on the computer.
The reason I got into natural resource management is because I’ve always had a passion for conservation and being in the outdoors. I grew up watching Animal Planet and Discovery. I thought they were so cool. Also grew up going to my grandpa’s ranch in Mexico so I spent a lot of time outdoors and I loved it.
VM: Amazing! Can you tell me why you think it is important for Latinos to be involved in the outdoors and wildlife conservation?
FL: I do think it is important. My parents came here in 1992 and their whole background has always been rural living in Mexico, working the land, and I think it is important for us to follow those traditions we have, like living with the land. My family came from humble beginnings, but it is really disheartening to see a lot of the younger generations disconnect from nature. I think it's important for us to advocate for Hispanic and Latino communities to enjoy green spaces. I know many times there is a fear because of immigrant status, but it is important to show people what they could be missing out on. We need to encourage people to get out there more and make them feel comfortable. I know I had imposter syndrome and did not feel like I belonged, but the land and the outdoors are for everyone, so I grew out of that. However, I can see how that feeling could remain in others.
VM: Can you tell me about any memorable field opportunities you’ve had, either in your internship or during school?
FL: Yes, I did some professional development at a Pinnacles National Park when I was a biology intern. I got to meet the Superintendent and many amazing biologists who showed me around the park and their work. I spent a couple of days camping and got to see how they track the California condors. I learned about their interpretive program where rangers lead interpretive hikes with guests. I thought it was really cool to see how all divisions of the park work together in harmony.
VM: Wow, sounds like it was a great opportunity! What’s next for you, Fernando?
FL: I did recently accept an offer for a permanent geographer position at the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office. I am also planning on getting my master’s degree.
VM: Congratulations! Do you think your HAF internships with the USFWS solidified your choice to follow this career path?
FL: They did. With all the field opportunities and things I learned as a GIS intern, the experience definitely sealed the deal for my career path.
VM: Thank you so much for your time, Fernando! It will be great to see another HAF alumni at the office! See you soon!
My new tattoo is based on an Alphonse Mucha print called Music. Christine said something bad happens to the head if I raise my arm too much. The outline took just over two hours. (From shortly after 12:30 until around 2:45.) This was the most difficult tattoo I've had to date, and I'm likely in for 13 hours more. I love it so far.
*Bamboosero*
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *Bamboosero* Road Frame
Headset: *CHRIS KING* nothreadset 1 1/8" (brown)
Front Wheel: *CAMPAGNOLO*
Rear Wheel: *CAMPAGNOLO*
Tire: *MICHELIN* pro3 race tire (black) 700×23C
Crank: *WHITE INDUSTRIES* eno single speed crank (black)
Pedal:*TIME*
Brake: *CAMPAGNOLO*
Stem: *THOMSON* elite x2 stem(black)
Seatpost: *THOMSON* elite seatpost (black)
Saddle: *GILLES BERTHOUD* men's leather saddle (cork)
A prototype of a Japanese school uniform for momoko and Nu.face girls including hand made white cotton double collar shirt, black silk ribbon, black cotton skirt, grey scale knitwear pullover vest, white panties, white socks and black genuine leather shoes.
This prototype is already sold for a preorder customer.
complete mole. Photo taken with tissue under water. 2 Nikon SB-800 strobes used, one with a red gel and the other with a blue gel. Strobes were fired using a Nikon D200 on camera pop up flash using the Nikon creative lighting system.
*FAIRWEATHER* cx complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *FAIR WEATHER*cx
Headset:*VELO ORANGE* grand cru headset
Wheels: *VELO ORANGE* raid rim × *FAIRWEATHER* singlespeed hub
Tire: *SCHWALBE* delta cruiser tire
Crankset:*FSA* gimondi track crankset
Brake lever:*DIA-COMPE* 128S brake lever
Handle: *VELO ORANGE* left bank handlebar
Stem:*FAIRWEATHER* UI-7 integrated stem
Saddle:*BROOKS* cambium C17
Front rack:*GAMOH*king carrier
The Webb Ellis Cup has completed its journey around Dubai as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour. The first day of the visit saw pupils from Rashid School for boys get a chance to see the Trophy. With many of the pupils already playing Rugby, it was an inspirational moment to get so close to the game’s biggest prize. Later that day the Webb Ellis Cup was guest of honour at a reception hosted by the British Embassy which was attended by various members of the local Rugby community. This included a number of previous Rugby World Cup stars including former Wales international, Tom Shanklin, former Scotland international, Rory Lawson and former Samoan international, Apollo Perelini.
Check out the video of Greg and Felicia making this Codex staff at Greg's blog, http://barnyardfx.blogspot.com/.
The actual Codex staff they made is up for auction on eBay, with the proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross.
Miles Davis, "The Complete Live Recordings 1948-1955", released in October 2006.
27,58 Euros on Amazon, shipping included. Not bad, for 10 CDs... :-)
*GEEKHOUSE* hopedale complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *GEEKHOUSE* hopedale custom painted by cook paint works
Fork: *WOUND UP* x-wound carbon fork custom painted by cook paint works
Headset:*CHRIS KING* nothreadset (navy)
Wheels: *HED.* belgium tubelar × *CHRIS KING* classic hub (black)
Tire: *DUGAST* paris-roubaix tire (black/skin)
Crankset: *SRAM* force crankset
Pedal: *LOOK* s-track race pedal (black)
Brake&shift lever:*SRAM* force
FD&RD: *SRAM* force
Brake:*SRAM* force
Handle: *THOMSON* cx carbon handle
Stem:*THOMSON* elite x2 stem (black)
Seat post: *THOMSON* elite seatpost (black)
Saddle:*WTB* silverado SLT saddle (black/chrome)
Bartape:*BROOKS* leather bartape (purple)
Seatclamp:*PHILWOOD*
BB:*PHILWOOD* outboard bb
BLUE LUG custom complete bike
Frame:unknown
Fork:*DIXNA*
Headset :*CHRIS KING* nothreadset (pewter)
Stem:*NITTO* ui-2 (black)
Handle:*SIM WORKS* get around bar
Grip:*PDW* speed metal grip
Crank:*SRAM* apex
Shifter:*DIA-COMPE*
RD:*SRAM* rival
Seatpost:*THOMSON* elite seatpost
Saddle:*WTB* pure V race saddle BL special (brown)
Framebag:*FAIRWEATHER* frame bag
Rack:*SOMA* porteur rack (black)
Kamuro Girl (Courtesan's Attendant) Completed Kitsuke:
Here, our kamuro girl is all dressed up. Her kimono and kanzashi were hand made by Kurokami Kanzashi (Christina Stoppa). The kimono was made from a vintage garment; likely Meiji (1868 - 1910) or Taisho Period (1911 - 1926). This garment was originally either a kimono made for export or a stage costume. It has been remade as an Edo Period (1603 - 1868) costume.
Photo by: Wilma Tanya Archibald
Kimono Dresser: Christina Stoppa (Kurokami-Kanzashi) and Erica Pai
Makeup by: Justine Sobocan (Miss Myloko)
Hair Ornaments by: Christina Stoppa (Kurokami-Kanzashi)
Additional Hair Ornaments Provided by: Maral Agnerian (Magpie Creations)
Cake, Carmella and Blue are very happy with their new outfits. Tops, tulle skirt, and dress all from Dolly Coordinate for a Small doll. I drafted up the leggings that Blue is wearing.
*SURLY* crosscheck complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *SURLY* crosscheck BLUE LUG CUSTOM PAINT by COOK PAINT WORKS
Wheels: *H PLUS SON* archetype rim × *SHIMANO* 105 hub
Tire: *BRUCE GORDON* rock n' road al terrain 700c tire (black/skin)
Stem:*NITTO* ui-2 stem (black)
Handle: *FAIRWEATHER*
Saddle:*WTB* silverado race saddle BL special (brown)
Brake&Shift Lever:*SHIMANO* 105
Crank:*SHIMANO* cx-70
FD&RD:*SHIMANO* 105
*CINELLI*mash work complete bike
BLUELUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *CINELLI*mash work
Headset:*CHRIS KING*nothread
Wheels:*VELOCITY* A23 rim × *PHILWOOD* large track hub
Tire:*CLEMENT*strada LGG
Brake lever:*PAUL* love lever
Crankset: *SUGINO* 75 × *AARN* track chainring
Brake:*PAUL*mini moto
Handle:*NITTO×HUNTER* smooth move
Stem:*THOMSON*x4
Seat post:*THOMSON*elite
Saddle:*SELLE ITALIA*flite ti
Seatclamp:*SALSA*lip-lock
Grip:*CULT* cult×vans waffle grip
© Copyright Jan Richards All rights reserved
Our son, and younger child, completes the final stages of his last college application. It has been a few years since our daughter completed the process, but it's a very important process for everyone involved.
Dress loosely based on the tutorial found here, though I didn't start with a pillowcase so I cut my own base pattern. But the instructions on the tut were great to refer to. And the idea of 'done is better than perfect' resonates so well with me these days too.
Bloomers made by me.
Alfred Harbage (General Editor) The Complete Pelican Shakespeare
The Pelican Text published in thirty-eight volumes between 1956 and 1967
Viking Penguin, 1977
Cover designed by Hans Smoller, R.D.I.
*SURLY* trucker deluxe complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *SURLY* trucker deluxe BLUE LUG CUSTOM PAINT by COOK PAINT WORKS
Wheels: *VELOCITY* synasy 650B rim × *PHILWOOD* road hub
Headset:*CHRIS KING* steelset
Tire: *RIVENDELL* fatty rumpkin 650B tire
Shifter: *SHIMANO*
FD&RD: *SHIMANO* deore XT
Crankset:*SUGINO* XCD
Pedal:*SHIMANO* dx pedal
stem: *NITTO* ui-ex85
Handle:*FAIRWEATHER* mod174 all road bar (silver)
Brake:*PAUL* moto-lite
Brake Levers:*CANE CREEK* drop-V
Seatpost:*NITTO* 65 seatpost (black)
Saddle: *WTB* silverado pro saddle (black)
*SURLY* steamroller complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *SURLY* steamroller BLUE LUG CUSTOM PAINT by COOK PAINT WORKS
Headset:*CHRIS KING* nothreadset
Wheels:*H PLUS SON* the box rim × *GRAN COMPE* small track hub
Tire:*FAIRWEATHER* for traveler tire (black/skin)
Brake lever:*DIA-COMPE*
Handle:*FAIRWEATHER*
Crankset:*FAIRWEATHER* CX crankset (matt silver)
Saddle:*BROOKS* b17 standard (honey)
*SURLY* pacer complete bike
BLUE LUG custom
SPEC
Frame: *SURLY* pacer BLUE LUG CUSTOM PAINT by COOK PAINT WORKS
Headset: *VELO ORANGE* grand cru headset 1 1/8" (chrome)
Wheels: *H PLUS SON* archetype rim × *VELO ORANGE*
Tire:*CONTINENTAL* gatorskin tire
Handle:*FAIRWEATHER*
Stem:*FAIRWEATHER* UI-7 integrated stem (silver)
FD&RD:*SHIMANO* 105
Fender:*VELO ORANGE* hammered fenders
Saddle:*BROOKS* b17
Saddle:*SELLE SAN MARCO* rolls saddle