Andrew Banh, Orange Coast College

Affordable Housing and Housing Affordability in Northern Orange County, California

California faces a marked housing shortage. Despite the current construction boom, California is ranked 49th for per capita new housing unit construction for the 2014-2015 period. This project aims to catalogue existing affordable housing units in a study area comprising the US census tracts roughly analogous to the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove, and to portray this information in the context of the area’s housing affordability, renting population, and monthly gross rent. Data for this project was collected from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, matched to US census tract data from the US Census Bureau and then matched to housing affordability metrics from the Center for Neighborhood Technology. According to these metrics, the combined study area is home to 314,989 households, of which 153,094 are renters. Only 8744 low-income housing units exists to serve this population.

Kelly Bessem, Humboldt State University

The Merced River Plan: Understanding the Interaction Between Science, Politics, and Public Response in Yosemite Valley, CA

In order to understand what the disconnect between Yosemite Valley tourists and conservation practices is, I explored politics, science, and public awareness within the Valley through the context of the Merced River Plan (MPR). My original thoughts were that a lack of public involvement in and comprehension of the MRP planning process was the reason positive environmental change has been stunted. Though complex politics and lobbying by certain interests such as the Valley concessionaire have slowed change, I’d argue that it is the lack of public education about best conservation practices within the Merced River corridor there that has hindered a healthy ecosystem the most.

Fook Hong Chin, Soka University of America

FROM MASTER-PLANNED SUBURB TO ASIAN ETHNOBURB: THE IMPACT OF ASIAN IN-MIGRATION ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT OF IRVINE, CALIFORNIA

The 2015 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates of Irvine projected the Asian population to be approximately the same size as the White population. This Capstone project builds on research from Wei Li’s Ethnoburb: The New Ethnic Community in Urban America. First, it attempts to fill in the gap between informal discourse and scholarly literature on whether there is White flight in Irvine. Second, it investigates the relationship between Irvine’s transition from a master-planned suburb to an Asian ethnoburb and its built environment. The results suggest that there is insufficient evidence to justify the existence of White flight as an overall trend in Irvine. On the other hand, the Asian community has contributed many changes to Irvine’s built environment, especially in the forms of commercial and cultural amenities. Ultimately, this project serves as a resource for urban planners and policy makers in accommodating the needs of the changing demographics in Irvine.

Dannon Dirgo, CSU Northridge

Migration Patterns of Olancha Dune, Southern Owens Valley, California

Innate dynamics within an arid ecosystem determine and influence aeolian affects, redirecting the geographical movement of otherwise sedentary topography. Broad atmospheric conditions found within high elevation tributary basins of arid/semi-arid regions are unique. Geomorphic processes, climatic characteristics and anthropogenic entanglement create variances in aeolian affects causing degrees of soil denudation and migratory patterns of sand dunes.

Deborah Dornisch, Cal Poly - Pomona

Southern California Precipitation Effects on Winter Recreation

The purpose of this report is to display and discuss the effects of decreased precipitation patterns in the Southern California region, specifically Big Bear Lake. The report discusses precipitation patterns in recent years as well as over longer time periods in order to effectively show significant decrease. Furthermore, this report focuses on the effects of decreased precipitation in addition to increased temperature and their impacts on snowfall levels in Big Bear Lake. The temperature changes are attributed to the presence of a high pressure system located off the West Coast as well as the influence of climate change. The report moves on further to discuss these climate impacts on winter recreation in Big Bear Lake, specifically skiing and snowboarding. These effects include rider mobility, equipment damage, and injury hazards. The report concludes by discussing possible mitigation, primarily reduced carbon emissions to combat climate change effects on precipitation and temperature.

Sho Drake, Humboldt State University

Discourse Dichotomy: The Case of PALCO Marsh and the conflicting narratives associated with homelessness and the wetlands

Wetland studies have concentrated in the Midwest United States. Though there are minute wetlands in the Pacific Northwest, this case study looks at the development of the Palco Marsh region in Eureka, CA and how the landscape has been transformed due to improved perceptions. Through tracing the networks of capital, commodities, and networks that have extended across the globe, we can understand this landscape throughout time by connecting the local to the global economies. What’s evident is that in recent times, globalized capitalism have influence over societies, driving them to explore new methods to commodify spaces. In Palco Marsh, congregation of transients migrate here, because of their obscurity to the public and proximity to commerce, are now being transformed into an interpretative trail meant to raise the value of the landscape. The transformation of this region coalesces through its value from the markets from which global influences have profound affects.

Andrew Fowler, CSU Sonoma

Sustainability Best Practices in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley Wine Industry

The wine industry in Sonoma County produces six percent of California’s wine, with a retail value of $7.6 Billion. Sonoma County Vintners Association is seeking 100% certified sustainability by 2019. This study identifies best practices among Dry Creek wineries specifically in environmental, social, and economic relations. The study identifies specific best practices in each of the fields. However, these practices are not widely applied. Recommendations are made to move towards a more effective way to monitor best practices.

Jade James, Soka University of America

Changes in Migratory Pattern and Bird Population of the Swallow Tailed Kite

Swallow Tailed Kites (Elanoides forficatus) are a migratory bird species who winters in South America and breeds (in summer) in the Southeastern US, namely Florida. Between 1880 and 1940’s, habitat loss due to human development caused a rapid population loss where, by the 1940’s, there was a breeding population of 2,500. Using E-bird.com, I examined the migratory path over the past 36 years (1980-2016) and compared trajectory, total numbers of Kites, and timing of arrival/departure from Florida. I found that the total numbers of Kites has increased in the past 36 years, the arrival time to Florida is delayed by approximately 2 weeks, and the Kites are leaving approximately 8 weeks later from Florida. This study provides important insights into bird population changes in response to human encroachment and how climate change is affecting the Kites. This is one of the few papers on how climate change is affecting wildlife.

Kara Jueckstock, Grand Rapids Community College

Cruise Tourism in the Caribbean: A Blessing or a Curse?

Cruise tourism, which aggressively markets across a broad socio-economic spectrum as a relatively affordable luxury vacation option, is booming across the globe. Boasting captivating beaches and a tropical climate throughout the year, as well as close proximity to American ports, the Caribbean islands are among the most popular destinations for cruise ships. Yet, despite the growth and profitability of this industry in the Caribbean, empirical research concerning its impact is limited. This paper explores the development of the cruise industry within the region and offers insight into some of the more significant adverse cultural, economic and environmental impacts this form of tourism generates on the Caribbean.

Natalie Kinney, CSU Chico

Transportation Within Yosemite National Park

Transportation in National Parks has always an issue. Over the years, tourism has increased within the National Parks which has started to affect the natural habitats. In my paper I focused on Yosemite National Park and their transportation plan and issues. I researched the history of Yosemite, environmental laws and other planning laws that are in action. Through this research, I found examples of other National Park that have dealt with similar issues and how they are solving the problem.

Wei Hong Loh, Soka University of America

Solar Energy Potential in Malaysia

Oil reserves are estimated to not last very much longer; therefore, the need for an alternative energy solution is necessary. This alternative energy must be sustainable and environmental-friendly. Among all the renewable energies, solar energy manifests huge potential. Situated on the equator, Malaysia receives a plethora amount of solar radiation, which could gradually replace fossil fuels and generate electricity through solar energy. Despite the huge solar energy potential, there are obstacles to implementing it and encouraging Malaysians to opt for solar energy. Three primary key barriers of implementing solar energy for electricity generation are the high initial cost of solar photovoltaic cells, lack of public awareness, and oil subsidies. To resolve all three impediments, I propose three solutions: researching low-cost mass production of solar photovoltaic cells, creating public awareness of the importance and benefits of solar energy, and shifting public funds to renewable energies instead of subsidizing oil industries.

Heather Monteleone, CSU Fullerton

HIV/AIDS and Traditional Plant Usage in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Ethnobotanical Review

While the HIV/AIDS epidemic is under control in many parts of the world, the infection and death rate in Sub-Saharan Africa remains high. With 63% of inhabitants living in rural regions, access to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs is often impossible. Given the cultural acceptance of Traditional African Medicine throughout most of Africa, the use of medicinal plants in the battle against HIV/AIDS is widespread. This study represents a country by country review of ethnobotanical research on the use of local plants in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Our results point to a significant geographical disparity in research and reporting on this topic. Almost all recent studies are from six countries in southern Africa, while research from the north and central regions is almost completely lacking. This highlights the need for detailed medicinal plant surveys in countries where HIV/AIDS incidence is high, but where little or no ethnobotanical research has been carried out.

Simone Robbins, Grossmont Cuyamaca College

Quicksand Generation- an Indigenous Woman examines the Pitfalls of Higher Education

This photo essay follows a female Native American student’s daily life over the course of 7 years. This essay will attempt to bridge the gap in understanding the many Native students who are a part of the socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in high school and college, ‘Quicksand Generation’. In showcasing the intimate photos and research data, the essay will ask for a reevaluation of the student’s needs as they navigate the settler colonial aspects of higher education and academia. This photo essay hopes to introduce the subject and phenomena of ‘economic-geographical’ homelessness in impoverished communities as a theme of study that can promote better understandings of the complex geographical and social barriers disadvantaged students navigate on their path to achieving a degree.

Marcella Rose, CSU Northridge

Black Bear Bed Sites in Northeastern Minnesota

In the summer of 2016, 100 black bear day bed sites were visited in the Minnesota North Woods based on GPS point data collected from 14 collared female black bears. Characteristics of each bed site were recorded for the purpose of understanding black bear bed site selectivity and preference.

Valeria Shilova, CSU Northridge

The New Gentrifiers of Venice, CA

Gentrification is a process that is occurring more often these days and is changing the culture and value of neighborhoods. One such neighborhood that has experienced such changes is Venice, CA. Once known for danger, crime, hippies, and artists, is now considered one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Los Angeles. This research project aimed at discovering if Venice is a gentrified neighborhood. The project was based on using GIS services to create maps that indicate the housing values for Los Angeles, whilst focusing on Venice. In addition, a survey was created as well and field research was conducted by interviewing residents of Venice. The results showed that Venice is considered “midway” in the gentrification process and that the new gentrifiers of Venice are tech-companies. The gentrification process has pushed out artists and residents, replacing them with higher income professionals who have dramatically risen the cost of living in Venice.

Douglas Smith, CSU Northridge

Desertification and Future of Water Resources in Iraq

The nation of Iraq is the primary nation occupying Mesopotamian Alluvial Plain along the Tigris and Euphrates river system that flowing the Persian Gulf. Iraq is predicted to suffer extreme water shortages as the primary rivers fall to 17 billion cubic meters by 2025 which will not be adequate supply of water for a nation of roughly 40 million people. An analysis and summation of the various threatening variables that threaten of the water resources of the Iraqi Mesopotamian river systems.

Victor Torres, San Bernardino Valley College

California Conscious Urban Gardening

I dedicate part of my time to volunteer in the MESA program at Rialto High School. With the help and support of a few other teachers, I plan to restore and utilize the wildlife preserve within the school. By continuing to plant California flora, native to the area, we hope to promote the growth of local wildlife. With a strong emphasis to help the pollinator population, we are currently considering designs that parade a range of flowers that will attract a diversity of pollinators to the space. Along with habitat restoration and preservation I will introduce water conservation techniques and inform students of California’s drought susceptibility. Water conservation techniques range from lawn alternatives (drought tolerant landscapes), to agriculture utilizing hydro and aquaponics systems. The goal is to educate students on local ecosystems and ways to aid and protect them, promote urban agricultural sustainability, and inspire water conservation techniques and methods.

John Walls, Cal Poly - Pomona

Benthic Debris of Whiskeytown Lake: The Pollution of Public Access

Whiskeytown Lake is a reservoir near Redding, CA which provides freshwater reserves, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities including watersports. Trash from these patrons can sometimes sink to the bottom, having adverse effects on ecosystem services provided by the lake. This study seeks to gain insight into the correlation between public access and the amount of debris on the lakebed. The expectation is that there will be more trash where there is greater access. Four locations were sampled on SCUBA, collecting debris along transects and sorting them by type after each dive. Results show that more trash was found at a location with much less access than other areas of the park, however other variables hindered retrieval of debris in some locations. Strong recommendations could be made for further research examining seasonal variations and NPS policies on waste management, while encouraging programs to assist in clean-up by local divers.

Russ Walls, Humboldt State University

A Cold Blob: The North Atlantic Temperature Anamoly

There is evidence in the north Atlantic Ocean that the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation is slowing based upon the appearance of a very cold sea surface temperature anomaly forming off the coast of Greenland. This paper will illustrate how the AMOC is linked to the Gulf Stream, the characteristics of thermohaline circulation, and the potential impact of disturbing the equilibrium of that system. If the AMOC system slows, the prediction of a cold north Atlantic is shown and the observations have been made. This paper will also bring evidence that the temperature difference is having an impact on extreme weather events in Europe and North America.

Stephanie Wolf, CSU Northridge

Zika Virus

Human-environmental interactions generate an immeasurable quantity of public health issues. One of the major topics at the forefront of public health discussions is the swift rise of the Zika virus. The primary transmission of Zika is through mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Identifying which geographic areas are at risk for outbreaks is essential in public health planning. This study created an annual environmental suitability model for Los Angeles County based on the environmental factors that support Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito life. The factors considered were temperature, precipitation, proximity to water bodies and streams, proximity to urban areas, and slope. The study additionally created a social Zika vulnerability index in order to determine the census tracts most vulnerable to Zika in Los Angeles County, based on socioeconomic data. The results will aid in focusing efforts to prevent and control Zika outbreaks in the delineated areas.