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Resilient Panorama City: Streetscape and Street Lighting
Get PDF[ABSTRACT ONLY; NO FULL TEXT] Panorama City is the ancestral home of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. Prior to the establishment of Spanish, Mexican, and American governments, Panorama City was a rich tribal area known as Wiqanga. Later, settlers used the land for cattle ranching, citrus groves, wheat fields, and dairy farms. Post World War II marked a significant turning point for Panorama City; the agricultural community was developed into the first planned community in the San Fernando Valley. First coined as the "The Heart of the Valley", industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and home builder Fritz Burns saw Panorama City as an opportunity to develop a suburban community by marketing homes for World War II veterans. Panorama City quickly transformed into a residential community with significant industrial and retail projects, especially General Motor's Fisher Body plant and the Panorama City Medical Center. The General Motor's Plant ultimately closed in 1992 and was rebuilt as The Plant shopping center in 1998. Today, Panorama City is home to a working-class community and offers relatively affordable housing for over 70,000 residents. Panorama City has many shopping opportunities including the Panorama City Mall, The Plaza Del Valle, The Plant and The Indoor Swap meet. For the past several decades, Panorama City has had sizeable Latino and Filipino communities which are an integral part of this neighborhood's social fabric. Resilience is the capacity of Panorama City's individuals, communities, institutions, businesses and systems to survive, adapt, and grow regardless of chronic stresses and acute shocks experienced. Creating cities that are more resilient to disasters requires strong planning efforts that show how long-term resilience planning can be used to strengthen the community. Resiliency is important because it helps create an organization that is empowered and has the capabilities to recover after a disaster threatens the stability of the community. To contribute to Panorama City's resilience, we analyzed indicators such as community networks, housing, crime safety, traffic safety, business environment, pedestrian safety, transportation, parks, air quality, energy usage, and urban heat island effect. Panorama City has many uneven sidewalks that do not meet city code. A well-maintained sidewalk network strengthens local resilience by increasing mobility options during emergencies or disasters and improving regular use of sidewalks that increase overall health and community well-being. Streetlights in Panorama City are present along main streets but some residential neighborhoods lack sufficient lighting. Local residents view areas with limited lighting as dangerous. Good street lighting strengthens community resilience by ensuring that all residents can navigate their neighborhoods safely, even in emergencies when walking may be dangerous. The Master of Urban Planning Spring senior cohort at California State University, Northridge obtained community feedback from Panorama City residents through a series of public meetings and surveys. The first meeting took place on October 19, 2024, this meeting introduced to residents a general profile centered around the history and current conditions of Panorama City, noting down concerns they had regarding their neighborhood. The second and third meetings occurred on February 25, 2025 and April 5, 2025 respectively. In the second meeting, residents ranked which indicators were of most importance to them, leading to the development of recommendations that were then ranked based on priority in the third community meeting. Throughout this process, two different surveys were put out electronically accessible through a QR code that were made available in English and Spanish. These surveys served as a separate tool to help gauge how residents felt about their community and contributed to the development of the final recommendations. According to the community, special focus should be towards expanding sidewalk access and removing barriers for safer walking routes. Residents raised concerns during the meetings about narrow sidewalks, missing curb ramps, and physical obstacles that limit safe movement for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. Many shared personal experiences of struggling to navigate these areas safely. This feedback showed strong support for widening sidewalks, adding curb ramps, and clearing obstructions. These improvements are seen as key steps toward a safer and more walkable community
Building a strong foundation: Integrating Information Literacy into the First year Seminar
Get PDFWhere does instruction happen in the library? Is it in the careful curation of academic monographs and peer reviewed journals? Does it occur at the reference desk or within a research consultation? Can it be found in an exhibit of items from the special collections? Or is it when students sit in a classroom with a librarian teaching them about how to find sources for their research paper? All of these things are examples of how librarians engage in teaching and learning. As instruction librarian at SDSU I primarily focus on first-year instruction, however understanding the ways in which students' early experience with library research prepares them for the varied disciplinary and cross-disciplinary research and inquiry they will be engaged in is essential to my work. So, how can I build a strong foundation for these students that prepares them to navigate the different learning opportunities available to them in the library? One approach is integrating library instruction into the First Year Seminar, a one-unit general studies course that helps students transition from high school to college. I first piloted the program in Fall 2023, and in Fall 2024 I expanded it to 210 sections taught by 78 different instructors. In this poster I will describe how I planned the curriculum, worked with the instructors, and what I learned from the previous two Fall semesters. This process has helped me to explore how best to build a strong foundation for all the places that instruction happens within the library
The Needs of Prospective and or Foster Adoptive Kinship Parents in the U.S.
No full textResearch on the needs of (prospective) foster, adoptive and or kinship parents is limited and siloed, which prevents a comprehensive understanding of their experiences and challenges. Existing literature often overlooks the shared experiences across these caregiving roles, constraining a holistic approach to supporting these parents. This study seeks to address this gap by examining the intersecting needs of foster, adoptive, and kinship parents in the United States through a qualitative online survey and purposeful sampling. Using content analysis, we identified 15 distinct themes related to their needs. While some themes, such as training, social support, and emotional needs, were consistent with existing research, additional themes that have not been thoroughly explored in the literature emerged. These findings expand our understanding of the multifaceted needs of these parents and have significant implications for social work practice and policy development. By taking into consideration the overlap between different caregiving roles, this study provides valuable insight into more integrated support systems
Empowering Healing; Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health Illness among Latinos through Storytelling: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFStudy Purpose: The purpose of this systematic literature review was to highlight the impact storytelling may have on reducing mental health stigma in Latino communities. Methods: Five databases and government websites searches were used to select eighteen peer-reviewed studies to help support this literature review. The selected articles helped show how storytelling can help reduce the stigma of mental health in Latino communities. Findings: Storytelling was found to help individuals connect with others through different forms of workshops and oral and digital storytelling. Sharing similar experiences and facing the same adversities and disparities can help with overcoming cultural and familial challenges when seeking mental health support. Discussion: Listening to other individuals' stories can help create a change in how individuals seek support, especially in the social work field. Stories can empower social workers and individuals to advocate for systemic change to allow for easier access to mental health support
Strategies Found to Help Cope with Family Separation in the U.S. Foster Care System
No full textA substantial amount of literature exists about the coping strategies utilized by individuals who experienced foster care. There has been little research as to what coping strategies specifically help mitigate family separations while entering and living in foster care. The study employed an anonymous online survey to collect data from adults who have experienced foster care and the coping mechanisms they have used throughout their care. A total of seven coping themes emerged in the data: Activities to Escape, Biological Parrent Connection, Internal Optimism, Emotional Outlets, Self-Harm, Sibling Visits, and Supportive Adult Relationships. These themes were categorized as internal or external mechanisms and healthy or unhealthy mechanisms. This research contributes to science by shedding light on the specific coping strategies had a prolonged impact on mitigating family separation, which can better inform practices and support for individuals in foster care
Strategies Found to Help Cope with Family Separation in the U.S. Foster Care System
Get PDFA substantial amount of literature exists about the coping strategies utilized by individuals who experienced foster care. There has been little research as to what coping strategies specifically help mitigate family separations while entering and living in foster care. The study employed an anonymous online survey to collect data from adults who have experienced foster care and the coping mechanisms they have used throughout their care. A total of seven coping themes emerged in the data: Activities to Escape, Biological Parent Connection, Internal Optimism, Emotional Outlets, Self-Harm, Sibling Visits, and Supportive Adult Relationships. These themes were categorized as internal or external mechanisms and healthy or unhealthy mechanisms. This research contributes to science by shedding light on the specific coping strategies had a prolonged impact on mitigating family separation, which can better inform practices and support for individuals in foster care
From Foster Care to Family- Identifying Success Factors in Reunification Processes: A Systematic Literature Review
Get PDFPurpose: This study reviews the factors that influence family reunification within the foster care system. By examining barriers like housing instability, substance abuse, and mental health challenges, the goal is to identify solutions that help families achieve long-term stability post-reunification. Methods: Fifteen peer-reviewed articles were selected using five databases and six keywords. The review incorporates both quantitative and qualitative research to ensure a well-rounded exploration of the topic. Findings: The research highlights several key supports necessary for successful reunification, including: Additionally, child resilience, family support systems, and access to community resources were identified as critical factors that contribute to emotional and behavioral well-being. Discussion: These findings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to post-reunification support. Ensuring families have access to mental health services, housing stability, and substance abuse treatment can lead to better outcomes. Tackling systemic issues such as racism and bias within child welfare, alongside improving local community supports, is crucial for sustaining reunification efforts
Hands-On Healing: The Therapeutic Potential of Ceramics in Mental Health
Get PDFPurpose: The study examines the relationship between ceramics engagement and mental health outcomes, with a focus on stress, anxiety, and depression. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that higher levels of ceramics engagement (measured in hours per week) would be associated with lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods: Participants (N = 41) were recruited from a local ceramics studio and online platforms. Participants completed a survey including demographic questions and three standardized self-report measures: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and Patient health Questionnaire 8-item depression scale (PHQ-8). Results: Correlation analysis showed that ceramics hours were positively associated with stress and depression. The relationship with anxiety was weaker and not statistically significant. Discussion: These findings suggest a more complex relationship between ceramics and mental health. While ceramics engagement was associated with higher reported stress and depression, the results may reflect other life factors rather than a direct causal relationship
Deuce Community Program Evaluation
Get PDFPurpose: This study conducted a program evaluation of Deuce Community, a non-profit physical fitness organization serving community members who have been system, substance, and housing impacted. Research Questions: "Does Deuce Community work?" and, "What would make it work better?" Would Deuce Community's inputs, activities, and outcomes lead to paid staff, increased community participation, more CBO partners, and better efficacy overall? Methods: This study created a logic model as a road map to assess Deuce Community's strengths and weaknesses in programming and partnerships, its financial solvency, and Deuce Community's interdependence on Deuce Gym. Results: Deuce Community was able to sustain itself through grant writers, volunteerism, and free gym facilities from Deuce Gym. Discussion: Deuce Community programming expanded its programs based on continued and increased attendance from members, and feedback from alumni who evolved into Deuce Community leadership. To accurately evaluate Deuce Community's solvency, they require a clear plan to exist interdependently with Deuce Gym
Foster Care Experience Over a Lifetime
Get PDFResearch exploring the experiences of individuals involved with foster care primarily focuses on childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. However, less is understood about their experiences throughout their entire lives. This study addresses this gap by conducting qualitative interviews (n=4) with the target population at various life stages. We utilize Erikson's psychosocial development theory to gain a deeper insight into the empirical relationship. By adopting a life course perspective, this study offers a more comprehensive understanding of individuals who have experienced foster care. Fifty-five themes were identified across the lifespan, with trauma, instability, and resilience being the most prominent. We examine how this study informs social work policy and practice. Former foster youth conveyed that despite hardships, a strong sense of self, perseverance, and the willingness to seek support can guide them toward a brighter future