Covid-19 - The Pandemic in Sacramento
This is a new gallery that will be featuring how the coronavirus (Covid-19) is affecting the community in Sacramento. There will be adjoining text to depict a story line of events and descriptions so check back as often as you'd like to see updated gallery.
If you're interested in supporting this project and my work as an artist, you can donate via PayPal to RyanAngelStudio@gmail.com. You can also share the URL of this website on your social media or blog about the body of work. Please cite the original URL and content creator "Ryan Angel Meza/ Ryan Angel Studio."
Thank you so very much for your support.
Also, check out my photo essay published with Sacramento Magazine, it's FREE to view. (May -2020)
March 23, 2020 - Sacramento Native Health Center screens patients for fever prior to entering the facility.
March 22, 2020 - Dine-in eating have been restricted and restaurants are forced to adapt to the times.
March 22, 2020 - R15 is typically a bustling restaurant but today the pandemic is claiming its presence along with many other restaurants in the area.
March 22, 2020 (Sunday) - Arden Fair Mall
The Toiler Paper Emergency - Costco | March 22, 2020 Sunday 11am
Costco (Arden) - March 28, 2020 Saturday
March 28, 2020 - By the following week, common goods are no longer available and causes panic across communities. Long lines and empty shelves are seen across Sacramento.
March 28, 2020 - A customer sits in his trunk as he waits for the line to move.
March 28, 2020 - Long lines are a common site amongst big box retailers seen across America due to the shortage of emergency supplies.
'MAGA' Rally Representing More Than Frustration
Many Trump supporters gathered at the state capitol on Monday, April 20, 2020 to express economic and personal frustration.
Was CHP right to approve such a gathering (while declining other gathering requests), jeopardizing the efforts and sacrifices already made by the community to mitigate the spread of Covid-19? The assumption to 'give them the right to safely gather and express their frustration' was misjudgment on their part. Sac PD were also on scene. Do you think they could/should have done more to enforce safety protocols including citing for traffic violations?
What will be the repercussions of this? Only time will tell.
Illegal Assembly at the Capitol - Friday May 1, 2020
Many gathered at the steps of the State Capitol voicing their frustration with the government enforcing a lockdown mandate. Halting day-to-day business resulted in many Americans seeking unemployment insurance. With the backlog of applications and no payouts, it created hostility in the community of Sacramento.
Graduation in Covid-19 Era with Courtney Brook Althoff - Orangevale, CA
May 8, 2020
On Friday, May 8, 2020, my friend Courtney Brook Althoff graduated with her Bachelor’s in Computer Animation from Full Sail University (based out of Florida). While the college offers programs suitable for “online education,” participating in an “online” platform (including a grad ceremony) wasn’t anything new to her.
However, roughly this same time last year I graduated from Sac State celebrating with the largest cohort of grads, a milestone that should and was celebrated with family and friends and in-person. I asked Courtney if I could participate in her “online celebration” and knowing that it would be a stark contrast in how one would celebrate such a momentous accomplishment, I felt the disappointment for the lack of celebratory spirit. It’s not anything Courtney would have wished for since Courtney carries a bubbly personality. She would have celebrated with a bang! In fact, she mentioned that she and her select loved ones were already booked for a flight to Florida for the in-person graduation ceremony but due to state lock downs, cancellations for travel were eminent and thankfully she did receive full refunds for. She does plan to attend a future grad ceremony should the opportunity present itself but with the uncertainty of this pandemic, who knows when that will be.
It’s the matter of the times—THE COVID ERA!
Moving to South Korea For A Job (Desperation Forces A Change)
May 14, 2020
As the Coronavirus continues to wreak havoc among many Americans, one might have to find opportunity abroad. Many Americans have expressed that finding temporary refuge in unemployment benefits, stimulus checks, and programs such as the CARES Act Relief Fund simply isn’t enough.
Yer Xiong, a recent grad and photo major from Sacramento State, has come across a pivotal moment in her life where she must ultimately decide whether to go or stay (leave America). It’s quite the irony given that many consider the “United States” a place of hope. With many job applications sent out, Xiong could not obtain a job that would utilize her skillset and experience. The uncertainty and lack of job response affected Xiong’s life causing a state of depression and anxiety.
Finally, she received a callback from an agency that was recruiting individuals to work in Hwaseong, South Korea (as well as China) as an “English speaking” teacher assistant. Despite the limited options, it was a clear decision for Xiong to go to South Korea for obvious reasons.
Ryan (Photographer/Writer): Seoul, which is 26 miles north of Hwaseong, has reports of a spike in coronavirus cases due to opening up too soon. Does that worry you and do you think it’s worth the risk for a job?
Yer Xiong: “It’s just people who went clubbing that got infected. If I stay away from crowded places I think I should be fine.”
Ryan (Photographer/Writer): You’re leaving your family behind with no one there to help you. Do you think that being there alone will exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety?
Yer Xiong: “I think I’m more depressed just staying here at home. (Laughs) It’s okay. I need to figure out how life is without my family and be independent. I’ve been living with my family for 30 years and never once moved out on my own, so I got to try.”
Xiong also mentions of the lengthy interview process, especially concerning to any health related issues she might have. Simply noting she had seasonal allergies prolonged the approval process; adding that once she arrives to South Korea she would have to be quarantined at a “government facility.” Concerned about the idea of being quarantined in a country she has no knowledge about or ever been to before, Xiong sought peace-of-mind by requesting feedback and opinions from those who already transitioned into South Korea for employment. They told her that most individuals being quarantined were being sent to nice hotels and while there, food was being “hand delivered” to their doorstep. Once completed, she would have her own apartment which her employer will pay for (she would only be paying for utilities). Her job will involve interacting with grade school children 6 days week for about 6 hours each day.
At this time, Xiong is still waiting for her E-2 visa and any final approvals. She anticipates setting for departure later this week.
Thank Yer Xiong for sharing your story. I find it encouraging that you are willing to take a bold step into the unknown! You inspire many to “take the next step.” Best of luck and be safe!
“Another 3 million Americans file for unemployment benefits.” -KCRA3
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE - EDD STATISTICS
Total Initial Claims Filed (YTD) - March 2020: 2,037,517
Total Benefits Paid (YTD) - March 2020: $1,512,797,187
Heather Donaldson - ICU Nurse at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento
Recent published work with Comstock Magazine - June issue featuring Heather Donaldson, a critical care nurse in the intensive care unit at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. It's easy to assume she has seen things that the majority of people simply would not be able to handle mentally as well as physically. During my time with her, it was obvious the kind of person Heather is; her character nothing shy of admirable. Thank you Heather and all critical workers serving in our community during such a trying time in history.
Donaldson says, "it’s difficult to see coworkers experience fear and anxiety caused by the coronavirus outbreak."
Donner Lake | July 12, 2020
Experiencing Stinson Beach During Covid-19 Era | July 25, 2020
