Hispanic Towns Where People Live On LESS THAN $300 A Week - What I Saw In Rural CALIFORNIA

Episode 4: I visited these California towns: Firebaugh, Mendota, Viola & Orange Cove.
Joe's Instagram: / joeysroadtrip
Travel Vlog 310

[@horsebee1]

All these towns have one thing in common, they have civic pride. The numbers on paper look bad but the towns themselves tell a different story. There is no piles of trash laying around of abandon buildings tumbling down, the houses look well maintained with mowed lawns and most of the residential streets have well kept footpaths and verges. In other words attitude, the people dont believe that they are poor. It is so good to see.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I agree!

[@yvonnebeltran6954]

Also didn’t see any Graffiti luv it so clean unlike a lot of places in LA

[@bejoj8718]

And Christianity.

[@DanielGonzalez-fc2by]

That's called having and continued culture and values. Not starbucs, tesla, and Rolex watches on credit. Happy lives.. clean and eating extremely well.

[@digital_0630]

I thought you were going a completely different route with your comment. 😂😂😂 thought you were going to say Hispanics lol

[@barbaramonell6328]

Joe I am a very elderly native Californian. In my youth, "braceros" were employed to harvest the ripening crops for market. These remaining communities are a reminder of the contributions these extremely hardworking Hispanic workers brought to California.

[@Wiilly51]

I agree I’m a Californian 73

[@Vesa81]

My grandfather was part of that bracero program.

[@chrisperrine7423]

My grandfather was also a bracero. He eventually got his citizenship, and he and my grandmother settled in Porterville. They raised 6 children by working hard, living frugally, eating from their own garden, and having faith in the Lord. They are a great example to all their descendants of how we should live.

[@thekenthouse6428]

@@chrisperrine7423 That's the real AMERICAN DREAM

[@redskinjim]

Welfare and unemployment fraud gangs and drugs..anywhere you find free stuff..Voto

[@davidellis5141]

Families stay together & share everything. Rice based meals & homegrown vegetables & kids get school food. It's a life without materialistic pleasures but certainly has family values & work ethic. People take pride in what little they have.

[@handsomeX]

Beat me to it 💯🎯

[@lisaw7633]

Exactly!

[@thegunsngloryshow]

Why work hard without pleasure? What a waste of time. Except for the guy you work for. He gets a good deal. You get sore and poor. I don't get it.

[@jayglez451]

Don’t forget the gang and narco culture.

[@yvonnebeltran6954]

So true you can’t see they take a lot of pride God Bless Them All 🕊💙🙏🏼💙🕊💯

[@thomasfranco5997]

Hispanics take good care of their homes. My father will be 93 years old in April. He is a Korean War Veteran. Both my father and mother were born in a small town in the southern part of Texas during the depression. My father brought us up to save every penny and always told us it does not matter how much you make; it matters on how much you save.

[@justmyopinion9883]

Your Father is a wise man. Thanks for sharing.

[@yellowstoneloyal8186]

My grandmother said the same thing

[@NativeNYer]

My pop would of been 94 and he also was in Korean War. Thank u 4 ur pops service.

[@user-bd1ll7ls6u]

Mexicans believe in taking care of their families. Also, they will work for cash & not report that income.

[@davidfosca1044]

Unfortunately inflation eats up savings, and the dollar loses all its purchasing power.

[@gatorgogo2742]

The residents' pride shows in the cleanliness of the towns. These towns are so much preferable to live in than being crowded in crime ridden cities. Their financial management is really outstanding. Thanks.

[@timeisshortppl]

I agree. First thing I noticed is how clean the towns are. I'd like to live there myself. 75 yr old granny.

[@atleeriksen8514]

All towns were tidy and clean and families stay together and take care of their property. If I ever should move to California, any of these small towns would be on my list. Thank you for sharing Joe.

[@RandomRabbit007]

Central Valley has TONS of options from extremely rural to towns to cities just outside a Metro (Sacramento, Fresno, Stockton, Modesto) to close to the large cities like SF and LA (though that would no longer be the Central Valley). It's a great life-style.

[@LindsayRobinson]

I live in Fresno, but have worked in Firebaugh for 26 years. ( Teacher) . I am lucky to commute there for work. Great place! Josh Allen’s hometown( he was my student.) Mendota is our big ‘rival’ 8 miles down the road. Mendota is populated heavily by Farm Laborers, who send money home. These towns are hidden jewels on the west side of the county. The utility costs are related to our summers in particular where we routinely have days 105 degrees plus

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment. :)

[@user-fn7gg1pz7m]

That's a humble way of life. Hard working families like that deserve respect from any and all races❤❤

[@suzanne296]

Agree😊

[@TheBirdandEagle]

If they are legal citizens. Otherwise deport.

[@chocker29]

Quien es el ilegal el que vive en la tierra que le robaron o el ratero que vive en la tierra robada ​@@TheBirdandEagle

[@Vesa81]

@@chocker29 Exactly

[@rogerherrera2835]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@sandyg202]

It just goes to show that money doesn't buy character! These towns are clean and well cared for!! The residents care!

[@fredsamuel6817]

Amen!

[@TrumpyBooden]

Money does buy character wealthy areas don’t have graffiti either. They just don’t wanna be sent back to Mexico. That’s why they don’t graffiti the neighborhood 😂

[@dianamarie5663]

Those towns you visited have nice features: wide streets, ranch style homes, clean, no graffiti. Almost a 1950's look.

[@michaelwoodford3990]

Superb video Joe and Nic just shows no one needs mega bucks to keep a neighbourhood clean and tidy just a work ethic and the pride in their family

[@beyondthesea9648]

DIDN'T SEE ONE BUM, GRAFFITI, OR HOMELESS TENTS IN ANY OF THOSE PREDOMINANTLY HISPANIC TOWNS. ALL THOSE RESIDENTIAL AREAS LOOKED VERY WELL MAINTAINED.

[@user-fj1tq9nt3r]

Millions of senior citizens live on $300 a week all over the country. I lived in California for a short time in the 80's, lots of great places. Such a range of climates and beautiful scenery. Great video. thanks

[@0xcristian140]

Great video. I live in Biola, California. Lived here nearly all my life. My family is from Oaxaca, Mexico and over the years a lot more family has come over. Most people work in the fields and houses have large families. It wasn't until the new homes were built that we seen more Asian people in town. The tire shop is in the middle of nowhere but you would be surprised he always has people and he's a great guy.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks for sharing this. 👍😀

[@denisefreeman2123]

The stereo types of California and it’s people are out of control. I have been a Californian for 75 years and can testify to the amazing strength and work ethic of the Hispanic people. They are very family oriented and take care of each other and lift each other up. They have a lot to teach the Caucasians here and if I was to be honest if not for their communities things might.would had collapsed a long time ago. They work hard and become entrepreneurs ❤And obviously the numbers don’t tell the whole story!

[@kerrynight3271]

Excellent comment. Thanks.

[@biffboffo]

The boarded up Taco Bell in Mendota means that there is taco truck that put it out of business with better food at better value.

[@twystedhumour]

And it's NOT real Latino food!

[@user-yc8jd1oc1d]

It is a stark contrast to other towns in the southern U.S. and the rust belt, where despite the poverty, the Hispanic population seems to keep the town and neighborhoods in good repair and clean. I know there is extreme poverty in the U.S but I have never understood why people can’t pick up their own trash, and use trash cans in public areas and do what what they can to keep things as livable as possible.

[@janellek21]

That's because Hispanic Americans tend to take much more pride in themselves and their community than the other large American minority group that dominates in the South and Rust Belt.

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

everyone should pick up the trash outside their own place.

[@thekenthouse6428]

We drove through a dozen or so rural towns in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana a few years ago, average population around 3000-5000 people. The roofs were caved in on almost 10% of the houses and vegetation growth was out of control, most towns had no sidewalks and little if any road maintenance can be seen even at the main intersections. The car's navigation showed streets that didn't exist anymore. We wondered what people there did to earn a living. These central California towns look like paradise by comparison, yet they're ostensibly in the same income bracket.

[@roselladeguzman6767]

@@thekenthouse6428agreed!! Those areas you mentioned literally have citizens who just sit around waiting for their welfare check, no pride in anything and it’s evident in their surroundings. These CA towns exhibit pride in their neighborhoods and demonstrate that you don’t have to have a lot of money

[@jameswright8695]

Another great video Joe, this town is clean and beautiful,hard working humble people.

[@user-ho1qp3lv9g]

I never thought I would say this about any chanel that does drive thrus, but here goes, Excellent! Finally an informative channel! And you don't just speed through the towns, you take your time so we can actually see and the narrative is informed and welcomed. Thank you

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thanks!

[@yvonnebeltran6954]

Yes thank you so much for sharing very awesome to watch my heart just melted when I watch the different towns reminded me of my neighborhood I grew up in I always referred it to my Leave to Beaver up bringing before everything started changing to to hell in a hand basket but I’ll always have my Beautiful Memories so many wonderful ones 🕊💙🙏🏼💙🕊

[@dianjsommers182]

It’s as if we are traveling along with @Joe and Nic. Love how you show the good, bad and ugly. But you also give us great history and architectural stories.

[@pnoypassion]

These towns are in the area in California called the Central Valley and this is what i was born and raised in and basically this is how it is. As kids growing up we went to work in the agriculture field at 4 or 5am, 2-3 hours before school started then get dropped off at school with already dirty clothes and muddy shoes, lots of us as kids done this and because we all didn’t get out much we kids thought that working early was just the way of life. I’m proud to have been raised in this type environment.

[@mtjm]

Certain media outlets have their viewers convinced all of California is in absolute ruin, when the majority of the place is still beautiful.

[@justmyopinion9883]

That’s so true. The media sometimes shows only the negative parts of California. There is so much that is positive and good about our state. I am glad Joe and Nicole are showing the good parts.

[@annjames1837]

It's Democratic policies that have made it unbearable

[@marietta1335]

It takes high taxes to keep California beautiful. The people might be hurting financially, but the high property taxes go on.

[@kingtrance307]

@@marietta1335- They should start charging higher taxes on the wealthy and cut taxes on lower and middle income people. It’s a simple recipe.

[@justmyopinion9883]

@@marietta1335So true. I complain about the high taxes, but I’m not planning to move.

[@thomasfranco5997]

Wow, looks like they keep the streets clean and the tree's trimmed. What a nice Town and no homeless living on the streets. Like in some Towns. Man! I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles where there are million-dollar homes, and our streets are not as clean as in Firebaugh, Ca. it is very beautiful town. A proud town that's for sure. The homes are really nice.

[@markmitchell457]

It's hot in central California. The homeless go west. San Diego has a super sized homeless problem.

[@Vesa81]

I live in Anaheim CA and there is so many homeless, trash where ever they camp out. Walls written on. Can’t even pump gas without someone coming to ask for money. A lot of this has to do with drug addiction. Yesterday I went to get my brows done as get there I could here a homeless man yelling to the top of his lungs “I’m going to kill you”

[@thomasfranco5997]

@@Vesa81 Yes, I was told that one of my Nieces works at a Panera Restaurant and she is a manager there. She told me that a homeless man walked in and told her, He was going to kill her. Just Terrible in Orange County.

[@rosanneallen-hewlett9973]

Don't even think about it, eh? We're having to deal with you in AZ right now, on our streets that used to have clear traffic. easygoing and nice people with manners, reasonable driving speeds, affordable housing, and streets free of potholes. NOW look at us! You brought L.A. with you, and they predict 130 f in summers ! Sure you guys want to come our towns?

[@sagelow3274]

I​@@markmitchell457

[@mbooker858]

Most Hispanic families take better care of their homes, yards and elders. The high poverty rate of seniors does not necessarily equate to a poor quality of life.

[@tonydavila6594]

Nice Video, I didn't know Primarily Hispanic towns existed in California, Too Sweet. Talk about Happiness, Those People go to Work, come home to their Beautiful Family and Enjoy Life... 👍😊👍

[@enriquediaz7547]

I grew up near these towns. Thanks for giving them some visibility & exposure. Work is mostly seasonal.

[@bettyleung4594]

Cleanliness, soap and water is not costly. What's required is pride in your community. There's no reason to live in squalor when a little elbow grease does wonders. Again kudos to your stellar efforts in producing great content.

[@americaunboxed1449]

I grew up in this area of the Central Valley in Kingsburg (A Swedish Village that you should check out). Most everybody takes pride in their yard. Saturday morning is lawn mowing and landscaping time. Saturday afternoon, it is time to gather and eat together maybe have a nice barbecue and some cold beers with family in the freshly manicured backyard. One thing you might’ve noticed is there really is no major restaurant and entertainment scene to spend money in these 4 towns although most towns will have some really good Mexican food. The major shopping is in Fresno and Visalia. It’s easier to live on a low income in that type of atmosphere. The one problem that plagues these towns are gangs. Overall, though people are friendly, family oriented, hard-working, and not what most people would think of California if they’ve never been to the Central Valley.

[@brendabevers1653]

I live in Visalia. Born and raised in Lindsay. Teach in Lindsay. You are correct about gangs though, but I still am proud of being from this part of California. Central Valley is a nice part of the state if you look for the positives.

[@skyeblue5669]

Once drove by that town and ate at a little restaurant some Swedish crepes or Swedish pancakes ..They were really good..

[@kamicrum4408]

😊born & raised in kingsburg, happily liveing herecagain, the education system is good too.

[@cloccwize]

Gang culture runs deep in all those small towns in central CA. It’s because the kids really have nothing else to do.

[@msliz1029]

But the places aren’t all tagged up👍🏼! That’s crazy!

[@meghancass3187]

I've worked in construction the last 30 years and a huge number of my coworkers are Mexicans. They often still live the old school way, namely multi-generational households. So each house has some abuelos, maybe a tia/o or two, mom and dad and some kids. While mom and dad are out making the money the family counts on them being the breadwinners. Grandparents and aunties help with watching the kids and the cooking etc etc. Also, young dudes can often shack up two to a room to save money to send to family. It used to be a lot of people came here to save money to invest back in Mexico, buy a house, some land etc and go back home. So they didn't mind sharing a room because in their minds they were on a mission here and it would help shorten the mission. They might come back years later to save for another investment on their property etc. So it costs less per person to be here because they have bigger families under on roof. If it's semi rural they often keep chickens and have a milpas or vegetable garden going to help with expenses too. All in all I kind of envy the familial closeness they have.

[@cherylcampbell7495]

El Paso is the same. Love the people🙏💕

[@Neilsowards]

meghan, that's what I thought, but he said 3. something perhousehold. I wasnt expecting such a low household number of people.

[@Wiilly51]

You know Josh Allen the Buffalo Bills Quarterback is from Firebaugh, Ca

[@TwiceBorn420]

👏🏽Nothing like the good random cat sighting!🤣🔥💯 Love the content!❤️‍🔥💯

[@numbereightyseven]

You have a lovely calming voice for this sort of vid. The long pauses, the slow rate of talking, the succinct use of words, it's all great.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!! 😀👍

[@CalvinMorris-cf8jk]

man that is the cleanest town I have seen in a long time it is like going back in time looks like a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I live in the Bay Area and it is pure crazy madness garbage everywhere you look homeless everywhere you look and drugs and crime on every corner.

[@jgarcia4721]

I grew up in one of those towns and yes, people are not rich, mostly not even middle class, but the families have lived in the same town for a couple of generations or more and they do make an effort to take care of the community.

[@armandogutierrez5212]

Thank you I lived in Firebaugh in the 80’s brought back memories.

[@Roddyontheblock]

Excess Money does not equate to good living ! These people value family and also value and care for the possessions they have .great to see !❤from Australia 🇦🇺

[@beckythornton6470]

Self respect, a belief system, willingness to work for goals, extended family...wow! This is exactly what that looks like when practiced.

[@lonesomecolt]

Mexican here identified as Hispanic, I can tell you culturally we COOK our own meals instead of eating FAST-FOODS/JUNK-FOODS. Currently, two fast food meals almost add upto or just over $30 BUCKS!!; at that cost some folks forget they can shop at the market and buy enough food for 2-3 days. "Back in high school (1982) one of our teachers said he couldn't teach us financing (budgeting, etc) because it wasn't allowed and he'd get into trouble or even fired!"

[@DecrepitBiden]

I can even go cheaper than that, if I wanted to. Like $10 per week. Just rice, vegetables, soy sauce. If you like meat, add another $5-6. So in 1 month, $40-60. Skip ramen noodles (unhealthy), any kind of bread, pasta (expensive).

[@lonesomecolt]

@@DecrepitBiden "Low boil my Pinto Beans just now; then get them ready for refrying & smashing for egg/bean burritos."

[@Rob8729]

Latinos respect family and community....and it shows with how clean the town looks.

[@jayglez451]

You should take a ride down any immigrant hood, in Los Angeles and see how wrong you are.

[@twystedhumour]

@@jayglez451 We are not monolithic. Some have been corrupted by city-living. The rest of us remember the old ways of the Motherland and still practice our customs.

[@sharonhaas8503]

💝Lovely small towns. Hard working young people even though they make little. So good for us to see. Thank you for taking us along on your trip. ❇❇❇

[@msliz1029]

Ive always said just bc you’re poor don’t mean you have to be dirty! I think that’s how most of us Mexicans think 😂.

[@smileyeastlos5378]

I lived here for a few years , it’s a great town , very family oriented, no gangs , not taggers, no homelessness. The issue is employment. Not many big companies are investing to grow businesses. Mexicans are very clean and take pride in having their areas presentable

[@momof4kids735]

It goes to show you, money is not needed to have pride and self respect. People can take care of their homes and surroundings to make it the best it can be for their children and neighbors, even if they have limited funds. I love their little towns. They seem very welcoming♥️

[@Wiilly51]

You’re 100% right on . And the towns are welcoming and Friendly

[@RJ-luci]

I totally agree! This should destroy the myths about other “Hoods” that are completely trashed but always blame it on poverty and race.

[@pauliedweasel]

It’s a good thing that they can get by on so little money since the US government is giving all the big bucks to the illegals currently streaming over our borders and not giving a damn about the people who are already here. I thought it was interesting that Tyson foods closed down their processing plant in Perry Iowa putting 1200 people out of work including some who were Mexicans that had come to the US decades before.

[@jefffleming258]

Re closed Taco Bell in Mendota - anyone can tell you TB is not Mexican Food! 😅

[@Buckseed]

My Mom was born in a house in Mendota...moved to Tracy and now lives in Stockton. What u are seeing is migrant towns following the American dream, bootstrapping and teaching their kids to become proud American citizens who understand diversity and love. ❤

[@noname-ye7zj]

In Biola, that was a theater. Had a big sign in the front of it, those empty porches were to cover boxes filled with raisins. It belonged to Sunmaid Raisin Co. A lot of the young men from Biola signed up to fight in WW2, Korea, Vietnam, and other wars.

[@jerryku1161]

These all look very peaceful, simple living. Most excitement was loose dogs crossing the road with rooster background sounds. Nice!

[@sofoniasgonzalez3615]

Thank you for showing the positive side of the Hispanic community and california many you tubers only show the negative side. Thank you

[@munozcampos]

Special Nick Jonshon's channel.

[@justmyopinion9883]

Thank you for sharing your tour of these beautiful, well kept California Central Valley towns. I’m proud to be from this part of California. 😊❤️

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Our pleasure!

[@lisaw7633]

Latinos are smart. Live together and don't spend all their money. I have hispanic neighbors in my apartment building, and they are very clean. I respect the Hispanic culture

[@rogerherrera2835]

Smart and Clean😂😂😂😂

[@steveib724]

​@@rogerherrera2835lmao 😂

[@chinaboss6683]

Clean my arse!! Im a realtor and ive seen all kinds of houses and their conditions! 😂

[@bejoj8718]

They are very family oriented. They have multigenerational family units, pooling their resources to support one another. Also have side hustles.

[@fnf2041]

Wow to say they’re all clean and you respect. Respect anyone that is clean. The Hispanics I see are very dirty and trashy. They have random things all around their house stacked up.

[@tplugnickel]

If you think about it, Most seniors on Social Security liive on less than $300/Wk. myself included, and there aren't as many in a house hold.

[@rexfriesen]

Under the table income keeps these communities alive. That and the benefits you qualify for when you have such low income.

[@robolgatree5815]

Proof you don't need a lot of money to have an attractive residence and well ordered. It's evident these communities take pride in their belongings even in depressed economic times. It's the children and the elderly I wish had a better advantage. Praying the next generation will be successful. Dios, prospera a estos pueblos..

[@Risible1]

The high utilities rate is because of PG&E. Stop by area like, Turlock (TID), Modesto (MID), or Sacramento (SMUD) where we have much lower utilities cost and compare those.

[@Naissa]

Living in "poverty" doesn't mean you can't take care of your things. I think that's a huge stereotype people need to break. Just because a place is low income does not mean it's goin to look dilapidated. Also, Mexicans know how to take care of their yards very well (I am a proud Mexican from a low income town in South Texas that also looks great!)

[@kerrynight3271]

A lot of poor people got that way by being in poor health which is going to affect their ability to take care of their yard. We need to treasure the healthy migrants who walked a thousand miles to get here and take the first job offered to them.

[@rhondam3406]

Hispanics are hard workers who take pride in their homes and neighborhoods.

[@lapislazulii141]

Some, but unfortunately today is an anomaly.

[@Norcaldaddy]

@@lapislazulii141this video is from 12 days ago 😂 Reality doesn’t fit the narrative you’ve been fed by propaganda huh? Lol

[@waltersvely]

I'm a commercial driver that passes through this towns and is true that people do take care of them. They seem nice cozy small towns and homes are way less expensive.

[@chadmasters3935]

You mentioned the roads in these towns being wide and in rough shape. That's because they have issues with flooding, as those areas before being converted to farmlands were low lying wetlands. So anytime there is significant rainfall, they have issues.

[@jdelkins2]

Boarded up Taco Bell I bet means being that the town is mostly Hispanic is that they don't consider Taco Bell Mexican food and probably have an excellent Mexican place! :)

[@alankirkby465]

Im English, I live in England, UK I would love to visit Fireball, stroll/walk, through Fireball. Meet the local residents, say hello / speak with folk. Anyway, Peace to all. .

[@alankirkby465]

@@milessampson3942 Thanks for your comment. Perhaps the residents possibly find me interesting that i'm English, not U.S. ( Just asking/saying ) Peace to all.

[@alanjones3874]

@@alankirkby465Yes they would find you very interesting . Very .

[@alankirkby465]

0:44 ​​​@@alanjones3874Hello, Alan, Thanks for your comment. Alan Jones, Marvellous Welsh, sounding name ( I'm not saying your are Welsh, Just saying. Thanks again.

[@biffboffo]

You’re getting a lot of ignorant replies from people who don’t really know California. I was born and raised in the San Joaquin Valley and I’ve lived in the state 50 years. You would enjoy yourself. As reported, all these towns have low crime and the people maintain a pleasant way of life. Most likely anyone you meet will speak English, even if they don’t speak it at home. The public schools are taught in English. People in the comments complain that these agricultural communities deal in cash, but they’re also happy their lettuce doesn’t cost $8 per head and avocados aren’t $4 each. Half of the nation’s domestic produce comes from California.

[@Charles3247.]

If you come to Firebaugh love to say hello to you.

[@nancysimpson4246]

Enjoy your videos, Joe you bring a lot of lotta knowledge to the world😊 every town that you went through looked very nice, and for such a low income, it makes you wonder why it looks better than towns that the income is much much higher. It’s the people that live in these towns it’s proven fact it’s the people that take care of their towns and care about their surroundings. That’s just my opinion.

[@justmyopinion9883]

Well said. Thank you.

[@nancyx6390]

I totally agree with you. I've always said it's how much pride you have in your home...town and body ❤

[@auntbickby1403]

I really do admire and respect people who can do so much with so little. Beautiful well kept little towns anyone would be proud to call home.

[@rick343]

You're getting close to my hometown, I grew up in Orange Cove, went to Reedley highschool, thus was back in the 60s and 70s, My first job was working at a packing house, oranges, lemons, plums, whatever was being grown, in the 60s , the Mexican kids I grew up with were born here, but their parents weren't, for the most part it was a great place to grow up, being a white kid, back then we would go to Fresno or Visalia, to go shop at the mall, back then people made a decent living, we had all we needed and more.

[@dollface2516]

Reedley and the surrounding towns feel like a step back in time. What a great feeling! Used to float down the Kings River. Great memories!

[@rick343]

@@dollface2516 exactly, being at the foot of the Sequoia and King's Canyon national parks, we would go snow tubing, fishing, camping, visit the giant redwoods, it was all so close, use to go all the time growing up there, all the orange and, the canal, made for some good times, I need a time machine 😆 so I can go back.

[@rick343]

@@dollface2516 Oh yeah, going to the Mid Way Drive Inn, that was a blast.

[@rick343]

Happy Easter !!!!!

[@dollface2516]

@@rick343 Happy Easter to you, as well.

[@Abbybabby29]

I love how the neighborhood is so clean and well cared for. I’ve never understood how poverty seems to equal complete lack of care of your home. Clean cared for doesn’t take money it takes some effort and I’m sure regardless of your income it makes life better

[@nancyhairston2318]

I was born and raised in Southern California and I never heard of those cities, thanks it was great. The people kept all the streets very clean they all looked like nice places to live.

[@cynthiabaker4035]

Hispanic are the best lawn keepers, the towns you went through are all agriculture communities. That means they work and make good money during spring,summer,and parts of fall . During winter they get unemployment and do lawns or own markets for the rest of the cold season. We live in Colusa CA. And it's the same way, all the Hispanic here are clean., family oriented and drive new trucks and SUVs. If you were to drive in the Bay area it's quite different, filthy and full of homeless. But these AG cities are the strong hold of CA. I grew up here in Marysville CA, and have watched many people leave because of the housing, and mostly the politics. I'm not Hispanic I'm as white as you can get,so is my husband,but the Mexicans here are the best.

[@RVBadlands2015]

Marysville has become very dirty lots of homeless and drugs.

[@juliogonzales5441]

Great 👍 CLEAN TOWNS...THANKS JOE AND NIC ❤

[@mekkler]

I've lived in a lot of places and they were just I happened to live. I would be proud to live in any of those towns.

[@aprilvannewkirk8761]

This video may be an answer from God to me. Thank you for this information. I was born in this great state of CA. I’m technically homeless. I have been trying to qualify for SSDI because I have medical issues and am just a mom. I can’t take hugs and kisses to the bank. I’m retirement age. These places look wonderful.

[@aclockworkcranberry]

Lovely areas for the stats in contrast. They look like clean and friendly places. Even the roaming dogs look well cared for and comfortably relaxed. Probably a combination of cash in hand work and Hispanics being great with money saving/a frugal way of life.

[@SpiKSpaN-ei6zq]

There's no other way now that we have Biden in office 😅

[@kerrynight3271]

@@SpiKSpaN-ei6zq The United States of America has the greatest economy in the world. By far. Biden turned a disaster into a winner.

[@user-cn6de7xe2o]

Native Californian here, living in San Jose. My family is also Hispanic. I know travel opens the eyes and minds of people who may have lived with one certain perspective of what "the other" looks like. I'm glad to see you traveling, experiencing different cultures and opening your mind to things. BTW- You will discover San Jose is enormous and extremely diverse. I hope you get a chance to visit more than just one or two areas.

[@santinabellydance]

It’s so populated though here now and the traffic is ridiculous.

[@PhredsArmy]

Wow, a lot sure changed since I was recruiting for the Army in those tows back in the late 80's early 90's. I used to remember a lot trailer parks, so looks like a lot of the towns folk managed to move up to better homes over that time, and most hispanics take really good care of their homes, since it's considered a step up. The biggest surprise to me was the population change in Firebaugh. That used to be a town with a larger white population (a prime target for the recruiters). Not that we didn't recruit everywhere, but it was taken for granted that most students that went to Firebaugh High didn't need a green card to enlist. Also, I found it hard to believe someone actually tried to run a Taco Bell in any of those towns as even out of town folks (including myself and my recruiting buddies) always ate at a local restaurant (it was really cheaper and food tastes better, they used real meat). As far as people being able afford to live out there in these small towns, a lot of the families are also extended families and they tend to support each other, so I don't find it that hard to live in an area like that with that kind of traditional support system. Also, the high utilities is probably water. From the looks of the green lawns, looks like this is where a big chunk of that bill is going. Good video, though. I haven't been in that area for almost 30 years, looks like a few thing have changed for the better.

[@davidreyna7712]

Born in California and after a little over 50 years, I sill see small towns every time. Thank you.

[@loribull1730]

Lovely little towns. Its nice to see in California!

[@nicklasmillner101]

These folks are our agriculture, growers ! Service, and hard work.

[@estelladog1]

They are what keeps us fed! For 100% sure! For generations! My family-in-laws had huge farm land in NE CA one grew corn and roational crops, the other raisins for a long defunct company now (not Sunmaid-it was Champion). The 2nd housed the workers on the far end of property so they were always on site and provided for. Shocked coming to their home from the Midwest though b/c even their own home was microscopic in size but their garages for their equipment was huge. It had to be. But their home I will never forget, it was smaller than ours and ours was a small home built during war times. I did not like their house at all plus they had stifling corn growing on 3 sides so close up to the home! You could at least walk down the hall in our home. In their home you had to walk sideways. I was 120 lbs when I visited there years ago. Plus they had a parent living with them that was still alive. They had a friend and wife over while there - that was 8 in that house. Talk about claustrophobic! To this day I have no idea how they did it.

[@bernieromero9366]

Joe and Nic thank you for these hispanic town series. I lived and work in two of these towns in the fifties. Much has changed. About the high utilities ratings in CA its because citizens having to help PG&E pay for the fires caused by them.

[@torrestorrestorres488]

And blame Newson for that...not PG&E

[@wereone142]

@@torrestorrestorres488 Blame BOTH!

[@irene-fr5xf]

Us mexicans take pride in our things and home. We keep it clean and beautiful. I don't understand how some neighborhoods are neglected beyond belief. You should make a comparison of neighborhoods that are mostly populated with one race more than the other. It would be interesting to see. Thanks for your videos. FYI those towns don't surprise me on how well they look.

[@knos360]

So what happened in L.A and Houston? Why do you guys live like crap in in Cities?

[@irene-fr5xf]

@knos360 where in LA?? Be specific? Houston I have no idea but if it's more predominantly Hispanic I'm sure the area looks more clean than others.

[@comeconcon569]

The majority of Hispanics in California are Mexicans and Central Americans. other Hispanic groups like Cubans, Puerto Ricans and Dominicans are found back east (east coast). culturally speaking, Hispanics are different, and the only thing we have in common is the Spanish language. it's hard for some Hispanics to live under the same roof with Hispanics of other cultures.

[@bettyparker3317]

On housing costs…I noticed that most are pretty small, compared to what a lot of people have these days. And older, probably obtained before housing costs got so crazy. And probably a lot of people living in each one, or more than what we usually see. But the maintenance is really impressive. Obviously hard-working residents who take pride in their community. Maybe they do get food assistance, or the kids get meals at school. I’d rather my taxes go for that than most other things they’re used for.

[@liamgray9644]

I'm also noticing the cars. They sure drive some nice vehicles to only make $200 @ week.

[@judithhickok1677]

Lol on the 200 a week.

[@sandycastro4922]

We buy the used vehicles and keep them running for 20 years

[@grant9598]

Because it is all cash and not paying taxes.

[@JF80001]

Still a heck of deal for your fresh produce​@@grant9598

[@gs4u2c]

😂​@@grant9598

[@user-bk7wz6gw1s]

Tip!’ My favorite hobby everyday is fixing everything myself & loading coffee cans with cash!’ Once I realized I really don’t need anything? My hobby became fun!’ I’m never broke!’

[@thomasfranco5997]

I have relatives on my mother's side that live in the city of Santa Paula in Ventura County. I remember when we were kids my family would go visit them on the weekends. OMG! I recently took my father to a funeral of one of mother's aunts, and it is such a beautiful drive to get to the town. There is a lot of Agricultural Land on the way to town. It so green and many Hills and Mountains. It has been years since I have been there, and I am 67 years old. I have a lot of great memories there when I was a kid. The only thing I dread was the traffic on a Friday morning going through Los Angeles, it took us 2 hrs. just to get through the traffic. But when we got to the church, we had just made it on time for the Funeral.

[@wrodney5]

The utility prices were 40% to 57% above the national average. Pacific Gas & Electric reports record profits but having trouble paying back their loan to the tax payers of California. The utilty commission just approved a 25% rate increase. That facility in Biola is a raisin processing plant. Over 90% of the raisins come from Fresno County.

[@anthonynewmedia5065]

Visalia to be exact

[@joelpineda2042]

Those dogs just walking in front of ur car without a care in the world brought bac really good memories. Thats how it was here in Los Angeles in the late 70's. Dogs were just everywhere without a leash and just like there they too here wud walk in front of ur car real slow without a care in the world. God i miss those days.

[@sylviavalenzuela7706]

We were very poor when I was young but mom always told us " being poor doesn't mean you have to be dirty. S😂he was one of the cleanest woman I knew. Every house we lived in we left it looking better than when we moved in.

[@stevewoods8116]

The first town looked really nice.

[@williamlukasik7244]

Wonderful presentation! Your videos just keep getting better and more interesting all the time. You seem to be able to find places that don't fit neatly into any box. Safe travels and keep them coming!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!

[@Gone_X_ing]

I live 20 minutes north of firebaugh..folks live in the middle heart of farmland. They many work seasonal jobs then get unemployment, and medicare(free health) along with 400-700 a month in foodstamps. 70-80% of their cost are subsidized by tax payers. And many work extra jobs being paid cash(under the table) they make it work

[@wereone142]

You can't get unemployment if you work a seasonal job--check their website. You can't get Medicare until you're 65 years old. If they are being paid so low, that they qualify for "food stamps" then get mad at their employers for paying them poverty wages not the employees. If they are not U.S. Citizens, they still must pay into social security but can never collect.

[@annashepard6337]

EITC credit for low income family can bring as much as $3995 for one child. It's also possible a lot of work is paid in cash. That being said, the towns are lovely. One of the key elements is the affordability of the homes, many of which may have been built and purchased prior to current inflation. When I was in college in the 80's most folks worked in factories or service and farming jobs but people had nice, modest homes that were clean and well kept. It was a hard working, simply and family oriented life style with most families having 4 or more children.

[@mariesheppard3750]

First thing I noticed was how clean and neat the towns where, Ya road did not look great, Thanks for another great video

[@valendezal1330]

graciass !!!!! que pueblos tan limpios !!!!!me encantaron !! y como amo los animalitos y los gatos son mis admirados !!! tus comentarios hacia ellos son magnificos saludos !!!!!😻🐕👋👋💙🤍💙

[@robolgatree5815]

Dios bendiga a los niños

[@lindaburns4890]

Thank you for taking us with you ... Blessings to you and Nicole

[@SamRalls-ti1be]

These folks take pride in what they have, and, have a wonderful sense of community. As the towns get bigger, you have more political corruption, gang influence, and lack of care for their children. It's a prime example of low income is not an excuse for crime and moral decay. Great towns with truly solid community values.

[@PelosiStockPortfolio]

I'm from central california, and these towns do not accurately reflect the area as I know it. Crime rates are typically incredibly bad with LOTS of gang related crime. Stabbings happened weekly at high school, and we moved several times to finally get away from it. The front yards were also typically used for parking beat up cars, and when the cars wouldn't run anymore they would put them up on blocks, but I never saw anyone fixing them. The only thing people would update on their homes were the bars on every window. I'm not sure if you cherry picked these nicer towns or it was just a coincidence

[@edgarsandoval289]

What a load of bs. I live 15 minutes southwest of Orange Cove and I know for a fact it's one of the poorest in the state and one of the most gang infested towns in the region. My parents ran a small business there from 2012-2023 so I was there almost daily for the last decade. It's a standout in an already impoverished region of the state and central valley as a whole. If anything visiting Orange Cove would be an example of him “cherry-picking” one of the worst cities in central California.

[@PelosiStockPortfolio]

@@edgarsandoval289 Are you dyslexic?

[@sgarza7301]

Some people have more than one member of the family working or hold 2 jobs, im sure ,even work out of town to make ends meet 😊

[@bobc.7958]

Hi guys, another good vid! We have done projects around Firebaugh and Mendota. When we needed a labor crew, the word went out and we had a crew the next morning. No ID, excellent work ethic, and paid in cash. Thats how $300 a week gets reported.

[@felippuente1909]

I'm very happy to see small, but very clean California towns.

[@tommyirwn131]

the video I've always been waiting for

[@paulpalomo417]

Going down memory lane, terrific township review on these four Calif towns. I've visited these towns and surrounding areas hundreds of times, mostly for historical purposes. Here is additional information on Firebaugh and Mendota, between these two towns was an Indian village (Las Juntas) going back centuries. Then around 1790, the Spaniards took over the village and even took many native American Indians back to the Spanish missions to be used as slaves. Las Juntas, now with a mixture of Spanish and American Indians became an outlaw town up until the great flood. Later, Firebaugh and Mendota sprung up and to this day are mostly Hispanic. Bibla and Orange cove, are not that old and probably started around 1914. Yet, Native American Indians lived around these two areas. Thank you for sharing the terrific video, well done!

[@Oldaker]

These town look lovely. What a nice and informative channel this is. Showing so many interesting places. TV has a lot to learn. Been watching for hours. Great work!

[@annheckenbach9396]

Taco Bell is most likely not considered authentic Hispanic food, because it isn't. If you were going to splurge and eat out, it wouldn't be at such a place. I lived in the Southwest, in Az. It'd be like Cuban people going out to eat Cuban food- I'm from the Tampa Bay area. If you were to go out for food, it'd be for a fancier version of your cuisine, not a Taco Bell. One of those meals you have to fuss over is what you'd go out for. A treat.

[@nancyx6390]

So true!!

[@OFD]

I recognized Firebaugh immediately. Great stuff.

[@dewalt10-2-4]

Biola = Raisin making town.. The barns are dehydrating stations for the raisins.

[@vontaylor472]

Love your traveling adventures and sharing them with us💖💖💖