Sen Saetern is a freelance writer, photographer and bicycle mechanic. Born in Sacramento to a Iu Mien refugee family from Laos, he is now a board member of Iu Mien Community Services and travels the country to share stories from the Iu Mien diaspora. See more at sensaetern.com.
By this person
Strawberry Fields Forever?
California’s Iu Mien strawberry farms face a succession crisis
Dust kicks up in a cloud and the sound of gravel crunches as cars and trucks pull into what’s become a summer staple in the Capital Region — fresh strawberry roadside stands. The ramshackle wooden stands, with bright red hand-painted strawberry signs and makeshift awnings to shield workers from extreme summer heat, are typically open seven days a week in peak season.
A New Year for a Changing Community
Iu Mien American leaders and entrepreneurs celebrate Lunar New Year
The Capital Region is home to the country’s densest concentration of Iu Mien people, part of a Southeast Asian nomadic tribe with roots in Southern China. Immigrant and American-born members of the community come together to celebrate the holiday and support each other.