Ok, so our trip has come and gone, and we've been home for a little over a week now. So the whole idea of blogging about our experiences as they happen didn't quite work for me. If you were glued to our group blog, waiting for the updates while we were gone, my apologies for not making a more timely contribution. To tell you the truth, I don't blog and I don't know what to blog, I think generally people share too many (boring) things online. Of course, our trip to New Orleans was anything but boring as you know if you've read my classmates' posts. But as is the nature of online blogging, I don't even know who "you" are, so what do I share?

Well, I chose to spend my spring break working for Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in New Orleans because I saw this as an opportunity to do what I wished I had done since 2005. After Katrina hit I wanted to help. I was envious of my friends who were down there helping the Red Cross distribute food and supplies. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time or money to go. This trip made me realize that the window of opportunity to help Katrina victims isn't closed. Many of the clients we worked with were Katrina victims and are still struggling with housing issues. The residents of New Orleans still face a whole host of problems from the floods and the damage done to the homes. Many homes that are being rented through the Section 8 subsidized housing program are not up to code. (Although inspectors are supposed to make sure they are). I heard frequent complaints about leaking roofs and drafty apartments. One lady told me she could see the sunlight through the crack in her wall. Several people told me their electricity bills were between $300-$700 a month! I saw the proof. And that's for a small apartment!

The Federal Government is subsidizing housing for these people who can't afford to pay full price rent, but what we're subsidizing is housing that perhaps ends up costing them more in the long run. The landlords are able to charge a premium price for their shoddy apartments because the majority of the rent is coming from the housing authority. If the tenant can get an inspector to issue a notice to the landlord that their apartment/home is not up to code they may be able to get the problem fixed, but if not, the housing authority stops paying rent and the tenant gets 'evicted.' I was mostly helping these people in their disputes with the landlords who often refuse to return the rent deposit claiming a breach of the lease. (Although they weren't providing habitable housing).

I know that my one week volunteering probably didn't have a huge impact on too many people. But my individual contribution plus that of my classmates, and the countless other students who volunteer their time at SLLS throughout the year, is sure to lighten the load of the overworked attorneys and we hope that collectively we do have a huge impact. I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the attorneys as well as the clients I spoke with and I know my one week volunteering did have a huge impact on me.

In addition to the volunteer work, the people who came on the trip really made it awesome. I didn't know many of the group participants before the week began, but I wasn't worried. You know that the people who want to work for a legal aid clinic over spring break will be some pretty cool people. And that turned out to be true. I feel thankful to everyone who made this a wonderful spring break- SLLS, my SCU classmates and Professor Abriel. And thanks Wayne for sharing your story and showing us around the Lower Ninth Ward, what an experience.

I know that this was one of those trips that stays with you long after it's over. Just in this past week I've found myself thinking about the trip almost daily and I know that my experiences will continue to develop meaning and will stay with me for life.

A Reflection

I can still recall where I was and what I was doing on August 28, 2005 when I turned on the television and watched images of Hurricane Katrina. I stayed tuned everyday, hoping and praying lives had not been lost and that the damages were not as severe as the images seemingly portrayed. And then Rita developed, canceling the reopening of New Orleans and initiating the re-evacuation of the city. Rita slammed into Louisiana on September 24, 2005.

Katrina and Rita were the second and third Category 5 hurricanes of the 2005 hurricane season. They were deadly and costly to communities throughout the Gulf and particularly destructive to Louisiana. More than 1,800 people lost their lives in Louisiana; approximately 18,000 businesses were destroyed; roads, schools and public facilities were washed away; and many thousands of people were forced to relocate.

More than four years later, SCU's Alternative Spring Break gave me a real life glimpse of those images I had once seen splattered across the news. Though much progress has been made, much progress still remains. For instance, we toured the Make-It Right building grounds, a project aimed to building green affordable housing on a large sale to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. Each home is evaluated based on strict Cradle to Cradle criteria for human and environmental health, recyclability, durability and performance. Needless to say, a great idea with a praiseworthy mission. Yet, touring the Lower 9th Ward we also readily noticed the many uninhabitable homes that remain, boarded up with ominous X's on the doors and gigantic holes on the rooftops.

On Bourbon Street, we spoke to a waitress we had just returned to New Orleans. Granted, she smiled, seemingly happy to have finally returned to the city after being forced to relocate. At the same time, however, her eyes spoke the truth, filling up with tears as she reminisced about those months of despair.

At the Southwest Louisiana Legal Services, I was placed in the housing unit where I worked with low income tenants who had benefited from recovery public funds, such as the Small Rental Repair Program. This program aimed to provide financial assistance for the repair and/or reconstruction of small-scale rental properties. Before the disaster, a large portion of low income and other working families lived in these small scale rental properties. Many of the properties had been underinsured or uninsured and no longer available for occupancy. Thus, in order to enable the return of small rental properties to the market, the program provided financing to qualified owners who agreed to offer apartments/housing at affordable rents to be occupied by lower income households. Another great plan with a noteworthy purpose. However, in one of the cases I handled, a landlord under the program was charging our client above the proscribed capped amount, pocketing the extra amount (our client had no idea) and still refused to fix electrical problems. So, in essence, a program meant to serve the public, particularly lower income households, is being undermined by unscrupulous individuals.

Indeed, much progress has been made but, even after more than four years, much progress remains. Going to New Orleans last week further raised my awareness of the problems still faced by New Orleans and the Lower 9th Ward in particular. I loved the city and enjoyed the experience, and I hope to remain engaged in becoming part of the solution.

It's great to be back!

It's great to be back in Santa Clara after spending a week on bunk beds in a room of eleven, sharing one bathroom. It's the little things, like a soft bed and hot shower, that can mean the most, right?

I've listened to many Spring Break stories over the course of this first week being back to school. Most of them involve either vegging on the couch or laying on the beach soaking in the sun with margarita in hand. As nice as both of those sound, I'm glad to respond with my story of going to New Orleans to volunteer for a week with the legal aid office. I'll admit, it would have been nice to have some time to relax and catch up on some outlining, but I'm glad, in retrospect, that I had the experience of NOLA.

I hadn't realized until now how few people were actually aware of the continued struggle NOLA residents face since Hurricane Katrina. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, considering I, too, didn't realize the extent of the devastation until becoming involved with NOLA 2010. It would be nice to have a way to get word out so that more people could learn about ways to help. It seems as though tragedies have a way of dissipating in people's minds after it loses news coverage. I'm sure the same thing will happen soon with the devastation in Haiti - once the news stops covering it, people stop thinking about it and assume that everything is okay. Only those who are forced to deal with it on a daily basis are the people who are aware of the circumstances.

At the very least, being a part of this trip has taught me that the people of New Orleans are continuing to rebuild their community, and will likely continue their efforts for a considerable time in the future. I can only hope that our short trip to volunteer there made some difference, and that our stories will last in the minds of those with whom we share them.

moving past the hate

I've lived in the south before and after twenty five years on this earth, I've seen the ugliness of racism but never before has it been directed at me. Living in Kentucky, I got some curious looks, some ignorant but harmless questions such as "Oh you're a mixed child? Is that why you've got hair like that." but nothing like what I experienced in an isolated incident, at a jazz club one night.

Let me rewind. We were at The Maple Leaf Bar to see Rebirth, an amazing jazz band. Most of our group met up to have some drinks and let loose after a long day of advocating for the city's most desperate people, those that had been forgotten and left behind. New Orleans has an amazing music scene and Andrew's friend Clarence had introduced us to the real treasure of the city early on in the week, taking us to the Frenchman to hear some of his friends play at a local joint.

Tonight had already been special and random: we had met Mos Def early on in the night. (If you do not know who that is, please listen to Black on Both Sides or any of his work with Talib Kweli aka Blackstar) We talked about concerts I had seen of his at Ruby Skye, Rock the Bells and Coachella. He told me that it was good to meet a real fan, signed an autograph and would later invite me a couple friends to eat at the Camelia Grill. (we didn't end up going since we had literally eaten there a couple hours before but it was cool to be invited)

Rebirth came on and the music was incredible. The energy was electric and people started dancing and swaying. We started getting pushed but it was understandable since the crowd was so large and the venue so small. When you go to a lot of music events, you get used to this kind of thing and I thought nothing of it. But soon a few people were too drunk and started trying to make their way to the front and the shoving became more violent. Brunella and I moved to the side of the bar to let these people get by without being harmed. So far so good.

But there was a drunken straggler that wanted to get to his friends. It was a domino effect: he meant no harm but he was definitely inebriated. He hit Bru, she knocked into me and I got knocked into a tall, severe-looking caucasian woman. I apologized and explained that there was not much I could do. I asked if she was ok. She nodded and didn't respond much afterwards.

Her friend was a completely different story. She had seen her friend get knocked and despite my apology and explanation which she likely did not hear, she had become irate. She shoved me saying get out of here. I told her to respect my private space. She brought her face close to mine and yelled get the [insert expletive] out! I explained there was nowhere to go as I quickly searched for a solution: fight or flight? Obviously not a physical fight since this woman was the combined weight of Brunella and I but could I get her to calm down? Maybe.. I began again, "Maam,"

She cut me off with the following, "You slanty eyed [insert expletive]. Why don't you and your friend go back to your own damn country!"

There wasn't much to do or say after that. I examined her face, angry and a red mass of seething fury. I looked at her friend's face, mortified and embarrassed. Just then the band took a break and the crowd began filing outside for air or making their way towards the bar. Brunella and I walked outside to breathe to understand what had just happened.

I refused to let it spoil the evening and more time passed. At the end of the night, we spotted her with the thin friend and another man standing across the street. I told her she was a racist. She pretended to ignore me but her face, tight lipped and strained told me that she knew that she had severely messed up. She did not apologize but her company's actions spoke loud and clear. Neither would look her in the face. Both of them turned away from her, their body language clearly denoting that they did not wish to be associated with her, be considered a part of her hatred.

I've thought about this a lot in the days since it has happened. What could I have done differently? Why did she decide to say what she said? In the end, I have no answers. But I do know this: this woman is not representative of every woman in the South or even just New Orleans. When the lawyer that I worked for this week found out through the grapevine what happened, I was told he was livid, and said that had he been there, he would have done much more than give her a piece of his mind. That he would stick his foot where the sun doesn't shine so to speak. Professor Abriel had much the same reaction, disgust for that woman and her hateful words.

It took me longer to figure out how I felt about what had happened. Having discussed it with family and friends, although I too feel disgust, I also feel sadness and pity. Sadness because I know now firsthand that racism in it's ugliest form is still alive. But more than that I feel pity for this woman that will never know the wealth of perspectives and the joys of learning from people different from ourselves. I think about the rainbow of friends I have, the myriad of experiences I would have lost out if I had never encountered people of different ethnic backgrounds and let them into my life. I cannot imagine a life without this kind of diversity. I also pity how trapped her mind is: to see color before the person behind the color. To have race influence your decision before you meet a person and prevent you from truly seeing a person for who they are not what they look like.

Of course I wasn't excited to have racial slurs yelled at me. But in the end, I walk away grateful. Grateful that I am not a victim of this social disease. Grateful that most people are also not afflicted. Grateful for how far this country has come and finally grateful that I grew up in a generation and place where I was free to see people beyond their race. I can only hope that this woman will also grow from this experience. I wish her good luck and thank her for reminding me of all that I have that she has not been able to experience.

great food, new friends, amazing experience...

Spending a week in New Orleans with fellow Santa Clara Law students was an outstanding experience. Not only did we get to do extensive and varying legal work for those who could not afford it, but we were able to make new friends and bond with our fellow students - not only from SCU but from other law schools which worked at SLLS with us. The experience was one that I enjoyed thoroughly - one that exposed students to solving client problems through innovative legal claims. Also, the legal work provided an opportunity which allowed students to immerse ourselves in a community with a rich culture and history, which was evident when we met with clients as well as visiting different areas of the city.

Before we started working at SLLS, we took a tour of the lower 9th ward and saw some of the lingering effects of the storm. It was an eye-opening experience that showed the plight of local residents many years after Katrina. Much of the area is still undeveloped - houses are still being built but many homes are boarded up and abandoned. However, residents moving to the area still face lack of amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and the like. Also, there is yet to be a school reopening in the area, which provides even more hardships for families looking to move back into the area.

The city still needs volunteers in many different areas - from addressing the legal complications arising from Katrina, to building houses, community organizing, as well as other social welfare aspects.

Mitesh

A beautiful, empty city

New Orleans is a beautiful city on the water and full of breathtaking houses. The downtown area where SLLS is located is minutes away from the French Quarter and the Garden District and yet the most striking thing about the area is how deserted it is. SLLS is in a downtown area though the walk around the building reveals empty offices and store fronts. I can't help but to imagine a time before the "storm" (as Louisianans euphemistically refer to Hurricane Katrina) where the area was full of life and daily hustle to be expected in a downtown office area. It's disheartening to know that more than 4 years after Hurricane Katrina the city is still deserted. The effects of the storm are definitely still felt and seen.

Hitting the ground running

It's Monday morning, 15 minutes after orientation, and I am already conducting my first client interview. As a 1L, this is my first contact with any client in a law related interview so I am a little nervous. The main attorney assigned to the case doesn't seem to be worried, however, and I suspect that my affiliation with Santa Clara University School of Law is the reason. The law school has previously sent students to Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS, formerly NOLAC) and the work of those students who have volunteered before has created a positive reputation for Santa Clarans at SLLS.

The sheer volume of work at SLLS also necessitates the need for students to hit the ground running. In addition to the pending cases that the attorneys are working on, they take walk-in clients everyday. The client interviews give a sense of the problems afflicting the city since Hurricane Katrina: hopelessness, tension, and uneasiness. I must admit that it was a little hard at first to talk to so many people and hear so many stories of desperation. It got easier, however, once I realized that the work at SLLS makes a difference in every client's life that walks through the door. I am very proud to have been a part of that, if only for a week.

Nawlins, my journey from here to there

NOLA 2010 trip will forever hold a special place in my heart. While this was the first time for me in Nawlins, it's not the first for me in the South. Growing up in Atlanta, in the 90s, when the city was a lot less developed and thriving as it is now, the feel was of small, country, family, and hospitality. Nawlins was a return to that feeling. Friendly faces, though unfamiliar, never seemed strange to me or foreign. From the smallest physical mannerisms to the southern drawl that returns me back to my younger years, I felt home.

With all that as backdrop, it's probably not surprising to hear me say that my experience was extremely positive. We arrived in NOLA on Saturday and immediately recognized the airport lobby, which I attribute to Spike Lee's documentary about Katrina called "When the Levees Broke" (highly recommend watching). I met up with 5 other students awaiting our ride, chatting briefly, eager for my upcoming week.

The most memorable billboard on our way to the hostel was "putting the hot back in mama."

To be honest, I was a little hesitant about the hostel; never stayed in one, didn't want to watch the movie, was a little sketched out about it. When we got there, I saw the bunkie beds that we were to sleep in for a week, I laughed, I cried, I had to get over it.

After dropping off our bags, we were ready to hit Bourbon Street. My group from the airport, the last to arrive in NOLA, grabbed a cab and ended up at Pat O'Briens, which, while perhaps not the best spot for food, had delicious hurricanes that quenched our thirst. Let the drankin begin!

One thing that I enjoyed about the first two days in NOLA was the free time to hang out and enjoy the sun and the city. 6 of us branched from the large group and hung out by the Mississippi River (in the French Quarters), soaking up the rays listening to music on Mitesh's Blackberry. I skidded rocks in the river and was happy.

After a quick group picture, we hopped into the rental vans for the Lower 9th Ward (L9). The L9 is made up of predominantly the African American community. The streets reminded me of East Oakland but some what eerie given the fact that we saw only 3 groups of people outside. The houses were, after 5 years, still boarded up. The X's that marked the work of relief workers remained etched on the side of the walls, reminding us of the reality and horrid devastation that was Katrina.

Wayne met us in front of his house, the house that he and his brother crawled out of through the roof to escape the flooded waters. He spoke passionately about the events that led to being trapped by the water and the heroic feats they performed to reach drier grounds. Close to tears, Wayne walked us to the side of his house and pointed to a black rock that laid against the side fence and stated "this was never suppose to be here." Apparently the rock, due to the strength of flood, got picked up from the bridge, which was miles away, and floated to the side of his house.

From there we went down to the Brad Pitt houses and saw some college age students building houses for the Make It Right Foundation. I found it strange that while both foundations professed to provide these houses to the victims of Katrina, it's been 5 years and I didn't see any community folks living or hanging out there. There were, however, a crew of folks with sick bikes riding around the strip where Wayne used to live. But none were by the newly built houses. It leaves me with the lingering question of who then do these houses help?

We saw a FEMA trailer and in front of it was a memorial.

Anyway, while visiting the L9 was intense, I was happy to end the day with delicious crawfish and kickin back with folks from the trip and Wayne came through too. Good times, would not give it up for the world.

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities, and always will be. I've decided that my parents have to visit the city, only because I will never have enough money to buy them all the souvenirs I would want to get them to fully appreciate what an amazing city it.

At our big group dinner we went around the table and told our favorite moment of the week and I just couldn't label one part of the trip as my favorite one since I loved the trip, with the food, work, chaos and just waking up to a room full of people. It was definitely interesting being a co-coordinator for the trip (and most attendees will tell you that I made it very clear that I was a co-coordinator, not a mom :D) and I couldn't help but compare every minute of the trip to last year's experience. It was a strange sense of deja vu every morning as we were getting ready for work but it was interesting to see how people interacted on this trip compared to the interactions from last year's trip. While we had a great time at NOLAC and think the fact that we were working in the same building established a different (better?) bond than the one we had last year because we could talk about work, it was strange not to hear about manual labor or having someone fall through a window :)

It was a fun and exhausting trip but it would not have been possible without every single person that went. Thank you to all of our volunteers, you were always on time and made the trip that much easier :)

Every now and then...

...I visit a place and become attached. NOLA is one of those places. Our last day in NOLA, I bought myself a few souvenirs. My favorite, however, is a fleur de lis paperweight that is black and gold. It is currently sitting on top of my desk, and is a constant reminder of the city of New Orleans, my experiences there, and the people I will never forget.

My first blog will be about the actual city of New Orleans. I LOVE this place. It is so completely eclectic that I can't help but love it. There are so many different areas that seem completely opposite of each other. One thing, however, remains throughout the entirety of the city -- that is, the pride that its residents, and even its visitors, exhibit for the entire city. This was evident everywhere -- the French Quarter, Lower 9th, etc. The old buildings and uneven slabs of cobblestone they call "sidewalks" are wonders. The iron used in the balconies and all the houses in the Garden district that look haunted are incredible. The tiny restaurants that tourists and hometowners can't get enough of. And Bourbon -- that needs no explaining.

One of my favorite parts of experiencing the city of New Orleans was comparing it with the Bay Area. The most I can say is that it is nothing like the Bay Area. Beyond the food and the architecture, the very "feel" of the city and its people are different. It really is something that one cannot put into words - it needs to be experienced. This was not only evident in interactions at restaurants and tourist attractions, but also at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and in the courtroom with Judge Chase. The most I can say is this: there is just something about it.

Watch out, the world is behind you

My favorite part of traveling has always been the people watching. More specifically, observing how the locals make sense of the world around them. On this trip to New Orleans, I got the opportunity to interact with two men, born and raised in the same city, with two entirely different perspectives.

It was noon on a Sunday. Our group went to visit the 9^th Ward. Driving through the neighborhood gave me mixed emotions. It was filled with former homes, boarded up and falling apart. Some had large white X’s sprayed painted across the façade. Each quadrant of the X provided information about the house: dead bodies to be found inside, possible left behind pets, the date of abandonment, and the relocation of its former inhabitants.

In between every two or three of these sights though, there were re-built homes defying Hurricane Katrina. In a way saying, “This is our city. We won’t leave!” Some of these houses literally stood tall on wooden platforms, raised several feet in the air. These homes seemed proud.

We meet Wayne in front of what use to be his house. For the most part, the house is still structurally intact not considering the giant, hole in the middle of the roof. The house is uninhabitable though having been covered in mold following the days of Katrina.

Wayne tells us his Katrina story, “I remember drinking with my brother in the house. We were getting real smashed when my friend came by and told us that the city was being evacuated because of the storm. I told him, “I don’t give **** about no storm. I am staying right here!’

And that is exactly what Wayne did. His brother and him stay behind. Wayne claims, in a matter of fact tone, to have heard explosions right before the levies burst and flooded the neighborhood. Most people from the Lower 9^th Ward will tell you without hesitation the government blew up the levies in order to redirect the flood towards this poor area and save the richer neighborhoods. I’m unsure.

As the water begins to flood Wayne’s house, he and his brother start stacking all their possessions, specifically trying to get the TV as high as possible. All of a sudden though, the water begins to enter the house faster and faster. Before Wayne realizes, they are in danger of drowning in their own home.

Wayne tells us, “I was able to get out of the house through the front door, but the water pressure was getting so strong. I couldn’t keep the door open for my brother.” He begins to tear up a bit. “I tried to get the door open but nothing was working. I knew he couldn’t be in there too long ‘cause he’d lose his breath. I went to a side window of the house and kicked it in. My brother barely made it out, breathing hard. We climbed to the roof.”

Wayne and his brother sit on their roof for two fearful days of strong currents flooding the street. The water filled with dead bodies drifting along. At one point, the brothers become so hungry that they broke a hole through the roof. Wayne tied an electrical chord around his waste, and his brother hung on to the other end. Wayne went through the hole and swam to their kitchen, frantically grabbing any canned foods in reach. Barely making his way out of the house before suffocating, Wayne gasps for air, knowing he bought himself and his brother a little more time. That night, they eat uncooked Vienna sausages straight from the can, hoping and praying this isn’t their last meal.

Eventually, the currents slow down, and the brothers are able to grab on to telephone lines and swim their way to safety. Several years after the destruction of Katrina, Wayne is still feeling the lingering effects. His brother has the occasional epileptic fit. The family hasn’t begun to start replacing the items the lost in the storm- specifically the jewelry his working class mother had worked so hard her whole life to acquire. Wayne remains unemployed, unable to find any construction jobs. He tells us, “I ain’t going to work at no McDonald for $7 an hour when my skill set had me making $25.”

Instead, he spends his days meandering and drinking, although he seems somewhat self-conscious about it. “I’m not an alcoholic. I just like to drink, you know,” he tells us several times during our conversation.

Later on that night, I meet up with a friend from the area, who promises to show me the real New Orleans. After meeting with Wayne, I wasn’t sure how much more authentic of an experience it could get.

I met Billy at small dinner party serving andouille sausages and crayfish boudin. Billy, a middle-aged man, has spent his whole life in New Orleans in a house in Mid-City. He is decked head-to-toe in Saints gear and reeks of bourbon.

I tell the table about my experience during the day in the 9^th Ward. Everyone politely listens, but when I decide to ask for opinions on the supposed explosions by the levee, Billy explodes.

In his thick Cajun accent, “I am so sick and tired of hearing about the 9^th Ward. It was a crap place before the storm, and it’s a crap place after the storm.”

The frankness of his comment takes me aback. Billy continues, “The place was a breading ground for drugs and violence. We were all devastated, but all the attention goes to the 9^th Ward and rumors about bull•••• explosions.”

Billy was hit particularly hard by the storm. The house he had grown up in for over 40 years flooded. His mother went met missing the day the floods started. He returned a month after the storm to claim his mother’s body and put her to rest.

“You know, I had to rebuild my momma’s home basically from scratch. I lived in a trailer outside the house for 6 months,” Billy is referring to the infamous FEMA trailers that were used as temporary housing until homes could be renovated back to livable standards. “I ripped out the walls and floors. Cleaned out all the mold and got the house back to shape.”

Billy lives across the street from the party I am at. The house is still boarded up, but Billy swears it is nice on the inside. In the months following the storm, Billy with the help of a friend put down new floors, replaced the walls, fixed his roof, and cleaned all the debris out with the money given to him by the government. However, Billy isn’t ready to replace the windows just yet as he has run out of money. The government checks have stopped coming in, and like Wayne and many in the city, Billy is also unemployed.

“Brad Pitt building those monstrosities in the 9^th Ward. You don’t see anyone helping me,” Billy complains about the housing/architectural projects Brad Pitt is working on in the 9^th Ward. “They never should have built houses in that hell hole to begin with, and they shouldn't now.”

Billy explains to me about how the 9^th Ward is drastically below-sea level. “It was just a dumb idea. And now they are trying to rebuild! They are just asking for it to happen again.”

Historically, the places that flooded the worst were those that were left undeveloped a 100 years ago. It was understood that these parts had a risk of being flooded, but as modern technology advanced, many felt it could be safe if a modern levy system was installed. New Orleans was desperate for more housing, and so the city decided to start building in these areas. Coincidentally, these areas that were once known for being susceptible to flooding will now be forever remembered for flooding.

Billy doesn’t want me to misunderstand though, “I feel bad for all ‘em people, but I just want people to know there is more to the story.”

This was my first full day in New Orleans.

another student's experience...

Volunteering at Southern Louisiana Legal Services has introduced me to areas of law I had never thought to work in. I have learned a great deal - not only about local laws and procedure but federal practice areas as well. Sitting on client intake interviews ranging in topic from contractor fraud to bankruptcy issues has shown me the long lasting legal effects of Hurricane Katrina. Nearly half a decade after the storm passed through the city, residents are still dealing with the repercussions. Some are trying to rebuild their homes but facing difficulties with contractors who have reneged on agreements, taken resident’s money, and left homes haphazardly uncompleted. Others are trying to climb out of debt accrued during the time following the storm. Most are looking to return normalcy to their lives.

The storm is not the only source of legal troubles – as with any other region, problems arise from everyday transactions that most give little thought to. I worked on a client’s case that entered into a residential lease only to come home from work and find her bedroom window shattered and her home burglarized with over $5,000 worth of property taken. Two weeks later a stray bullet was shot into her son’s bed, but luckily no one was injured. A single mother with two young boys, she felt her family was not safe in the area, notified her landlord of her intent to move out the next month and vacated the premises. The landlord proceeded to bring an action to collect two months of rent plus late fees for the remainder of the term.

While both landlord and tenant had legitimate legal arguments that could be made in their favor, I learned that the ability of the parties to compromise can be much more beneficial than a judgment issued in court which may leave both feeling unfulfilled. However, the legal system provides a forum for parties who may not be able to amicably reach such an agreement. A problem arises when parties may not know enough legal background to effectively assert their rights in court, or seek adequate legal counsel, which is where organizations like SLLS come in.

The past week has had students interacting with clients – doing intake, interviews, and counseling, as well as researching and writing – honing other legal skills that will help students for the rest of our careers.

Mitesh

Good times, Great food!

It's our last day at NOLAC (SLLS) and I can't believe it's already been an entire week! I've spent the past 5 days doing research on Section 8 and conventional public housing, as well as Louisiana civil procedure, for the litigation director here - really putting my LARAW skills to work! Although I haven't had any direct contact with clients, I can see how much the residents of New Orleans really love their community. I can hear it in the voices of the attorneys who work at NOLAC and see it in their interaction with clients who walk through the door - they truly care about their clients and want to reach out to those in need. There is so much pride and sense of community in New Orleans. Despite the devastation the city had faced after Hurricane Katrina and continues to face daily, it seems as though they are all linked and have become a stronger community because of their experience. Their resilience and spirit are truly inspiring.

It's also been a positive learning experience to see a different side of the law - rather than clean-cut gentlemen and ladies in freshly pressed suits and shiny shoes, it's people in ragged jeans and worn sweatshirts walking into the office for legal services. As a law student, especially one working at a corporate firm, you become accustomed to being among people who are fortunate enough to have the privilege of higher education. I've realized that it's experiences like these, where we reach out and work directly with people in the community, that keep me grounded.

New Orleans is certainly a unique place. I've loved every moment of exploring the city - from the food to the music, it's all been a blast, and I know there is still much more to see! I've probably have enough food to hibernate for the rest of winter, but it was well worth it. I would definitely recommend a trip to New Orleans for those who have yet to experience it! Jacque-Imos for dinner is a must! (The menu features alligator, rabbit and redfish, to name a few.)

Perhaps the best part was getting to know other Santa Clara law students and I'm so glad I made the decision to join this trip. As rewarding and fun as it's been, I'm looking forward to getting back home. N'awlins is great, but it's time to get back to that California sunshine!

Louisiana Law

As this trip concludes, I have thought more about whether I really feel I have achieved what I wanted on this trip. I've visited the sights of New Orleans, tasted the authentic cuisine, hung out with the locals and tourists alike, and seen the best and not-so-best the city has to offer. However, this is only half of the purpose and enjoyment of this trip.

Working at Southeast Lousiana Legal Services has been a truly unique experience. Working in the consumer protection area particularly regarding contractor fraud and bankruptcy has shown me wholly new problems facing the poorest residents of New Orleans. The attorneys are so eager to help you learn the quirky French legal terms, and they allow you to get right into the work interviewing clients, writing petitions, and doing legal research. As a 1L, this has been an especially great experience to see how my meager legal knowledge actually applies to the real world, and it is a particular boon that my legal research and writing professor has come along to help me navigate through these real cases where a client's livelihood hangs in the balance. I am glad to have had an opportunity to learn so much, enjoy exploring a new city, and yet still give back to the community in a direly needed way.

Goodbye NOLA

It's hard to believe that the week is almost over, because there is so much work left to be done and so much of the city still left to see. The work we have done this week seems like a mere band-aid to a much larger wound left by Katrina that may take generations to heal from. But the city has a loyal fan base. This Mardi gras was the largest since the hurricane hit, and was made even bigger and longer due to the lombardi gras that started the celebration a week early.

This week in addition to helping at legal aid from 9-5, we ate amazing food including the creole classics and alligator cheescake. We saw amazing bands preform... The city is filled with music, every night of the week. My Favorite tourist find was a T-Shirt with "where the wild things" are wearing saints jerseys on. The week flew by-- Both because the legal work is engaging and meaningful and because the City has so much to offer.

Brandi Carlile and more!

Last night after work was great. First, we went back to the hostel and had a big family dinner with Prof. Abriel. Great food and great people. =) Then, a few of us came back to work (because that's how much we love it) to get some drinks at the bar downstairs. Turns out, other Jess and I are not very good at darts. Good to know.

Next, a bunch of us went to the House of Blues to listen to BRANDI CARLILE. While we were waiting for the concert to start we went to Scarlett O'Hara's for drinks (shout out to Kristina!). We met Julian, our Canadian bartender, who was awesome. Soon enough, it was time for Brandi... SHE IS AWESOME. She sounded so good and the House of Blues venue was the perfect combination of intimate and energetic. Lastly, we ended up at a bar called Cat's Meow... Hurricanes. Karaoke. Enough said.

This city is so astonishing: the history is rich, the nightlife is colorful, and the culture is unique. All of my experiences here have been amazing; I highly recommend a trip to New Orleans/ New Orlins/ Nawlins/ New Orleeins. One day I hope I can make it back.

NOLA 2010

This year's trip is different than last year's trip since I'm one of the co-coordinators and get to work at NOLAC this year but otherwise we are going to most of the same locations and the city does not cease to amaze me. We got an amazing tour of the 9th ward by Wayne, who some people were lucky enough to meet during last year's trip. The lower 9th ward is still devastated and driving through the neighborhood is both disappointing and hopeful. It's disappointing that there are still so many abandoned homes, if there are even homes standing but hopeful to see that certain parts of the neighborhood have returned (motorcycle racing!). It really didn't hit me though until Wayne told us his story and we saw a grown man tear up at the thought of his brother wading through 13 feet of water in the middle of a storm barely hanging onto an electricity wire to get to his neighbors house and yelling at him to hold on with the wind gushing around him. We then got to meet some local volunteers who felt the need to complain about Brad Pitt's houses. I understand that his homes cost a lot to make and don't fit into local scenery, but he's still building homes that are environmentally friendly and maybe keeping up solar panels are expensive but they might also provide some electricity if the power goes out. No one is perfect but the idea is that he is making homes and making a difference, so he should get as much credit as all other volunteers helping Katrina.

Monday we got our work assignments and spent our first full day at NOLAC. I had checked the weather and saw that there was a chance of rain, coming from san jose, I thought "no big deal, I'll carry an umbrella." Boy was I wrong. We walked to work on a bright sunny morning, we walked to the main lobby of the building to serious rain with gusts so strong they actually lifted water off the street. Kristina and I attempted to "tough it out" and crossed half a street, we almost lost my umbrella and were drenched from head to toe. It was nothing like the hurricane but definitely helped put Wayne's story in perspective.

Who Dat

Since the first night we arrived, everything has been an authentic NOLA experience. Even the quick street food has it's own flare. Everyone talks about the quality/quantity of food in New Orleans, and it's true. Wednesday night we had a 4 course meal at Jacques-Imo's: alligator and shrimp cheesecake (more like a quiche, not as strange sounding) and calamari to start, fried oysters on the house salad, roast duck with shittake mushrooms, and creme brulee. Other meals included duck quesadillas, sausage jambalaya, crap and brie dip, po boys at the site of the "World's Best Ham," and steaming hot beignets. The gym is definitely a necessity after returning from any trip to NOLA.

The work environment has been just as varied and representative of New Orleans style. The different issues dealt with by the NOLAC attorneys include homelessness, domestic violence or family law, housing, and contractor fraud. Though my assigned attorney deals primarily with consumer protection and contractor fraud, the most interesting experience of the week was getting to sit in on a family law hearing on Wednesday. Honorable Judge Tiffany Chase allowed us to sit in the gallery while she determined a temporary custody issue brought about because the family separated after Katrina. Five years later, and Katrina is still mentioned in every timeline and fact pattern (many restaurants even have "Our Katrina Story" on the back of their menus.)

On a personal level, I most enjoyed our day trip on Sunday, the day after we arrived. We woke up (relatively) early and went to the French Quarter for beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Afterwards we split up and walked around the French Quarter (the architecture is absolutely stunning - EVERY house has wrought iron balconies and columns, and yet the bright colors and foliage make each building seem individual) for about two hours. It was great to just have the freedom to explore. We saw tourists, locals, and a street band with a homeless fan base having far too much fun singing along. Afterwards, we got back into the vans and went to the Lower 9th Ward to meet Wayne, a man who sat on the roof of his house for over two days in the storm waiting to be rescued by the Marines. His story was truly incredible and really put the event into perspective - watching the news and seeing pictures from across the country cannot even begin to describe how utterly and completely Hurricane Katrina devastated these peoples lives. However, they are slowly beginning to rebuild and return, as evidenced by the motorcycle street races we witnessed during Wayne's story.

Overall, New Orleans is a city with incredible spirit and strength. Whether in the upper class Garden District (where it would not be surprising if nearly every gorgeous mansion was haunted), the Lower 9th Ward, or the French Quarter, the city's residents are pushing on and trying to bring the area back to its former glory. As another judge I met this week said, especially after the epic Superbowl win, the city has shorn it's "victim status." Everything we have seen this week proves that to be true!

Southeastern Louisiana Legal Services

Working at SLLS has been amazing so far! It is almost the end of the week and I don't want to leave. In fact, my attorney keeps saying, "If you work here this summer..." and, "You should consider coming back this summer." The thought sounds more and more appealing.

I have been placed in the family law unit. The placement process is great because SLLS tries to place you in your area of interest. I really wanted to interact with clients (especially in the domestic unit), and so far I have been able to meet with multiple clients seeking help with custody cases and domestic violence cases. I have also worked on memos, petitions, presentations, and observed a custody hearing. In the context of custody cases, Hurricane Katrina still has major impact, since many families were separated and/or uprooted during and after the storm. Every client I have interviewed has mentioned Katrina, at the very least to use it as a timeline marker in their story. Clearly, there are legal issues due to the storm that still need to be addressed, and I am glad I am here to help.

One of my favorite things so far has been watching how a non-proft legal aid service works. All of the lawyers I have encountered are friendly, encouraging, and honest. I have seen my attorney risk her own life to be a good advocate for her client, and ensure her client gets the protection she needs from her abuser. Their dedication has inspired me and reminded me why I want to work in public interest. It has been such a great experience, and I would strongly suggest coming to NOLA & SLLS to anyone interested in the public interest arena.

from the eyes of our professor...

I have been so proud of our students this week. They have jumped in and done client intake and follow-up calls, conveyed informatiion to clients, prepared and filed documents in court, helped prepare for hearings, reviewed and closed files, and conducted lots of research in both federal and Louisiana law. They have truly contributed and have been mentored by great lawyers here at the Southeast Louisiana Legal Services.

Vangie Abriel

HUD in NOLA

This past week I have been helping an attorney at Southeast Louisiana Legal Services with a project in the housing department. This week we took in five clients that live in a Housing and Urban Development project under section 8 housing. The main issue is that there is not enough housing for the returning citizenry, and the housing that is available has risen above the levels that many were used to pre-katrina due to sky-rocketing insurance premiums and the delayed access to funds to allow the re-building of low-priced homes. The main way that low income project developments are funded is through tax credits, and the largest push for these developments after Katrina was focused on elderly complexes since they were the poriton of the community hit the hardest during the hurricane due to their relatively weaker immune systems and immobility. Therefor, the amount of developments for low-income families, which mainly consists of single mothers are few and far between.

The five clients that we took in this week all live in a housing development that is falling apart. One single mother, with five children under 7, lives in an apartment with no heart or AC, sewage coming out of the sink, and walls separating from the flooring. Others complain of extensive termite damage, broken windows, and snakes, vermin and cockroach infestation. Our clients are young mothers with young children, with little to no income. They have no money to move, and there are few jobs or childcare to remedy the situation due mainly to the fact that many businesses did not return to the area, even while the people stayed and returned. Even many fast-food chains refused to return. Only one taco bell remains, and you can find Chinese restaurants taking over the old purple and green taco bell buildings.

We are trying to find a way to force the sale of the development. The owner is bankrupt and has no money to do the extensive renovations needed on the building. But if the building is sold, the tenants may be kicked out with no place to go, and the building rebuilt into housing that will out price those most in need. Through a special process of Transfer of Physical Assets the sale would be contingent on the purchaser renovating the building while preserving it for the tenants. The low-income residents of Louisiana cannot afford to lose even a dilapidated housing structure.

Lingering disasters

In the wake of more recent calamities such as the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, it is easy to overlook the aftermath of older disasters such as Katrina and to think that the problems it caused have been mostly resolved. However, anyone who has visited New Orleans knows this is not the case. Yesterday, we visited the Civil District Court (in this county or "parish" the District Court is bifurcated into criminal and civil branches) and watched an emergency interim custody hearing. How can a family law issue several years later be related to Katrina? you might ask. Well, the mother and father of this child used to live in New Orleans, and after being evacuated from the city now reside several states apart.

The pain and suffering from the shock of the actual hurricane was substantial, but only incidental in relation to the long-lasting impact on the emotional, financial, and physical well-being of people returning to a city now devoid of social services, infrastructure, and adequate housing with unbearable spores and mold spralling unchecked for months. Some of the wealthiest and most able persons and agencies have done very little to improve the quality of life for the average person in New Orleans. Perhaps most tragically, social ties have eroded as many did not return to New Orleans and families have been torn apart.

delicious food, beautiful people, and city with so much love to give...

It's Thursday morning and we have all arrived to NOLAC ready to start work. I feel as if the week has flown by but I've managed to stop at different times and take in the sights, the food, and the people that I've met.

Yesterday we had a delicious group dinner at Jacques-Imos (true "nawln" food). This restaurant is a staple of NOLA and a staple of our spring break trip. Jacques-Imo himself made appearances throughout the dinner to welcome us to his restaurant. Our table started the meal off with a delectable Shrimp and Alligator Cheesecake (think quiche, not desert cheesecake), an eggplant appetizer, and fried grits. We enjoyed the appetizers family style and for dinner most of our table shared steak, fried chicken, and mushroom stuffed salmon. We ended our meal with cheesecake squares, creme brulee, and bread pudding. Everything was amazing and completely satisfying.

When we arrived to dinner, there was a sweet gentleman greeting those entering the restaurant. He had money clipped to a necklace around his neck and I asked him what it was about. He knew right then that I was not a local because he explained to me that it was his birthday and that was the birthday tradition here in NOLA. After I was explained the tradition, I saw a woman yell from across the street to the gentleman "Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day!" Clearly, this was a tradition known and continued here in NOLA. It was beautiful to watch this interaction...I'm not sure if they knew each other or if they were complete strangers, but that exchange made me happy to see and understand.

He was wonderful, vibrant, and welcoming. That is the beauty of New Orleans...it does not matter if you are a tourist....you are welcomed by the locals and they are nothing but nice to you. This is a city filled with corruption, racism, and destruction, but those issues do not stop the locals from greeting anyone and everyone with a smile and a warm hello. They are always happy to answer a question or give you recommendations on food. This city has not lost its warmth and that is what I absolutely love every time I am here. The city embraces everyone like a mother giving her child a loving embrace.

New Orleans Weather

The weather this past week has been crazy. Monday morning started out a beautiful sunny day and completely changed by 5 pm. Camille and I made a concerted effort to walk to our trolley station. We only got half way across one street and were completely soaked!
What amazed me most was that this rain and wind was absolutely nothing compared to the Hurricane. We had just talked to a Katrina survivor who spent a couple of days on his roof during the hurricane. I cannot even begin to imagine what some of the survivors experienced stranded on roof tops.

a day to remember...

On Sunday we started the morning with beignets at Café du Monde. This is a staple of New Orleans that brings people in from near and far to try these delicious French pastries and amazing coffee. The line is always long and the tables are always covered in a thick white blanket of powdered sugar but the deliciousness is worth it all. I tried these amazing pastries last year for the first time and I could not wait to go back!

After a nice sugar rush, a bit of a wander to check out the art in the surrounding area, and a few group photos, we made our way over to the Lower Ninth Ward. This was the area of New Orleans that was hit worst by Katrina and even four and half years later, the devastation is still there. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to come on this trip and work in the Lower Ninth with seven other students from Santa Clara. We cleared a yard that had not been touched since the hurricane and the rest of the week was spent painting a home. Not only were we able to give back to this family that needed our help, we were able to create a lifelong friendship with the family’s close friend Wayne. Throughout this past year, I have kept in contact with him and when I decided to help lead the trip this year, there was no question about the fact that I was going to reconnect with Wayne.

Wayne met with our group at his mother’s home, the place he was when Katrina hit. He shared with our group how him and his brother fought for their lives during the storm, pulled themselves through the water across the street on a telephone line to get food at their neighbor’s house, and remained on the roof of their childhood home for three days until they were rescued. After we heard his story, he kindly drove around with us pointing out different places in the Lower Ninth. He also showed us where the levees broke and a swamp that he used to get crab from when he was a kid.

He spent his Sunday afternoon letting us take a small glimpse into his life. The images that he described of his experience will forever remain in my mind. Although I knew his story from last year, it was incredible that he was willing to open up to the whole group and let us all feel the reality of the disaster. All of us know that Katrina was catastrophic. All of us saw the pictures on the news and read the stories of the thousands of victims. But, it is not real until you have a chance to hear someone speak candidly about their struggles during and after the hurricane.

This part of the trip was a priceless experience that I will forever be indebted to Wayne for making the situation real to all of us. He is and always will be a lifelong friend and I can only thank this beautiful city for letting me have the chance to create this friendship. He gave everyone a memorable experience that they will take with them as they continue on this week and that will remain long after we head back to California.

Welcome to the Alternative Spring Break Blog

Santa Clara University, School of Law proudly sends 20 students
to help offer volunteer legal aid in New Orleans, LA. This blog will chronicle this year's trip. Please check back for new updates from each of the law student participants!

Hurricane Katrina hit on August 28, 2005 taking the lives of more than 1800 people and leaving at least $81 billion dollars in damage. The city of New Orleans, Louisiana felt the greatest devastation due to the tremendous flooding and the levee system breaking in the Lower Ninth Ward. Despite the passage of time and an unprecedented Super Bowl win, there is still a need for volunteers in New Orleans and many low-income people are still feeling the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. While the city has not lost its wonderful personality, it has not returned to the city it once was. The effects of Katrina on the city of New Orleans should not be forgotten.

Santa Clara University, School of Law’s Student Bar Association has showed continued support to the city by establishing an Alternative Spring Break Trip to New Orleans. This student-planned trip began in 2007, and this marks the fourth year students will return to provide pro bono legal aid. The trip unites law students who share a commitment to working for social change, a goal encouraged by SCU Law School.

The participants feel honored to meet attorneys, workers, and individuals who are willing to share their stories and personal experiences. The invaluable experience volunteering in New Orleans is meaningful for everyone who has gone on the trip. Seeing such raw destruction that remains untouched even a few years after Katrina and working with people to rebuild their lives that have been torn apart raises an awareness about social and economic inequity that is essential for progressive lawyering. While some law students begin their legal careers knowing they want to pursue public interest work, for some the NOLA trip has been the inspiration for what will become a lifetime of pro bono and volunteer work. This awareness and dedication benefits the SCU community and the legal profession as a whole.

All twenty students this year will be working at Southwest Louisiana Legal Services (formerly New Orleans Legal Aid Corporation, which still goes by acronym NOLAC). NOLAC is a non-profit legal aid agency that provides legal services free of charge to low-income people in the greater Southwest Louisiana area. They have substantive legal units in housing, employment and public benefits, family, homeless advocacy, consumer, foreclosure prevention, tax, and successions/ title clearing. Student volunteers will assist in litigation, prepare research memorandums and briefs, take clients through intake, and a variety of other tasks. Most of NOLAC’s clients are poor, illiterate, elderly, African American women that are struggling to rebuild their homes and lives for their families. The level of poverty in New Orleans increased post-Katrina and continues to increase today with the recession that we have all experienced in the United States.

Even four years after the storm, many residents of New Orleans are still in the process of attempting to find shelter or rebuilding their homes. The housing unit of NOLAC is still working to provide housing for families that cannot afford to rebuild. Many residents have struggled with landlords that refuse to rent to African Americans or individuals that need Section Eight housing. The staff at NOLAC continues to fight for their clients’ needs for affordable housing.

This unique city has always had problems with crime, racism, corruption, and a legal infrastructure that has always been proven to be difficult to navigate through. The aftermath of Katrina has only shed more light on these disheartening issues and just goes to show that the need for help is still there. The Santa Clara student volunteers understand this and know that their efforts will help many who need it the most.