A catastrophic year casts a pall of uncertainty across California’s agricultural valleys

In the state's Central, Eastern Coachella and Imperial valleys, several challenges have compounded to create a tenor of uncertainty

Photographs and story by Matt Black

Nowhere are the effects of the multiple crises that hit California this year more visible than in the state's agricultural valleys.

The region faced a list of challenges almost too long to comprehend: record-breaking heat, smog and smoke from historic wildfires resulting in air quality too poor to be outside in. High rates of Covid-19 infections and the anxiety, isolation and job losses that go with it. Tensions around a divisive election. Fears and conflict over immigration policies.