The history and information about tourism on Santa Catalina Island are crucial to understanding the dynamic of visitors and the island’s well-being. Though one perspective that is not always being heard is people that call the island their second home. Living in Southern California many families for generations spend their summers and any other free time there. Forever memories and friendships have been built because of Catalina. These people below share their stories of what Catalina means to them and their thoughts of tourism on the island.
The main questions I asked are:
-Background of your connection with visiting Catalina Island.
-Why is Catalina important to you? (memories)
-What is your opinion on the island’s tourism and its effects it has on the island’s ecology and economy? (positive or negative)
-Any suggestions to improve tourism on the island?
Below are the audio files of people sharing their stories and thoughts:
Denise Johnson is from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. She is a wife and a mother to three sons. Denise brings many perspectives to the topic of Catalina. Along with raises new ideas and questions.
Kelsie Grant is from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and is 18 years old. Since she was little she has grown up going over to the island during the summer on her family’s boat.
Matt Crawford is from Manhattan Beach, CA, and is a father to two daughters. He has grown up by the ocean and gives his thoughts about tourism on the island.
These audio stories allow for new questions to be asked. Hearing other’s thoughts and views create opportunities for additional ideas or concerns to spark. It may also help with forming the following data of what people share in common or what they believe are negatives or positives to tourism or Catalina as a whole.