California Documentary Project
Paving Paradise: Stories from the Santa Ana Watershed
The Foundation for California State University, San Bernardino, and the Water Resource Institute
Project Director: Sant Khalsa
The Santa Ana River watershed has undergone enormous changes over the past 20 years, from the erection of two dams on the Santa Ana River to the paving over of acres of flood plains for streets, freeways and housing developments. This project documented in photographs the current state of the watershed and its relation to surrounding communities.
Cal State San Bernardino photography professor Sant Khalsa, who directed the project, said, "the Santa Ana was key in luring settlers to Southern California, and it inspired in them a utopian vision. At the same time, materials used to cover much of Southern California’s natural environment come directly from the river’s watershed. And so the title, 'Paving Paradise.'"
These photographs, Khalsa explained, "express my ideas and concern for our environment -- the place where humanity and nature intersect. The images are intended to create a contemplative space where the audience can sense the subtle and profound connections between themselves, the natural world and our constructed settings."
"Paving Paradise" was exhibited at a number venues in San Bernadino and Riverside counties as well as in locations.