Stars, trees, mountains: Santa Rosa outdoor youth program is using nature to combat gun violence

LandPaths takes at-risk youth out of their concrete, urban environments and into the natural one, offering many their first encounters with the land Alejandro Elizarraraz stands in the middle of a grassy field with a saw in his hands. On a hillside overlooking the lush forests of northern California, the 18-year-old cuts back brush and branches as a way to help prevent wildfires. “We’re going to give the tree a high fade cuz it’s 10 feet,” he said, grinning. “You get it?” Continue reading...

Shandra Back in Santa Rosa, California · Wed, Aug 12, 2026, 7:00 AM
California | The Guardian

Stars, trees, mountains: Santa Rosa outdoor youth program is using nature to combat gun violence

LandPaths takes at-risk youth out of their concrete, urban environments and into the natural one, offering many their first encounters with the land

Alejandro Elizarraraz stands in the middle of a grassy field with a saw in his hands. On a hillside overlooking the lush forests of northern California, the 18-year-old cuts back brush and branches as a way to help prevent wildfires.

“We’re going to give the tree a high fade cuz it’s 10 feet,” he said, grinning. “You get it?”

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