Sen Saetern is a freelance writer, photographer and bicycle mechanic. Born in Sacramento to a Iu Mien refugee family from Laos, he is now a board member of Iu Mien Community Services and travels the country to share stories from the Iu Mien diaspora. See more at sensaetern.com.
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![Torn Saetern, co-owner of Watmaugh Strawberry Farm, is one of several Iu Mien Americans working to adapt their families’ farming businesses to a modern market.
(Photo by Sen Saetern)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/final_dscf2409_edit.jpg?1692032847)
Strawberry Fields Forever?
California’s Iu Mien strawberry farms face a succession crisis
Dust kicks up in a cloud and the sound of gravel crunches as cars and trucks pull into what’s become a summer staple in the Capital Region — fresh strawberry roadside stands. The ramshackle wooden stands, with bright red hand-painted strawberry signs and makeshift awnings to shield workers from extreme summer heat, are typically open seven days a week in peak season.
![Tawn Seng (Dungz-Jaangh Ong) Saephan behind the counter at Samthong Meat Market Jan. 19, 2023. Behind him is a photo of a Hmong beauty pageant held in Samthong, Laos 1969. (Photos by Sen Saetern)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/img_1837.png?1675207728)
A New Year for a Changing Community
Iu Mien American leaders and entrepreneurs celebrate Lunar New Year
The Capital Region is home to the country’s densest concentration of Iu Mien people, part of a Southeast Asian nomadic tribe with roots in Southern China. Immigrant and American-born members of the community come together to celebrate the holiday and support each other.