Drew A. Kelley | Photography
Growing up Legal
It is nine p.m. on a Wednesday and a two bedroom home on the West end of Ventura, California is alive with activity, but it's not a party, its a typical night at the Canales' home. FIfteen-year-old Josue Canales or Josh is one of fourteen people that live here and only one of three who is a legal citizen. The West end of Ventura or "The Avenue", is home to the infamous Ave. Gang, the Hells Angeles, and rampant drug dealing. Life still goes on and Josue prepares for another school day filled with friends, skating, work, and family. This is a day in his life.
Story and photos originally published in Lowdown Magazine issue No. 61.
Josue Canales and his brother Jack Gutierrez enjoy themselves after a long school day. This is the living room, at night it doubles as a bedroom for five other relatives.
Josue serves his community service hours at the local Boys and Girls Club. He was given twenty hours of community service for constantly ditching school.
Josue Canales and Olive Brunette kiss after school at Ventura High School.
Josue Canales and Alfred Carmona play Paper, Rock, Scissor to determine who goes first in a game of S.K.A.T.E. the skateboard equivalent of H.O.R.S.E in basketball.
The Gutierrez family congregate in the kitchen, under the only light source in their home.
Josue Canales shares a joint with Giovanni Vazquez at the West Park skatepark. West Park is the local gathering place for youth.
Josue watches over his younger bothers while they wait for their Mother to come home from work.
Josue helps his mother clean a large home in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles. Because of her legal status their mothers only form of employment is house keeping through word of mouth.
Gabriel Gutierrez gives his nephew Josue Canales cocaine while his mother is out of the house.
Josue Canales assists Erin McCarty give birth to their son Noah at the Ventura County Medical Center.
Josue Canales holds his son Noah for the first time.
