Though most of the roads are unpaved and modern plumbing is scarce, we see worse conditions in small villages on the mainland. The town does have problems, though, and it's easy to find out what some of them are by listening to people discuss their health concerns. Those working for the salt processing plant have access to health insurance, but they must pay into the system. As in neighboring California, independent contractors like taxi drivers and carpenters have a harder time. They can visit the local clinic through the national social security system, but it is typically understaffed and under equipped.
Medicine is expensive and hard to come by in quantity.
As for the striking abalone workers, they are having a hard time making ends meet. Ray asked me during a break, as we looked out over the picturesque harbor town, an imposing microwave tower adding to the post-development view. Many Cedros homes, some with their own satellite dishes, have television. The dishes are a jarring sight when contrasted to the need for sewage treatment, plumbing and telephones. LMV's teams usually arrive on Thursday and work Friday and Saturday.