January eNews: Recent storms didn’t end California’s drought crisis
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Dear Supporter,
If you’ve seen the news in the last month, you likely saw headlines similar to “California Rains End Drought”. Unfortunately, we know that’s not true.
Despite several atmospheric river events, California continues to be in a drought crisis.
For groundwater levels to fully recover from a drought as long and serious as the state is facing — its worst in 1,200 years — it would take several consecutive wet years. This is unlikely given the whiplash of dry and wet conditions due to climate change.
Communities who rely on shallow groundwater wells faced this devastating reality last summer with more than 1,400 wells running dry — and we anticipate more to follow this year.
Our families can’t wait for a wet future that is unlikely to come. We must adapt to this new reality and manage our groundwater sustainably, protecting those who need it most.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Honoring Sandra Meraz
Our hearts are heavy to share that long-time AGUA member and community water leader Sandra Meraz passed away last weekend. Sandra was a founding member of the AGUA Coalition representing the community of Alpaugh in Tulare County. She was a key partner in passing the Human Right to Water in California and served as the first low-income woman of color on the Central Valley Regional Water Board. Her impact on the movement for water justice in California can be seen throughout the years. She was a mentor to many of our staff and will be dearly missed.
Tickets On Sale for Sacramento Water Justice Leadership Awards!
2019 WJLA Awardees Dolores Huerta (center) and AGUA member Simona Magaña (right) with then State Senator Bill Monning (left)
We're bringing the Water Justice Leadership Awards (WJLA) back to Sacramento for the first time in three years! We’re looking forward to reconnecting in person to honor key leaders in the water justice movement.
Where: Mayahuel, 1200 K St, Sacramento
When: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 5:30 - 8 pm
Community Leaders Appointed to SAFER Advisory Group
Last month, the State Water Board announced its new appointees to the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Advisory Group! We are excited to see so many familiar faces from the AGUA Coalition, Community Water Leaders Network and CWC’s own staff. This group provides first-hand experience of drinking water issues in California to SAFER staff, giving input and guidance on the implementation of this $1.3 billion program. Join us in congratulating the new advisory group!
In Case You Missed It
CWC is Hiring
Do you have a passion for environmental and social justice? Are you looking for an opportunity to work alongside those on the frontlines of the safe and affordable drinking water movement in California?
Community Water Center is hiring for multiple positions across all three of our offices:
Administrative Assistant — Visalia Office
Support day–to–day activities to ensure sustainable, efficient, and effective operations of the organization and its three offices.
Public Relations Associate — Sacramento, Visalia, or Watsonville Office
Responsible for coordinating media relations and cultivating strategic and empowering experiences for staff and community partners when participating in interviews and press events.
Thank you to our Generous Donors!
Huge thank you to our sustaining monthly donors! Your ongoing commitment to water justice ensures everyone will have access to safe, clean and affordable drinking water.
Arden Wells, Bessma Mourad, Bob Simone, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraille, Claire Wilkens,
Denise Heitzenroder, Frank Lukacs, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kathryn Gilje, Kathryn Wuelfing, Klara East, Kristin Dobbin, Lara Cushing, Max Meyer, Paul Pierce, Sandra Hocker,
Sandra Rose, Stephen Gasteyer, Vicki Woods, Victoria Klug, Yara Pasner
And thank you to our generous donors for the month of January
Iris Biblowilz, Lisa Horily, and Siddharth Nag
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
