July eNews: Local Electeds Dedicated to Safe Water Solutions GatherJuly eNews: Local Electeds Dedicated to Safe Water Solutions Gather
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Dear Supporter,
Last week, local water leaders gathered in Visalia for the relaunch of the Community Water Leaders Network (CWLN)! Current network members joined interested elected officials and community members considering a run for office. The experience and passion in the room was palpable, and we left inspired for the next phase of water leadership in the San Joaquin Valley.
CWLN members Denise and Kayode Kadara with a community member interested in running for local office at the relaunch event.
Joining the Community Water Leaders Network provides year round support to progressive water decision makers. Our members know the barriers faced every day addressing water issues with limited resources in a region dominated by ag interests. Regular spaces are created to learn from one another and support the ultimate goal of safe and affordable water for all. Other benefits of membership include:
Sponsored professional development opportunities such as training on public speaking, transparent governance, understanding state and local water boards, and more.
Access to policy and drinking water expertise requested by the network at monthly roundtables and briefings.
Assistance from Community Water Center staff to elevate the urgency of your drinking water concerns at the state and federal levels.
If you’re a water decision-maker in the San Joaquin Valley or Central Coast, CWLN may be a fit for you! Fill out an interest form today.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
A Just Transition for Tulare County
As the climate crisis forces us to adapt to a hotter, more extreme world, the way we grow food in California must change too. You may be hearing the phrases “just transition” and “land repurposing” related to agriculture, but what do these really mean?
New programs are being created to incentivize landowners to pull crops out of production and replace it with regenerative practices such as groundwater recharge or fallowing to reduce the strain on an over allocated water system. In essence, repurposing land once used for agriculture for environmental benefits.
A just transition centers community input in land repurposing conversations, ensuring we’re not perpetuating harmful systems of wealth accumulation of the few at the expense of community opportunity and health.
With support from CWC, West Goshen community leaders are advocating for just transitions in Tulare County. Their groundwater sustainability agency received a $10 million grant from the state to create a Multi-Benefit Land Repurposing (MLRP) plan for their basin. Last month’s West Goshen Water for Life meeting brought together residents and organizational allies to discuss the MLRP and how the community wants to use land taken out of agricultural production.
As Movement Generation notes, “Transition is inevitable. Justice is not.” CWC will continue to make space for community input in land repurposing discussions and empower residents to participate.
Make your Gifts Go Further with Double Your Donation!
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Join Us to Celebrate Our Community Partners!
Join us in Visalia on Tuesday, October 3 for an evening of community, delicious food and celebration! Spend your evening being inspired by local community leaders working towards safe water solutions right now in Tulare County. Dinner will be followed by live music, dancing and cake. We always leave this event refreshed and ready to take on what’s next, and we hope you’ll join us! Tickets go on sale soon — you won’t want to miss it.
If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please email Natalie Garcia-Grazier at natalie.garcia@communitywatercenter.org.
Want to Know If Your Well Water is Safe to Drink?
You May Qualify for Free Well Testing
If you live in the Central Valley and get your water from a domestic well, you may be eligible for free well testing for nitrates.
As a result of regulatory action, growers who have organized themselves into “Management Zones” must offer free well testing in areas deemed highly likely to be polluted by nitrates. If levels exceed the legal limit for nitrates, the growers must also provide safe replacement water.
High levels of nitrates can be found in groundwater throughout California’s agricultural regions due to overuse of fertilizers, pesticides and animal waste. Drinking or cooking with nitrate contaminated water has been linked to low blood pressure, blue baby syndrome and cancer.
If you live in the Central Valley, you may be eligible for this program. Learn more at CleanWaterNotNitrates.org or contact CWC’s Bryan Osorio at (559) 733-0219 and bryan.osorio@communitywatercenter.org.
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.Community Solutions Coordinator — Visalia Office
Provide technical support and resources to assist residents in making informed decisions on the best drinking water solutions for their needs.View all open positions here.
Community Resources
Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)
California received $116 million in one-time funding through this program to cancel out outstanding water and wastewater debt. Recently, this program expanded to allow qualified residents to receive one-time payments even if they are current on their water bill!
If you are struggling with water or wastewater affordability, or know someone who is, the first step is to contact your water district to ask about this program. Click here for more information or call us at (559) 733-0219.
California Flood Relief Program
In response to spring flooding, California created a $95 million state-funded storm recovery program to provide support to eligible individuals impacted by the storms who cannot access federal assistance due to immigration status. This includes direct assistance payments for housing, food, and transportation costs. Resources will be available through May 2024 or until all funds are spent. Click here for more information!
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 Sarraville, Claire Wilkens, Denise Heitzenroder,
Frank Lukacs, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kathryn Gilje, Kathryn Wuelfing, Kirk Demartini, Klara East,
Kristin Dobbin, Lara Cushing, Max Meyer, Natalie Garcia-Grazier, Paul Pierce, Sandra Hocker, Sandra Goldenberg,
Thomas Biglione, Sandra Rose, Stephen Gasteyer, Vicki Woods, Yara Pasner
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
