November eNews: Congressional Briefing, East Orosi Celebration
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Dear Supporter,
Last month, Becky Quintana (Seville, CA) spoke to the United States Congress, sharing how devastating unaffordable drinking water can be for families across California:
“Some people are paying $60 to $120 a month and that’s even with water you can’t even drink or cook with,” she shared (see full video below).
Community leaders across the US, Senator Alex Padilla, and key organizations working towards water affordability joined together for Congressional briefing with 100+ attendees.
Community Water Center, alongside ally organizations and residents impacted by unaffordable water, have been pushing California and the federal government to create a low-income rate assistance program specifically for water. All other critical services have low-income support: healthcare, groceries, gas, electricity — but nothing water.
As CWC’s Policy & Legal Director Kyle Jones stated, “It’s a Human Right. We can’t only promise clean water to those who make enough money. And states can’t do this on their own. If the wealthiest state in the country is struggling to make affordable water a reality, the federal government will need to help.”
We will keep working until all Californians can afford their water. Stay in the loop as we work towards this reality in 2023.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Honorando Antepasados del Movimiento:
Celebracion del Derecho Humano al Agua en East Orosi
Too often in the struggle for basic human rights and dignity, it’s hard to celebrate the wins and reflect on just how far we’ve come. There’s always more to do — another injustice to right, another policy to pass. In celebrating Día de los Muertos and those who have passed away before achieving safe water for all, CWC helped East Orosi host a block party to honor 10+ years of struggle for and commitment to water justice.
Just three days before the celebration, Tulare County took over administration of East Orosi’s water system, meaning they now manage all resident bills for drinking water. This is a huge win for the community!
While safe and affordable water is still a work in progress for East Orosi, there is momentum. Community members are meeting monthly and working together towards a permanent water solution.
It was an incredibly special night which will not easily be forgotten. We hope to continue to make space for celebration and reflection in the years to come.
Join us in Sacramento on February 15, 2023
Former State Senator Bill Monning (left), with Water Justice Leadership Awardees
long-time activist Dolores Huerta (center) and AGUA member Simona Magaña (right).
Next year 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: Tuesday, February 15, 2023 from 5:30 - 8 pm
Make sure to save the date! We’ll send more information on tickets and awardees in the weeks to come.
In Case You Missed It
The Washington Post
As California’s wells dry up, residents rely on bottled water to survive
The Los Angeles Time
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 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 November
Jith Meganathan, Richard Haberman, Tina Eshaghpour
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
