October eNews: Are you voting for water justice?
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Dear Supporter,
Tomorrow is an important day for our democracy. I want to take this moment and ask you, have you voted yet? At CWC we see our vote as part of our water justice advocacy because we need leaders who will fight to make our human right to water a reality. We need to take a close look at our ballots and ask what candidates are willing to fight for clean water access and what ballot measures will help us get there.
Community Water Center’s Executive Director and Co-Founder, Susana De Anda with Latino Community Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Julian Castro.
We were honored to have former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and current Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation Julian Casto travel to Visalia to speak directly with canvassers and encourage people to get out and vote. Castro highlighted efforts to increase Latino civic engagement and the need to uplift Latino voting power now that they are the majority voting base in several districts throughout the Central Valley.
Both in Sacramento and the Central Valley, we’ve been urging people to vote and sharing our support for Prop 4, the Climate Bond. We need strong leadership and funding to move clean water projects forward. Make sure your voice is heard this year and get out and vote by tomorrow November 5!
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Decision Makers Engage in the Central Coast
AGUA member from the Central Coast Speaking with EPA and CalEPA representatives about local water issues surrounding nitrates.
Community leaders from the Central Coast region shared their powerful testimonies about the challenges of living with water contaminated by nitrates directly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and drinking water decision makers. Martha Guzman, EPA Region 9 administrator, Joaquin Esquivel, State Water Board Chair, and Senator John Laird among others met with communities advocating for clean drinking water solutions. Residents from areas like the San Jerardo Cooperative and Greenfield shared their stories while emphasizing the critical need for stronger nitrate regulations to prevent further damage to community health.
These meetings are critical for decision makers to meet with residents in the impacted communities. It makes it easier for local leaders to share their concerns and show people in the EPA and state why we need to strengthen regulations like Ag Order 4.0 to protect communities against nitrate contamination.
We will keep advocating for spaces where community partners and decision marks can work together towards solutions!
Solving Bacteria Problems with the First UV System!
The first 123-TCP system installed outside a home in Moss Landing.
For residents in Moss Landing, located in Monterey County, access to clean and affordable drinking water can be a challenge. Families often deal with high levels of nitrate and 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (123-TCP) which can cause negative health effects like diarrhea and cancer. In the search for solutions, the Central Coast 123-TCP Treatment Pilot Project is taking place with the goal to reduce exposure by treating the water for this contaminant while monitoring the process and costs for households on domestic wells. However these longstanding problems are complicated since solutions are costly and often only address one issue. In this case, we see that another water contaminant, bacteria like E. coli that can come from animal runoff, was causing problems to the system. This bacteria in the water can damage the system and harm human health through exposure like brushing your teeth.
After multiple efforts and collaboration, our team found a solution with the installation of a UV system that will eliminate bacteria from water before it goes into the TCP treatment. This is a relief and will allow for the project to continue but it is not a permanent solution. This does not address nitrate contamination and community partners will still rely on bottled water. In the long term, there is an effort to consolidate water systems and make sure there is sustainable safe water access in the community.
Stay tuned as we keep working with communities for solutions to the drinking water crisis.
Can a $10 billion climate bond address California’s water contamination problem?
View all recent media here.
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 movement for safe and affordable drinking water in California?
Community Water Center is hiring:
Community Solutions Coordinator - Visalia Office
Primarily responsible for developing drinking water projects in underserved communities where residents do not have reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
More information on CWC Careers here!
Welcome to the CWC Team!
Chris De Leon
Chris joined Community Water Center in September as the San Joaquin Valley Community Advocacy Manager.
Prior to CWC, Chris served as the Farm & Gardens Program Director at Fresno Metro Ministry, where he partnered with community members and organizational partners to transform vacant lots and unused spaces into urban farms and community gardens. Chris has several years of experience working in community organizing, education, outreach and program management. He is passionate about environmental justice and empowering communities to create community-driven solutions.
Chris earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies and a minor in Business Administration from Fresno Pacific University. During college, Chris was selected as a Doris Duke Scholar with the University of Washington Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program, where he engaged in conservation issues throughout the state of Washington.
Pai Venegas
Pai Venegas brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, excelling in grant writing, fund development, and operational management to ensure lasting impact for underserved communities.
She began as a volunteer at a small mental health nonprofit supporting immigrant and refugee families, and she now proudly serves on its board of directors. Prior to this, she taught English in South Korea for nearly two years. She holds a degree in Communications from the University of California, Davis, and pursues courses at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies to further her education in International Trade and Economic Diplomacy and Financial Crime.
In her free time, Pai enjoys crossword puzzles, outdoor adventures, and occasionally takes on week-long trekking trips once a year.
Community Resources
Guide to Community Drinking Water Advocacy
Visit the Guide to Community Drinking Water Advocacy to find information about your water supply and quality, potential threats to groundwater quality, and how to get involved in local groundwater management decisions among other great information. Visit the guide here!
Thank you to our Generous Donors!
A 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.
Bessma Mourad, Bob Simone, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraille, Claire Wilkens, Elizabeth Callaway, F Thomas Biglione, Jonathan Nelson, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kat Gilje, Kelsey Hinton, Kirk Demartini, Kristin Dobbin, Lauren Gordon, Max Meyer, Natalie Garcia-Grazier, Temma Kaplan, Tori Klug, Kelsey Hinton, Lauren Gordon
Thank you to our October donors!
Kayode Kadara, Jill Komoto, Twanna Timms
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
