April Pulse: Breaking Ground on Clean Water in East Orosi!
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In this edition:
More than 100 homes in East Orosi Getting Safe Water
Protecting SAFER Funding 💸
CWC Named Business of the Year 🎉
National Drinking Water Week Sneak Peek 👀
Dear Supporter,
After more than 20 years of advocacy, we just broke ground in East Orosi! This was a milestone moment that the community fought to make a reality since forming Vecinos Unidos (Neighbors United) back in 2005. Families face high nitrate contamination, fought back on corrupt waste water billing, navigated bureaucratic roadblocks and grieved loss when members felt forced to move and leaders passed away in the fight for clean water. This celebration marked a new point of hope for the community.
SWB Chair Joaquin Esquivel speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Construction is starting for 106 households to get connected to safe drinking water. Once this project is completed next year, these families will no longer need to rely on bottled water and fear the impact of nitrate contamination.
This was only possible because we’ve built victories along the way like the passing of the Human Right to Water in 2012, and the passage of the SAFER program in 2019, each driving the community closer to solutions. We celebrated the collaboration to move this project forward alongside the community, Tulare County, Orosi Public Utilities District, Self Help Enterprises, and the State Water Boards all present at the ceremony. Now we will work to keep community partners updated as construction moves forward and safe water flows to about 400 residents that have waited too long for justice.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Protecting Funding for Communities Without Safe Drinking Water
Community partners from the San Joaquin Valley meeting with legislators to talk about SAFER.
At CWC, we are getting ready to mobilize for the SAFER program to remain fully funded with $130 million annually. SAFER has invested over $900 million in drinking water grants, achieving 170 water system consolidations and bringing 321 water systems back into compliance. The program is unique in its ability to fund emergency drinking water resources like hauled water and support domestic well communities. Legislators and Governor Newsom cannot allow for progress on projects to slow down with a loss of funding. Every delay in receiving full funding for the program only makes projects more expensive and keeps communities waiting for their Human Right to Water.
We are planning a lobby day with community partners to remind state leadership not just of their commitment to the Human Right to Water but also to SAFER. Community partners organized to create a program that would close the gap for safe water for all Californians.This promise to provide the most basic of needs - access to safe drinking water - needs to be honored.
Affordability Update
We are also going to use this action day to keep moving affordability forward with SB 1125 (Menjivar) and AB 2739 (Soria) creating a low income affordability framework and a funding source alongside water utilities. More updates to come as developments take place.
Keep an eye on our socials to learn how to get involved in protecting SAFER!
We’re Business of the Year
Cutler-Orosi Lions Club rep (center left) and CWC staff alongside state, county and local board representatives receiving the Business of the Year recognition.
The Cutler Orosi Lyons Club celebrated their 76th Annual Community Awards Night and Community Water Center was among the nine community leaders and organizations recognized. CWC received the recognition of Business of the Year for environmental justice work focused on safe, clean, and affordable drinking water access across Cutler-Orosi. At this powerful event, AGUA member Angie Moreno was also recognized with the Community Service Award. Angie is a community leader fighting for clean drinking water solutions advocating before local agencies and state officials. It’s time to take this recognition and move forward with a united momentum in the fight for water justice!
Read more about the ceremony here.
National Drinking Water Week is Here!
National Drinking Water Week is this week May 3 - 9! It’s a time to pause and reflect on this valuable resource which in California is a Human Right. Ask questions like what’s in your water, where does it come from, who governs your water and most importantly, how can you get involved in water justice concerns? Start by checking out our Guide to Community Drinking Water Advocacy.
Stay tuned to our socials all week for special highlights!
CWC in the News
View all recent media here.
Welcome to the CWC Team!
Sergio Rodriguez
Sergio Rodriguez is from Hollister, California and joined the Community Water Center as an IT Administrative Assistant in April 2026. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from California State University, Sacramento.
Since beginning his studies in computer science, Sergio has consistently applied his technical expertise to provide IT support for organizations of various sizes aiming to streamline operations by automating routine tasks with computer programming.Previously, Sergio worked as an IT and Field support technician for Milestone Technologies under contract with Google.
One of Sergio's biggest inspirations for working with technology is the sense of fulfillment that comes from solving complex problems for others. He joined the Community Water Center in hopes of making a positive impact on his peers by supporting them in achieving their goals through his expertise in computer technology.
Taylor Valmores
As Senior Legislative Manager, Taylor brings over 12 years of civic engagement experience to advance Community Water Center’s mission of building a movement for community-driven water solutions.
Taylor began as a Get Out The Vote Supervisor for the Latino Voters League, leading teams across Southern California that helped flip five congressional districts.
In the Legislature, Taylor has led policy development, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications, serving as Legislative Director and Legislative Aide for offices representing the Bay Area, San Diego, and San Gabriel Valley. With a background that bridges grassroots organizing, constituent services, and government relations, Taylor brings an approach to advocacy that understands the power and impact of community driven solutions.
Outside of work, Taylor is an avid reader, an amateur foodie, and always up for new adventures.
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:
Administrative Assistant - Visalia Office
The Administrative Assistant is a regular, part-time, non-exempt hourly position. This position will be responsible for serving as the first point of contact for all visitors, managing the daily administrative tasks, and assisting with the accounting process across the organization.
Sr. Water Projects Coordinator - Visalia Office
A full-time exempt position that will be primarily responsible for developing water projects in underserved communities where residents do not have reliable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
Water Research Manager - Office Visalia preferred
This position will work directly with other CWC teams focused on advocacy, organizing, communications and policy; and will coordinate regularly with impacted community partners, government agencies, contracted consultants, technical advisors, and affiliate organizations.
More information on CWC Careers here!
Community Resources
Get Out to Vote
California Primary Elections are coming up on June 2nd so make sure you are registered to vote here. Voting is one way to make sure California leadership, local and statewide, are prioritizing water justice so make sure your voice is heard.
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.
Ann Dierks, Bessma Mourad, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraille, Claire Wilkens, F Thomas Biglione, Herbert G Cattanach, Jelle van Geuns, Jonathan Nelson, Kat Gilje, Kelsey Hinton, Kjirste Morrell, Kristin Dobbin, Lauren Gordon, Lou Riordan, Margaret Ferguson, Margaret Pedersen, Max Gomberg, Robert Kimberling, Sandi Matsumoto, Temma Kaplan, Wendy Hoben
April Donor
Victoria Rome
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
