July/ Aug Pulse: Water Progress in the Making
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In this edition:
A Water Tank up in East Orosi 🚧
Last Legislative Push 📜
20-Year Flashback 📼
Dear Supporter,
By September, the new water tank will be up in East Orosi. The new water tank marks a major milestone and a reminder that we are closer to the moment when water can start flowing into East Orosi homes. The construction crew is laying pipe, which means road closures, delays, and continued patience from community members, who have already waited long enough for clean drinking water. Community awareness and engagement are critical in this phase of the project so that East Orosi residents understand when and where they can expect construction.
The water tank going up in East Orosi.
This is progress for safe drinking water happening in real time. It is important to remember that before the shovel hit the ground, East Orosi had to come together and organize for solutions. From rallying to create the Human Right to Water to pushing for the creation of a funding source in the SAFER Program, East Orosi helped lay the groundwork for more communities to achieve safe drinking water solutions. We can’t wait to share the next key updates in this community and hope to see more communities in need reach this milestone.
Adelante,
Susana De Anda
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Last Push for SAFER Funding and Affordability
Community partners rallying for SAFER and affordability.
Progress towards closing the funding gap for SAFER
Over 30 community partners from the Central Coast and from the San Joaquin Valley traveled to Sacramento in August to advocate for the protection of full SAFER funding. In the span of a month, we’ve seen SAFER funding go from an estimated $24 million for the fiscal year to a promising Budget Bill proposal that would bring the fiscal year’s funding up to $171 million, pulling from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and Prop 4.
This is a strong show of commitment from the Senate and Legislature to water justice, and it was only made possible by the unwavering advocacy from our community partners and allies fighting to make sure California leadership does not step back on the Human Right to Water. Now it’s time for the Legislature and Governor to take action and make sure these solutions make it past final approvals and cross the Governor’s desk.
Affordability Legislation is one signature away
Affordable drinking water is one step away from becoming a reality for all Californians! SB 1125 (Menjivar), Water Rate Assistance Program, would create a low-income affordability framework for water bills. The bill just made it off the Assembly floor and through the Senate concurrence vote, and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for signing. From here, Governor Newsom has a month to sign this bill into law.
We are supporting AB 2739 (Soria) alongside SB 1125. AB 2739 would create a funding source for water affordability. This bill is set to be heard on the Senate floor this week and we are expecting to see it make it out. This bill has support from environmental groups and water utilities, who have come together to address water affordability.
Follow our socials for live updates as the legislative sessions wrap up!
20th Anniversary Flashbacks
CWC and AGUA are celebrating 20 years of water justice advocacy this year and we want you to join us in celebrating this milestone! Please RSVP here.
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 5–8 PM
Location: Tulare Veterans Memorial District, 1771 E Tulare Ave, Tulare, CA 93274
While we gear up for our celebration, take a look at this story from August 2016 highlighting a key moment in our advocacy that shaped how we protect our communities from the contaminant 1,2,3-TCP:
CWC in the News
CALIFORNIA: Latinos en la primera línea de la crisis climática
View all recent media here.
Welcome to the CWC Team!
Helena Gutierrez
Helena joined Community Water Center in August 2026 as the Water Projects Manager. She has dedicated her career to working alongside communities and is passionate about addressing systemic inequities, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
Prior to joining Community Water Center, Helena worked as a technical assistance provider supporting rural communities experiencing drinking water and wastewater contamination, infrastructure, and supply challenges. Most recently she worked in affordable housing and community development, helping build community capacity, foster resident engagement, and strengthen neighborhood cohesion.
Helena believes that health outcomes are deeply influenced by the social determinants of health and is committed to advancing equitable access to safe drinking water, healthy environments, and thriving communities. She earned her Master of Public Health with an emphasis in Community Health from San José State University.
Laura Ocaranza
Laura joined the Community Water Center in August 2026 as Senior Water Projects Coordinator and is based out of the Visalia office.
Most recently, she worked as a researcher studying rainwater harvesting systems and green infrastructure. Her background spans transportation planning, water resources management, research and education. She is passionate about water conservation and advancing sustainable water management that protects both people and the environment.
Laura was raised in Santa Cruz and holds a BA in Urban Studies from the University of California, Berkeley and an MSc in Territorial Management and Urban Studies from the University of Lisbon in Portugal.
After spending several years abroad, she is excited to be back home in California working alongside communities to improve access to safe and affordable drinking water.
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 Advocate - Visalia Office
Responsible for organizing communities to advance solutions to address drinking water concerns in their project area, and advocate to address any barriers to advancing the Human Right to Water.
Human Resources Manager- Visalia Office
This role offers the opportunity to drive strong recruitment of talent, increase efficiency of hiring processes, take initiative, inform key decisions, and contribute to a positive, fast-paced work environment that drives organizational success.
Policy Advocate- Visalia Office
This position will primarily lead community-driven policy advocacy related to Sustainable Groundwater Management and Land Transition. This role requires an individual who can navigate the California water and policy landscape and can effectively coordinate with community residents, government agencies, and affiliate organizations.
More information on CWC Careers here!
Community Resources
Drinking Water Tool
Visit the Drinking Water Tool to see who makes decisions 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. Use the tool 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.
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
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
