June eNews: How are we staying united for water justice?
Para español, haz clic aqui
Dear Supporter,
We recognize the last month has been heavy for our immigrant communities. These actions being taken against our Latino communities — in Los Angeles and nationwide — are unjust and spread unnecessary fear and uncertainty. We want to reaffirm our commitment to serving our communities regardless of race, gender, status, or orientation. We also stand in solidarity with allies that serve our immigrant communities and are on the frontlines of this fight like the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, (CHIRLA). All humans deserve to live with dignity and respect.
AGUA members and CWC staff showing a united front in Washington D.C. last September.
As a grassroots organization, our goal is to make sure all community members feel welcome and safe when we host platicas, organize advocacy days, and attend hearings. It’s during these times that we need to stay informed, connect with our neighbors, stand by our allies, and be ready to organize for solutions. We know while justice doesn’t happen overnight, it can be won through persistence and unity. We will continue advocating for safe and affordable drinking water for all.
California Must Fund SAFER!
Community partners from the Central Valley CWC staff in the Sacramento Swing space advocating legislators for an extension of SAFER.
This year, we’ve been talking with state representatives to expand the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience Program (SAFER) past 2030. This would mean funding for technical assistance, construction, emergency relief, and ongoing operations and maintenance of water systems would continue. This is critical for our work to achieve safe water projects that take time to complete and will require maintenance.
Just last month we celebrated two safe drinking water project groundbreakings in the Central Coast and in the Central Valley which saw funding come from SAFER. Current projects in Porterville (Central Valley) and Johnson, McGinnis, Live Oak (Central Coast) will only achieve safe water if they continue to be funded by SAFER. Community partners traveled to Sacramento last May, meeting with over 50 legislative offices to push California to fund this vital program past 2030. Our message is clear, California cannot allow a valuable program like SAFER to trickle out of its hands!
Follow our socials to stay up to date on our safe drinking water advocacy!
Making Progress in East Orosi
East Orosi residents in conversation with State Water Board representatives.
We are excited to see East Orosi hit two important milestones last month, making real progress towards their Human Right to Water! In early June, the East Orosi Community Services District (CSD) was designated as a failing wastewater system meaning that the CSD has not been able to consistently provide reliable wastewater service to its community. Due to the passing of AB 805 (Arambula) last year, this official confirmation allowed the Tulare County Resource Management Agency (RMA) to be appointed as the administrator for the system. Failing septic tanks will be addressed and billing will be transparent moving forward under the county.
One week later, the bid documents for the East Orosi Drinking Water Consolidation project were published by Tulare County RMA on their website. This means the project is set to move forward and there will be a clear path towards construction after Tulare County RMA starts discussions with a selected contractor. A long term drinking water solution for East Orosi is in sight!
The Fight for Safe Water in California
View all recent media here.
Welcome to the CWC Team!
Robyn Chaconas
Robyn Chaconas joined Community Water Center in June 2025 as an Engineering Project Manager.
Drawn to CWC’s unique blend of community power, on-the-ground implementation, and strategic momentum, Robyn brings a passion for facilitating systemic change through community-led, ecologically grounded solutions.
With a background in ecological stormwater management, environmental remediation, urban and regional planning, and community-driven infrastructure, Robyn works to balance large-scale impact with deeply local action. Their work is rooted in environmental justice, regenerative action, and community joy.
Robyn earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Humanitarian Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. They enjoy living close to the land, uplifting Indigenous voices, and fostering cross-cultural connections to support collective thriving.
Raquel Aguilar
Raquel joined CWC in May 2025 as the Human Resources Manager, where she is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Human Resources operations and supporting organizational development initiatives. She brings over 15 years of experience in Human Resources Management, primarily within the Food
Manufacturing and Agriculture sectors. A native of the San Joaquin Valley, Raquel currently resides in Clovis CA and remains committed to supporting the workforce and communities throughout the region.
Raquel holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from California State University Fresno. Her professional background includes experience in multiple disciplines - employee relations, labor law compliance, benefits administration, and workforce strategy.
She is honored to contribute her skills and experience to furthering CWC's mission and its impact throughout the Central Coast and the Central Valley.
Carl De Joya
Carl joined the Community Water Center for the summer of 2025 as the Nitrates Fellow, helping to develop community guidance around domestic well water testing as well as policy regarding regenerative agriculture and the nexus of air and water quality.
Carl graduated with a bachelors in
Geography from CSU Sacramento in 2023 and is currently earning a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at UCLA. He previously interned at the State Water Board supporting implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
He roots for the Dodgers and likes to take his dog, Lola, out on walks to places she’s never been to before.
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:
Office Clerk (Part-Time) — Visalia Office
Providing an enthusiastic greeting to in-person guests at the Visalia office, assisting with the daily administrative tasks, and providing clerical and program support across CWC's three offices.
More information on CWC Careers here!
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.
Ann Dierks, Bessma Mourad, Bob Simone, Carly Yoshida, Claire Sarraille, Claire Wilkens, F Thomas Biglione, Herbert G Cattanach, Jelle van Geuns, Jonathan Nelson, Jose Pablo Ortiz Partida, Kat Gilje, Kelsey Hinton, Kirk Demartini, Kjirste Morrell, Kristin Dobbin, Lauren Gordon, Lou Riordan, Margaret Ferguson, Margaret Pedersen, Max Gomberg, Max Meyer, Robert Kimberling, Sandi Matsumoto, Temma Kaplan, Wendy Hoben
Be a water champion and support safe water for all.
