Nov/ Dec eNews: Tis the season for the HR2W!

Written By Andrea Rivera

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Dear Supporter, 

It’s that time of year when we get to reflect on and celebrate our achievements as part of the water justice movement. There were key moments where communities advocated for protection from nitrate contamination, collaborated on projects to move forward, and championed legislation that brings resources into communities.

Community partners and CWC staff advocating for SAFER in August.

Some of our biggest wins this year as a collective were:

  • We celebrated two groundbreakings! The Springfield Drinking Water Project in the Central Coast is currently in progress and the West Goshen Drinking Water Project in the Central Valley was completed in August. Both communities had strong leadership and partnerships with local decision makers that pushed these projects forward. This is just the beginning and we will continue working with communities until everyone is connected to safe and affordable drinking water they can trust.

  • SAFER Program funding was secured till 2045! A collective effort from staff, EJ allies, and dedicated community partners led to Governor Gavin Newsom renewing California’s Cap & Trade program which includes funding for SAFER. Some of the hardest safe water projects in our state — in historically underinvested communities — can take years to complete. Securing reliable funding to see those projects through is a huge win for our work moving forward.

These accomplishments were only possible because of our collective efforts led by community expertise. As we celebrate this year of advocacy and progress, we remain committed to maintaining this momentum and preparing for the next year so that one day we may achieve the Human Right to Water for all!

 

Adelante,

Susana De Anda

Co-Founder and Executive Director

P.S.: Read below how you can join our safe drinking water efforts so we can continue this lucha for the Human Right to Water together.

Summer Flashback

Community partners from the Central Valley and the Central Coast, CWLN members, and CWC staff at an in-person class.

This past summer, UC Davis offered the California Water Course, where Community partners from the Central Coast and Central Valley, Community Water Leaders Network (CWLN) members, and CWC staff all participated. The goal of the course by Dr. Samuel Sandoval Solís was to teach folks about water science, policy, and management - three areas that intersect and have a direct impact on our water in California. Having these lessons in a bilingual format was key to ensuring accessible and meaningful participation for everyone present.

This was a unique experience for community partners, CWLN members and staff to connect and work together. As a cohort, we learned how diverse water systems work and how tools can map impacts, leading to knowledge that will enhance our advocacy in water policy. It was a valuable opportunity, and we are excited to see how these new ideas and understanding can be applied in our work and communities!


Learn more about the water course here!

Spread holiday joy to the water justice movement!

It’s been a year of strong work and determination to achieve the successes mentioned above. We have held over 200 meetings with legislative offices and submitted 8 public comments with community partners in regulatory spaces. These actions helped move our advocacy forward and made it clear to decision makers that we need safe drinking water solutions now. We need your support to keep this momentum up for next year. Here’s how you can help us this holiday season:

  1. Become a monthly sustaining donor! Working to ensure all Californians have access to safe, clean and affordable water is a long-term commitment. By supporting CWC monthly with $10, $25, or $50 you allow us to work strategically, knowing that there is a consistent budget available for our work that can be adaptable to changing external factors.

  1. We are able to accept gifts of stock and donations from donor-advised funds! See more information here. If you have questions, please reach out to our communications@communitywatercenter.org. 

Will you support us this holiday season?

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:

  • Technical 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

The 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, 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

November Donor

Jody Chang

Be a water champion and support safe water for all.

Andrea Rivera
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October eNews: Not voting is spooky!