August Updates 2022
Message from WELL
Two weeks ago, we dedicated the August Newsletter, in memory of WELL Boardmember and Supervisor Carmen Ramirez, County of Ventura (2020 – 2022), and UnTapped graduate class of 2018. In this edition, we are sharing the WELL August Updates.
Most notably, in the month of August, WELL launched applications for the UnTapped Fellowship class of 2023. The UnTapped Fellowship is a selective six-month program that creates an opportunity for local elected officials to learn about California water policy — one of the state’s biggest public policy challenges. After graduating from the program, the graduating Fellow (known as WELLo) partners with their local legislature to organize a legislative water workshop. This workshop helps educate and engage other local elected officials and community leaders on water challenges specific to their region. Through this workshop, the WELLo shares their knowledge gained through the UnTapped Fellowship with others. We believe sharing this water knowledge is a key to solving current and future water challenges in California.
Today, the cohort of the class of 2022 has hosted 3 legislative workshops, and two additional workshops are scheduled in Northern California in September. Please see below for more information.
Sí se puede,
Victor Griego Paul C. Hernandez
Founder and Board President Executive Director
The WELL UnTapped Fellowship Applications are Now Open!
Are you a local elected official looking to address your community’s water challenges? Want to learn more about California water and help solve this public policy issue–apply today! Be part of the solution. The WELL UnTapped Fellowship applications are almost due.
The WELL UnTapped Fellowship is a selective six-month program that creates an opportunity for local elected officials to engage with water issues through a comprehensive exploration of history, governance, public policy, geography, and economics and their relationship to human rights and climate change. UnTapped session content includes lectures given by water professionals and skill-based exercises that help participants ask better public policy questions and strengthen public speaking and relational skills.
WELL UnTapped 2023 will be a hybrid program with a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. You can click here to view an overview of the program, FAQs, and application. You can also click here to learn more about the UnTapped Fellowship. The application is due September 23, 2022. Please do not hesitate to contact the Program Manager, Stephanie Nava-Angeles via email at stephanie@latinosforwater.org or via phone at (909) 670-2928 if you have any questions.
WELL UnTapped Legislative Water Workshop Held in El Monte on August 13, 2022
On Saturday, August 13, 2022, Boardmember Cindy Wu hosted the Water Education Symposium in El Monte. Ms. Wu is a Boardmember of the Mountain View School District and an UnTapped Fellowship graduate class of 2022.
The Symposium was in partnership with Assemblymember Mike Fong, District 49, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority, City of South El Monte, El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, City of El Monte Public Works Department, Loan Depot, Performance Water Products, WYZ Works, and Visual Open House.
Panelists discussed LA County Sustainability plans, water supplies, and water quality standards.
This is the second regional event hosted by a graduate of the UnTapped Fellowship class of 2022. Make sure to register for the next event closest to you.
Upcoming Legislative Water Workshops:
WELLo Spotlight
Debra Lucero, Supervisor, County of Butte, and UnTapped graduate class of 2022: Supervisor Lucero, will take on a new position as Chief Administrative Officer of Plumas County. “I made a great effort to learn the complex county system over a 20-year period working in tourism and economic development and wanted to put my hard-earned knowledge to work. Plumas is a perfect fit and a beautiful county that I have visited often and look forward to exploring,” Lucero said. Click here to read more.
James “Jim” Crawford, District Manager, California Water Service, and UnTapped graduate class of 2022: Crawford was awarded the “Public and Community Service Award” by the East Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce for the work he does in the community.
Lamar Thorpe, Mayor, City of Antioch, and UnTapped graduate class of 2019: Thorpe welcomed Governor Gavin Newsom to tour the Antioch Brackish Water Desalination Plant as the Governor announced California’s latest actions to increase water supply and adapt to more extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. Click here to view a recap of the event.
California Water News – August
Worried that you may have missed some important water news this month? WELL has you covered! Here is a sample of noteworthy water news for the month of August:
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- Office of Governor Gavin Newsom: Governor Newsom Announces Water Strategy For a Hotter, Drier California
- Cal Matters: California dodges Colorado River water cutbacks
- AP News: In dry California, salty water creeps into key waterways
- Bloomberg: Worsening Drought Drives California Water Prices to All-Time High
- The New York Times: The Coming California Megastorm
Follow WELL on Social Media!
Follow WELL on social media to get current California water news and updates about WELL programs and events:
Water Education for Latino Leaders
@LatinosForWater
Water Education for Latino Leaders
Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) educates local Latino elected officials on California water policies to promote timely and equitable actions that strive to develop a robust economy, healthy communities, and a resilient environment for all Californians. Visit our website: www.latinosforwater.org.
WELL Associate Members
The WELL Associate Member program, established in 2020, connects organizations to Latino leaders who share similar interests, allowing members to strategize about the best ways to solve California’s water challenges. The participation of our Associate Members is a key component of our mutual continued success. We thank our Associate Members, listed below, for their support. If you would like to learn more about the Associate Member Program, please visit latinosforwater.org/associatemembers.
