WELLos Graduate from UnTapped 2019 Fellowship!
June 6-7th marked the end of the 2019 UnTapped Fellowship for the WELLos. They visited Sacramento to meet with their State Legislators and discuss the Legislative Water Workshops project, a one-day workshop to examine water challenges in their regions.
WELL also hosted a graduation ceremony during the session to honor the time and dedication the UnTapped Fellows have given to learning about water governance, challenges, science, finance, and infrastructure throughout the state.
Learn more about WELL’s flagship fellowship and apply to be part of the 2020 Cohort here.
WELLo Councilmember Alvaro Preciado Joins San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Governing Board
Congratulations to WELLo, Councilmember Alvarado Preciado (City of Avenal) for joining the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Governing Board! The Board’s work is very important in the Central Valley, covering eight counties from Stockton all the way to Bakersfield, approving and implementing new regulations from state and federal government for air quality, and conducting extensive outreach to businesses, farmers, and local communities.
“One of the main reasons I got involved is because we have a lot of disadvantaged rural communities that are isolated from the main cities. It’s important to have someone representing these small communities,” said Councilmember Preciado.
Councilmember Preciado’s experience as an UnTapped Fellow will prove relevant on the Board, as they continue working collaboratively toward a cleaner environment. “Every year, the Board advocates tirelessly in Sacramento and D.C. to ensure that the Valley receives its fair share of funding and resources to assist in moving forward our clean air mission.”
Learning the Language of Groundwater: A Glossary of Terms from the Public Policy Institute of California
groundwater (ground·wa·ter \-wȯ-tər, -ˌwä-\ Water beneath the land surface that fills pore spaces in underlying soil or rock.
“Groundwater is a critical part of California’s water supply—on average, underground aquifers provide nearly 40% of the water used by California’s farms and cities, and more in dry years. But after decades of unsustainable pumping in many basins, the state is undergoing major changes in how it manages this resource. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requires water users to develop plans to bring their basins into balance in coming years and encourages wide public participation in the planning process. Knowing some of the vocabulary is key to engaging in the conversation. This glossary will get you started.”
Read more here.
Water
A poem by 2019 WELLo Carmen Montano 
Water, water, water
Sparkling water
Soothing
Cool to the touch
Always moving
Always alive!
Water is magic
Life abounds wherever it travels
Forever changing, forever moving
Magic triads transforming into light
Yet still one
A magic liquid
Hard as ice or soft as snow
Or a transparent liquid vapor
Lifting life into billowing clouds and
Returning to its womb
Mother Earth
Life thirst for life
Droplets of love that bring me warmth
That bring me life
Dancing diamonds glittering in the
Sun
Mesmerized by sparkling water
Bringing me peace and tranquility
Rejoice in the calm mystery of life
Oh valuable and precious water
A gift that is truly magical
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.