On Saturday, July 13, three graduates of the WELL UnTapped Fellowship Program, Ralph Galvan, Director, Valley County Water District, Class of 2023; Cesar Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Duarte, Class of 2024; and Sergio P. Jimenez, Councilmember, City of Monrovia, Class of 2023 cohosted a WELL Legislative Workshop in the City of Baldwin Pak with California Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, 48th District. Presentations from Dr. Anthony Fellow, Vice President, Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District; Russ Bryden, Executive Officer, Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster; and Jose Martinez, General Manager, Valley County Water District gave an overview of the unique landscape of the San Gabriel Foothills and each agencies role in water resource management. Mayor Pro Tem Cesar Garcia, presented on the Human Rights to Water Act (HRWA). Participants divided into groups to discuss the challenges they encounter in their communities regarding access to safe and clean water.
The workshop ended with WELL’s tradition to create a moment of unity by singing the song De Colores.
These workshops signify the completion of the UnTapped Fellowship for the Graduates and solidify their commitment to sharing their water education with other local elected officials to promote timely and equitable changes that bring sustainable water strategies for all Californians.