Left to right: Steve Elie, Antonio Villaraigosa, Richard Polanco, Michael Camacho

The Groundswell advocacy event aimed to bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including community leaders, non-profit organizations, and elected officials, to discuss the importance of integrating equity and sustainability in water management. The event featured a dynamic range of speakers and attendees, including State Infrastructure Advisor and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Metropolitan Water District board members Miguel Luna and Michael Camacho, SCWC Vice Chair and Inland Empire Utilities Agency Board member Steve Elie, and former Senator Richard Polanco, to name a few. SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson provided rousing remarks during the rally.

One of the primary objectives of the event was to highlight the need for collaboration across diverse communities and interests to achieve meaningful progress in water policy. For too long, the water sector has operated in silos, with little communication and cooperation between different groups. The SCWC and Groundswell for Water Justice recognized this gap and worked towards bridging the divide. Through this collaboration, they were able to bring together individuals who may not have typically worked together.

Another key takeaway from the event was the importance of community engagement and empowerment in water management. Many communities across California, particularly low-income and minority neighborhoods, have been disproportionately impacted by inadequate access to clean and affordable water resources. Groundswell for Water Justice aims to bring these issues to light through community-led research and advocacy.

The Southern California Water Coalition and Groundswell for Water Justice advocacy event was a groundbreaking step in reshaping the conversation on water sustainability and management in California. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives from outside traditional water sectors, the event emphasized the need for community engagement, innovation, and collaboration to create sustainable and just water systems. It is now up to all stakeholders in the water sector to continue to build upon this momentum and work to create a better future for all Californians. The event served as a reminder that water justice is not a zero-sum game and that all stakeholders must work together towards a common goal.

You can view more photos from the day in our Flickr album.

The post Building Bridges for Water Justice: A Look at the Groundswell for Water Justice Rally appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Together, we explore the challenges and solutions in ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water. From engaging communities to navigating governance, we delve into the complexities of this vital issue. Join us on this journey to make California’s “Human Right to Water” a reality, and discover how we can work towards a future with equitable, accessible, and affordable water for all in Southern California.

Whether you’re a seasoned water advocate or new to the discussion, our podcast provides a platform to navigate the depths of water equity, inclusion, and affordability. Dive in and join the conversation for positive change!

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L to R: Kurt Schwabe, professor at UC Riverside; Mayor Acquanetta Warren, city of Fontana; Anatole Falagan, asst. gm at Long Beach Water

The SCWC’s expert panel discussion on Equity, Access, and Affordability of Water marked the inception of its newest task force, which will seek to explore Southern California’s unique people and cultures to work through challenges that the water industry faces regionally. The formation of the Equity, Access, and Affordability Task Force was characterized by the discussion that took place between the four experts who were invited to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas on the panel, which mediated by SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson. 

Coats, who recalled joining Eastern Municipal Water District the year before the Human Right to Water Bill passed in the state, considered the state bills surrounding water systems that have been controversial and groundbreaking leading up to this point. She explained that, while moving legislation may not always solve problems, the work builds understanding among policymakers. “What we’ve learned through this process, I think,” said Coats, “is that not all of the solutions are on the table, that there is a lot left in this conversation, that there’s a lot of areas to be innovative.” Moving forward, Coats predicted that solutions aren’t necessarily going to come from state policymakers or legislation, but from people on the ground in local governments and water districts. 

L to R: Charley Wilson, SCWC executive director; Kurt Schwabe, professor at UC Riverside; Mayor Acquanetta Warren, city of Fontana; Danielle Coats, sr. legislative program manager at Eastern Municipal Water District, and Anatole Falagan, asst. gm at Long Beach Water

The post Southern California Water Coalition Tackles Equity, Access, and Affordability appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

About 125 people attended our first in-person event in 18 months to hear from leaders and experts to discuss how we can not only recognize but celebrate the rich diversity of Southern California’s people and cultures and see clearly how we are all connected by the need for a safe, affordable and reliable water supply. The event took place in Ontario, California, and featured this expert panel:

• Danielle Coats, Senior Legislative Program Manager, Eastern Municipal Water District
• Anatole Falagan, Assistant General Manager, Long Beach Water Department
• Kurt Schwabe, Professor, UC Riverside
• Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Fontana

The post Watch On Demand: Equity, Access and Affordability in Water appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

• Danielle Coats, Senior Legislative Program Manager, Eastern Municipal Water District
• Anatole Falagan, Assistant General Manager, Long Beach Water Department
• Kurt Schwabe, Professor, UC Riverside
• Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Fontana

RSVP HERE. 

As of June 15, 2021, all sectors are back to usual operations with no capacity restrictions in San Bernardino County.  Fully vaccinated individuals won’t need to wear face coverings in most indoor settings. The county states that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are required to wear facial coverings outside of their home. Read more in San Bernardino County’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19.

• Moulton Niguel Water District

• County of San Bernardino
• Inland Empire Utilities Agency
• Irvine Ranch Water District
• Los Angeles County Public Works
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
• Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
• Water Replenishment District of Southern California
• West Basin Municipal Water District

The post Join us July 23 for in-person Quarterly Luncheon appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.