Breaking Barriers
Trailblazing Change
ENDORSED BY THE DOLORES HUERTA ACTION FUND - ¡SI SE PUEDE!
Meet our founder and Kern County's first trans-female elections candidate, running for Kern County Water Agency, Director, Division 6. Siona was recently unanimously voted into serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Pride Chamber of Kern, where she had participated with other community leaders in establishing the Chambers bylaws and is a member. Her background encompasses diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, specializing in gender and attraction orientation training and consulting. Aiming to help bring fresh perspectives and inclusive leadership to Kern County, her dedication to inclusivity, progress, transparency, and sustainability sets a new standard in local politics - making her a strong advocate for positive change in providing safer and healthier water solutions. Join us in Siona's historical campaign and our journey toward our community's more diverse, educated, and equitable future.
¡SI SE PUEDE!
Why?... Because "safe for consumption" never meant it was healthy for you and your loved ones. It was meant to keep you stuck in the routine of settling for common practices and distract you from demanding best-in-class standards.
Response to Lois Henry article
(SJV Water)
Siona: I feel it would be a bit lazy and predictable if my opponent, Royce Fast (Incumbent), were to sum me up, after a conversation between us about why I am challenging him for his seat, as someone who doesn't have a lot of experience or knowledge. But when it is an independent journalist who follows all things water-related in the San Joaquin Valley area - I begin to wonder about the integrity of that journalist. Lois Henry failed to notice that I was meeting her to get information on whom she extended her loyalties, not to be educated, which she made very apparent with her vague responses. In my opinion, she has made it clear her alliance is not with the citizens of Kern County but with Big Ag corporations, like The Wonderful Company (Stewart and Lynda Resnick), who happen to own about 60% of California's water resources. A resource that was built with hundreds of millions of taxpayer's money. Now, let's talk about the things about Californian water I don't "know a lot about".
The Monterey Agreement
The Monterey Agreement, a 1994 amendment to the State Water Project (SWP) contracts, aimed to increase water supply reliability for SWP contractors, particularly in Southern California. However, it has been heavily criticized for a number of reasons:
1.
Over-Allocation of Water: The agreement allowed for the allocation of "paper water," essentially water rights that exceed the actual amount of water available. This has led to over-commitment of resources and exacerbated water shortages, especially during droughts.
2.
Lack of Environmental Consideration: The agreement was criticized for inadequate environmental review, particularly regarding the impacts of increased water diversions on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem. This has contributed to the decline of endangered species and the overall ecological health of the Delta.
3.
Loss of Public Control: The agreement shifted control of water resources from the state to SWP contractors, primarily large agricultural interests and urban water agencies. This has reduced public oversight and accountability in water management.
4.
Increased Water Costs: The agreement contributed to rising water costs for consumers due to the need for infrastructure improvements and the higher value placed on scarce water resources.
5.
Increased Water Inequality: The agreement has disproportionately benefited large water users, often at the expense of smaller communities and environmental needs. This has widened the gap in water access and affordability across California.
6.
Legal Challenges: The Monterey Agreement has faced numerous legal challenges, further complicating water management and delaying much-needed reforms.
Kern County Water Agency Involvement
The Kern County Water Agency (KCWA) played a pivotal role in The Monterey Agreement, a 1994 agreement that significantly reshaped California's State Water Project (SWP) and here's how:
1.
Key Player in Negotiations: KCWA, along with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and two other SWP contractors, were central to the closed-door negotiations that led to the Monterey Agreement. These agencies, representing the largest SWP water users, sought to address water shortage concerns and gain more control over water allocations.
3.
Elimination of Article 18(b): The Monterey Agreement also eliminated Article 18(b) from the SWP contracts. This article allowed for proportional water allocation adjustments during declared shortages. Its removal benefited KCWA and other large contractors by reducing potential cuts to their water supply during droughts.
2.
Kern Water Bank Transfer: A crucial element of the agreement involved the transfer of the Kern Water Bank, a massive groundwater storage facility, from state ownership to KCWA. This gave KCWA significant control over a key water resource in California.
4.
Increased Local Control: The agreement overall shifted more control over SWP water resources from the state to local agencies like KCWA. This provided greater flexibility for KCWA to manage and potentially profit from its water resources.
Ethically
Leading Through
Education
Some have asked me what experience I possess that qualifies me for this position and what my background consists of, in a harrassing and condescending manner. Some are on posts but mostly in DMs. I always direct them here but I want to recognize that there may be many of us who are not familiar with what a community educator does. So, let's get into it!
Community educators are often professionals who are superstars regarding "fast-track education". These individuals can retain, process, and analyze large amounts of information in a short time. After dedicating themselves to researching and learning a specific topic or field they provide educational resources and support to individuals and groups. Basically, we work to empower individuals and communities by increasing knowledge, developing skills, and promoting personal and social growth. We do this in a few ways.
1.
Needs Assessment: Identifying the educational needs and interests of a community.
2.
Curriculum Development: Designing and delivering engaging programs, workshops, and presentations on relevant topics.
3.
Facilitation: Creating interactive learning experiences that encourage participation and collaboration.
4.
Resource Linkage: Connecting individuals with appropriate resources, services, and support networks.
5.
Advocacy: Raising awareness about community issues and promoting social justice.
6.
Outreach: Extend educational opportunities beyond traditional school settings, reaching diverse audiences including children, adults, and specific community groups.
7.
Community Development: They aim to strengthen communities by fostering learning and enhancing community skills.
8.
Accessibility: They strive to make learning accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.
As you can see, effective community educators invest significantly in learning, research, and ongoing work. It is not a profession based on opinions but on facts and necessity. Currently, I am enrolled in three courses: Water Cooperation and Diplomacy (University of Geneva), Water Governance & Economics (PepsiCo), and Water Resources Management and Policy (Univerity of Geneva). Now let's get into the experience of Royce Fast and the rest of the Kern County Water Agency Board of Directors!
Royce
Fast
Fast's experience is nothing to scoff at. He has been with KCWA for 12 years and has a total of 30 years of serving on water boards. Royce is also a 4th generation farmer in the Rosedale area. Unfortunately, he is also a partner of R&G Fanucchi Farms. A corporation that landed a $2.7 million contract in 2016 to provide farming services for the Los Angeles-owned Green Acres Bio-Farm in Kern County. A plot of 4,688 acres that practices using biosolids from Southern California, also known as sludge (either sewer or septic waste), as fertilizer. Though some boast about biosolids being a "really great material", like Judy Wilson, Director of the Bureau of Sanitation for the city of Los Angeles - it comes with a series of concerns. Even if it is only being used on crops grown for cattle feed. Also stated by Wilson.
Sewage
Septic
Sludge has some benefits but some farmers just care about it being a more affordable alternative to commercial fertilizers, benefiting their bank accounts. My focus is on health and it's the list of cons I have concerns with.
Contaminants:
Despite treatment, biosolids can contain trace amounts of heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants that could pose risks to our health and our environment. Especially 4,688 acres of it.
Pathogens:
Though significantly reduced during treatment, the potential presence of pathogens raises concerns about food safety and public health. If it is being used on crops only being used to feed cattle - what are we doing with those cattle? Are we eating them or drinking their milk?
MORE COMING MON. 10/21/24 @ 8 PM