Press release from Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL):
On August 20, 2025, Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL), in partnership with UC Davis, hosted a legislative briefing at the State Capitol to unveil a groundbreaking study on inequities in California’s water governance. Assemblymembers Anamarie Ávila Farías (D-Martinez) and Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando), both WELL UnTapped Fellowship graduates, led the event and introduced the findings. The briefing drew more than 50 participants, including state leaders, staff, advocates, and members of the press.
The comprehensive study, led by Dr. Samuel Sandoval Solis, Professor of Water Public Policy at UC Davis, revealed stark underrepresentation of women, Latinos, and other communities of color on local and regional water boards as well as in executive leadership positions. While women represent half of California’s population, they hold only 27% of board seats. Latinos make up 42% of the population but occupy just 15% of seats, and other people of color, who account for nearly a quarter of Californians, hold only 5%. These disparities are especially significant given that these same communities disproportionately experience unsafe, unaffordable, and inaccessible water.
Read the executive summary of the study here.
The event drew strong interest from state leadership. Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley) and Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) were in attendance, underscoring the importance of this conversation for California’s future. Press outlets, including KRCA-NBC and the Associated Press, covered the briefing, helping amplify the study’s findings to a national audience.
Following the presentation, WELL hosted a lunch reception where Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) offered remarks emphasizing the urgent need for greater representation in water decision-making. Dr. Solis was also recognized with a pozo (a well statue) in honor of his contributions and partnership with WELL.
This landmark study makes clear that ensuring diversity in California’s water governance is not only a matter of equity but also of effective policymaking. Leaders who reflect the lived experiences and cultural perspectives of their communities bring irreplaceable insights needed to solve California’s most pressing water challenges.
To read the full report, click here.
To watch the full briefing, click here.
