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I N THE NEWS
Tom's Take
New things are always fun, filling us with excitement, hope and a sense of possibility. After Gavin Newsom was elected governor, he said two things that signaled a new era:

1. He established a moonshot goal of building 3.5 million new homes by 2025 to make up for decades of under-production

2. He called out cities and counties who have created barriers to housing development

As heartening as it was to hear such aspirations, we couldn’t help but wonder – how is he planning to do that?

The answer came very soon, as Newsom unveiled his multi-pronged strategy to address the housing crisis by March. In addition to deploying the resources coming from the passage of two housing bonds last November, he is proposing $1.75 billion through the state budget process for homelessness, local planning for housing, an expansion of the state tax credit program, and new “missing middle” funding. Along with these carrots, he has committed to expanding city requirements to meet housing goals and threatened to take away transportation dollars from bad actors.

Pretty heady stuff for housing developers and advocates who have been starved for serious action for decades.

We commend the governor’s zeal for addressing the crisis, even while harboring reservations about some of the subsidy resources being directed to moderate income uses. Indeed, it feels as though we are entering an era of unprecedented commitment to affordable housing. As always, we will continue our commitment to ensuring that an appropriate share of funding is accessible to San Joaquin Valley families and communities in need.  
Video Releases: Rural Communities and Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
Groundwater is a vital resource that we all depend on – for drinking, bathing, growing food, and more. After an unprecedented drought and years of overuse of this resource, California passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014. Under SGMA, Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) were formed to create Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) that will aim to put California on track to manage water sustainably. Subsequently, 2019 is an important year for groundwater in the Central Valley, as GSAs are currently in the process of completing draft GSPs that will include important decisions about how much groundwater can be used.
In the video above, rural residents can learn how to get involved in ensuring that rural communities on private wells and small water systems have enough water for their needs.
Additionally, view the video above to learn why GSAs and the agriculture industry should consider rural community members to help ensure these plans will work toward groundwater sustainability goals for everyone.
For more information about SGMA or technical assistance available to communities and GSAs, visit our website   or email SGMA@selfhelpenterprises.org .

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part from the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 and through an agreement with the State Department of Water Resources.
Congressman Harder Introduces Bill to Address Clean Drinking Water and Rural Water Infrastructure
In a innovative step towards securing California’s water future, Congressman Josh Harder presented his S.A.V.E. Water Resources Act in Modesto today. This is a bipartisan bill to address the growing water related infrastructure needs of the Central Valley. As the the Congressman stated, water solutions “20 years ago would have been better than today but today is much better than 20 years from now.” Sam Hedge, a local water operator helping over 20 water systems in Stanislaus country spoke about the difficulties faced by small water systems. Specifically, he attested to Monterey Park Tract's ability to revitalize their water system through funding resources much like the S.A.V.E. Water Resources Act, providing much needed funding opportunities.
Cowboy Ted Visits North Park Apartments in Oildale
On Saturday, April, 6th, Self-Help Enterprises hosted Family Fun Day at North Park Apartments in Oildale. This free community event featured informational booths from local health-focused partners and a special guest, Cowboy Ted Hallisey, Founder of Cowboy Ted’s Foundation for Kids. The cornerstone of Cowboy Ted’s youth program is a set of 8-Healthy Concepts in reference to the 8-seconds required for a qualified rodeo ride. Cowboy Ted brought a vibrant schedule of youth activities for the community event. Residents and community members had a blast!  Additionally, during the week, Cowboy Ted presented his signature health education program for Self-Help Enterprises' after-school programs at four multi-family rental apartments in Kern County.  
In Other News
SHE Broke Ground on Annadale Commons
On Friday, April 12th, Self-Help Enterprises held a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of their 40-unit senior affordable rental community. Click here to read more.
SHE Staff Participates in Denim Day
SHE proudly participated in the Give Dollars for Denim Campaign organized by our friends at Family Services of Tulare County to show solidarity with survivors of abuse around the world and to think of ways we can work in our personal and professional lives to end violence in our own community. 
Okieville's New Water System
Through State and Federal funding sources and with the assistance of SHE, the community of Okieville now has a new water system in place, which will provide safe, reliable drinking water to many families. Home connections will begin late April and run through June.
Upcoming Events
Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Time: 5:00am - 6:30pm
Cost: FREE - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP
Location: Legacy Commons Community Room, 2255 Plumas St. Fresno, CA 93706

Learn about:
  • The GATEWAY: Homeownership Education Program
  • Self-Help Housing
  • Homebuyer Assistance
  • Housing Rehabilitation
  • Financial Management/Credit Repair