Our Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) team successfully launched the first Equity, Engagement, and Education Clean Energy Leadership Institutes for CPUC matters on August 3. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) plays a crucial role in regulating services and utilities, ensuring consumer protection, environmental preservation, and maintaining safe and reliable utility services for Californians. The inaugural institutes were held in Le Grand (Merced County), Fairmead (Madera County), Monterey Park Tract (Stanislaus County), and Ducor (Tulare County). 

The aim of these five-month, locally-led Leadership Institutes is to establish community-focused environments where our team can enhance residents' understanding, involvement, and awareness of the CPUC. This initiative aims to empower communities to contribute and advocate for California's sustainable energy, transportation, telecommunications, and water goals. 

Goals include: 

• Enhance Staff Capacity: Train four SES staff to assist specific rural disadvantaged communities (DACs) in CPUC engagement. 
• Empower Local Stakeholders: Train individuals in eight rural DACs to participate in CPUC proceedings effectively. 
• Develop Community Leaders: Train and empower dedicated local community members to serve as Community Energy/Sustainability Navigators (CEN/CSNs) for outreach, engagement, recruitment, and support within their communities. 

These institutes will be simultaneously guided by SHE’s SES staff and supported by local CEN/CSNs. Starting in January 2025, a second cohort of Leadership Institutes will be conducted in four more communities, which are yet to be identified.   

On August 22, the Community Engagement and Planning team of Self-Help Enterprises organized a community gathering in Earlimart, located in the Tule Subbasin. The meeting aimed to offer residents a platform to express their concerns regarding drinking water. Twenty-two community members from Allensworth, Delano, Tipton, Pixley, Porterville, Poplar, Earlimart, and Woodville attended the meeting. The main objectives were to inform residents about the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP), and the updated Tule Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), as well as to provide guidance on preparing effective public comments.

Participants had the chance to examine the Executive Summary of the State Water Board Draft Staff Report in English and Spanish, along with relevant educational resources. Twelve residents shared feedback drawn from their own experiences with concerns like dry wells, contaminated water, and declining groundwater levels.

“The people in my town suffer because we can't drink tap water. We have to buy water bottles, and we have two bills to pay. The water in Poplar is contaminated with nitrates, so we can't even cook with it. Let's consider making a change because it's urgent. We've had this water problem for so many years and having clean and safe water depends on all of you [groundwater sustainability agency]. Help all the communities with water issues.”

- Poplar resident 

Self-Help Enterprises then submitted these comments on behalf of the residents to the Tule Subbasin groundwater sustainability agencies. This process ensured that all residents had equitable access to critical information, enabling informed decision-making and active participation in the public comment process. We extend our gratitude to the Sierra Health Foundation for funding this important work.  

On August 20, LISTOS sponsored the Disaster Ready Summit in Fresno, a primary initiative of the California Office of Emergency Services aimed to inclusively promote disaster readiness and response. The event gathered over 100 representatives from various sectors, including community-based organizations, local and state emergency services, faith-based groups, and tribal organizations. The Summit provided a platform for community-based organizations to gather and explore emergency response systems. It also highlighted the roles they can fulfill in preparedness, knowledge exchange, sharing resources, and fostering stronger connections to aid vulnerable communities. 

Tom Collishaw took part in a panel discussion titled "Unity in Action: Lessons from the Frontline for a Stronger Tomorrow," sharing insights from navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic, drought, and wildfires. Emphasizing the significance of collaboration with nonprofit organizations and public agencies, he highlighted the importance of collective efforts. 

SHE, a four-time LISTOS grantee, is actively involved in reaching out to thousands of individuals in disadvantaged communities to educate and equip them for the increasing natural disasters and extreme weather events occurring in the San Joaquin Valley and Sierra foothills. Additionally, SHE has recently issued a Request for Proposals to organizations interested in expanding these initiatives across our nine-county region. 

As we celebrate 60 years of service in the San Joaquin Valley, Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) continues to expand its mission beyond providing affordable housing. Our Resident Services program is a key part of our holistic approach to community development, enhancing the lives of families across our 55 rental housing communities. Since its inception, SHE has been committed to not only providing homes but also creating opportunities for our residents to thrive, offering programs that support education, health, financial stability, and overall well-being.  

The foundation of our Resident Services began with the vision of providing a safe, supportive environment for residents and their children. Over the decades, this vision has grown into a comprehensive set of services designed to help residents gain the skills and resources they need to build better lives. Whether it's through our after-school programs that offer homework assistance and arts education for children, or adult education classes in General Education Development (GED) and English as a Second Language (ESL), SHE provides a wide range of programs to promote learning and growth for all.  Read more

As the Field Project Manager, you will assist with implementing emergency services and resiliency programs and provide the first level of supervision for a team serving highly diverse and disadvantaged communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley. You should also understand and empathize with the needs of communities, families, and individuals affected by climate change, water-related emergencies, and local disasters.

Our team of 200+ people are joined with a shared mission of working with families to build and sustain healthy homes and communities. You can too!