For Immediate Release
Contact: Gayle Holman
(559) 241-6233

Westlands Water District Selects New General Counsel

FRESNO, CA – On May 15, 2018, the Westlands Water District Board of Directors appointed Jon D. Rubin to the position of General Counsel, effective June 1, 2018. Mr. Rubin brings to the District a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to help handle the many issues and pressures the famers and people of Westlands face every day.

As General Counsel, Mr. Rubin will work under the direction of the Board of Directors, in coordination with the General Manager, to manage the District’s legal affairs. In addition, Mr. Rubin will provide legal guidance to the Board of Directors and the District’s senior management staff.

Mr. Rubin has represented Westlands and other Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors during his entire 20-year legal career. Immediately prior to accepting the position of Westlands General Counsel, Mr. Rubin was employed as General Counsel by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA). The SLDMWA is comprised of 28 water agencies, including Westlands, that deliver water to more than 2 million acres of land within the western San Joaquin Valley, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties.

“Jon Rubin has proven over the years to be a tireless advocate for agencies that serve water to farmers, urban populations, and wildlife refuges,” said Westlands President Don Peracchi. “His legal experience and dedication to the diverse water interests of south-ofDelta CVP contractors make him a tremendous asset for the farmers in Westlands. We are fortunate to have him.”

Mr. Rubin has been married for 14 years to his wife, Elaine. They have two children, Zachary, who is 11, and Jaymeson, who is 9. When not working, Mr. Rubin enjoys spending time with his family and the outdoors.

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gretchen Moore
(559) 402-5255

Westlands Growers Launch Charitable Fund to Support Central Valley Students, Communities, and Causes

FRESNO, CA – Westlands growers joined forces today with the Central Valley Community Foundation to launch the Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund (Fund), a philanthropic effort to improve the lives of underserved families in the Central Valley.

“We commend the leadership of the Westlands growers for stepping up to create a first-of-itskind fund in our region for farmers to support our families with the greatest need,” said Ashley Swearengin, Chief Executive Office of the Central Valley Community Foundation.

Recognizing that more than 50 percent of Central Valley residents live below the state poverty level and students in the region have lower than average high school graduation and collegedegree attainment levels, the Fund will work to provide financial support for educational programs, including scholarships for students seeking higher education, food relief for those most in need, funding for community facilities, and resources for Central Valley veterans programs.

Over the years, Westlands growers have generously supported community programs such as the Community Food Bank, Boys & Girls Clubs in Fresno and Kings Counties, as well as annual college scholarships for local students. “Our farmers have a long history of philanthropy – they understand the power of community and are committed to strengthening families in our region,” said Don Peracchi, President of the Fund. “We are pleased to partner with the Central Valley Community Foundation to centralize and maximize the investment of our farmers in order to meet the needs of our community.”

The Fund will be organized and managed under the leadership of the Central Valley Community Foundation. The Board of Directors of the Fund consists of Don Peracchi, Johnny Amaral, Sal Parra, Jr., Susan Byers, and Ryan Ferguson. The Board will be responsible for directing the funds to worthy organizations and charities. “We have supported youth programs for years because of their important work in providing positive experiences for children who are the future leaders of our communities,” said Board Member Sal Parra. “The Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund allows us to combine our donations with other farmers to make a larger impact in our communities.”

Serving as the center of philanthropy in the valley for more than 50 years, the Central Valley Community Foundation manages more than $89 million to invest in solutions that build stronger communities. The foundation works directly with donors – from individuals and families to businesses and other foundations – to invest in programs that address economic, social and environmental needs.

“It is clear that our farmers care about the communities in which they work, as demonstrated by their long history of giving,” Swearengin said. “This fund honors that commitment and bolsters their investment for more impact in our communities.”

Click here for more information about the Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund.

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gretchen Moore
(559) 402-5255

Westlands Growers Launch Charitable Fund to Support Central Valley Students, Communities, and Causes

FRESNO, CA – Westlands growers joined forces today with the Central Valley Community Foundation to launch the Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund (Fund), a philanthropic effort to improve the lives of underserved families in the Central Valley.

“We commend the leadership of the Westlands growers for stepping up to create a first-of-itskind fund in our region for farmers to support our families with the greatest need,” said Ashley Swearengin, Chief Executive Office of the Central Valley Community Foundation.

Recognizing that more than 50 percent of Central Valley residents live below the state poverty level and students in the region have lower than average high school graduation and collegedegree attainment levels, the Fund will work to provide financial support for educational programs, including scholarships for students seeking higher education, food relief for those most in need, funding for community facilities, and resources for Central Valley veterans programs.

Over the years, Westlands growers have generously supported community programs such as the Community Food Bank, Boys & Girls Clubs in Fresno and Kings Counties, as well as annual college scholarships for local students. “Our farmers have a long history of philanthropy – they understand the power of community and are committed to strengthening families in our region,” said Don Peracchi, President of the Fund. “We are pleased to partner with the Central Valley Community Foundation to centralize and maximize the investment of our farmers in order to meet the needs of our community.”

The Fund will be organized and managed under the leadership of the Central Valley Community Foundation. The Board of Directors of the Fund consists of Don Peracchi, Johnny Amaral, Sal Parra, Jr., Susan Byers, and Ryan Ferguson. The Board will be responsible for directing the funds to worthy organizations and charities. “We have supported youth programs for years because of their important work in providing positive experiences for children who are the future leaders of our communities,” said Board Member Sal Parra. “The Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund allows us to combine our donations with other farmers to make a larger impact in our communities.”

Serving as the center of philanthropy in the valley for more than 50 years, the Central Valley Community Foundation manages more than $89 million to invest in solutions that build stronger communities. The foundation works directly with donors – from individuals and families to businesses and other foundations – to invest in programs that address economic, social and environmental needs.

“It is clear that our farmers care about the communities in which they work, as demonstrated by their long history of giving,” Swearengin said. “This fund honors that commitment and bolsters their investment for more impact in our communities.”

Click here for more information about the Westlands Farmers Charitable Fund.

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gayle Holman
(559) 241-6233

Westlands Water District Statement on California WaterFix

FRESNO, CA – After a thorough analysis by independent consultants and District staff, multiple special board meetings, and grower workshops, the Westlands Water District Board of Directors voted by a margin of 7 to 1 to not participate in the California WaterFix (CWF). The District appreciates the efforts of Governor Jerry Brown and his administration to balance the interests of many. Indeed, over the last twelve months the State administration worked diligently to define a viable project, but from Westlands’ perspective, the project is not financially viable.

Westlands’ principal source of water is the Central Valley Project, a project operated by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. The CVP is integrated both operationally and financially. However, under the “participation approach” announced by Reclamation for CWF, only CVP contractors that chose to participate in CWF would pay the costs of constructing and operating new facilities, with no assurance that those contractors would receive the water supply benefits resulting from CWF.

Westlands supported the development of CWF and has invested considerable financial resources, time, and expertise into its planning, but consistently stated that it would not obligate the farmers it serves to billions of dollars in debt without reasonable assurances that the project would produce reliable, affordable water supplies. The District recognizes that solving Delta conveyance issues is critical to ensuring reliable water supplies to support the economy of the State, but it cannot support a project that would make water supplies for its farmers unaffordable.

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Gayle Holman
(559) 241-6233

Current Water Policies Impacting the Central Valley Create Uncertain Future for Central Valley Ag Communities, New Report Details

FRESNO, CA – A new Report (PDF)entitled “The Implications of Agricultural Water for the Central Valley” by Professor Michael Shires warns of impending economic decline in the Central Valley if water supplies continue to decline for farmers in the region. “This report connects the critical role of agriculture in the region,” said Johnny Amaral, Deputy General Manager, External Affairs. “It provides elected officials with a picture of the future, where water is available, and agriculture supports the Central Valley and provides food for California and the nation. It also analyzes a potential future where continued reductions in water supplies diminish agriculture as the Central Valley region struggles to find replacement jobs and businesses.”

Professor Shires’ analysis found that the Central Valley can thrive with an adequate water supply that historically supported irrigated agriculture and food processing industries. And, when water deliveries met the contracted levels, the Report showed that overall output increased by 17 percent and employment opportunities increased by nearly 20 percent.

Conversely, Professor Shires’ analysis warns that continued cutbacks to water supply would devastate the local economy, forcing jobs and economic activity associated with agriculture to fall by at least 80 percent. The reduction in agricultural production would double the unemployment rate and leave the region in a condition similar to Detroit, following the relocation of automobile manufacturing. The economic decline would also result in the loss of millions of dollars in tax revenue annually, deepening the dependence on government assistance programs, and further contributing to higher than average regional poverty rates.

Latino families in particular will be disproportionately impacted by reductions in water supplies, with 80-90 percent of the affected families being Latino. In addition Latino restaurant owners, trucking companies and retail businesses will suffer when farmland is taken out of production and income and jobs are lost.

According to the Report, agriculture plays a major role for immigrants and individuals who are the first to enter the workforce, and the reduction in those opportunities could have a generational impact on the region. Dr. Michael Shires, author of the Report stated, “The ‘American dream’ is embodied by the ability of individuals to find opportunity in hard work and perseverance, especially for migrant or minority populations. This report confirms that agriculture is the primary source of that opportunity in the Central Valley.”

The Report also reveals that no viable alternative to agriculture has been identified by those who advocate for the permanent retirement of vast amounts of farmland, thereby reducing demand for water supply. The theory that irrigated agriculture and associated jobs can be replaced by green jobs and new manufacturing facilities is simply not feasible. Replacing agricultural jobs in Fresno County would require $6.24 billion in solar farm investment annually––a level that is highly unlikely. Likewise, the predominant manufacturing industry in the Central Valley involves food processing, so any reduction in irrigated agriculture would impact current manufacturing and would chill the region’s ability to attract new manufacturing facilities.

“It is clear from this Report that the future of our region and the well-being of Central Valley residents are inextricably tied to agriculture,” said Johnny Amaral. “Decisions about water supply and the operations of the water systems not only impact farmers, they impact the entire state. Investments in infrastructure improvement to the water system and the adoption of policies that promote the delivery of adequate, affordable water supplies will be of great benefit to the State and the Nation.”

To read the entire report, visit District’s Website to view PDF. Additional materials, click on District’s Website.

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Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.