Bay Area
Water Expert: Make Conservation a Family Project as California Drought Gets Worse
Following state official calls for water use reduction last year, Californians’ water use increased by about 19% this year, according to the governor’s office. “Californians made significant changes since the last drought, but we’ve seen an uptick in water use. We have to make every drop count,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

By Aldon Thomas Stiles, California Black Media
African American water experts are joining state officials calling on Californians to conserve as much water as possible in preparation for an abnormally dry summer ahead.
California is in year three of a drought that scientists have called the driest in the history of the state.
“Look at your usage. Make it a family project,” said Dale Hunter, a respected African American water expert in Sacramento.
Last week, the State Water Resources Control Board voted to ban the watering of “non-functional” turf to combat California’s drought as state officials estimate that water supplies may decrease by 20% due to rising heat.
This statewide ban will apply to the commercial, industrial and institutional sectors.
“California is facing a drought crisis and every local water agency and Californian needs to step up on conservation efforts,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “I am hopeful the measures enacted by the State Water Board will lead to a reduction of water use across the state.”
Hunter says conservation is urgent.
“This is the state saying, ‘folks this is serious. We are encouraging all locals to come up with a conservation plan,’” he added.
Following state official calls for water use reduction last year, Californians’ water use increased by about 19% this year, according to the governor’s office.
“Californians made significant changes since the last drought, but we’ve seen an uptick in water use. We have to make every drop count,” Newsom said.
Some experts believe that one of the reasons for the increase in water usage was the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were in a pandemic where most people stayed home so naturally water use went up during that period,” Hunter explained.
The State Water Resources Control Board’s vote to restrict water usage includes requirements for local agencies to implement their own conservation measures.
Hunter said because some communities have different water needs than others, they may be affected by the drought differently. According to him people living in mostly Black neighborhoods should be aware of what their local conservation plans are — as well as what the ramifications are for not following them.
“Stay informed because water conservation, in order to be effective, is a local issue,” he said. “Local agencies all have different ways to cut back. You can reduce watering your grass, you can reduce the washing machine and dish washing.”
“What they do in Riverside they may not do in San Jose,” Hunter added.
In San Jose, for example, the Santa Clara Valley Water District will implement water use fines that can go as high as $10,000 for people who go over their water use limit.
“Some may not do that,” Hunter said. “Some agencies may keep encouraging people before they go down the more drastic route, which would include fines.”
Hunter believes that individual solutions for water use reduction will become clearer in the coming weeks.
“I believe that we’re going to see the local agencies, over the next couple of weeks, really ramp up their promotion and advertising about what individual homeowners can do.”
Hunter compared the current drought to the dry conditions the state has been experiencing over the last two years.
“The drought the last couple of years wasn’t even, meaning some parts of our state were dryer than others. I think this round it’s dry up and down the state,” Hunter said.
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Oakland Post: Week of May 7 – 13, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 7 – 13, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of April 30 – May 6, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 30 – May 6, 2025

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Asm. Corey Jackson Proposes Safe Parking for Homeless College Students Sleeping in Cars
Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the author of AB 90, which would require community colleges and California State University campuses to create overnight parking programs where students can sleep safely in their vehicles. With one in four community college students in California experiencing homelessness in the past year, Jackson says the state must act urgently.

By Bo Tefu
California Black Media
As California’s housing crisis continues to impact students, new legislation, Assembly Bill (AB) 90, promises to allow college students without stable housing to sleep in their cars on campus, offering a stark but practical solution aimed at immediate relief.
Assemblymember Corey Jackson (D-Moreno Valley), a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), is the author of AB 90, which would require community colleges and California State University campuses to create overnight parking programs where students can sleep safely in their vehicles. With one in four community college students in California experiencing homelessness in the past year, Jackson says the state must act urgently.
“This just deals with the harsh realities that we find ourselves in,” he said at a recent hearing.
The bill passed its first committee vote and is gaining attention as housing affordability remains a top concern across the state. California rents are more than 30% above the national average, and long waitlists for student housing have left thousands in limbo. CSU reported more than 4,000 students on its housing waitlist last year.
Supporters stress that the bill is not a long-term solution, but a humane step toward helping students who have no other place to go. A successful pilot program at Long Beach City College has already shown that safe, supervised overnight parking can work, giving students access to restrooms, Wi-Fi, and a secure environment.
However, the CSU and community college systems oppose the bill, citing funding concerns. Critics also worry about safety and oversight. But Jackson and student advocates argue the crisis demands bold action.
“If we know students are already sleeping in their cars, why not help them do it safely?” said Ivan Hernandez, president of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges.
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