In this episode, we interview Laurel Firestone, a member of the State Water Resources Control Board. We learn about the organization and its work to ensure that every person in the state has a right to clean, safe, and affordable drinking water.  We discuss how far we still have to go to meet California's Human Right to Water.

Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Laurel Firestone to the State Water Resources Control Board in February 2019. Prior to joining the Board, Laurel co-founded and co-directed, from 2006-2019, the Community Water Center, a statewide non-profit environmental justice organization based in California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. Her career has focused on building increased diversity, equity, and inclusivity into water decision-making.

Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Save California Salmon or any entities mentioned. 

Get involved

• California State Water Resources Control Board 
• Attend a Water Board Meeting
• SAFER
• Report air, water, toxic substances, pesticides, or solid waste at CalEPA reporting system
• Report a suspected Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) at CalEPA HABs system
• Learn more about Groundwater contaminants, including PFAs at GAMA Groundwater
• Learn more about the location of oil and gas wells visit CalGEM at Geologic Energy Management Division
• Learn more about the CalEPA generally, gather data, or find information resources at CalEPA | California Environmental Protection Agency
• For a directory of California’s nine regional water quality control boards (and branch offices) visit the Regional Water Quality Board Directory | California State Water Resources Control Board
• For public documents related to the water board visit the Public Records Center | California State Water Resources Control Board
• For more information on the State Water Board Meetings, including the upcoming calendar and agenda items visit Board Calendar | California State Water Resources Control Board

State Water Resources Control Board Phone Contacts:

• Office of Public Affairs: (916) 341-5254
• Office of Legislative Affairs: (916) 341-5251
• Office of the Ombudsman: (916) 341-5925
• Drinking Water information: (916) 449-5577
• Water Quality information: (916) 341-5455
• Water Rights information: (916) 341-5300
• Financial Assistance information: (916) 341-5700

Episode credits

• Producer: Natalie Kilmer
• Production Support: Kasil Willie, Kendall Crakow, and Regina Chichizola
• Podcast Music by Tony Bald, Adam Inguiez, and Danny Snyder

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