Parlier Post: Parlier leaders return from White House

Parlier government leaders returned from Washington, D.C. on April 16 after delivering a message to the White House: The California drought affects every resident in the state.

Mayor Alma Beltran, Mayor Pro Tem Raul Villanueva and City Manager Israel Lara joined Fresno Council of Governments (COG) members in asking federal legislators for support on regional priorities – especially water policy focused on drought relief. The event, called "One Voice," lasted five days and included more than 20 Valley representatives.

The group of leaders met with Congressmen Jim Costa, Devin Nunes and David Valadao as well as Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein.

Beltran said she wanted the legislatures in Washington to understand that the drought affects residents and their everyday lives, not just farmers.

She referenced the plight of residents in Porterville whose wells have dried and depend on bottled water. She also said the lack of water poses a sanitation issue, and the dust from dry farm land increases the risk of people getting Valley fever, a fungal infection caused by dust particles in the lungs.

"Just because these things are not happening in Parlier, it doesn't mean it won't ever happen in Parlier," Beltran said. "We don't know how long the drought will last. It's in its fourth year now."

Though the trip did not result in any water policy, Villanueva said it was productive.

"At least there was hope," he said. "The drought is affecting not only the Central Valley, but also the northern parts of the state and the Los Angeles area."

The widespread effects of the drought caused people in Washington to start listening, Villanueva said. Beltran and Villanueva both said California Sen. Dianne Feinstein was the most receptive to the Valley leaders' message.

"She paid a little more attention to all of us," Villanueva said. "She said she'll do what she can, but it's still up to the governor."

Beltran said many federal-level politicians they met with said the drought was mainly an issue in California and encouraged the local government representatives to send letters to Gov. Jerry Brown. Parlier officials plan to do that, she said.

The trip was important to unify California leaders and communities, Beltran said.

"We should work together as a whole state to voice concerns to the federal government," she said. "We need to be united as one. We need to help each other and extend our hands to each other."

Beltran and Lara said the COG and White House staff were thankful Parlier had representatives in the meetings.

"Everybody appreciated Parlier being there," Lara said.

For all three Parlier officials, it was their first time visiting the nation's capitol and meeting many of the politicians. Beltran said they were welcoming and listened to everyone's concerns.

Lara hopes Parlier leaders will continue to attend meetings locally and at the state and national levels to build relationships.