2024 Presidential Election Candidate Endorsements

Community Water Center Action Fund (CWCAF) works to elect leaders who view the lack of safe and affordable drinking water in their communities as an environmental justice issue, and who seek to lift the burden currently faced by low-income communities of color who go thirsty under the weight of mismanagement, pollution, and scarcity. Endorsed candidates will value a model of co-governance, where community residents and local community-based organizations have the opportunity to engage in local decision-making by sharing their insights and directly contributing to policy. These candidates will follow through on their promise of accountability and prioritize the steps necessary to achieve drinking water solutions for their constituents. 

CWC Action Fund strategically endorses candidates who either:

  • Play a direct role in the distribution of water for a community in California’s San Joaquin Valley or Central Coast

  • Participate in creating local, regional, state and/or national policies that impact drinking water in California.

Meet the Candidates:

Angela Ruiz-Alvarez

  • Born and raised in the Central Valley, Rudy Salas went from working in the fields with his father to graduating from UCLA and becoming the first Latino Bakersfield City Council Member in its 112-year history. Rudy has been an effective voice for the Valley in the California State Assembly, advancing projects and securing $290 million of dedicated investments for Central Valley projects during the last two years. Rudy is ready to flip California’s 22nd Congressional District highlighting that the Central Valley is the beating heart of our state and families deserve a Congressmember who will stand up for their values. About Rudy Salas

Serafin Brito

  • Serafin Brito has lived in Sultana, Dinuba, Cutler, and Orosi for 25 years+. He is a Hispanic Latino born in Visalia, CA with parents from Mexico. He went to college for Business Administration. Serafin has worked in the fields, and packing warehouses and is currently a Corrugator Machine Operator for 7 years. He has and will continue to proudly serve his hometown Orosi and Tulare County. He is running to be a board member Director for OPUD. Water is an important resource for life and he would like the opportunity to serve as a member of OPUD.

Bryan Orosio

  • Bryan’s career reflects his dedication to civic engagement and community development. After college, he worked as a Field Fellow for ACLU Northern California in Kings County, promoting voter and civic engagement. He then served as a Community Solutions Advocate for the Community Water Center in Tulare County, focusing on interim and long-term water solutions for rural communities.

    Bryan was elected to the Delano City Council in 2018, where he later became Mayor, driving numerous local initiatives. Currently, he works for The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, collaborating with various non-profits to address racial and health inequities.

    Bryan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Cognitive Science from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Policy from USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. His educational background, coupled with his hands-on experience in local governance and advocacy, underpins his commitment to improving his community.

Connie Diaz

Sherry Hunter


Nancy Cerda Serna

  • Nancy Cerda Serna has over 15 years of experience in nonprofit accounting and an MBA in accounting with a minor in project management, she brings a wealth of financial expertise and strategic planning skills to the table.

    As a lifelong resident of Orosi, Nancy recently returned to our community after pursuing education and career opportunities. Her journey has included over seven years of service on nonprofit boards, where she has served as Director, Board Member, and Treasurer. Additionally, she is a proud alumni of the Tulare County Leadership Program, Class of 2013. These experiences have equipped her with a strong understanding of governance, financial oversight, and the importance of transparent, accountable leadership.

    Nancy’s vision for the public utilities board is to ensure sustainable, reliable, and affordable utilities for all residents. She is passionate about leveraging her background to improve the community’s infrastructure and to support innovative solutions that address current and future challenges.

    She believes in open communication and community involvement and is dedicated to representing the community’s interests and concerns. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient utility system that serves everyone.

Veronica Vasquez

  • Veronica Vasquez is a lifelong resident of Delano, California with deep roots within the United Farm Workers Movement. Five generations of her family have served the community as farmworkers and labor rights activists. She aspires to continue that legacy by following in her family’s footsteps as an advocate for the people and community needs.

    While attaining a Master of Social Work from the California State University, East Bay, Veronica interned with Congresswoman Barbara Boxer’s office where she helped provide resources to veterans. During this time, she also interned with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in Washington D.C. After completing her master’s program and internships, Veronica began her career as a County Social Worker intern with Alameda County before returning to her home in Delano. Veronica began her career as a Social Worker with the County of Kern in 2007.

    Veronica was entrusted with advocating for her peers, initiating her involvement with the Service Employees International Union, Chapter 521 (SEIU 521), where she rapidly became a passionate advocate for workers’ rights. Veronica’s passion for advocacy led to numerous victories in County labor contract negotiations, influencing her to become SEIU 521-chapter President for two consecutive terms.

    In addition to her professional roles, Veronica was elected to the Delano City Council in 2020, where she used her insights to address the county’s unique issues, advocating for access to clean water, youth programming, and providing needed resources for the community. She also serves on the Kern Council of Government, Crime Prevention AdHoc Committee, and as an SEIU Shop Steward.

Jose Sigala

  • José Sigala served as the First Latino Mayor of the City of Tulare.  He was elected to the Tulare City Council in November of 2016 and re-elected again in 2020 to represent the 1st Council District. 

    Sigala has been a longtime advocate and fighter for children's and youth issues, education, the environment, small businesses, clean drinking water, economic development, neighborhood empowerment, and working-class families. 

    He is proud to be a product of the public school system from Head Start to College. Sigala graduated from Santa Monica College and the University of California at Berkeley, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He is a member of the Community Water Leaders Network.

Tim Prado

  • Tim Prado is seeking reelection as a director of the Lamont Public Utilities District. Before joining the board, Lamon PUD had a bad reputation for being corrupt and lacking transparency. Since then, Tim has taken measures to reform the district to allow for more transparency,  improve the quality of water served, and update and maintain the infrastructure needed to transport water to the residents of Lamont.

  • Angela Ruiz-Alvarez is a native of Cutler Orosi. She graduated from Orosi High School and has lived in the Cutler Orosi area her whole life. She has closely monitored the growing concerns of the community's water issues and believes that now is the time for change.

    As a community, Angela believes everyone deserves affordable and clean drinking water for all residents. Her entire professional career has been dedicated to providing services to the community and Tulare County.

Joe Soria

  • Joe Soria was born and raised in Lindsay, CA. He is the son of immigrants who worked in the agriculture fields. When his siblings and him came of age, his parents took them to work to harvest fruits. 

    Joe went to the University of California, Berkeley where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy. In 2017 he obtained his Masters in Teaching from USC Rossier School of Education. He taught for a year at Sycamore Valley Academy, a charter school in Visalia where he realized that teaching was not a fit and pivoted to trucking. He is currently working with ACE Hardware as a driver.

    He is also a small business owner with his wife, selling plants (cactus, succulents, tropicals) and pottery. This has opened their eyes to how important small businesses are for local communities to prosper. They have a deep affinity for our community and have always enjoyed giving back through volunteer work, monetary donations, and coaching youth sports such as football, baseball, and soccer.

    Joe’s dream is for the leadership in Lindsay to reflect the population as a whole and to prioritize a reinvestment in our infrastructure. He wants his community to have safe, clean drinking water, and if elected to the city council, water will be his priority.

April Treona Lancaster

  • April Lancaster is a passionate community activist whose work centers on dismantling outdated power structures, and ensuring everyone has a voice in shaping their communities.

    April believes every voice matters.  She champions initiatives that break down the "old boys club" mentality and empower everyday people to participate in decision-making processes.  

    April recognizes health as a fundamental right and fights for affordable, accessible healthcare for all, working to bridge gaps in underserved communities.

    April works to ensure fair market access for small farms, protect local food systems, and promote the economic vitality of rural communities. She advocates for increased funding for arts programs in schools, support for local artists and cultural organizations, and initiatives that make arts experiences accessible to all.

    April's tireless work builds a brighter future where everyone can thrive.  They believe in the power of collaboration and inspire others to join the fight for a more inclusive, just, and vibrant society.

Randy Villegas

  • The son of immigrants from Mexico, Dr. Randy Villegas was raised in the Central Valley and is proud to call Visalia home with his wife Carina and their two adopted dogs, Cinnamon and Spice.

    A product of public education institutions, he has attended public schools his entire life, earning his Associate’s Degree in Political Science from Bakersfield College in 2015 and a Bachelor’s degree from CSU Bakersfield in 2017.  After obtaining his Master’s and beginning his career as a professor in 2020, he continued his education while working, and completed his Ph.D. in Politics, with a designated emphasis on Latin American and Latino studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

    Throughout his life, Randy has been a champion for students, public education, equity, and the Central Valley. As a 1st generation college graduate and now professor at College of the Sequoias Randy recognizes the challenges and experiences that students in our community are facing and wants to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed.

    As a trustee, Dr. Villegas has been at the forefront of increasing transparency, accountability, and student success. Advocating for increased A-G, and CTE pathways for students, he wants to ensure that every student in VUSD from TK to our Adult school feels valued, cared for, and connected to their schools.

    As an educator, trustee, and community leader, Randy is committed to making sure that our students earn a well-rounded, rigorous education that prepares them for their futures.

Rudy Salas

Note: Community Service Districts (CSDs) and Public Utility Districts (PUDs) do not participate in primary elections, so endorsement will only need to be considered for general elections.

Note: CWCAF is not required to endorse candidates just because they have been endorsed by the organization before or are part of the Community Water Leaders Network. All candidates will go through the same endorsement decision process for each election they participate in.