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Scout Island Youth Retreat Recap Video

by: Tammy Tucker

This past Friday February 24th, 2023, we had 55 High School students from the Central Valley come together and discuss issues within their communities while having an open dialogue about the challenges they face. Our youth felt heard, and they left this retreat feeling empowered and ready to move forward to transform their schools, communities and world through civic learning projects. We had a great time. We can’t wait for the next one!

The Community of Allensworth Rallies to Confront the Unprecedented Threat from Storm Run-Off.

Recent storms dropping rain and snow over southern Tulare County and associated foothills have produced historic flows to the White River, Deer Creek, and Poso Creek. The historic flows continue to produce danger of flooding to the Historic Black Community of Allensworth. The unprecedented risk of flooding, property damage, and threat to town safety, prompted the Allensworth Progressive Association (APA) and local residents to fight to protect this disenfranchised town of approximately 600 residents. Examples of selfless, spontaneous, and ingenious actions included the makeshift construction of an earthen berm on Palmer Avenue to contain flood water from the White River beginning to enter the community.

The members of the community then sprang into action clearing obstructions from the same
canal which restored the normal flow and relieved the building pressure. APA’s leadership did not stop with the efforts to protect the community from flooding. APA has been in the community daily distributing informational fliers from the Office of Emergency Services, reaching out to other local and state government agencies, politicians, 8123 Ave 36, Allensworth, CA 93291 | [email protected] and partners to bring resources to Allensworth, and convened a community meeting hosted on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Allensworth Elementary School. Over 100 community members turned out to hear information from several public safety and service organizations. A few days later, the dedication to the Community of Allensworth was again exemplified during an impromptu assembly which grew to 100 residents to hear important information to protect the community.


The spirit of Allensworth can best be captured by a resident who told the crowd at the community meeting, “I will die before I quit,” in reference to protecting Allensworth from flooding. APA and the community of Allensworth wish to thank the tireless efforts of the residents of Allensworth. All of Allensworth Residents, Friends and Partners that formed and served at the Community Command Post established by us on March 16 to protect us, because of our determination to keep Allensworth families safe and property protected when it was seen as Our Emergency. Special thanks go to Allensworth resident Jose “Chepo” Gonzales and his family, and Jack Mitchell and Chad Gozman of the Deer Creek Stormwater District for their efforts to save property, and also, thanks to Dr. Robert Cardenas of Allensworth Elementary School who has offered his time and use of the school so community members could get the resources they needed from agencies. Despite the best efforts of all involved, the risk of catastrophic flooding to Allensworth remains high as the atmospheric rivers continue to bring warm rains which raise the risk of snowmelt further impacting already stressed waterways. Flooding from historic snowmelt will continue to be an issue through the spring and into the summer. Vigilance is needed by
all members of the community. Allensworth is the community that refuses to die!


Members of the public who wish to donate items, may reach out to Valerie and Sherry.
Please find the most needed items for Allensworth here:

Community Needs List_3.19.23 – Google Docs

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Check out the KSEE 24 piece on Our recent Fresno County Youth Summit

Education Matters: Turning Students into Engaged Citizens

Click Link to Watch https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/education/education-matters-turning-students-into-engaged-citizens/

CEC Newsletter May 2022

Copy-of-Violet-and-White-Modern-Students-Back-to-School-Newsletter-17

Featured Article

State Seal of Civic Engagement

The California Seal of Civic Engagement, from CA law AB24, will be awarded for “demonstrated excellence in civics education… and voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities.”  The Civic Education Center is working with Fresno Unified School District to develop a regional award to recognize civic knowledge, skills, and service for graduating seniors….(Click the link above to read more.)