Farm workers rally for Schwarzenegger water plan

By E.J. Schultz - eschultz@fresnobee.com

Published 3:06 pm PDT Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Chanting "agua, agua, agua," busloads of farm workers joined Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Capitol today to demand that lawmakers spend state money on dams and canals to ease a growing water crisis.

Schwarzenegger wants $9.3 billion for water supply and conservation projects. But the proposed bond has gotten a lukewarm response from Democratic leaders who say lawmakers should focus on negotiating a state budget, now 23 days late.

Today's rally, organized by a farm labor contractor, was designed to give a human face to the state's water woes. Several hundred farm workers, most from the Central Valley's parched west side, carried homemade sings declaring "agua es vida" - water is life - and "agua = trabajo" - water equals work.

Schwarzenegger addressed the workers from the Capitol's steps just below the Assembly chambers. He blamed legislators for the impasse.

"When will they finally get it upstairs?" he said, "Everyone needs water," he added. "This is not a political issue."

The governor has been trying to broker a deal for two years but has run into resistance from Democrats, who have opposed using state money for dams.

Fresno Mayor Alan Autry promised an all-out fight.

"Today the revolt has begun," he said in a fiery speech. "God almighty is on our side."

The drought and court-ordered pumping cutbacks have forced some growers to abandon crops and lay off workers. Total farm losses statewide reached $245 million as of July 11, according to state figures, including $73.5 million in Fresno County.

Efren Salceda, a farm worker from Firebaugh who came to the rally, said conditions are as bad as he's seen it in his 30 years on the job. He's working fewer hours, leaving his monthly paycheck about $400 short of what it usually is.

He came to Sacramento to "talk to the governor," he said. "We need water."

On Tuesday, Autry suggested to the Fresno Bee editorial board that residents stop paying taxes until the government solves the problem.

"Don't pay your income taxes if our farms don't get their fair share of water," Autry said. "I won't."

The governor, a good friend of Autry, disagrees with him on that point, but he "understands the mayor's frustration," said Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear.

About the writer:

Call E.J. Schultz, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5541.

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Supporters yell chants during a rally on the north steps of the State Capitol, Monday July 23, 2008. Hundreds of farm workers and their families, joined several other San Joaquin Valley mayors, county supervisors and other elected and non-elected leaders at a rally on the at the State Capitol to urge state legislators to approve the water bond proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Brian Baer / Sacramento Bee Staff Photo

Click on photo to enlarge

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