Allensworth Progressive Association Press Release
The Community of Allensworth Rallies to Confront the Unprecedented Threat from Storm Run-Off.
News release of the Allensworth Progressive Association
Date: Monday, March 20, 2023
Time: 9:30 PM
The Allensworth Progressive Association in conjunction with local residents leads the charge to protect the historic community from recent flooding.
Details:
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 sprung 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 | info@allensworthpa.org
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:
Allensworth Emergency Community Needs List
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Point of contact for supplies:
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Staging at the Community Center: 8123 Ave 36, Allensworth, CA
(Goana Toscano has the phone)
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Diapers
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Baby Formula
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Baby wipes
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Menstrual products
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Toilet paper (septic safe)
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Paper towels
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Clorox wipes
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Bleach
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Batteries of all sizes
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Flashlights
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Water gallons
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Zip ties
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Tarps
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Dried beans
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Bags of rice
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Potatoes
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Apples
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Zip lock bags, all sizes
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Detergent, powder
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Dog and cat food
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Oatmeal
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Milk or can milk
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Tortillas
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Dry foods
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Bread
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Portable chargers
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Small generators?
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Toys for kiddos
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Raft
Allensworth Progressive Association Donation Link: https://givebutter.com/supportallensworth
Click on the tab and choose FloodSupport2023!
Thank you!