116 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com Eco Justice Regeneración builds leaders to tackle climate change issues. By Erik Chalhoub I mmediately after the Pajaro River levee crumbled and water flooded Pajaro in 2023, the crew of Regeneración: Pajaro Valley Climate Action got to work. The organization helped distribute information about resources to people who do not speak English, while also spreading the word through national media outlets that the disaster was an environmental justice issue, Executive Director Nancy Faulstich says. Despite federal and state officials being aware of the levee’s deficiencies for decades, no action was taken because it didn’t pencil out through the Army Corps of Engineers’ benefit-cost ratio, which favors projects in areas with higher property values. Thanks to the advocacy of local leaders, the Army Corps of Engineers and Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency reached an agreement on the levee project in late 2023, with construction now underway. Giving a voice to those who have historically been left out of the decision-making process, especially on climate issues, is part of Regeneración’s mission, which is marking its 10th anniversary this year. “Our role in the region is community engagement and making sure all kinds of voices are in the room,” Faulstich says. For 2027, Regeneración plans to train 60 Pajaro residents on how to identify sources and health effects of air pollution. They will work with UC Santa Cruz Professor Javier GonzálezRocha to deploy three air quality monitors, bringing the number to 33 across the Pajaro Valley. Regeneración is also working with the County of Monterey and other agencies on a state Transformative Climate Communities grant. The County applied in September, and if it is accepted sometime in 2027, grant funds would be used for projects that bolster emission-free transportation and access to healthy food in North County communities. That includes a bike lending library at Pajaro Park, as well as bike and pedestrian infrastructure along Salinas Road. “We are working with residents and organizations to identify projects that the community wants to see that would improve the quality of their lives,” Faulstich says. Overall, the goal is to build community leaders “to tackle climate change together,” she notes. “These are the people that are on the front lines of climate change.” One of the organization’s goals, if grant funding is approved, is to help acquire farmland that can be used to expand production of healthy food in North County. REGENERACIÓN - PAJARO VALLEY CLIMATE ACTION SPOTLIGHT Every California condor soaring over the wild landscape of central California represents hope for a species that came perilously close to extinction. Ventana Wildlife Society is bringing condors back through decades of hands-on conservation work, including: Releasing captive-bred condors into the wild Monitoring nests and tracking wild birds Conducting health checks and providing essential medical treatment Promoting use of non-lead ammunition But there is still much work to do. Lead poisoning from spent ammunition remains the greatest threat to wild condors, and we’re committed to changing that. To safeguard the future of these magnificent birds, we are expanding our outreach to eliminate lead ammunition from the environment. With your support, we can protect these magnificent birds and ensure they continue to soar for generations to come. Help Save the Condors Stay Engaged! Live Streaming Cams My Condor Bios The Condor Chat & much more! montereycountygives.com/VWS MCGives increases your dollar’s value!
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