October 4, 2017

Delta Tunnels: Fed up LA water ratepayers to make ‘house call’ to Mayor Garcetti

Southern California water ratepayers are fed up with Governor Jerry Brown’s campaign to build the Delta Tunnels — a plan that will raise their water rates substantially while creating no new water — and they aren’t taking it anymore!

By Dan Bacher

Ratepayers and activists from an array of environmental justice, community and consumer organizations will hold a protest outside Mayor Garcetti’s residence today, October 4, at 5:30 p.m. to stop the tunnel rate and tax hikes by demanding that Garcetti “get off the sidelines” and fight the tunnels project.

Protesters will gather at the Eastern Presbyterian Church, 4270 W 6th St, Los Angeles at 5 p.m. and then march to the Mayor’s residence at 605 South Irving Boulevard (in Windsor Square), Los Angeles.  

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is scheduled to vote next week on whether to finance the Delta Tunnels, which could increase water bills and taxes $2000-$4000 per household, according to Brenna Norton of Food and Water Watch.

Los Angeles ratepayers, Food & Water Watch, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Comite Por Uno,  Paramount Toxins groups, March and Rally-LA, People Organized for Westside Renewal (POWER), and Ground Game LA are among the many groups organizing the protest.

“This afternoon, ratepayers and consumer and environmental groups will demand that Mayor Garcetti get off the sidelines and fight the $17-$25-billion Delta Tunnels that will drive up rates and taxes, but not provide any new water to Los Angeles residents,” said Norton. “Next Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors will vote on whether to underwrite the project, which would put Los Angeles ratepayers and taxpayers on the hook.”

“Ratepayers and advocates will hold signs, DWP bills, chant, outside his home this evening to urge him to stop unfair rate and tax hikes that could cost each household an average of $2000-$4000,” she explained.

Contact: Brenna Norton, (310) 266-4481