RISING TO HELP DURING FLOODS

As flood waters rise across California, the young adults of the California Conservation Corps are rising to the occasion. Corpsmembers are working in the rain, mud, and wind to help their neighbors through the New Year’s atmospheric river storm events.

“I’m happy to be here to save my state and city from floods,” said Sacramento Corpsmember Nehemiah Domino. “We’re working to protect it as much as we can. This is why I joined the CCC.”

Nehemiah is among more than 70 Corpsmembers who filled and hauled sandbags across nearly 4,000 of rain-soaked levee in Sacramento County. Their work of shoring up an erosion damaged levee will help protect agricultural lands, horses, and homes. 

“It’s tiring, carrying sandbags back and forth all day. I’ve already taken 17,000 steps today. But, we’re helping.”

The work is undoubtedly difficult, and in miserable conditions. The 18- to 25-year-old’s, and military veterans up to 29, who commit to natural resource and emergency response work take pride in making a difference. One sandbag at a time.

“It’s a lot of work and we’re working long hours,” said Fresno Corpsmember Sabryna Robles. “The floods are happening and people are saying their garages are flooding, their homes are flooded, it’s kind of nice to help people who need it.”

Sabryna and her crew were assisting residents in Santa Clara County by filling 3,000 sandbags at a local fire station. 

“Community members come in and pick up the sandbags. We’ve already done about five pallets in just our first few hours.”

Working hard, collaborating with others, and caring about the community are just a few of the many skills and attributes young adults can foster and grow in the CCC. On top of the life and jobs skills, they’re paid a monthly stipend and can earn scholarships. In this storm ravaged time of year, they’re more focused on making a difference.

“I know I would like some help like this if I need it,” Sabryna said. “I live in Fresno, so it doesn’t flood and hardly rains there. Putting myself in other people’s shoes, it feels nice to help.”