In just one year, Alianza Coachella Valley’s Thriving Salton Sea Communities campaign has reshaped the conversation around environmental health, regional planning, and community power for the Salton Sea Region in eastern Coachella and Imperial Valleys. The campaign, built in partnership with residents, scientists, and policymakers, has delivered tangible results that strengthen both knowledge and advocacy for a healthier, more resilient region. This includes advancing a new trail network, launching an online tool to track regional land use projects, increasing community science and research, and centering community perspectives in advocacy efforts.
“The Campaign for Thriving Salton Sea Communities proves that community leadership and science go hand-in-hand. In just one year, we’ve built new tools, advanced research, and created platforms that elevate the voices of residents who live with the impacts of the Sea every day. This work is about centering community voices in shaping a healthier, more hopeful future,” said Braxton Kellogg, Director of Strategic Communications & Public Relations at Alianza Coachella Valley.
A Year of Progress, Building Knowledge, and Amplifying Community Voices
The team at Alianza has been working with community leaders and key stakeholders to advance a set of projects that help strengthen the region through an intentional, collaborative approach. This includes:
- Advocating for a Multi-Benefit Trail Along the Salton Sea
Residents in the Eastern Coachella Valley will benefit from CV Link extensions which will provide paved transportation access for pedestrians, bicyclists, and low-speed neighborhood electric vehicles (like golf carts) throughout the Coachella Valley. This important project does not extend to the Salton Sea for surrounding residents to use for commuting – yet. Alianza has spearheaded a public education and advocacy campaign, collecting over one thousand pledges to build a multi-benefit trail network along the North Shore of the Salton Sea, connecting the North Shore Beach & Yacht Club to the Salton Sea State Recreation Area. - Expanding Community Science Work by Installing New Sensors at the Sea
Alianza worked with partners to install a new sensor at the Salton Sea for the South Coast Air Quality Management District to track air quality and ensure that residents remain safe and informed. The monitor is regulatory-grade and tracks hydrogen sulfide emissions which local residents care deeply about. - Securing Resources from the Climate Bond
Proposition 4 – California’s Climate Bond – passed on the November 2024 ballot, securing new opportunities for climate-resilient projects in disadvantaged communities, including the Salton Sea region. Through collective advocacy, we helped ensure funding is included in the 2025–2026 California budget, with $3.3 billion of the $10 billion bond dedicated to programs and grants that can advance Salton Sea infrastructure projects like the Salton Sea Trail Network. We will continue working to ensure these investments move from vision to reality for the communities that need them most. - Launching a New Land Use Alignment Project Dashboard
The campaign developed a detailed dashboard that took inventory of major regional land use projects to see where alignment might exist to collaborate on building and funding. Developed in collaboration with researchers at the University of Southern California, the research highlights areas where different stakeholders can come together and bring projects to life that benefit the entire region. This will foster regional collaboration and develop strategies that unlock public funding, drive investment, and create meaningful, community-driven progress. Participating jurisdictions included the counties of Imperial and Riverside, as well as the cities of Brawley, Calipatria, Coachella, El Centro, and Westmorland. The dashboard will be launching in early November.
The Work Ahead
While Alianza is proud of the significant work its Thriving Salton Sea Communities campaign has kickstarted on behalf of the residents of the Salton Sea region, significant work remains. The team will continue advancing the projects mentioned above and expand its scope for additional resources for the community. For example, Alianza is exploring the creation of a new regional resiliency hub that will provide convening and advocacy space for local residents and organizations to gather.
What our partners are saying:
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the one year anniversary of The Thriving Salton Sea Communities campaign! This community effort led by Alianza of Coachella Valley strives to protect our natural environment and keeps our communities healthy while creating economic opportunities for the region.” – Moises Cisneros, Sierra Club
“We are proudly celebrating the anniversary of the Thriving Salton Sea campaign – a movement rooted in protecting our environment and promoting healthy, connected communities. Together with local leaders, environmental allies, and dedicated residents, we’ve made incredible strides toward reimagining a future where the Salton Sea and its surrounding communities can truly thrive. Today, we celebrate our shared accomplishments, our unity, and our continued commitment to building a sustainable, healthy, and resilient region for generations to come. THANKS to those who believe in this cause and have contributed their energy, knowledge, and commitment.” – Sandra Ramirez, Coachella Valley Parents
“This month marks the one-year anniversary of Alianza Coachella Valley’s Thriving Salton Sea Communities campaign. I’ve been able to partner with some incredible local community scientists and organizations to collaboratively move this novel program forward. They’re leading the way in understanding and adapting to the local public health impacts of climate change, like the increased hydrogen sulfide levels and a receding Salton sea shoreline. Our community scientists have found new sources of the hydrogen sulfide and new solutions for mitigating some of its impact. The Alianza campaign has prioritized research that aligns towards solutions and real policy change.” – Ryan Sinclair, Loma Linda University
1-Year Celebration Event
Want to join us to celebrate this milestone? We will be celebrating the campaign’s 1-year anniversary on Thursday, November 6 at the North Shore Beach & Yacht Club from 5:30-7:00pm. We will be sharing the campaign’s progress during the last year, enjoy food, and have activities for the whole family, including stargazing in partnership with Friends of the Desert Mountains and Desert Recreation District. Fill out this interest form to RSVP.
