George Fontes was the Salinas Basin Water Alliance’s founder and first President. A fourth-generation farmer, George emerged as a unifying force for water sustainability, marked by his good-natured approach to problem-solving and collaboration.A landowner and businessman, George undertook a layman’s crash course in water public policy in 2020. In a matter of months, he became a unifying force for Agriculture throughout the Salinas Valley, a clear and reasoned voice in public water meetings. He was curious, honest, and interested in solutions. In 2022, Alliance representatives attended more than 500 hours of public water meetings. George Fontes alone was responsible for roughly 300 hours. George became an advocate for all members of the public and no one could hide behind staff reports or jargon when he was in a public meeting.The Salinas Basin Water Alliance misses George terribly. Our commitment to his vision, however, is unwavering. He saw a Valley united, groups working together for the long-term, for our land, our water rights, and the sustainability of water. We invite you to help us continue George’s legacy; for water, for agriculture, and for the Salinas Valley! Join the Salinas Basin Water Alliance or donate to honor his memory through the George Fontes Memorial Scholarship which supports students of agricultural studies at Hartnell Community College.
To donate, send checks made out to “Hartnell College Foundation” with memo line “George Fontes Scholarship Endowment” to 411 Central Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901.
