Tule Trust Talks SERIES: #8
TULE TRUST TALKS
A series highlighting the people behind the Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust.
From staff to volunteers to the Tule Subbasin farmers, we’ll hear about their background, and we'll get down-to-earth details on their involvement, and why they're so passionate about Tule Trust.
For this month’s talk, we reached out to Kayode Kadara. He’s a board member of the Tule Basin Land & Water Conservation Trust.
Thanks for talking with us, Kayode. Please tell us about your background.
Kayode Kadara: I grew up in a rural area in West Africa, where subsistence farming was the norm. My education in agriculture came early and naturally because that was what almost everyone in our enclave did. We were never lacking for fresh produce or proteins.
After high school, I went to college about 700 miles away from home. After graduating with a degree in Town Planning/Engineering, I worked for a large planning and architecture firm for one year before coming to Cal Poly, Pomona in 1975. As fate would have it, I met my lovely wife, Denise, at Cal Poly. We got married in Alta Dena, CA in 1979, and today, we have three adult children and two grandchildren.
I went on to the Claremont Graduate School (now Graduate University) in Claremont, California, where I received a graduate degree in Government/Public Policy. I served in various roles with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (1984-90) and the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District (1990-94) where I served as a Deputy Director. I retired as Regional Manager, Pacific Area Facilities, U.S. Postal Service, where my group acquired property, designed and constructed postal facilities in an area that extended from California to Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan).
My dearly departed mother-in-law, Nettie Morrison and her husband, Arlone, purchased land and moved to Allensworth in 1979 and thereafter, her entire extended family became instant "residents" of Allensworth. We attended all major events at the Col. Allensworth State Historic Park, spent almost every family event and holiday in Allensworth and also found time for special fishing days. Ms. Morrison was an advocate for improving the quality of life in the community, and was instrumental in ensuring that land uses with potential adverse effects on the community and environment were rejected. She was well respected in the community because of her sincere desire to improve lives.
When I retired in 2010, my wife and I moved to Allensworth to complement and continue Ms. Morrison’s community advocacy work. I have provided technical support for my brother-in-law, Dennis (Denise's twin brother) on his TAC Farm here in Allensworth since 2009. I currently serve as an Advisor to the Allensworth Progressive Association and have the privilege of serving on the Board of Self-Help Enterprises, as well.
How did you get involved with the Tule Trust?
Kayode: I have known Kathy Wood-McLaughlin for at least 12 years, and I know her passion for improving our environment. She encouraged me to consider joining the Trust to help represent a disadvantaged community. The mission of the Trust was definitely in sync and consistent with my advocacy for equitable management of our land and water resources.
How has your background helped with your work at the Trust? How are you involved with its various projects?
Kayode: I was a founding member of Tri-County Water Authority. My general understanding of SGMA makes it easier to envision and support the mission of the Trust. With a long career in public administration, I bring some knowledge and experience to assist the Board with some administrative processes. Also, with a background in air quality management and an understanding of the issues and concerns with dust-blown ailments like Valley Fever, it is good to see the consideration the Trust takes with dust control in its projects—land is not left bare.
I endeavor to contribute wherever and whenever it is opportuned.
“It is good to see the consideration the Trust takes with dust control in its projects—land is not left bare.”
How is the Trust helping farmers and our community?
Kayode: With the requirements of SGMA and the resultant groundwater management restrictions and impacts, the Trust is providing education and opportunities for farmers to manage available limited water supply by identifying and conserving prime farmland while moving less productive land to uses that benefit and nourish our flora and fauna ecosystem. We must continue to figure out how to strike a balance that allows farmers to stay in business and continue feeding us while ensuring the water needs and survival of our collective communities. The innovative water conserving agricultural processes, including regenerative agriculture being implemented by the Trust, are part of the solution.
What’s next for the Tule Trust?
Kayode: Education and outreach! The more people—farmers, community members and other stakeholders—that have a better understanding of the water challenges and potential remedies that the Trust is offering, the better our chances of success in addressing our collective groundwater issues in the region. The more land that is retired for other beneficial non-water intensive uses, the better off we will all be. Regularly reaching out to some of our government officials is part of getting the word out about the Trust’s great contributions while keeping opportunities for additional support in sight.
Any other words you’d like to leave us with? How can community members get involved?
Kayode: Concerted efforts should be made to ensure participation by a good cross section of our communities. The Allensworth Progressive Association has a Community Action Committee (CAC) made up of community members whose role is to develop outreach options and opportunities for the community. One of the tasks of the group is to conduct door-to-door and group information sharing and feedback sessions with community members. Trust-related updates and information can be provided at such sessions.
The more informed and educated, the more engaged!
Every acre we protect and restore begins with you!
To join Kayode in his efforts to help represent and protect the community, please donate today!
The Tule Basin Land and Water Conservation Trust is a 501(c)3 dedicated to protecting the southern San Joaquin Valley’s incredible natural resources and preserving a viable farming economy for the future generations.
