What Are We Doing in California?
Turning Storytime into Safety: Reaching 400+ Students Through “Captain Fresh!”
March 20, 2026 - - - Community engagement hit a whole new level as Isaah Alford connected with over 400 students to talk about something simple, but powerful, staying safe through handwashing and awareness of “sneaky” toxins like arsenic. Using his children’s book, "The Day I Met Captain Fresh", Isaah transformed a traditional read-aloud into an interactive learning experience that made environmental health feel real, relatable, and easy to understand.
As students followed the story of a curious young boy exploring his environment, they were gently introduced to an important message: not everything harmful can be seen. Through the guidance of his mother and the superhero Captain Fresh, the story breaks down how everyday activities like playing in soil can come with hidden risks if we’re not careful. Isaah used this moment to bridge literacy with science, helping students understand concepts like contamination, exposure, and prevention in a way that felt empowering rather than scary.
The result was more than just a storytime: it was a moment of impact. Students walked away not only excited about reading, but also equipped with practical habits like proper handwashing and being mindful of their surroundings. By blending storytelling with public health education, this engagement showed how culturally relevant, age-appropriate learning can plant seeds of awareness early, helping young people grow into informed, health-conscious members of their communities.
Community Engagement Representative, Kiara, at the Women and Children's Day for the TAG Grant.
CER's gave our donated hand soap at the Women's and Children's Day Festival to teach the importance of Handwashing!
Community Engagement Representative, Kiara, at the Women and Children's Day for the TAG Grant.
Empowering Families Through Knowledge: Women’s & Children’s Day in Sacramento
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, our Community Engagement team proudly joined families, students, and local leaders at Women’s and Children’s Day hosted at Sacramento City College. The energy on campus was beautiful, full of curiosity, connection, and community pride. As part of Chasten Gold’s Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) outreach, we were there to share accessible, real-life information about environmental contamination in Sacramento, including how substances like arsenic can impact everyday spaces like soil, water, and even the places where our children play.
At our booth, we hosted an interactive demonstration that really got people thinking. Participants were invited to search for hidden items in a sand-based activity — but what they didn’t immediately realize was that a harmless, invisible residue was transferring onto their gloves. That moment clicked for so many families. It became a powerful visual for how exposure to contaminants like arsenic, lead, or even germs can happen without us seeing, smelling, or feeling it. Conversations quickly shifted from curiosity to awareness, with parents asking thoughtful questions about exposure pathways, prevention, and how to stay informed.
We were especially excited to see how engaged the kids were. From coloring pages to hands-on learning, young participants brought so much joy and energy to the space. Meanwhile, adults and families eagerly grabbed our FAQ sheets, taking home information they could actually use and share. Events like this remind us that education is most powerful when it’s interactive, culturally relevant, and rooted in community. We are grateful for every conversation, every question, and every family that stopped by, because awareness is the first step toward protection and change.
