By Monica Curiel, Program Educator II, and Elizabeth Willis, Community Programs Manager, Chino Basin Water Conservation District
When the Chino Basin Water Conservation District (CBWCD) created the Waterwise Community Center in 2018, the goal was clear: to create a hub for water conservation education and resources. The next step? Bring the community through the doors.
Understanding the Community
Located in Montclair, about thirty miles east of Los Angeles, the Waterwise Community Center serves a diverse population. As of 2023, 72% of Montclair’s 37,865 residents identified as Hispanic or Latino, with nearly half speaking primarily Spanish. Despite efforts to appeal to Spanish-speaking residents by providing bilingual resources, this demographic was underrepresented at CBWCD’s events and programs.
Recognizing the disconnect, CBWCD staff sought to develop a culturally relevant approach to engage this audience and create something that would resonate deeply with the community while also introducing them to water conservation.
Lotería with a Twist
In 2019, CBWCD staff conceived the idea of creating a customized version of Lotería, a beloved Mexican bingo-style game known for its iconic imagery and cultural significance. As a quintessential game in Mexican culture, families often gather and play Lotería, sharing laughter and tradition. Through the creation of a custom Lotería set featuring imagery inspired by the district’s garden, water conservation efforts, and community resources, staff believed the game could serve as both a cultural bridge and an educational tool.
For those who haven’t had an opportunity to play Lotería, its rules are simple. A caller announces images from a shuffled deck, and players mark them on their own “tabla” (playing card) hoping to win by forming lines or patterns much like bingo. It’s easy to play, visually captivating, and spans generations.
Bringing Waterwise Lotería to Life
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, efforts were paused until February 2022. When staff returned, they renewed their mission to make the community feel welcome. The Waterwise Lotería project was proposed to CBWCD’s General Manager and later approved unanimously by the Board of Directors with a budget of $8,000.
To design the deck, CBWCD hired a former intern in January 2023 to create fifty-four original illustrations. Each image was inspired by the district’s garden, local wildlife, water features, and educational themes, like aquifers, pollinators, and native plants. The result was a vibrant fusion of culture and conservation.
By January 2024, the finished Lotería sets were ready. To celebrate and promote them, CBWCD hosted a gallery exhibit in the Waterwise Community Center lobby. Framed artwork featuring card images were paired with interpretive texts explaining their significance, turning the space into an interactive, educational art installation.
A Winning Strategy
The response was extraordinary. During the two-month gallery run, more than 1,400 people visited the center, many staying longer than typical exhibits to engage with the artwork and its messages. Front desk staff observed families discussing images, reading descriptions, and connecting personally with the display.
The first official Waterwise Lotería game night welcomed ninety-four attendees, most of whom had never visited the center before. Impressively, about 65% came after hearing about it from friends or family, proving the power of word-of-mouth and authentic community connection.
More Than a Game
Waterwise Lotería represents more than a clever outreach idea, it embodies a shift in approach to public engagement. By embracing cultural relevance, CBWCD didn’t just promote water conservation; it made the Waterwise Community Center a truly welcoming, inclusive space.
The project has become a cornerstone of the district’s evolving identity. It’s a reminder that innovation in public service doesn’t always mean high-tech solutions. Sometimes, the most impactful ideas come from listening to the community, honoring its culture, and thinking creatively.
Through a joyful reimagining of a traditional cultural game, CBWCD has built trust, sparked dialogue, and deepened its connection to the people it serves. Waterwise Lotería is not just an event —it’s a movement, a celebration, and a model for meaningful engagement.