Truth RGV, founded in 2018, seeks government transparency and accountability, particularly in the Texas towns of Weslaco and Mercedes, where persistent flooding and inadequate drainage threaten homes and lives in the Rio Grande Valley. In what meteorologists called “The Great June Flood of 2018 in the RGV,” a ‘500-year’ rain event hit Weslaco, leaving the streets flooded and residents in need. More than 2500 homes were damaged or destroyed when more than 11 inches of rain fell in just three hours. And then it happened again the following year – leaving residents, 88% Hispanic and 25% in poverty, with few resources to start over. While climate change and irresponsible development play a role, antiquated infrastructure and inadequate – or non-existent – drainage systems are causing the most significant pain for the vulnerable communities of Hidalgo County. Truth RGV’s mission is to shine a light on the inaction and ineptitude in the drainage system management of the Weslaco/Mercedes area.
Once it was safe to go out after the freak 2018 storm, Truth RGV founder Israel Coronado drove around town, dropped off sandbags, picked up debris, and in his spare time, remodeled homes. But what really hit him was listening to what his neighbors in a low-income area went through. His frustration at the city’s lack of action spurred him on. He took to social media, came up with a slogan, “Make Weslaco Drain Again,” and became recognized as a flood victims’ advocate and community watchdog. A month after the storm, Coronado and Truth RGV rallied the community to call for the dismissal of the city manager, which was successful. Truth RGV continues to work to hold public officials accountable for inaction in the face of extreme flooding, building political power, running for city leadership and keeping the community informed.
Israel Coronado ran for Mayor in Mercedes in 2020.