Achievements Archives

Report Shows Positive Impact of Manufacturing on Region

October 31, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

A new report from the San Diego Economic Development Corp. (EDC) shows the positive effect of the manufacturing sector on our regional economy. With $47 billion in economic impact across San Diego County, including more than 120,000 good-paying and low-barrier jobs, manufacturing is a cornerstone industry from San Ysidro to Oceanside.

Few of those jobs – or other economic benefits – would exist without the safe and reliable water supplies provided by the San Diego County Water Authority and its member agencies. While sustainable water sources are often taken for granted, they support virtually every manufacturing process in one way or the other, from the region’s famous craft beers to the water used in biotech labs.

To San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo, these kinds of jobs have a huge impact for workers in our region. “That means you’re putting kids through college,” Campillo said at an event unveiling the report. “That means you’re inventing devices that save lives. That means you’re bringing people here to see what San Diego has to offer and that helps everybody.”

The EDC’s report – sponsored by the Water Authority — highlights the outsized impact of small businesses in the manufacturing sector, careers that pay 31% more than the average regional salary, and the broad range of related industries helping to grow manufacturing in San Diego County.

Yet it’s not just about the sector itself but the broader impact it has across the region. “When factoring in supply chain activities and consumer spending from wages, the sector supports an additional 146,000 jobs across the county,” the report said. “This means that for every 100 jobs added in manufacturing, another 121 jobs are created elsewhere in the economy.”

“Nearly 1 in 10 private sector jobs in the region is a manufacturing job,” Eduardo Velasquez, EDC Senior Director, Research and Economic Development, said.

While the high cost of housing and the lack of developable space does hinder the sector’s ability for bigger growth, the companies in the sector are among the most innovative in the region and are dedicated to finding unique ways to expand even with those constraints.

To read the entire report, click here.

The San Diego County Water Authority added desalinated seawater to its supply portfolio in 2015 with the start of commercial operations at the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Membrane Tech Important Piece of Water Future

October 21, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Jordan Beane

The November edition of Journal AWWA (American Water Works Association) features a San Diego County Water Authority employee’s thoughts on a larger discussion about what the world of water could look like in 2050. In a piece titled “Addressing the Global Water Crisis With Membrane Technology”, Water Authority Principal Engineer Silvana Ghiu and her co-authors expanded on the vital importance of membrane technology for a hotter and dryer planet.

“The United Nations’ World Water Development Report 2023: Partnerships and Cooperation for Water estimates that the urban population facing water scarcity will increase from 933 million in 2016 to between 1.7 and 2.4 billion by 2050, representing one-third to one-half of the global urban population,” the article’s authors highlighted.

What can be done to fight against this global emergency?

The November edition of Journal AWWA

“After decades of advancements and innovation, membrane technology has evolved into an essential tool that can harness unconventional water sources to provide safe, sustainable drinking water.”

San Diego County residents don’t have to go far to see this technology in action. In fact, it’s being used right here in Carlsbad.

“In California, drought is intrinsic to the natural climate, and the need for local, reliable water supplies led to the 2015 construction of the Claude ‘Bud’ Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, the largest desalination plant in the Western Hemisphere, with a capacity of 50 mgd (million gallons per day).”

From desalination along the coast to using membrane technology to treat brackish water in the interior, along with future advancements that could create even more opportunities for reliability, this technology is clearly here to stay.

“Membrane technology could be present in some capacity in nearly every new water plant built by the middle of this century,” writes Ghiu and her co-authors. In San Diego that future is already here as the Water Authority continues to build a reliable regional water supply for a changing climate. To read more, click here.

Utility Patent-Pipeline Inspection Tool-

Water Authority Wins Golden Watchdog Award

October 21, 2024/in Achievements, Features, WNN /by Jordan Beane

The San Diego County Water Authority won a Golden Watchdog Award at this year’s Golden Watchdog & Fleece Awards hosted by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association on Oct. 18. The Water Authority was recognized for its deployment of “Scanny,” a high-tech surveillance device designed to safely and efficiently monitor the agency’s large-diameter pipelines that provide water to the San Diego region.

The inspection tool uses commercially available lightweight adventure cameras and lights that are arranged in a unique way on a chassis that moves through pipelines that are 4 to 9 feet in diameter. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

A special congratulations to the Water Authority’s Operations and Maintenance team and in particular Asset Management Manager Martin Coghill, who designed and patented “Scanny” on behalf of the Water Authority.

Proactive maintenance and asset management practices allow water agencies to extend the lifespan of their pipeline assets by more than 50%. With 308 miles of transmission pipelines, 100 flow control facilities and more than 1,400 pipeline-related structures, the Water Authority is constantly assessing and inspecting critical infrastructure across the county. This not only ensures that the Water Authority can stay ahead of potential emergencies but also reduce the need for replacing infrastructure.

Inspections involve crews entering the drained pipelines and evaluating around 30 miles each year. The pipelines traverse the hilly terrain of San Diego County, and some sections are so steep that they require the use of specialized rope and rigging support teams. That’s where “Scanny” comes in. Using an array of cameras to provide high-definition video surveillance of the interior of the pipeline, invented by Water Authority staff, provides the ability to inspect these pipes without requiring specialists.

The benefit of this technology goes beyond proactive maintenance. When compared to the cost of hiring specialized rope and rigging teams, “Scanny” paid for itself in just two deployments. “Scanny” can also be deployed multiple times each year during the inspection season.

Asset management at the Water Authority is more than just using new technology, it’s a strategic investment. In round numbers, the cost to replace 1 mile of large-diameter pipeline can be around $10 million. The cost to assess and maintain the same mile of pipeline may be around $100,000 every 10 years.

(L to R) Tim Lyall, 2023 Farmer of the Year Warren Lyall, and Andy Lyall. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Warren Lyall Named 2023 San Diego County Farmer Of The Year

October 3, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The San Diego County Farm Bureau (Farm Bureau) named third-generation avocado and citrus grower Warren Lyall of Pauma Valley as its 2023 Farmer of the Year. Lyall will be recognized for his achievement at the annual Farmer of the Year awards dinner on October 24.

The Farmer of the Year award is presented to an active or retired farmer who has had a positive impact on the agriculture industry, is active in the community beyond agriculture, and has represented the agricultural industry publicly on behalf of farming interests.

Warren Lyall’s family has been farming in Pauma Valley for three generations. Photo: Andy Lyall

This year’s award recognizes Lyall’s lifelong commitment to farming, leadership in agricultural organizations, and significant contributions to his community.

Lyall’s farming heritage started in 1931 when his grandparents moved to Pauma Valley from Montana, where they were cattle ranchers. He settled the family in Pauma Valley because it reminded him of home, and by 1933, they were living there full-time as citrus growers.

Learn more about the Lyall family in this feature interview.

Lyall was immersed in the world of farming from a young age. He learned about citrus and avocado cultivation alongside his grandfather, Andrew Lyall.

His early experiences gave Lyall a profound appreciation for the dedication required to succeed in agriculture. He also recognized the need to rely on a deep faith to manage the many factors in agriculture that are out of the grower’s control.

Today, Warren Lyall and his two sons, Andy and Tim, operate Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley of San Diego County. The primary crop is oranges, but they have also been growing avocados for the last 18 years.

Sustainably Managing Water and Energy Resources

Managing both water and energy resources is vital to the success of Rancho Monte Vista, a 205-acre orchard in the Pauma Valley. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Managing water use and tracking soil moisture throughout there is a key to the Lyalls’ success. They recently upgraded their sprinkler systems to maximize uniformity across their orange groves. Four full-time employees monitor water use during the summer irrigation season, checking every aspect of the irrigation systems to prevent and catch leaks. This diligence helped the Lyalls navigate recent drought years.

“There is a lot of art involved in the irrigation of trees. The way they demand water is different. Water for us is a precious resource. We can’t afford to waste it,” said Warren Lyall.

Andy and Warren Lyall operate Rancho Monte Vista along with Andy’s brother, Tim Lyall. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

The Lyalls also find ways to conserve energy use at Rancho Monte Vista. They recently installed a solar power plant on their ranch, providing 80 percent of the power needed for their irrigation pumps. Any excess energy produced is sold to the grid for use by San Diego Gas & Electric, adding to the long-term sustainability of their ranch.

Even in plentiful rain years, the ranch manages its water use. “We are careful to manage our irrigation (and other input resources) every year,” Lyall says. “It is part of our philosophy of stewardship that even if a resource is plentiful, we need to be careful not to waste it. It is all part of farming sustainably and efficiently in order to maximize our success.”

Lyall Represents San Diego County’s Farming Professionals

Warren Lyall is recognized for his leadership and community service. Photo: Courtesy Cultivate California

Lyall’s journey has been marked by exceptional leadership and service. He has made significant contributions as a Director for Villa Park Orchards Association, Sunkist Growers, Inc., and Fruit Growers Supply Company.

Lyall has also been active in community leadership. He has served as President of Pauma Municipal Water District, played a key role in forming the Upper San Luis Rey Groundwater Management Authority, and led the formation of the San Diego County Citrus Pest Control District, where he currently serves as President.

The San Diego County Farm Bureau is a non-profit organization supporting the more than 5,700 farms within the county. The mission of the Farm Bureau is to foster San Diego agriculture through education, public relations, and public policy advocacy in order to promote the economic viability, sustainability, and community building of agriculture. For more information, visit our website www.sdfarmbureau.org

(L to R): Dave Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Water ReUse President; Erica Wolski, General Manager, and Director Jacob Zoria, Ramona Municipal Water District; Brenley McKenna, Water ReUse Executive Director. Photo: Ramona Municipal Water District

Ramona Municipal Water District Named Small Recycled Water Agency of the Year

October 3, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Ramona Municipal Water District (Ramona MWD) was named the 2024 Small Recycled Water Agency of the Year by WateReuse California.

The award recognizes agencies that have developed recycled water, on a significant level, as an alternative water source within their service area, regionally or statewide. The recipients will have demonstrated leadership, creativity and persistence in developing a comprehensive program and outreach to the community to expand awareness and implementation of water recycling.

Ramona MWD General Manager Erica Wolski and board member Jacob Zoria accepted the award during a conference earlier in September from Brenley McKenna, Executive Director, & Dave Pedersen, President, representing WateReuse California (WRCA).

“I’m so pleased to receive this recognition on behalf of our forward-thinking Board of Directors and talented and hard-working water professionals at the Ramona Municipal Water District,” said General Manager Erica Wolski.

“The project has created a close connection with our neighbors, the Barona Band of Mission Indians, and has led to collaboration on other local projects. It also assures our customers we are doing everything we can on their behalf to maximize our resources and reduce wastewater treatment costs.”

Award-winning partnership between Ramona Municipal Water District and Barona Band

The award honors Ramona Municipal Water District’s partnership with its neighbor, the Barona Band of Mission Indians. Photo: Ramona Municipal Water District

The award honors Ramona MWD’s partnership with its neighbor, the Barona Band of Mission Indians, in a project that, when completed, will provide excess recycled water to the Barona Resort and Casino.

Barona currently relies on local groundwater and a small amount of water recycled at the Casino. Recycled water provided through Ramona MWD will be used for golf course and landscape irrigation. The project helps the tribe protect its limited groundwater supplies.

The environmental documents for this project are expected to be released by the end of 2024. Construction on the pipeline between the reservation and RMWD is anticipated to begin in 2025.

The project will beneficially reuse up to 250-acre feet per year, delivering recycled water currently distributed on a spray field near the San Vicente Water Reclamation Plant, and it will now generate new revenue for sewer district customers.

Ramona MWD is is only the third winner in the small plant category from this region in the last 20 years. The City of Oceanside won in 2020, and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District won in 2005.

Leaders from the Metropolitan Water District join SDCWA board Chair, Secretary and General Manager at the August 2024 Board meeting.

Water Authority Welcomes MWD Chair to Discuss Regional Water Future

August 22, 2024/in Achievements, Agency News, Colorado River Basin, Features /by Jordan Beane

On Thursday, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Chairman Adán Ortega and Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay addressed collaboration between two of the largest wholesale water agencies in Southern California in light of MWD’s major long-term planning effort. This process aims to chart a course for meeting Southern California’s water resource management needs while rising to the challenges of a changing climate and maintaining its financial sustainability.

Speaking to the Board of the San Diego County Water Authority, Ortega praised the work of Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz, Vice Chair Nick Serrano and General Manager Dan Denham during an era of change at both agencies.

“Through your leadership, barriers between our member agencies are coming down opening new possibilities for greater interdependence in our region that can result in greater reliability, value for our residents, and fiscal health for the entire water supply chain,” Ortega said.

Members of the Metropolitan Water District join the August 2024 SDCWA Board meeting for a robust discussion.

This spring, Katz and Denham spoke to the MWD Board about growing the agencies’ relationship based on water security, affordability and mutual benefits.

Ortega touched on similar themes regarding MWD’s ongoing effort to prepare for a changing climate over the next century via its Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water effort. MWD is trying to chart a course forward with its 26 member agencies that meets the needs of the region while keeping water affordable all in the face of uncertainties caused by the changing climate. Through this process, MWD will consider potential multi-billion-dollar supply projects.

Ortega said the work of the San Diego region’s delegates to the MWD Board have been crucial for helping to chart Southern California’s water future. He thanked Director Tim Smith for leading MWD’s Finance and Asset Management Committee in implementing a two-year budget that was approved without opposition ; Director Marty Miller for his efforts to ensure financial accountability; MWD Secretary Lois Fong-Sakai for establishing a tone of civility at the MWD Board; and MWD Vice Chair Gail Goldberg for her work on MWD’s complex climate adaptation plan.

“Together, during the last two years we have made great progress in steps that are modernizing Metropolitan in the task of climate adaptation,” Ortega said.

Vallecitos Water District Meets Highest Transparency Standards

August 21, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) was honored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for achieving re-accreditation with a “Transparency Certificate of Excellence.” SDLF recognizes organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote a transparent, well-governed public agency.

“This award is a testament to Vallecitos’ commitment to open government,” said Vallecitos Board President Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. “The Board of Directors along with district staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”

Government Transparency Requirements Met

The SDLF certification indicates the highest level of public transparency. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Special District Leadership Foundation Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer presented the formal certificate to the Board of Directors at its August meeting upon its successful completion of its essential governance transparency requirements.

The requirements include:

Conducting ethics training for all board members
Properly hosting open and public meetings
Filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner

The district also fulfilled 19 individual website information requirements, allowing members of the public easy access to important information including board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, the current Vallecitos Water District budget, and its most recent financial audit.

The final requirement in the certification process assessed the Vallecitos Water District’s community outreach effort and public engagement in the district’s governance, fulfilled through regular distribution of newsletters and public budget hearings.

SDLF Fosters Good Governance Practices Among Special Districts

Engineering Technician Alison Fisher is among the Vallecitos Water District employees providing transparent service to ratepayers. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and recognition programs.

To receive the recognition, the Vallecitos Water District website must post information meeting SDLF’s strict transparency requirements, including:

Election procedures and deadlines
Posted board meeting schedules and agendas
Current District budget
Recent financial audit
Compensation of Board members and staff (or link to the State Controller’s webpage)

The Vallecitos Board of Directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

More information on VWD’s transparency efforts can be viewed at www.vwd.org/transparency.

Helix Water District Recognizes Top Photographers in Annual Photo Contest

July 23, 2024/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Beautiful scenery, wildlife, and native plants are featured in this year’s winning photos in the annual Lake Jennings 2024 Photo Contest.

The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District. The District Board of Directors recognized the top photographers at its July meeting.

Adult Category winners Scott Lagace and Loraine Moreno with the Helix Water District Board. (R to L):
Director Kathleen Coates Hedberg, Board President Dan McMillan, Scott Lagace, Loraine Moreno, Director Mark Gracyk, Director Andrea Beth Damsky, and Vice President Joel Scalzitti. Photo: Helix Water District

The District runs the contest each year as a fun way to connect with its customers and recognize their achievements.

Now in its 13th year, the contest drew entries from throughout San Diego County. This year’s entries depict the beauty of Lake Jennings, considered among the region’s most scenic parks. The contest was open for photos taken between April 1 and April 30, 2024.

Youth Category Winners

“Tranquil Family of Ducks,” Aaron D’ Souza

First Place: Aaron D’ Souza, San Diego – “Tranquil Family of Ducks”

“Overcast,” Lillian Heilpern

Second Place: Lillian Heilpern, El Cajon – “Overcast”

Adult Category Winners

“A Spring Day at Lake Jennings,” Scott Lagace

First Place: Scott Lagace, Santee– “A Spring Day at Lake Jennings”

“Entre La Lluvia,” Loraine Moreno

Second Place: Loraine Moreno, La Mesa – “Entre La Lluvia”

“Mountain Reflections at Sunset,” Cindy Luna

Third Place: Cindy Luna, Maricopa, Arizona – “Mountain Reflections at Sunset”

In the Youth Category, Aaron D’Souza won $50 for his first-place photo and Lillian Heilpern won a $25 Amazon Gift Card for her photo.

In the Adult Category, Scott Lagace received $100 for his first-place finish, Loraine Moreno received a $50 Amazon Gift Card and Cindy Luna received a Lake Jennings sweatshirt and hat. All top finishers also received a Lake Jennings day-use pass good for one year.

Lake Jennings is a welcoming recreation destination located in Lakeside, California, offering fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking activities. The lake is a drinking water reservoir owned and operated by Helix Water District. The scenic views of the lake and the wooded surroundings make it feel as if you are in the middle of the wilderness, right outside of town.

See the 2023 Photo Contest winners here.

L to R: Keith Hobson Vice President, Water Environment Federation (WEF), FOX Strand; Ruby Dela Cruz; and Chuck Greely, CWEA past president, Dudek. Photo: CWEA awards

Water Professionals Honored at 95th CWEA Awards

July 1, 2024/in Achievements /by Gayle Falkenthal

Ruby Dela Cruz from the City of San Diego and Raul Villalpando from the City of Escondido were two of eight individuals honored at the 95th Annual California Water Environment Association (CWEA) Awards.

Both have served their city for the past 23 years, and their awards recognize their contributions to enhancing California’s water environment.

Ruby Dela Cruz Named Electrical Instrument Person of the Year

Dela Cruz received the “Electrical Instrumentation Person of the Year” award, celebrating her achievements as the city’s Instrumentation and Control Supervisor.

Dela Cruz is responsible for supervising, training, and participating in the maintenance of the control systems and instrumentation of the North City Pure Water Facility, Pure Water Pump Station, and Dechlorination Facility.

As a supervisor, she appreciates being challenged in her role while simultaneously passing on her expertise to others.

“I enjoy troubleshooting electrical and electronic circuits because it sharpens my analytical thinking,” said Dela Cruz. “[And] I like imparting my knowledge and sharing my technical experience to my subordinates to help them achieve their aspirations and goals in their career.”

Yet, after over two decades of working for the City of San Diego, she acknowledges the people are what make the job.

“Everyone is treated as family,” said Dela Cruz. “Just like a family, nobody is perfect, but everyone is there for you when you need them. My superiors never fail to acknowledge my accomplishments and contributions to the group.”

Raul Villalpando Named Operator of the Year

City of Escondido winner Raul Villalpondo (center) with (L to R) Keith Hobson, Vice President, Water Environment Federation (WEF), FOX Strand; Victor Corrales, City of Escondido; Wastewater Operations Manager; Villalpondo; Kyle Morgan, City of Escondido Assistant Director of Utilities Wastewater; and Chuck Greely, CWEA past president, Dudek. Photo: CWEA

Similar to Dela Cruz, Raul Villalpando values the opportunity to pass along his knowledge and expertise to his newer colleagues. This attribute led his supervisors to push for his “Operator of the Year” award.

“He’s really been the main guy that’s been kind of passing along his knowledge, not just of wastewater, but of the plant itself,” said Victor Corrales, wastewater operations manager for the City of Escondido. “He’s setting an example to those newer operators of the value of staying at a place, watching and helping it grow.”

As a senior wastewater operator, Villalpando is one of four lead operators in charge of overseeing the City of Escondido’s wastewater plant. Every day, he works alongside electricians, mechanics, and other plant operators to ensure business runs smoothly. While he wears many hats around the plant, he considers this award a group effort.

“This award that I was lucky enough to win as an individual is for everyone on this team,” said Villalpando. “I oversee all those people, but those people worked hand-in-hand with me to win that. To be able to find a good core group of people to work with is the hardest and best thing to find, and I’m lucky to say I’ve found that.”

CWEA Awards Recognize Exemplary Efforts

Founded in 1927, the CWEA is a not-for-profit association of 9,000-plus professionals in the wastewater industry. The association trains and certifies wastewater professionals, disseminates technical information and promotes sound policies to benefit society through protection and enhancement of the water environment.

For the past 95 years, the CWEA awards program has honored exemplary efforts of individuals and agencies throughout the state who are leaders in engineering, wastewater operations, collection systems, laboratory work, and pretreatment programs.

For more information about the California Water Environment Awards, visit awards.cwea.org

OMWD Board Honors Winners of Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Photo Contest

June 20, 2024/in Achievements /by Gayle Falkenthal

Four photographers were recognized by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors for their winning images in its 17th annual Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest.

The winning photos feature the natural beauty of the 784-acre reserve near Escondido.

“We are grateful for the stunning contest photos received this year. Countless individuals will see the views offered by our 11 miles of trails,” said OMWD Board Director Marco San Antonio.

OMWD received over 200 entries submitted in five categories: Scenic View, Water Scenery, Plants, Animals, and Youth (age 15 and under). The contest was open to photographers of all ages.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve Facebook followers selected a People’s Choice award winner by voting for their favorite of 19 entries posted online.

This year’s Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve photo contest winners

“Warbler with Bee” by Keith Kelley – Best in Show Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Leaf Race” by Keith Kelley – Water Scenery Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Quack” by Keith Kelley – Winner, Animals Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Mushroom :)” by Adrian Flores – Winner, Plants Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Overlooked Elegance” by Ray Santiago – Winner, Youth Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Winter color palette on the creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, Scenic View Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

“Serenity by the Creek” by Sylvia Gaffney – Winner, People’s Choice Category. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

San Diego Zoo, California Wolf Center, and EcoVivarium Reptile Sanctuary donated tickets as prizes. Prizes also included a canvas print donated by PC Photo & Imaging, outdoor equipment donated by REI, and a cash prize donated by the Escondido Creek Conservancy.

Beginning in July 2024, Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve visitors can view winning photographs at the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty.

The Interpretive Center is open daily, subject to docent availability. Current hours of operation can be obtained by calling 760-632-4212.

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