Job opportunities in the water industry are plentiful and growing. That’s why the San Diego County Water Authority is making workforce development a priority, preparing the next generation of job seekers to pursue careers in this vital and often overlooked field.
The Water Authority is participating in career fairs and work panels around the county to highlight the various career paths, educational requirements, starting salaries and job growth potential in the water world.
“More than half of our workforce will be eligible to retire in the next five years,” said Cristina Lever-Santos, Principal Human Resources Analyst with the Water Authority “This will create new opportunities for meaningful careers in the water industry. Engaging our community to develop robust workforce development opportunities will help to fill critical skills and knowledge gaps, ensure operational business continuity, and create a pipeline of top talent.”
2025 Workforce Development Efforts
Water Authority employees are connecting with high school and college students, transitioning service members, veterans, and diverse immigrant communities at various events.
The goal is to showcase the wide array of jobs needed to keep water flowing to the taps. Career opportunities range from engineering, finance and public affairs roles that require college degrees, to skilled trade jobs – such as surveyors and operators, that call for a high school diploma and special certifications at differing levels.
Introductions to water careers are made at a variety of career fairs and industry events throughout the year. These include high school and college career fairs, the East County Economic Development Council Manufacturing Expo, as well as military and apprenticeship-focused fairs.
Cristina Lever-Santos and intern Lily Winesett at the East County EDC Manufacturing Expo at Cuyamaca College.
Students and prospective job candidates stop by the agency’s booth to learn about water industry career paths, internship programs, and the skills and education needed to enter and thrive in the water industry. Fun promotional materials and interactive demos also engage participants.
The agency is also partnering with the newly formed San Diego County Water Workforce Collaborative to bring together educators and industry professionals to highlight the water industry and build a future water workforce.
Plans for the Future
To inspire the next generation of water professionals, the Water Authority is also expanding its work with partners at the college and high school levels as well as collaborating with water agencies throughout the region. Programs such as the apprenticeship initiative with Cuyamaca College’s Center for Water Studies allow students to rotate through technical roles to gain practical experience in treatment and operations.
Supporting Veterans and Career Growth
The Water Authority provides training opportunities to military veterans looking for new careers in public service as part of the SkillBridge Program. The program helps military veterans transition to career-track training opportunities, including work in the water and wastewater industry. More than 30,000 service members separate from the military each year in California, and more than half are transitioning out of active duty in the San Diego region.
Learn More About a Career in Water
Senior Human Resources Analyst Patty Duran at the Camp Pendleton Career Exploration & Hiring Event.
San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies launched SanDiegoWaterWorks.org, serving as a one-stop shop for regional water and wastewater industry careers. It provides the first comprehensive list of job openings across the San Diego region in a convenient location. The site features:
Current water and wastewater job postings in the San Diego region
Career advice and resources on training, education and internship programs
Stories featuring rewarding careers in the water industry
Resources and information on special training programs and internships for military veterans
In addition, the California Urban Water Agencies career ladders offer valuable resources by highlighting career paths, requirements, and salaries within the water sector – from entry-level positions to advanced technical and executive leadership roles.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/workforce-development-1.jpg9021203Jordan Beanehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngJordan Beane2026-02-11 07:36:382026-02-11 07:41:26Water Authority Ramps Up Workforce Development
San Diego regional member water agencies and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2026 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirements, along with the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies, is driving greater efforts to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County.
Scholarships are available for community college, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for the following academic school year.
San Diego Regional Water Scholarships
Helix Water District Scholarships
Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $2,000 scholarships for their university studies next fall. The amount of the award has increased from 2025.
The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and the Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship honor two past leaders of Helix Water District. Friedgen retired in 1998 after 19 years as the district’s general manager, and Childs retired in 1999 after 20 years on the board of directors. These scholarship awards have also increased to $2,000 this year.
Applicants must graduate in Spring 2026 and attend a four-year college or university starting in Fall 2026. Students submit a two-page essay exploring potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals and financial need.
Vallecitos Water District Scholarships
Six scholarships are available for high school and college students who are residents of the Vallecitos Water District.
Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the District. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $2,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water related issues impacting their community.
Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area. Scholarship applications from students pursuing a career in water, environmental science, engineering or other related fields are highly desirable.
Students must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.
Scholarship packages are now available. Email Chris Robbins to get application materials. Applications for the 2026 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by Friday, March 27, 2026.
Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarship(s) from the District in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of how water related issues influence our daily activities.
Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a one-page personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.
Applications must be received via email or at the District’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday February 20, 2026. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. Find the application link here.
Contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 or with questions or to request application information.
Sweetwater Authority “Work For Water” Scholarships
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college or trade school with a career goal in the water industry. The application deadline has not been determined. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, email .
Institution-Based College Scholarships
The Mark Watton Scholarship Fund through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.
Applicants must be currently enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. Application dates are March 23 to May 1, 2026.
Students can contact Cuyamaca College scholarship specialist Shirley Hughes with questions at
National University partners with the San Diego County Water Authority to offer a 25% tuition reduction scholarship to employees and employees of all member water agencies. The San Diego County Water Authority Tuition Reduction Scholarship benefits working adults who want to reach specific educational goals but find it challenging to fit classes into their busy life. The tuition reduction scholarship can be applied to most associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Click for more information.
Statewide Water Association Scholarships
Association of California Water Agencies Scholarships for Undergrads and Grad Students
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers three undergraduate scholarships, two graduate scholarship and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus. Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include scholastic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.
ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders.
Deadline: March 1, 2026. Application Link. For questions, call 916-441-4545 or email .
American Water Works Association Scholarships
The American Water Works Association offers scholarships for graduate and undergraduate studies.
The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships in support of students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water-related field. Three $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.
Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater, and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable candidates.
Deadline: March 15, 2026. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
Water Education Foundation For Graduate Students
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies scholarship provides $25,000 for a graduate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.
The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation.
Undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields can also explore careers in water through the InFLOW STEMpath Track program, which introduces them to water industry careers through virtual education and an annual conference. Learn more on the program webpage.
With approximately 1,400 water and wastewater jobs expected to open up across San Diego County in the next five years due to retirements, water industry careers offer promising lifelong professional opportunities. For more information, visit sandiegowaterworks.org
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-04-21-an-0986-dfd-apprentice.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-02-06 07:26:552026-02-07 13:56:162026 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring San Diego Water Professionals
The Helix Water District plays host this week to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s “Being Water Wise Is” traveling art show, now through January 30, at its administration office, located at 7811 University Avenue in La Mesa.
The show displays the original artwork created by talented students from kindergarten through 12th grade from across Southern California, including member agency entrants from San Diego County.
The winning poster from Helix Water District 2025 contest entrant Emma Phillips is featured in the art show. Her poster is among those included in the Metropolitan Water District’s 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar. Emma is an eighth-grade student at Christ Lutheran School.
Winning Ways By Helix Student Artists
The winning entry from Emma Phillips. Photo: Helix Water District
Each year, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, one of our wholesale water providers, holds a regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. This past year, kindergarten through 12th-grade students throughout the Helix Water District competed to have their poster win the district’s poster contest and claim a coveted spot in the Metropolitan Water District’s “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.
Helix Water District winners have been selected for the Metropolitan calendar every year since 2020. The 2025 high school winner, Helix Charter High School ninth-grader Catalina Jones, has won the Helix Water District Contest twice and had her artwork selected for the Metropolitan calendar twice. Her artwork appeared in the 2024 and 2023 calendars.
Other winning students include Charlotte Chatham (2025), Cameryn Kovar (2024), Clare Brandt (2023), Lucas Regimbal (2022), Jose Sabedra and Mina Saeed (2021), and Valeria Ramirez (2020). Phillips now joins them.
Members of the public are welcome to view the art show during business hours at the Helix Water District administration building in La Mesa this week. Photo: Helix Water District
The public is welcome to visit the Helix Water District administration office during business hours to enjoy these inspiring works of art. The district thanks all its past participants for their creativity and commitment to water-wise practices and looks forward to new entries in the 2026 “Being Water Wise Is” Student Poster Art contest.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/helix-art-show-0092-1080x720.jpg7231080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2026-01-27 07:29:252026-01-27 07:29:25Helix Water District Hosts Student Art Show
The Oceanside Historical Society opened the Weese Oceanside History Center at its new permanent home with a ribbon-cutting on August 29. It is now located at 510 Civic Center Drive next to The Star Theatre.
The Weese Oceanside History Center is named in honor of Robert and Bessie Weese. Robert Weese dedicated more than 40 years of service to the City of Oceanside Water Department and to the San Diego region as a San Diego County Water Authority board member. He was known as “Mr. Water” for his expertise.
Weese Honored For 40 Years of Water Industry Service
Robert A. Weese worked for the City of Oceanside water department for 40 years. Photo: City of Oceanside
Weese, a native of Ontario, Canada, came to the U.S. and became a naturalized citizen after serving in the Canadian Army as a teenager. He drove an ambulance in England during World War I.
He joined the U.S. Navy in 1924 and was stationed on the USS Arizona based in San Diego. After meeting and marrying his wife Bessie, he was discharged from the Navy and went to work for the Oceanside Water Department as a meter reader, beginning a life of service in the water industry.
Weese gained a firsthand knowledge of the water system by reading and repairing every water meter in Oceanside, and through weekly checks of the city’s wells and the water table. In 1935, the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) built a new pumping station and reservoir at Buddy Todd Park, where Weese would chlorinate the water.
In 1938, Weese was appointed Oceanside’s Water Superintendent, a position he held until his retirement in 1968.
Weese had the foresight to divert sewer effluent away from the Pacific Ocean into Whelan Lake. He also proposed an underground barrier at the mouth of the San Luis Rey River as a means of holding back the ocean during periods when the water table was pumped below sea level.
Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, in front of an exhibit honoring his parents at the Weese Oceanside History Center. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.
Weese wrote a history of the water department, which was published in the Oceanside Blade Tribune newspaper. He oversaw the building of the Fire Mountain Reservoir in 1955.
In addition to serving as chairman of the Water Authority’s Engineering and Operations Committee, Weese was a member of the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Feather River Project Association, the American Water Works Association, and other water-related organizations. Weese also served as a director of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce.
Oceanside’s water treatment plant, built in 1983, was named the Robert A. Weese Filtration Plant.
New Exhibit Space Includes Weese Papers
Tom Weese, son of Robert and Bessie Weese, speaks at the August 29 ribbon-cutting event for the relocated Weese Oceanside History Center as historian Kristi Hawthorne looks on. Photo: Zach Cordner/The Osider.
The new location of the Weese Oceanside History Center has more than 3,000 square feet of exhibits spanning a century from the 1880s to the 1980s. Among the exhibits is a collection of Weese’s personal and professional papers, donated by his son Thomas Weese in 2022.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission to the history center is free.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/weese-history-center-ribbon-cutting-1080x720-1.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-09-03 15:41:362025-09-05 09:01:28Oceanside History Center’s New Home Named After Water Pioneer
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) invites residents to attend an informative Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event in collaboration with the Encinitas Fire Department, Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District, San Diego Gas & Electric, and other local agencies on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.
The event will take place at the district’s headquarters, located at 1966 Olivenhain Road in Encinitas.
The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District will lead a wildfire prevention workshop and display a fire engine (events permitting). Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Safeguard Your Home: Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop
As part of the open house, OMWD offers a free Water-Smart and Fire-Wise Landscaping Workshop from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
As peak wildfire season approaches, this free workshop offers waterwise landscaping tips, wildfire emergency preparedness resources, and expert advice in a fun, family-friendly setting.
“We’re giving our neighbors the tools to protect their homes and their families, while also sharing more about the critical services that Olivenhain Municipal Water District provides every day,” said OMWD Board Director Ebin Lanfried. “As wildfires and other emergencies become an even greater challenge in our region, it’s essential that we prepare together.”
Presentations will be provided by California Landscape Technologies, Encinitas Fire Department, and Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District. Learn tips on water-efficient landscaping, firescaping techniques, and how to protect your property against wildfires.
The OMWD Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event offers a variety of displays and informational booths. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
The OMWD Open House event will feature informational booths showcasing OMWD departments and customer programs, as well as local fire department emergency preparedness efforts.
OMWD and Leucadia Wastewater District will display several of their specialized utility vehicles.
The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department plan to exhibit a fire truck and engine at the event (if not responding to area emergencies).
Paramedics from American Medical Response ambulance service will demonstrate CPR techniques and display a specialized response vehicle.
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District Open House offers family-friendly activities along with informational emergency preparedness workshops and exhibits. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Booths from area organizations include:
OMWD departments will provide information, answer questions, and discuss free programs.
San Diego Gas & Electric, San Diego County Water Authority, and Leucadia Wastewater District will present their programs and services.
Booths representing Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District and Encinitas Fire Department will provide wildfire and emergency preparedness advice and materials.
Local elementary students will showcase their environmentally focused projects.
The sustainable landscape demonstration garden at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District headquarters provides customers with examples of water-efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Attendees can tour OMWD’s California-friendly demonstration garden, which exhibits water-efficient plants, and emphasizes key principles of sustainable landscaping.
Participants can take part in family-oriented activities, enjoy refreshments, and receive a complimentary emergency preparedness and water-efficiency kit, while supplies last.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/olivenhain-open-house-vehicle-1080x720.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-09-02 07:40:172025-09-02 07:40:17OMWD & First Responders Host Open House and Emergency Preparedness Event on Sept. 6
Five student artists were named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork.
Students learn about the importance of a clean, reliable water supply in the classroom through the Otay Water District’s educational program, which promotes water-use efficiency through art, and turn what they’ve learned into the award-winning posters.
Students Inspire Others To Protect Vital Resource
“We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”
This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.
“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”
Winners Advance to Regional Southern California Competition
Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.
The 2025 Student Poster Contest winners include:
K-Third Grade Category:
Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary
First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District
Second Place: Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary
Fourth – Sixth Grade Category:
Mila Vega’s winning artwork won first place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary
Sophie Coghill’s poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District
Second Place: Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary
High School Category:
Zhaoyu Zhai’s creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District
First Place: Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School
The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.
Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan calendar the past three years, including Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/otay-2025-jacob-irons-1-elem-art-copy.jpg7181080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-08-21 15:24:132025-08-21 15:24:13Winning Student Artwork Spotlights the Value of Water in Otay Student Poster Contest
Award-winning exhibits at the San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show offer attendees inspiration for their own low-water use landscaping projects from examples of creative low-water use and native plant gardens at the Fair’s popular exhibit.
Groovy Garden Returns To County Fair’s Garden Show
The Groovy Garden is designed to draw attention from fairgoers who are new to gardening and creating waterwise landscaping. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Debby Dunn, Senior Water Resources Specialist with the San Diego County Water Authority, returned for her third consecutive year to the Fair as both an exhibitor and a speaker. She says the exhibits, including her own “Groovy Garden” display, show how Californians are updating their lawns with beautiful and interesting water-wise landscape designs.
Dunn said what she enjoys most about creating her exhibit is the opportunity to help fairgoers learn about sustainable gardening who aren’t initially gardening enthusiasts. “I want to get the education to the people that don’t know what they don’t know,” said Dunn.
Dunn’s display won awards for Most Educational and Best WaterSmart Landscape. Her dog-bone shaped exhibit placed third for Garden Show Theme and runner up for the Master Gardener Association’s Earth-Friendly Gardening Award.
Embracing Pet-Friendly Design Elements
Humorous elements have a serious message about watersmart landscaping techniques. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Dunn designs her whimsical exhibit each year, inspired by the annual Fair theme. She designs it and her husband, Tim Schultz, helps with the installation. The 2025 theme is “Summer Pet-tacular.” Dunn added a pink kitty litter sandbox, a doghouse with a green roof, and plants with animal-inspired names such as Kangaroo Paws, Lion’s Tail, and Lamb’s Ear.
“My sandbox is about educating people on keeping their grass when it serves a purpose – like for dogs and kids,” explains Dunn. “The grass aeration plugs and compost look like something else you might find in a litterbox, but they are actually great tips for creating healthy grass.”
Dunn uses eye-catching, humorous elements to draw her visitors in to learn about household conservation practices. She repurposes colorful thrift store and garage sale finds to educate through imagination and playfulness to make a lasting impression.
“I like to incorporate over-the-top, fun display items into my exhibit that will draw people in and get them thinking about water use and sustainable landscapes,” said Dunn. Her Groovy Garden exhibit is known for featuring a colorful toilet so she can remind people to check for running toilets. This year, it is a bright shade of turquoise blue.
Support for Animal Adoption
Embracing the “Summer Pet-Tacular” County Fair theme, Debby Dunn of the Water Authority partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society to feature adoptable dogs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
To help promote the Fair theme, Dunn partnered with the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. Its adoption center is just six miles from the Fairgrounds, and their popular thrift store is just four miles north. She is promoting upcoming events and supporting the organization by shopping at the thrift store year-round, where Dunn purchased several items in this year’s Groovy Garden display.
Dunn’s display also featured photos of adoptable pets, accompanied by a QR code that allowed visitors to learn more. Last week, she was delighted to learn that most of those pets had found their forever homes, so darling new pets are now posted.
Dunn says she’s talked to hundreds of Fairgoers this year. “There’s always a handful of showy, blooming plants people want to know about,” said Dunn.
The exhibit features tips on planning your landscape design to accomodate plant growth, and features many native plant choices. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
She says this year it is Purpurea or Arabian Lilac (Vitex trifolia) with its green and purple foliage, as well as Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii), a California native plant with its delightful aroma and whorls of purple flowers.
The California Native Plant Society’s County Fair exhibit won multiple awards in 2025. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
The California Native Plant Society’s (CNPS’s) show garden “Paws, Wings & Wild Things” swept the awards with the depiction of its message that outdoor spaces can be safely shared by pets, people, and wildlife alike.
Inspired by the fair’s “Summer Pet-tacular” theme, the CNPS exhibit showed how native plant gardens can become vibrant, inclusive spaces through thoughtful design. Shaded patios, paw-friendly paths, and pollinating buffet of plants came together in one frisky, practical garden. It also showcased a Catio, which allows cats to safely be outside without harming birds or other wildlife.
Visitors to the California Native Plant Society’s exhibit can learn how to incorporate native plants in their landscapes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Paws, Wings & Wild Things helps expose fairgoers to the organization who might never have visited a CNPS booth or native plant garden before.
CNSP awards include:
MiraCosta College Horticulture Program Award
Anderson’s La Costa Nursery Best Water-Smart Garden Design
Paul Ecke, Jr. Garden Show Theme Award – 1st Place
Paul Ecke, Sr. Best Overall Exhibit Trophy
Cuyamaca College Ornamental Horticulture Award
Walter Andersen Most Practical Landscape Award
Master Gardener Association Earth Friendly Gardening Award – Grand Prize
San Diego Floral Association Best Landscape
Low-Water Use Gardens Suit Many Design Styles
The San Diego County Fair Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show runs through Sunday, July 6. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Dunn said low-water use landscapes offer many different styles to suit individual tastes and needs, similar to interior design styles.
“Everyone’s got their look and their style. It’s the same with plants. There are so many options and choices. Learn more by checking out the Water Authority’s Happy 100 plant list.
“If you’ve got kids and dogs, you may need grass; just water it wisely. But if the only person walking on the grass is the person mowing the grass, you likely don’t need the grass,” said Dunn.
“There are countless beautiful, California native and water smart plants you can place in your garden that will bring you entertainment and joy. Remember to check out the Nifty 50 and Happy 100 to learn more!”
The 2025 San Diego County Fair will end on Sunday, July 6. The fair is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/fair-2025-img-0293-1080x720.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-07-01 07:30:142025-07-01 07:30:14San Diego County Fair Landscape Exhibits Educate and Entertain
The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Board of Directors recognized students from district schools for their excellence in the classroom, awarding $2,000 scholarships to six deserving students.
The scholarship program was established by the board in 2022 to provide scholarships to high school students, as well as students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos. In 2024, scholarships were increased from the original $1,000 award to $2,000 for up to six students annually.
The scholarship contest opened on February 3, 2025, with a submission deadline of April 25, 2025. High school and college counselors were encouraged to let students know about the scholarship opportunity. Candidates submit an application, a personal essay, a letter of recommendation, and a financial needs worksheet.
The District’s Public Awareness/Personnel/Policy (P3) Committee reviews and recommends scholarship recipients to the Board of Directors each year. Twenty-four applications were received by the District this year.
Committee members assessed the applications, including completeness of the application packet, current enrollment of the student, future enrollment of the student, and whether the student had plans to pursue a career in water or a related field. Six applicants were forwarded to the Vallecitos Board of Directors, with the committee recommending scholarship awards.
Scholarship Winners Get All-Star Honors
The 2025 scholarship recipients include three high school students and three college students. Angel Martinez attends Mission Hills High School; Brady Minger attends San Marcos High School, and Ricardo Cardenas attends Twin Oaks High School.
The 2025 Vallecitos Water District scholarship recipients include: Back row (L to R): Board members Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Craig Elitharp; Board President Jim Pennock; Board member Jim Hernandez, Board Vice President Jennifer Kerschbaum. Front row: Lindsay Pratel and Carolina Lopez. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Carolina Lopez and Lindsay Pratel attend Palomar College, and Kai Leffler attends CSU San Marcos.
Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins livened up the presentation by introducing the recipients to the board in the style of a ballpark announcer as each student stepped up to ‘the plate’ with personal information about the recipient.
“Leading off for the Vallecitos Scholarships, setting the table, Palomar student and successful intern with Vallecitos during the recent Spring semester, Lindsay Pratel.
“Second in your lineup is the contact man, making contacts at the Boys & Girls Clubs Career Connections and Mock Interview event, from Mission Hills High School, Angel Martinez.
“Coming up third, with a combination of power and precision, where he recently took part in a mentorship program volunteering several times a week to work with elementary school students, from Twin Oaks High School, Ricardo Cardenas.
“In the clean up spot, looking to have a career in Human Resources for a water district, and he just completed his Bachelor’s degree from Cal State San Marcos, Kai Leffler.
“Up fifth, keeping the rally going, from Palomar College with a specific interest in water use efficiency and public affairs, Carolina Lopez.
“Up sixth, the last of our Vallecitos scholarship winners, who plans on majoring in mathematics with a minor in environmental policy, from San Marcos High, Brady Minger.”
Watch the award presentation at the Vallecitos Board of Directors meeting.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vwd-scholarship-winners-2025-2410.jpg7201081Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-24 07:37:502025-06-24 07:37:50Students Recognized For Scholarship Excellence by Vallecitos Water District
The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Board of Directors recognized students from district schools for their excellence in the classroom through its 2025 Student Poster Art Contest at its June board meeting.
Three fourth-grade students from the local community were named winners of the district’s annual student poster art contest. The poster contest, targeting fourth-grade students, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
In this year’s contest, 30 students submitted their artwork from the 12 schools with fourth-grade classes within the San Marcos Unified School District.
This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.” The three winning posters were selected from all entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.
The winning posters will appear in the 2026 North County Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free at the district’s office starting in November 2025. The calendar includes winning artwork from 11 North County water agencies.
“It’s inspiring to see how fourth graders turn their creativity into powerful messages about the value of water,” said Vallecitos Board President Jim Pennock. “A big shoutout to our 2025 winners for their amazing artwork and for reminding us all how essential—and worth protecting—our water really is!”
Winning Posters Depict The Value of Water
Jimena Castillo Medina of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won first place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Jimena Castillo Medina, a fourth-grade student at Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School, won first place for her artwork, titled “Every Drop Counts.” Jimena says water “is good for your health and it helps people.” Her teacher is Andrea Vigil-Ruiz.
Liv Williams of Discovery Elementary School won second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Fourth-grader Liv Williams at Discovery Elementary School won second place for her entry, which featured a mountain landscape and a person immersed in the beauty of the landscape. Liv wrote in her entry that water “helps us with our daily lifestyles. It also keeps us hydrated. Last, it can be really really really pretty!” Her teacher is Holly Hartzell.
Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Third place went to fourth grader Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School and also in Ms. Vigil-Ruiz’s class. Maryanne’s artwork depicts the Earth with a massive water faucet, symbolizing rain that provides water to trees, flowers, birds, and animals. Maryanne wrote, “Without water, we will not survive.”
Winning students received gift cards in the amount of $100, $75, and $50.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vwd-2025-poster-winners-2343.jpg7861080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-02 07:34:452025-06-05 07:35:07Students Recognized For Conservation Posters by Vallecitos Water District
Twelve fourth-grade students from schools in Escondido were recognized at the City of Escondido’s May City Council Meeting as finalists in the 2025 Water Awareness Student Poster Contest.
Three students were named first, second, and third-place winners for their entries. These three winners will have their artwork featured in the 2026 North County Water Agency Water Awareness Calendar.
The contest is a part of the City of Escondido’s Water Science Education Program, which offers free presentations on a variety of water science topics to elementary school classrooms.
Throughout the school year, City staff provide free water science presentations on a variety of topics from the water cycle to the water treatment process to elementary school students. The contest theme, “Love Water, Save Water,” invites fourth-grade students to consider what they’ve learned about water and to illustrate the value of its water resources.
City staff reviewed nearly 100 entries, which depicted messages of pollution prevention and water conservation. Posters were judged on artistic skill, creativity, and representation of the theme.
Students Depict Value of Water in Winning Artwork
The winning artwork selected for 2025:
Milan Galiano from Heritage Elementary School is this year’s first-place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
First Place: Milan Galiano, Heritage Elementary, Mrs. Miller’s class
Citlali Gutierrez from Lincoln Elementary School is this year’s first place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
Second Place: Citlali Gutierrez, Lincoln Elementary School, Ms. Schaffer’s class
Haley Hone from Grace Christian School is this year’s first-place winner in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido
Third Place: Haley Hone, Grace Christian School, Mrs. Arnold’s class
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include (clockwise from top left): Ava Barclay, Ethan Blades, Landon Hickman, Michael Harmon. Photo: City of Escondido
The City of Escondido congratulates the 12 finalists in this year’s Fourth Grade Water Awareness Poster Contest and thanks all the talented student artists who entered, as well as their dedicated teachers who brought this opportunity to consider and illustrate the value of water to their classrooms.
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include (clockwise from top left): Lila Manoocheri, Nathali Morales Amaya, Pakeezah Nabi, Matthew Rios Perez. Photo: City of Escondido
Finalists in the 2025 City of Escondido Student Poster Contest also include Baylie Samo. Photo: City of Escondido
All twelve finalist posters, along with information about rebates and other resources for water conservation, can be viewed on the City’s Environmental Programs webpage.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/escondido-2025-poster-winners.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-28 07:31:062025-05-28 07:31:06Winners Announced In City of Escondido 2025 Student Poster Contest
