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The vivid memories and recollections of a long-time water pioneer are at the heart of a new video project reviewing the history of the district.

The ten minute video uses a narrative driven by Jack Kubota, a native Californian and civil engineer who generously shared his historic insights from his 74 years of experience.

Kubota, who is now 95 years old, first came to the area after his graduation from UC Berkeley shortly after the Vallecitos Water District’s inception in 1955. He first worked for the City of Carlsbad Water Utilities Department in 1957, then started his own engineering firm in 1959. The City of Carlsbad Water Utilities Department was among Kubota’s clients for 26 years.

Currently, Kubota works with Hoch Engineering.

Lifelong Journey in the Water Industry

The video is produced by Public Information Representative Alicia Yerman, who learned about Kubota from his son Russell, who works at the district as a landscape maintenance technician.

“Russell mentioned his dad worked on a lot of the engineering projects in the area and played a big part in some big projects,” recalls Yerman. Yerman asked whether his dad would be open to talking about his work and also talk about some of the history he knows about the District.

Kubota thought his father would enjoy it, and it would lift his spirits to be asked.

“We invited Mr. Kubota to come and speak and had a list of questions to ask. He wanted it to be related to Vallecitos and he did not want the focus to be on him. He is very humble,” said Yerman.

The finished history of the Vallecitos Water District is now available for viewing on the district’s YouTube channel.

Vallecitos Water District: From Wells to Modern Innovation

Kubota has a keen memory for the district’s key initiatives over the years, allowing it to grow from a small operation relying on well water to diversification of supplies including the introduction of imported water, and the eventual integration of desalinated ocean water into the supply mix.

“From that beginning, I’ve been fortunate and privileged to be involved here in the San Diego area starting in 1952. I am grateful to be active and participate and share knowledge in the information that I can offer,” said Kubota.

Kubota reflects in the video on the growth of the region since his arrival.

“My goodness, if you look at the City of San Marcos today, when you look at the growth in terms of commerce, you look at the growth of the Cal State San Marcos campus, the medical facilities, Palomar College … you would be amazed!” said Kubota.

Collaboration Brings VWD Historic Insights Video To Life

Yerman says Kubota provided an old engineering document called the North Coastal SD Sewage Survey from 1960. She also combed through the district’s archives, and used slide equipment at the Carlsbad library.

“After our interview, I realized I needed to get some B-roll of what he talked about and reached out to the Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the library to see if I could scan the negatives and the slide cartridges,” said Yerman.

“The Carlsbad City Library’s Carlsbad History Collection contains many vital resources for understanding the development and management of water in our region, including our Collection of Carlsbad Water District Materials, 1911-1991,” said Jennifer Snapp-Cook, reference librarian for Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the Georgina Cole branch library.

“It includes historical maps, documents, and photographs that illustrate how water has influenced the growth and character of the communities in the area,”

“We were thrilled to have Vallecitos Water District reach out to us on this project and we look forward to any research assistance we can provide in the future.”

Yerman said her project was a success “with the help from the ladies at the genealogy and Carlsbad history at the library assisting me.” She also received assistance from Cal State San Marcos Special Collections Library personnel.

Kubota said the Vallecitos Water District was always keenly aware of its responsibilities to be involved and part of the community in San Marcos including service clubs like the Rotary and Lions Clubs, and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.

Jack Kubota Inspires The Future of the Water and Wastewater Industry

Kubota said the district’s success is based not only on its technical advancements, but on its people.

“The entire success of the organization is dependent upon the capabilities, the attitudes, and the spirit, particularly in the area of young folks as they look for career opportunities getting into the water, wastewater sector. In my humble opinion, it’s a very, very rewarding place to be as a career,” said Kubota. He encourages people to consider careers in the water and wastewater industry.

“In my case, I was fortunate to become a practicing licensed engineer, and I’m just getting close to wrapping up my 74th year in the business. I can tell you, personally, it’s been a very rewarding enterprise to be in,” said Kubota.

Kubota says he’s been impressed by the advances made by women in the industry.

“Way back when, you never saw a woman reading water meters. You never saw a woman at a wastewater treatment plant. You never saw a woman operating sewer line maintenance equipment. It just was not done.” Now, says Kubota, the industry recognizes the talent of its women employees with opportunities from operations to management to laboratory science. “The industry has made great advances, with the talents and the energies that you harness for the facilities here.”