Historic Insights In New Vallecitos Water District Video
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.
Jack Kubota participated in an interview with Vallecitos Water District staff sharing recollections of the region’s water and wastewater development history. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
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.
Jack Kubota as a young Navy sailor. Photo: Courtesy Jack Kubota
“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.
The Twin Oaks Valley location of what became the Twin Oaks Valley Reservoir being cleared in 1987. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“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.
The Twin Oaks Valley Reservoir under construction. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
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.
Jack Kubota’s name appears in the staff credits of a 1960 report to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Photo: Vallecitos Water District/Jack Kubota
“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.
(L to R) Darrell Genty, Trish Hannon, Paul Davy, Betty Ferguson, and Tim Shell at the Twin Oaks Pump Station opening. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“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.”
Library staff working with Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the City of Carlsbad Library assisted with project research. Additional help came from Cal State San Marcos Special Collections Library, MWD, and the San Diego History Center in San Diego. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
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
Jack Kubota emphasized the contributions from the many water and wastewater employees who played roles in the growth of the region’s services. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
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.
Marissa Padilla, Capital Facilities Engineer and Alison Fisher, Capital Facilities Assistant Engineer personify the growing number of women in the water and wastewater industry. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
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.”
