Features Archives

L to R: Helix WD director Mark Gracyk, director and scholarship committee chairperson Andrea Beth Damsky, scholarship winners Layth Polus and Paige Newlon, vice president Joel A. Scalzitti, board president Dan McMillan, and director Kathleen Coates Hedberg. Photo: Helix Water District

Exceptional Students Win College Scholarships from Helix Water District

June 6, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Helix Water District selected two East County students as recipients of $1,000 college scholarships for 2024. The students were recognized at the May Board of Directors meeting.

Paige Newlon Receives Friedgen Scholarship

Paige Newlon of El Cajon is the 2024 recipient of Helix Water District’s Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship. Newlon poses with Director and Scholarship Committee Chair Andrea Beth Damsky and Board President Dan McMillan. Photo: Helix Water District

Paige Newlon received the Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship. It was established upon Friedgen’s retirement in 1998, after serving as Helix’s general manager for 19 years. Friedgen provided the seed money, and the board and others contributed additional funding.

Newlon graduated from The Academy of Our Lady of Peace. Newlon will attend Loyola Marymount University next fall and plans to major in chemistry and political science to effectively navigate and lead in both science and policymaking.

Newlon played volleyball on the Academy’s varsity and beach volleyball teams, and with a club team. Her team won the San Diego Section, Division 2 champions in 2023, a first for The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and Newlon was named to the San Diego City Conference All-Academic Team.

Newlon was co-president of the Academy’s academic league, organizing student teams to compete with
other schools, and was also on the speech and debate team. Newlon wrote for the Pilot Post school
newspaper, performed in the Academy’s Spring Sing musicals, and is an ambassador to prospective
students and their families.

Layth Polus Receives Childs Scholarship

Layth Polus of Spring Valley is the 2024 recipient of Helix Water District’s Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship. Polus poses with Director and Scholarship Committee Chair Andrea Beth Damsky and Board President Dan McMillan. Photo: Helix Water District

Layth Polus received the Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship. The Helix board established it in 1999 to honor Childs upon her retirement from the board and recognize the 20 years of service and leadership she had given to the district.

Polus graduated from Valhalla High School. Polus will attend UC San Diego next fall and plans to major in human biology. He plans to attend dental school and become an orthodontist.

Polus founded and served as president of the Medical Pathway Club at Valhalla High School for students interested in medical careers. He also organized Healthcare Town, an event that brought 60 club members to Vista Grande Elementary School to teach third-grade students about personal health.

Polus volunteered over 400 hours at Sharp Grossmont Hospital as a nurse’s aide and in other roles and
over 200 hours at the Red Cross, helping with blood drives, food drives, and the nonprofit’s Volunteer
Connect software application. He participated in Valhalla’s academic league as a Junior Ambassador
to help other students engage with their community on Norse Crew, which welcomes and assists
Valhalla’s newest students, and in Toastmasters.

Both Newlon and Polus also have part-time jobs.

Helix Annual College Scholarship Supports District Students

The Helix Water District contacts high school counselors in the fall to inform students about the annual scholarship contest. Applicants must live in the district’s service area, have excellent academic standing, and excel in community service and extracurricular activities. Applicants submit an essay about the East County Advanced Water Purification Project and provide a personal goals statement with two letters of recommendation.

Winning artwork in the Helix 2024 Student Poster contest. Left: Ranya Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7. Right: Arya French, Flying Hills School of the Arts, Grade 4.

Helix Water District 2024 Student Poster Contest Winners Illustrate “Being Water Wise Is”

June 6, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

At the June Helix Water District board meeting, talented student artists were honored for their winning work in the 2024 Student Poster Contest. The students created winning posters to depict the theme “Being Water Wise Is visually.”

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California holds the regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students in local district schools are eligible to compete. This year, 174 students from 19 schools within the Helix Water District Service area submitted posters depicting how to use water wisely.

The following students took top honors:

2024 Student Poster Contest: Grades K – 4 Category

First Place – Arya French, Flying Hills School of the Arts, Grade 4

Second Place – Peyton Terrell, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Third Place – Audrey Pierce, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Honorable Mention – Norma Ahmadi, Anza Elementary School, Grade 4

Honorable Mention – Kierra Juanes, Flying Hills School of the Arts, Grade 4

2024 Student Poster Contest: Grades 5 – 8 Category

First Place – Ranya Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Second Place – Catalina Raquel Jones, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 8

Third Place – Audrey Robinson, Art with Larisse Art School, Grade 8

Honorable Mention – Joaquin Saguaro Alcantar, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Honorable Mention – Charlotte Chatham, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 8

This is the second year Catalina Raquel Jones and Audrey Robinson have been named poster contest winners.

All winning posters will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Water District to be considered for inclusion in its 2025 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar. All posters are displayed on the Helix Water District website and Facebook page.

Winning artists display their entries in the 2024 Escondido Student Poster Contest. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido 2024 Student Poster Contest Winners Named

May 21, 2024/in Education /by Gayle Falkenthal

The City of Escondido’s Environmental Programs division announced the 2024 Water Awareness Calendar Contest winners at the May 15 City Council meeting. Twelve fourth-grade students enrolled in Escondido’s public and private elementary schools were honored by the City Council in front of their families, city staff, and teachers for the art they submitted to the annual contest.

The top 12 Poster Contest winners are currently displayed in the Escondido Library in the Children’s section and at the Escondido East Valley Community Center. Photo: City of Escondido

Winning images showcased each artist’s perspective on the calendar theme, “Love Water, Save Water.” Three student artists were chosen to represent Escondido Water in the North County Water Agencies 2025 calendar

The winning students and their artworks:

Winning artwork from Cora Edwards, “When You Take A Sip Of Water.” Photo: City of Escondido

Cora Edwards, Fourth Grade, Grace Christian School

Winning artwork from Salma DeLeon, “Be The Solution, Not The Pollution.” Photo: City of Escondido

Salma De Leon, Fourth Grade, Grace Christian School

Winning artwork from Aubrey Vuoti, “Don’t Be A Waster, Be A Saver.” Photo: City of Escondido

Aubrey Vuoti, Fourth Grade, Grace Christian School

One Hundred Students Participated In 2024 Student Poster Contest

The 12 winning students and their families were recognized at the May 15 City of Escondido Council meeting. Photo: City of Escondido

The Environmental Programs division received over 100 artwork submissions this year after City staff visited fourth-grade classrooms across Escondido this spring.

During classroom visits, City staff educates fourth graders on how Escondido’s Water Treatment facility operates, and the unique resources found within Escondido that provide local water to the treatment plant including Dixon Lake and Lake Wohlford. Students get the opportunity to experiment and design water filtration models to solidify how vital access to fresh and clean water is to this community.

Winning students and their teachers received prizes generously donated by local businesses. The top 12 Poster Contest winners are currently displayed in the Escondido Library in the Children’s section and at the Escondido East Valley Community Center. They will be featured on Escondido’s website starting in June.

To learn more about the City’s educational program specific to the environmental programs section, please visit https://www.escondido.gov/576/Education-Outreach or email .

Members (name) and Judy Fizzard of the Bernardo Gardeners group at the ribbon cutting for the new Vallecitos Water District Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District Opens Audubon Society Native Plant Seed Library

May 19, 2024/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Biodiversity is increasingly threatened, making habitat preservation a priority. Recognizing the need for action, the Vallecitos Water District partnered with the San Diego Audubon Society to launch the Native Plant Seed Library, a groundbreaking program aimed at safeguarding botanical heritage.

The library ensures the region’s botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other local wildlife.

Ribbon cutting for Native Plant Seed Library

Supporters and Vallecitos Water District board members and staff celebrate the opening of the new Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on May 14 to celebrate the library’s grand opening at the Vallecitos Sustainable Demonstration Garden, where the newly installed Native Plant Seed Library is located.

“Thank you for caring, for this wonderful way we can share in our community and ways we can care for our planet, care for our species, conserve water, and care for each other. We want to encourage the public to come,” said Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, Vallecitos Water District board chair.

See video from the event here.

“Our sustainable demonstration garden has a lot of visitors, including butterflies, dragonflies, bees, and numerous birds. The Native Plant Seed Library is part of our ongoing effort to get human visitors to come to our garden as well. We want people to learn about gardening, native plants, insects, birds, and all the beauty of a low water use garden,” said Chris Robbins, public information/conservation supervisor for the Vallecitos Water District.

Bees inspire Native Plant Seed Library

Native plants support native wildlife including vital pollinators. Photo: Lisa Urabe, Vallecitos Water District

Native seeds and plants support native wildlife, including vital pollinators. Photo: Lisa Urabe, Vallecitos Water District

Vallecitos Water District public information representative and UCCE Master Gardener Lisa Urabe wanted a California native plant garden for years for all its benefits, but finding a wide selection of native plants was becoming time-consuming and costly. When her cousin surprised her with a packet of native seeds, she scattered them into her yard at home.

“Fast forward to spring when our front yard became an explosion of gorgeous wildflowers. I saw bumble bees and other native bees for the first time since childhood, and it brought me so much joy.” This became the inspiration for the new Native Plant Seed Library.

A look inside the Vallecitos Water District’s new Native Plant Seed Library. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

“By providing native California seeds in the library, residents can pick up seeds in a convenient location at no cost. They are easy to grow, beautiful and so beneficial to the migratory birds and butterflies as well as the many native creatures that call San Diego home. By removing some of the obstacles to planting California native plants, it’s a win-win for wildlife and the community,” said Urabe.

San Diego Audubon Society program supports native habitat

Native seeds are carefully packaged and labeled for distribution. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

The Native Plant Seed Library Program, launched three years ago by volunteers from the San Diego Audubon Society’s Advocacy Program, addresses the critical lack of native habitat in San Diego County. With 50 Native Seed Libraries established and supported by staff and organizations like the California Native Plant Society (San Diego Chapter), the program educates the community on native plant importance and provides accessible seeds.

An interactive map on the San Diego Audubon Society’s website helps locate the nearest library. Users are encouraged to return clean, mature seeds to sustain both plant life and the free libraries. For more details, visit sandiegoaudubon.org or email

Focus on San Diego County indigenous plants

All seeds in the Native Plant Seed Library are from plant species native to San Diego County. Photo: Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District

The Vallecitos Seed Library focuses on San Diego County’s indigenous plants. Native plants benefit local wildlife and typically use less than half of the amount of water required for most drought-tolerant plants, such as rosemary or lavender.

Some of the seeds currently provided in the library include California poppy, black sage, and narrow leaf milkweed, which supports the monarch butterfly population. By promoting the cultivation of indigenous species, the library seeks to preserve biodiversity and support the health and resilience of local ecosystems.

From colorful wildflowers to towering trees, each seed in the library tells a story of adaptation, resilience, and the intricate relationships that bind plants, animals, and humans together in the web of life.

Free gardening books and native seeds

In 2023, a Little Free Library was installed at the north end of the Vallecitos Water District garden, stocked with garden books to inspire residents to adopt water-wise gardening practices. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

In addition to the treasure trove of seeds collected from native plants across the county, visitors may also take free gardening books from the District’s “Little Free Library.” Vallecitos Water District stocks this lending library throughout the year with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle.

The seed box and garden book library are available during regular business hours. The address is 201 Vallecitos De Oro, San Marcos. Learn more about the Native Plant Seed Library at its new website.

CalFIRE firefighting helicopter flies over Loveland Reservoir. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Loveland Reservoir Serves As Vital Resource in Fighting Recent Wildfire

May 16, 2024/in Features, News /by Gayle Falkenthal

Earlier this week, a fire broke out near Sweetwater Authority’s (Authority) Loveland Reservoir in Alpine, California. Authority staff swiftly responded to assist emergency services with access and logistics in their effort to fight the wind-driven fire, which burned approximately 18 acres before being contained.

Loveland Reservoir, an important drinking water resource for Authority customers, served as a vital asset in providing water to firefighters during a recent wildfire response. Approximately 32,000 gallons of water were lifted from the near-full reservoir by San Diego Gas & Electric and San Diego Sheriff helicopters to aid with fire suppression.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) water trucks also used the reservoir property’s on-site fire hydrant for their fire-fighting efforts.

During the incident, the reservoir property was used as a staging area and incident command center.

“This shared effort between Sweetwater Authority and emergency services demonstrates the importance of community partnership in times of crisis,” said Board Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez. “We greatly appreciate the dedication and bravery of first responders and are proud to have been able to assist them during this incident.”

Loveland Reservoir is once again open for recreational activities. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

During the incident, the Authority temporarily closed its Loveland Recreation Program to protect the safety of those in the area. The program has since reopened to normal hours. View more information at www.sweetwater.org/recreation.

Poster contest winning artists Aria Drelich and Maia McAllum with OMWD Board President Christy Guerin. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

OMWD Names Winners of the 2024 Water Awareness Poster Contest

May 16, 2024/in Education /by Gayle Falkenthal

Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors recognized its top three entries in the 2024 North County Water Agencies Water Awareness Poster Contest at its May board meeting.

The theme for the 2024 contest was “Love Water, Save Water.” The contest teaches students the value of water as a limited resource and the importance of using it wisely while providing OMWD with locally produced artwork to reinforce this message to its customers.

Clara Brigden from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School, Aria Drelich from Stone Ranch Elementary School, and Maia McAllum from La Costa Heights Elementary School submitted the winning entries.

Fourth-grade students attending schools in OMWD’s service area participated in this year’s competition.

Winning posters

Poster contest winning artwork created by Clara Brigden from Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Clara’s poster showcases rain falling on planet Earth as it floats on the ocean under a rainbow and states, “Be kind and save water.”

Poster contest winning artwork created by Aria Drelich from Stone Ranch Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Aria’s poster features the phrase “save our water to help our Earth grow” under a rainbow and a faucet flowing water into hands.

Poster contest winning artwork created by Maia McAllum from La Costa Heights Elementary School. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Maia’s poster depicts a large faucet with water flowing onto planet Earth, with floating hearts and the statement “grateful for water.

Poster contest encourages sustainable water future

“Engaging our young community members lays the foundation for a sustainable water future,” said OMWD Board Vice President Matthew Hahn. “The student artwork not only reflects an appreciation for this precious resource but also reminds us all to protect our water supply for generations to come.”

This year marks the 31^st year of the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. The recognized posters will be featured in a 2025 Water Awareness Calendar.

The Jamacha Park Homeowners Association in Rancho San Diego is a 2024 MWD One Water Award recipient for its landscape makeover project. Photo: MSE Landscaping

Jamacha Park HOA Wins Award For Landscape Makeover Project

May 13, 2024/in Achievements /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Jamacha Park Homeowners Association in Rancho San Diego is the region’s latest showcase for low-water landscaping after receiving one of four One Water Awards from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Accessible walkways bring residents closer to nature as part of its new landscaping. Photo: MSE Landscape

The awards recognize large-scale improvements to facilities and landscapes that achieve significant water savings. The four projects honored in early May are expected to save 200 million gallons of water annually. Projects are also recognized for technology innovations, environmental stewardship, and their focus on water sustainability.

Jamacha Park is a 64-home community. The HOA worked with MWD, the San Diego County Water Authority, and the County of San Diego’s Watershed Protection Program to replace 58,000 square feet of grass with sustainable landscaping, including climate-appropriate plants.

(L to R): Debby Dunn, San Diego County Water Authority; Mike Seymour, MSE Landscape; Brian Faris, Monarch Environmental; Scott Norris, County of San Diego; Matt Davenport, Monarch Environmental; Chad Praul, Environmental Incentives; and Tenille Otero, Otay Water District. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

“I hope the project that we have done will show other communities what is possible. There is a way to get water savings and still have a beautiful landscape everyone can enjoy,” said Jamacha Park HOA Board President Mary Kay Sieckman.

The HOA board, community residents, and landscape professionals worked together on the landscape makeover. The newly beautified community spaces are accessible to all residents while reducing water use.

Jamacha Park leaders achieve a long-time goal

Sieckman said the HOA learned about these programs through its property management company. “When the board members heard about it, they jumped at it. They were very excited because it would be a step forward toward a long-time goal we knew needed to be done.”

See a video featuring Jamacha Park HOA Board President Mary Kay Sieckman describing the landscape makeover process.

The project has been so successful that the HOA plans to replace additional turf, eventually removing a total 100,000 square feet of grass for a potential water savings of 4 million gallons annually.

The Jamacha Park HOA received funding and assistance through MWD’s Turf Replacement Rebate Program available through the Water Authority and the County’s Landscape Optimization Service. Working with the County’s Watershed Protection Program, residences and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County can be eligible for enhanced water-use efficiency rebates.

The Jamacha Park HOA achieved significant water savings with its landscape makeover project. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California/Screenshot

“We have accomplished something with the help of all these agencies. It shows to the community you can save water and still have a beautiful landscape. You don’t have to rely on grass for everything,” Sieckman said.

County Landscape Optimization Service can assist customers with landscape upgrades

The Jamacha Park community’s landscaping before its makeover. Photo: MSE Landscape/Screenshot

To make the process of applying for rebates easier and maximize the return on investment, the County added a Landscape Optimization Service (LOS), a unique technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects. It is part of the Waterscape Rebate Program, which helps residential, commercial, and agricultural customers in unincorporated areas to make landscape upgrades that improve the region’s climate resilience and reduce the flow of pollutants into waterways.

The project has been so successful that the HOA plans to replace additional turf, eventually removing a total 100,000 square feet of grass for a potential water savings of 4 million gallons annually. Phoro: MSE Landscape

County of San Diego Land Use Environmental Planning Manager Scott Norris says the LOS program helps applicants navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers to participation, and maximize their eligibility. “Often HOAs just need a bit of help to get started. We have worked with more than a dozen HOAs and more than half are coming back to complete additional turf removal projects because they see the value for their communities.”

Multiple benefits from sustainable landscapes

Dry riverbeds add interest and help manage stormwater runoff. Photo: MSE Landscape

Dry riverbeds help manage stormwater runoff. Photo: MSE Landscape

Sustainable landscapes produce multiple benefits including reduced water use, enhanced biodiversity, increased stormwater retention, and decreased run-off.

IMPACT:

58,000 square feet of turf removed
270,000-gallon reduction in irrigation runoff annually
12% savings in water use in the first year
$232,000 in utility incentives

New landscape features include boulders framing walkways. Photo: MSE Landscape

Water customers in unincorporated San Diego County can determine their eligibility at SanDiegoCounty.gov/WatershedRebates. More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here. The program is currently recruiting new participants.

The Waterscape Rebate Program helps to protect local waterways by reducing pollutants that enter storm drains. When irrigation systems overflow from landscaping, runoff may carry pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers into the storm drain system and cause the same negative effects as runoff from rainfall. Reducing turf helps reduce irrigation use and runoff. HOA landscapes are potentially significant contributors.

The County Watershed Protection Program is currently seeking new applicants. Photo: MSE Landscape

The program includes outreach and education to commercial, industrial, and residential properties in unincorporated areas of the county. In addition, the County is offering rebate programs for upgrades, including rain gardens, gutters, permeable pavement, and regular septic system pumping.

Learn more about the County of San Diego Watershed Protection Program at its website.

Each year, hundreds of students in middle and high schools throughout San Diego County participate in the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair at Balboa Park. Photo: Water Authority

Future Water Leaders Shine at 2024 Science and Engineering Fair

April 29, 2024/in Education, Features /by Kristiene Gong

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on April 26 honored six star students for top-tier water projects in the 2024 Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. The awards are part of the agency’s effort to inspire young people to solve water-related challenges and pursue water industry careers.

This year’s middle school and high school science and engineering projects displayed a wide range of innovative solutions to real world water problems. They were each honored with a plaque and a scholarship ranging from $100 to $300.

In the senior division, Lilian Zeng won first place by tackling a widespread, emerging issue – “forever chemicals” such as PFAs in drinking water. The tenth grader from Del Norte High School was inspired by her research on using naturally occurring substances and life forms — like active carbon and white rot fungi — to help mitigate issues caused by synthetic chemicals.

Leaning into new technology to solve existing problems

Sanya Kapoor, also a sophomore from Del Norte High School, captured second place in the senior division. She designed a machine learning algorithm that can optimize energy consumption at wastewater treatment and desalination plants.

Malik Mansour, a freshman at Bright Horizon Academy, secured third place in the senior division with his creation of a solar powered robot that cleans debris from rivers and other bodies of water.

Middle school students look for solutions to benefit the world

Middle school students like Aminah Siddiqui displayed their forward-thinking science and engineering knowledge and skills at this year’s event. Photo: Water Authority

In the junior division, eighth grader Aminah Siddiqui from Bright Horizon Academy won first place with her development of a water filtration system that can be used in developing countries, where resources and funding may be difficult to find. Aminah explained that her travels and personal experiences inspired her to look for solutions that could benefit underserved communities around the world.

Virginia Zhu, an eighth grader from Oak Valley Middle School, won second place in the junior division by designing and building an electronic smart watering system. Virginia’s idea came from her observations of her own garden as well as agricultural challenges throughout the state.

Emilio Castaneda Martinez, an eighth grader from Chula Vista Middle School, won third place in the junior division with his project that displayed data and solutions for tracking and filtering total dissolved solids in drinking water throughout San Diego County.

Inspiring the next generation of water professionals

Thousands of people across all levels of educational attainment work at the Water Authority and its 23 member agencies to provide safe and reliable water supplies to the region. Engineers, environmental scientists, system operators, maintenance technicians, customer service representatives, and utility workers are just some of the many careers available in the water industry.

As water agencies look for the next generation of industry professionals and leaders, participating in events such as the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair helps current water professionals connect with students who may be interested in joining the water workforce.

Volunteers participate in the City of San Diego's Arbor Day tree planting event in 2023. Photo: City of San Diego

Celebrate Arbor Day: Discover How San Diego’s Tree Planting Programs Combat Climate Change and Save Water

April 23, 2024/in Features, WaterSmart Living /by Gayle Falkenthal

With climate change creating new challenges for managing safe and reliable water supplies, trees are increasingly recognized and relied on for their importance in helping mitigate weather extremes and contributing to water conservation efforts.

Trees are among the most valuable investments in San Diego County’s landscape – including your own waterwise landscaping. No other landscape plant plays a more significant role in fighting climate change and managing a healthy watershed.

National Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, presents an opportunity to call attention to the benefits of planting trees. Several Arbor Day promotions and ongoing programs in San Diego County offer support for planting trees, including rebates and volunteer events that let you contribute to the effort to provide more trees.

New Tree Rebate Program Launched By Metropolitan Water District

Carefully selected trees are the most valuable addition to your sustainable landscaping. Photo: Helix Water District

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California launched a new rebate program in March, offering residents and businesses $100 for each eligible tree planted in their yards to replace thirsty grass for more sustainable landscaping.

Metropolitan’s new “tree-bate” provides incentives for up to five trees in residents’ and businesses’ turf replacement projects. The district partnered with TreePeople and local water agencies to identify and recommend trees with lower water use that are appropriate for Southern California’s climate.

Learn about this new rebate and existing rebates at the Be Water Wise website.

SDGE Community Tree Rebate Program

San Diego Gas & Electric offers a tree planting guide through its rebate program. Photo: SDGE

The San Diego Gas & Electric’s (SDGE) Community Tree Rebate Program for Residential Customers allows qualifying residential customers throughout the region to plant trees that provide environmental, health, and economic benefits.

Qualifying customers can receive a $25 rebate for planting or potting a one-gallon tree, a $35 rebate for a five-gallon tree, and a $50 rebate for a 15-gallon tree. Customers can apply for up to five rebates annually. Customers do not need a yard to qualify. Trees can be planted in large containers on outdoor balconies or patio areas.

City of San Diego Arbor Day Event

Volunteers are needed for an Arbor Day event to help plant trees at Memorial Community Park. Photo: City of San Diego

On Arbor Day, the City of San Diego’s Urban Forestry Program hopes to plant 100 new trees at Memorial Community Park in Logan Heights. It needs volunteers to help with planting, prepping soil, spreading mulch, and cleanup. Learn more and sign up using this link.

Throughout the year, City of San Diego residents can request a new street tree through Free Tree SD. This program allows residents and the City to work together by increasing San Diego’s tree canopy cover. Residents need to identify a space in the public right-of-way and agree to water the tree for three years. City arborists will evaluate the space and determine an appropriate tree selection. Fill out the Free Tree SD application form on the City’s website to get started.

City of Escondido Celebrates Arbor Day 2024

The City of Escondido needs volunteers to help plant 120 trees for Arbor Day on Saturday, April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meet at the House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 795 N. Rose Street. Trees will be planted from Oleander Place to Fern Street between Lincoln Avenue and Mission Avenue. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and are asked to wear comfortable clothing for getting dirty, close-toe shoes, and a hat. Sunscreen is highly recommended. Register on the City website.

City of Vista Residential Tree Giveaway Program

The City of Vista now offers a new Residential Tree Giveaway Program. This initiative is available to Vista residents who own property or have permission from the property owner to plant a tree on the premises. The program is first-come, first-served, and available as long as the funds last. Increasing the local tree canopy on private properties enhances wildlife habitat, mitigates the effects of climate change, and supports the City’s Climate Action Plan goals.

Applications are available now. Since this is a pilot program, it is only available as long as funds last. It was funded through a $50,000 year-end fund balance request, approved by the City Council at the end of 2023. The application form is on the City of Vista website.

County of San Diego Tree Planting Program

The County of San Diego surpassed its goal of planting 10,000 trees in 2023 by adding 11,010 trees, including 5,744 new trees planted at County parks and facilities, 1,637 trees planted through non-government organizational partnerships, and 3,629 trees planted by incorporated cities. The Board of Supervisors has budgeted funds to plant 4,000 trees through spring 2024.

The County has a tree plotter to help staff track tree inventory and plantings regionwide. Residents can participate by reporting trees they plant on their own. Visit the County’s Tree Plotter web page to get started.

The Role of Trees In Preventing Climate Change

Healthy trees fight climate change and cool our cities, provide habitat, and improve the health of our neighborhoods. Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels

The hydrological cycle heavily relies on trees to absorb water in the atmosphere. Trees act as water reservoirs, taking in water from the soil and releasing it through their leaves, a process known as transpiration. The added moisture in the air leads to rainfall and the continuation of the water cycle.

Tree root systems filter and remove pollutants and slow down water absorption into the soil. This process helps to prevent erosion and reduce the risk of over-saturation and flooding.

Trees provide cooling to increasingly hot neighborhoods and cities, and they are among the most efficient tools for removing harmful carbon dioxide that fuels global warming.

San Diego forestry and landscaping professionals work with the San Diego County Water Authority and its 23 member agencies to help protect our region’s trees while conserving water. Find more resources at the Kate Sessions Trees website.

Vallecitos Water District intern Phlavia Oryem works in the testing lab as part of the program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District internship program

Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District Internship Program Develops Water Workforce

April 16, 2024/in Education /by Gayle Falkenthal

A partnership between Palomar College’s Water Technology Program and the Vallecitos Water District’s workforce development program gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore water and wastewater industry jobs and increase their career readiness.

Vallecitos Water District intern Ben Crane works as part of the collections department. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College professor Jacob Shiba and Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins first discussed the idea in 2019. “We talked about having the interns spend time in each department so they would get the full depth and breadth of our employee roles,” said Robbins. “I also explained to Jacob that it would need (leadership support). I put him in touch with board member Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, and she became the force behind getting approval.”

The District’s leadership and board supported the program’s development, but its implementation was delayed due to the pandemic. It is now underway, with five students accepted into the program.

See a video about the internship program here.

Internships invaluable for Palomar students

The internship is open to any Palomar College students who have taken a water technology course. Participants are selected through a competitive interview process.

Shiba says the objective is to ensure Palomar students are ready to enter the workforce. “Palomar’s partnership with Vallecitos Water District is invaluable, and it’s really helped our program increase the number of workplace learning opportunities for our students so that they are as career-ready as they can be when they complete our program.”

Ben Crane learned about the internship opportunity from Shiba and he decided to go for it. He also applied for and received a scholarship from the Vallecitos Water District. “I learned a great deal about our water distribution system and how our water is treated.”

Crane spent two days in each department, working alongside Vallecitos water and wastewater professionals. He said he enjoyed learning how to work in teams and was encouraged to ask questions, and everyone gave him insight on how he should approach his career.

Among his highlights was spending time with general manager James Gumpel, who was assistant general manager at the time. “He helped me understand what it’s like to be upper management. He gave me some insight from a seasoned guy who has been in the industry a while,” said Crane.

Interns experience a wide variety of careers

Vallecitos Water District intern Logan Crawford assists with residential water meter readings. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Palomar College student Logan Crawford is currently working his way through the internship program. He said he’s improved his skills working with his hands, joining field crews in the meter department, and practicing his public speaking skills.

Crawford advises participants to keep an open mind. “You go through pretty much every department the district has to offer. It may not be something you think you’re interested in, but you might find yourself falling in love with (the job), and you had no idea. Keeping an open mind really helps. Every day I come to the internship, it’s a new experience.”

After completing his internship, Palomar College student Evan Fox found full-time employment. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Intern Evan Fox successfully found full-time employment with the San Elijo Joint Powers Authority after his internship.

Crane, who is continuing his education as a geography major at Cal State San Marcos, encouraged other students to apply. “It’s a great opportunity. If you’re still pursuing your education … If you’re thinking of pursuing in the water industry, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door.”

Developing skilled workforce of the future

Learning to work as part of a team is a vital takeaway from the Palomar College and Vallecitos Water District internship program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Shiba praised the partnership for giving students the opportunity to increase their career readiness “so that they are ready to enter the water workforce to become a future water and wastewater specialist.” Shiba notes the importance of workforce development is what allows customers “to wash our hands, flush the toilet and take a shower 24/7.”

“It’s been a great success,” said Robbins. “Some of my favorite moments are when an intern realizes he or she likes a department more than they expected. The mechanical electrical department is often a surprise for students. They had not thought of all the pumps and motors we must maintain.”

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