Billy Ortiz submitted the winning photo, titled "Reflections." Photo: Helix Water DistrictLake Jennings 2023 Spring Photo Contest Winners Announced
Scenic views, beautiful birds, and unusual weather are all featured in the winning photos in the Lake Jennings 2023 Photo Contest. The contest is held annually by the Helix Water District. Winners were named this week and recognized at the September Governing Board meeting.
The Helix Water District board recognized the 2023 Lake Jennings Photo Contest winners at its September meeting. Back row (L to R): Board members Andrea Beth Damsky, Dan McMillan, Kathleen Coates Hedberg, Joel Scalzitti, Mark Gracyk.
Front row (L to R): Chaylee Gregory, Billy Ortiz, Charles Ham, Aaron D’Souza, Debra Colwell. Photo: Helix Water District
The District runs the contest each year as a fun way to connect with its customers and recognize their achievements.
Now in its 12th year, the contest drew 60 entries from throughout San Diego County. This year’s entries depicted the wide variety of activities at Lake Jennings including camping, fishing, hiking, spotting wildlife and enjoying the view. The contest was open for photos taken between March 1 and August 31, 2023.
2023 Spring Photo Contest Adult Category
First Place – Billy Ortiz, “Reflection”
First Place: Billy Ortiz, “Reflections.” Photo: Helix Water District
Second Place – Charles Ham, “Bald Eagle”
Second Place: Charles Ham, “Bald Eagle.” Photo: Helix Water District
Third Place – Debra Colwell, “Quail Enjoying The View”
Third Place: Debra Colwell, “Enjoying The View.” Photo: Helix Water District
2023 Spring Photo Contest Youth Category
First Place – Aaron D’Souza, “Calm Before Tropical Storm Hilary”
First Place: Aaron D’Souza, “Calm Before Tropical Storm Hilary.” Photo: Helix Water District
Second Place – Chaylee Gregory, “Duck, Duck No Goose”
Second Place: Chaylee Gregory, “Duck Duck No Goose.” Photo: Helix Water District
The Helix Water District honored the winning photographers at an awards ceremony during its board of directors meeting on Wednesday, September 27.
The winning photos can be viewed on Lake Jennings’ Facebook page and on the District’s website.
Lake Jennings is among San Diego County’s most scenic parks. The lake is a drinking water reservoir located in Lakeside, California, owned and operated by Helix Water District.
Lake Jennings is named for William H. Jennings, an attorney who grew up on his family farm in Lakeside. He served as San Diego County Water Authority general counsel for 26 years and served on the California Water Commission. Jennings played a major role in the State Water Project in the 1950s and helped secure imported water for San Diego County in the 1960s. The lake was named in his honor in 1964.
(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
