Tag Archive for: Board of Directors

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OMWD Still Accepting Applications for Vacancy on Board of Directors

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is calling for applications to fill the Division 1 vacancy on its Board of Directors. Departing director Marco San Antonio resigned from OMWD on January 24.

OMWD’s board intends to conduct interviews at its March 19 board meeting to fill the vacancy. The newly appointed director will represent Division 1 through December 4, 2026, filling the remaining 20 months of the four-year term.

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Jose Lopez Re-Elected as Otay Water District Board President for 2025

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Spring Valley, Calif. – At its January meeting, the Otay Water District board of directors elected Jose Lopez as president for 2025, marking his second consecutive term. Lopez represents division four. The board also elected board member Gary Croucher (division three) as vice president and Francisco Rivera (division one) as treasurer.

Lopez will serve until January 2026, when officer elections will again occur. He has served most recently on the District’s board since December 2020. He also served on the Otay board from 2001 to 2016.

“I am honored to serve as board president for a second term,” says Lopez. “I look forward to collaborating with our leadership team to enhance the District’s programs and processes, always striving to minimize rate increases for our customers. Together, we will address the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

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Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

OMWD Seeks Replacement for Departed Director

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Encinitas, Calif. — Olivenhain Municipal Water District is seeking a new member of the board to replace departed director Marco San Antonio. Mr. San Antonio resigned from OMWD on January 24 and was sworn in as a newly appointed member of the Encinitas City Council.

OMWD’s board intends to conduct interviews at its March 19 board meeting to fill the vacancy. The newly appointed director will represent Division 1 through December 4, 2026, filling the remaining two years of the four-year term

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Leaders from the Metropolitan Water District join SDCWA board Chair, Secretary and General Manager at the August 2024 Board meeting.

Water Authority Welcomes MWD Chair to Discuss Regional Water Future

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On Thursday, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Chairman Adán Ortega and Interim General Manager Deven Upadhyay addressed collaboration between two of the largest wholesale water agencies in Southern California in light of MWD’s major long-term planning effort. This process aims to chart a course for meeting Southern California’s water resource management needs while rising to the challenges of a changing climate and maintaining its financial sustainability.

Speaking to the Board of the San Diego County Water Authority, Ortega praised the work of Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz, Vice Chair Nick Serrano and General Manager Dan Denham during an era of change at both agencies.

“Through your leadership, barriers between our member agencies are coming down opening new possibilities for greater interdependence in our region that can result in greater reliability, value for our residents, and fiscal health for the entire water supply chain,” Ortega said.

Members of the Metropolitan Water District join the August 2024 SDCWA Board meeting for a robust discussion.

This spring, Katz and Denham spoke to the MWD Board about growing the agencies’ relationship based on water security, affordability and mutual benefits.

Ortega touched on similar themes regarding MWD’s ongoing effort to prepare for a changing climate over the next century via its Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water effort. MWD is trying to chart a course forward with its 26 member agencies that meets the needs of the region while keeping water affordable all in the face of uncertainties caused by the changing climate. Through this process, MWD will consider potential multi-billion-dollar supply projects.

Ortega said the work of the San Diego region’s delegates to the MWD Board have been crucial for helping to chart Southern California’s water future. He thanked Director Tim Smith for leading MWD’s Finance and Asset Management Committee in implementing a two-year budget that was approved without opposition ; Director Marty Miller for his efforts to ensure financial accountability; MWD Secretary Lois Fong-Sakai for establishing a tone of civility at the MWD Board; and MWD Vice Chair Gail Goldberg for her work on MWD’s complex climate adaptation plan.

“Together, during the last two years we have made great progress in steps that are modernizing Metropolitan in the task of climate adaptation,” Ortega said.

Vallecitos Water District Meets Highest Transparency Standards

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The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) was honored by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) for achieving re-accreditation with a “Transparency Certificate of Excellence.” SDLF recognizes organizations for their outstanding efforts to promote a transparent, well-governed public agency.

“This award is a testament to Vallecitos’ commitment to open government,” said Vallecitos Board President Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson. “The Board of Directors along with district staff are to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”

Government Transparency Requirements Met

The SDLF certification indicates the highest level of public transparency. Photo: Vallecitos Water District governance

The SDLF certification indicates the highest level of public transparency. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Special District Leadership Foundation Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator Chris Palmer presented the formal certificate to the Board of Directors at its August meeting upon its successful completion of its essential governance transparency requirements.

The requirements include:

  • Conducting ethics training for all board members
  • Properly hosting open and public meetings
  • Filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner

The district also fulfilled 19 individual website information requirements, allowing members of the public easy access to important information including board meeting agendas, past meeting minutes, the current Vallecitos Water District budget, and its most recent financial audit.

The final requirement in the certification process assessed the Vallecitos Water District’s community outreach effort and public engagement in the district’s governance, fulfilled through regular distribution of newsletters and public budget hearings.

SDLF Fosters Good Governance Practices Among Special Districts

Engineering Technician Alison Fisher is among the Vallecitos Water District employees providing transparent service to ratepayers. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Engineering Technician Alison Fisher is among the Vallecitos Water District employees providing transparent service to ratepayers. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The Special District Leadership Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and recognition programs.

To receive the recognition, the Vallecitos Water District website must post information meeting SDLF’s strict transparency requirements, including:

  • Election procedures and deadlines
  • Posted board meeting schedules and agendas
  • Current District budget
  • Recent financial audit
  • Compensation of Board members and staff (or link to the State Controller’s webpage)

The Vallecitos Board of Directors and executive staff must also show proof of educational training in public governance, as well as compliance with ethics and harassment prevention training.

More information on VWD’s transparency efforts can be viewed at www.vwd.org/transparency.

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Otay Water District to Fill Division One Vacancy Through Appointment Process

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Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District announced at its Aug. 7 board meeting that it will fill its division one board vacancy through an appointment process. The application deadline for candidates interested in filling the seat is Monday, August 26, 2024, by 5 p.m.

The vacancy occurred following the resignation, effective Aug. 2, of former board director Tim Smith, who represented division one. The board’s four remaining members, at its August meeting, unanimously voted to fill the vacancy through an appointment process, as outlined in Government Code § 1780.

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Otay Water District to Discuss Replacement Process for Board of Directors Division One Seat Aug. 7

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The Otay Water District announced that board member Tim Smith, representing division one, has resigned from the Otay board of directors after nearly a decade of service to the community on water issues.
Smith was first elected to the Otay board in December 2014 and has successfully been re-elected to the office since. His resignation, effective August 2, was formally submitted in a letter. The Otay board will discuss the process for selecting a replacement, either by appointment or election, to serve the remaining two years of Smith’s term during its meeting on August 7.
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SoCal Will See Spike In Water Rates, Taxes to Cover Rising Costs and Conservation Efforts

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The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has announced that it will increase rates and property taxes throughout the region over the next two years as the state grapples with fundamental changes to its water supply and usage.

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The San Diego County Water Authority issued its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, focusing on the need to adopt, engage, and transform its operations to ensure a healthy and resilient regional water system in the face of change. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority FY23 annual report

Year Of Impact: Water Authority Issues FY2023 Annual Report

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The San Diego County Water Authority issued its Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report, recapping the agency’s efforts to adapt, engage, and transform in ways that ensure a safe and resilient regional water system today and for future generations.

The annual report can be accessed on the Water Authority website.

Commitment to public transparency

The San Diego County Water Authority issued its FY23 annual report, part of its effort to ensure transparency. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The San Diego County Water Authority issued its FY23 annual report, part of its effort to ensure transparency. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

The Water Authority is committed to informing residents and businesses about key issues, projects, and programs that impact the regional water supply. The Annual Report is part of this effort.

Each year, Board members and staff make presentations to more than 100 business, community, and civic groups.

In communities with active or proposed construction projects, the Water Authority conducts proactive outreach to ensure awareness about neighborhood impacts. In addition, the agency participates in numerous civic organizations that strengthen the community, and it creates periodic outreach and education campaigns about critical issues.

Adapting to changing weather, inflationary pressure

With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority FY23 annual report

With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Managing water in a hot, dry climate like requires continual innovation, collaboration, conservation, and strategic investments. The FY23 Annual Report recaps the Water Authority’s multiple initiatives to pursue further collaboration on river management, as well as its successful advocacy for new legislation that would give the state more tools to deal with extreme weather.

Of importance to ratepayers, strategic actions were taken to address inflationary pressures and decreased water sales to keep water rates as low as possible. With the help of a federal loan, the Water Authority invested in environmental upgrades to the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, saving ratepayers tens of millions of dollars.

The Water Authority also obtained grant funds to install free water-saving devices in underrepresented communities, and it helped secure federal financial aid for low-income water customers in the region to cover overdue residential water and wastewater bills.

The Water Authority seeks to maintain the lowest possible rates while working to ensure that everyone in the region has access to safe and reliable water supplies. Water affordability requires coordinated efforts by all levels of government – federal, state, wholesale, and retail.

Proactive maintenance protecting water affordability

Crews work on First Aqueduct Rehabilitation.

The timely rehabilitation of the First Aqueduct is part of the Water Authority’s proactive asset management program. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Finally, the Water Authority completed one of its biggest maintenance operations in more than 75 years. The work was part of a proactive asset management program to maintain and rehabilitate its 308 miles of large-diameter pipelines, which deliver water to millions of San Diegans. This transformational work was critical in ensuring the reliability of the region’s water delivery system. The program promotes water affordability by avoiding costly unplanned disruptions in service.

With decades of strategic investments, the Water Authority has emerged as a model for statewide efforts to develop diversified water supply portfolios that can adapt to the changing climate. These assets provide water supply reliability for the region’s economy and 3.3 million residents. Over the past year, the Water Authority continued to prepare the region for an uncertain future.

From helping customers lower their water bills to protecting ratepayers from rate increases, the Water Authority is always looking for ways to support San Diego County’s long-term welfare. Though challenges persist, the agency strives to continue making a positive impact by advocating for initiatives that move the region and state toward water affordability and reliability.

 

 

Sweetwater Authority customer affected by flood damage should contact the agency to apply for available assistance programs. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority Offers Help To Flood Damage Victims

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Sweetwater Authority customers impacted by flooding due to San Diego County rainstorms in early 2024 can seek assistance as they begin recovery efforts.

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board approved a 12-month freeze on late fees and discontinuation of water service for non-payment for customers who sustained flood damage. The moratorium aims to alleviate financial stress and allow customers to focus on recovery efforts.

“The Board is dedicated to the well-being of our customers, especially during challenging times,” said Board Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez. “By providing this benefit for customers affected by recent flooding and exploring ways we can provide more assistance in the future, we demonstrate our commitment to helping our community recover and thrive.”

Contact Customer Service to Access Flood Relief Help

Impacted customers should immediately contact Sweetwater Authority Customer Service at (619) 420-1413 to discuss their account needs. They can apply for the benefit through the Authority’s website.

To be eligible for benefits, customer accounts must be located in areas identified as impacted by the cities of Chula Vista, National City, or the County of San Diego. Any other accounts will require verification by Sweetwater Authority staff.

Sweetwater Authority also works with customers who cannot pay their water bills by offering extended payment plans whenever possible. The Governing Board is exploring the implementation of an in-house assistance program specifically tailored for low-income customers.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

Low-income-household water bills-federal assistance

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), established by Congress in 2021, offers one-time payments to cover outstanding residential water and/or wastewater bills. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

In addition, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) offers additional support for all customers facing financial challenges. The program provides payment for current or past-due water bills.

LIHWAP was established to provide aid during the pandemic. It has been expanded and extended through March 2024. Since September 2022, Authority customers have received over $250,000 of assistance from this program.

Qualified customers can apply for funding at www.maacproject.org/lihwap or call the Authority’s Customer Service team for more information.