Tag Archive for: City of Carlsbad

Jack Kubota with his trademark "Snoopy" hardhat in 2019 at age 89, viewing the Highpoint Pipeline Assessment project with new PICA trenchless technology. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

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

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 in 1950. Photo: Courtesy Jack Kubota historic insights

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 historic insights

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 constriction. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

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 appears in the staff credits of a 1960 report to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Photo: Vallecitos Water District/Jack Kubota

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

(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

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

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 historic insights

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.”

 

Carlsbad Rejects Prepaying Fixed Charges to County Water Authority

Despite rising water rates, the city of Carlsbad has opted against prepaying fixed charges to the county’s wholesale water supplier in exchange for discounted rates in 2025.

In late May, the San Diego County Water Authority asked its 23 member agencies, including the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, to consider a prepayment option.

Vallecitos Water District: A Culture That Values Customers, Employees

Vallecitos Water District, led by General Manager James Gumpel, has been serving the San Marcos community since 1955. As a local government entity, they provide essential water, wastewater, and reclamation services to various areas in North San Diego County.

Carlsbad’s ‘Graze at the Fields’ Showcases San Diego’s Agricultural Diversity

A few hundred people attended the annual Graze at the Fields in Carlsbad on April 13 to experience the variety of San Diego agriculture while interacting with local farmers and purveyors.

Hosted by the San Diego County Farm Bureau representatives from a wide variety of agricultural industries shared with attendees information about the diversity and role agriculture plays in the county.

Carlsbad Desalination Plant Getting $274M Upgrade

The Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant supplies about 50 million gallons of water to the San Diego region every day, enough to fill 75 Olympic swimming pools.

Currently the seven-year-old plant, built at a cost of more than $1 billion, is in the process of implementing a $274 million upgrade to its intake-discharge system. The result will be a new pumping facility that will keep the water flowing while greatly lessening the operation’s environmental impact.

Water Conservation Still Necessary for Carlsbad Residents

Though recent rains have helped, the city of Carlsbad is still striving to conserve water. The rains have helped, but conservation is still needed, according to the Carlsbad City Manager’s office.

WaterSmart Drought-Tolerant Plant Giveaway in Encinitas

The San Diego County Water Authority and three member agencies are partnering with Altman Plants for an Adopt-A-Plant event Saturday in Encinitas.

Vista-based Altman Plants, the largest nursery plant grower in the nation, has led efforts to increase water-efficiency and sustainability. The first 500 guests will receive free Smart Planet-brand drought-tolerant succulents to spur more residents to adopt water-efficient landscaping.

Water Authority member agencies – City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District – have joined Altman Plants to highlight how WaterSmart plants, and landscaping and irrigation techniques can save our most precious natural resource.

Adopt-A-Plant

The event, at the Encinitas Home Depot from 9 a.m. to Noon, also includes an appearance by Geena the Latina, an iHeart radio personality who is promoting WaterSmart living on behalf of the Water Authority, and even an Altman employee dressed as a cactus.

Adopt-A-Plant-Giveaway-drought

WaterSmart landscaping

The plant giveaway is intended to promote WaterSmart landscaping as drought conditions statewide underscore the importance of carefully managing water.

“Tossing your turf and converting to a WaterSmart landscape is one of the most important ways that residents and businesses can reduce their water use permanently,” said Denise Vedder, Water Authority director of public affairs. “There are many beautiful low-water and native plants available that thrive in our region and combining those plants with water-efficient irrigation systems and sustainable landscape practices creates a beautiful landscape.”

Reliable water supplies are essential to the success of Altman Plants and the more than 5,000 farmers in San Diego County. The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies support the region’s growers, who generate more than $1.8 billion annually.

“San Diego farms have specialized in integrating agricultural activity and urban living, growing crops that optimize limited acres,” according to the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “San Diego far surpasses its fellow top producing counties in terms of average dollar value per acre with an agricultural production more valuable than other urbanized areas of California, such as San Francisco, Orange County, and Los Angeles combined.”

Small beginnings for nursery giant

The nation’s largest nursery plant grower has small roots, beginning in a Los Angeles backyard, and now stretches from San Diego County to the East Coast.

Altman Plants started in Ken & Deena Altman’s backyard in 1975. What began as a hobby, based on the couple’s interest in plants slowly transformed into a wholesale nursery business encompassing more than 1,700 acres in six states. The business began with a plant catalog of unusual succulents.

Later, the Altman’s would sell plants to local retail nurseries. The retailers loved the unusual and varied plants, and so did their customers. Altman Plants became more and more important to retailers because of their quality plants and innovative products.

For Altman Plants, water-efficiency, sustainability and WaterSmart operations are second nature, and the March 26 plant adoption event is another example of how the company gives back to the community.

The Water Authority, its 24 member agencies, and partners, offer numerous classes, rebates and other resources to help make WaterSmart living simple. More information at watersmartsd.org. 

(Editor’s note: The  City of Carlsbad, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and the San Dieguito Municipal Water District are three of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

North County firefighters-confined space-Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Training Preps North County Firefighters for Confined Space Rescues

North San Diego County fire agencies teamed up with Olivenhain Municipal Water District in early December for confined space training drills. The drills prepare firefighting professionals to respond to emergencies in facilities such as water or wastewater treatment plants and are required to maintain their confined space certification.

Participants from North County fire agencies benefitted from the opportunity for team building during their recent training exercise hosted by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District confined space rescues

Participants from North County fire agencies benefitted from the opportunity for team building during their recent training exercise hosted by the Olivenhain Municipal Water District. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

This year, training took place in one of OMWD’s water transmission vaults. Firefighters were able to use the vaults to practice confined space entries and other rescue scenarios. Fire personnel worked with OMWD staff in a team effort, and both groups benefitted from the opportunity to understand each other’s equipment and protocols.

Participating fire agencies include the Cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos, Solana Beach, North County, Vista, and the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Protection District.

Preparing for emergencies

As a result of training with OMWD, North County fire agencies can now respond more efficiently and confidently to similar facilities thanks to establishing working relationships in advance of emergencies. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

As a result of training with OMWD, North County fire agencies can now respond more efficiently and confidently to similar facilities thanks to establishing working relationships in advance of emergencies. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Confined space permits are required by OSHA before making any kind of confined space entry or rescue. OMWD and other member water agencies use such permits. Bob Topolovac, OMWD board director, said, “The confined space training with the fire agencies helps everyone prepare for emergencies that could happen in similar facilities.”

OMWD staff reviewed the conditions and possible actions within the vault space with fire crews. Participants discussed decision-making for confined space entry and conditions they might encounter, such as chemical exposure and electrical lock-out/tag-out requirements.

As a result of training, fire agencies can now respond more efficiently and confidently to similar facilities thanks to establishing working relationships in advance of emergencies. “We appreciate the collaboration with local fire agencies to ensure we’re all prepared for potential future emergencies. We look forward to supporting future training exercises,” added Topolovac.

(Editor’s note: The Olivenhain Municipal Water District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)

City of Oceanside Gets Smart On Water Technology Projects & Plans

The City of Oceanside continues to be at the forefront of water management in San Diego county with projects like WaterSmart meters and Pure Water Oceanside that demonstrate the city’s commitment to deliver clean, safe and affordable water.

A recent Voice of San Diego report showed Oceanside has among the lowest water rate increases in the county with an average 13.7% increase from 2017 to 2022. Compare that to the sizeable 38% increase in water rates for Del Mar during the same 5 year time period.

North County Students Make Splash in Water District Contests

Local students floated lots of good ideas in the 30th annual Water Awareness Poster Contest, sponsored by North County’s water agencies. This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.”

The contest for fourth-graders aims to increase understanding and appreciation for conserving water and using it more efficiently. Students showed ways they love water, how they save water at home, or ways to save or recycle water in the future to help the Earth. Winning students artwork is printed in the 2022 North County Water Agency Calendar. Free copies are available at local water district offices, usually by mid-November.