New Leadership at South Bay Water Agencies in 2024
The Otay Water District and the Sweetwater Authority start 2024 with new officers to lead their respective boards of directors.
Lopez elected President of Otay Water District Board
(L to R) Board President Jose Lopez, Vice President Ryan Keyes, Treasuer Mark Robak. Photo: Otay Water District
The Otay Water District board elected director Jose Lopez, who represents division four, as president.
Lopez’s election as president follows one year of board leadership under past president Mark Robak. Lopez will serve a one-year term through January 2025. He has been a board member since December 2020. He also served on the Otay WD board from 2001 to 2016.
“I am honored and humbled by the trust that my fellow water board members place in me by electing me as president. Serving our customers in this role is a responsibility I take seriously,” says Lopez.
“As we embark on this journey together, my focus will be on fostering collaboration, transparency, and sustainable water management practices. Our community’s access to high-quality and reliable water is of utmost importance, and I am committed to working diligently to ensure the continued well-being of our residents. I look forward to building upon the solid foundation laid by my predecessors and collaborating with our dedicated board and staff to address the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
Lopez experience in multiple assignments
In 2023, Lopez served as vice president of the board. He also served on the district’s engineering, operations, water resources, desalination project, and ad hoc legal services committees. He also represents the district at various local organizations and task forces including the OWD and Sweetwater Authority Task Force to develop recycled water opportunities, Water Conservation Garden Authority, and South County Economic Development Council.
Lopez also previously held the position of treasurer in 2004, 2021, and 2022. Also, during his tenure on the Otay board from 2001 to 2016, he served as president of the board in 2002, 2005, and 2012 to 2015. He also served as vice president from 2006 to 2010, and 2016.
Lopez retired as an Assistant Fire Marshal from the San Diego Fire Department in 2011. He also served on the San Diego County Water Authority board from 2002 to 2003. He has an Associate of Science in Fire Science/Fire Suppression from San Diego Miramar College and attended the University of California, San Diego. He lives in Chula Vista.
The board also elected board member Ryan Keyes, serving division two, as vice president, and Mark Robak, serving division five, as treasurer.
The five-member board of directors is the governing body of the Otay Water District and is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, ordinances, adopting the annual budget and other matters related to the management and operation of the agency.
Martinez-Perez Elected Board Chair of Sweetwater Authority Board
The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board elected Paulina Martinez-Perez as Board Chair and Director Hector Martinez as Vice Chair for the 2024 term. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board elected Paulina Martinez-Perez as Board Chair and Director Hector Martinez as Vice Chair for the 2024 term. Martinez-Perez has served on the Board since 2020 and Martinez has served since 2018.
Martinez-Perez and Martinez will engage in an all-day Strategic Plan Workshop along with the entire Authority Board and department heads to evaluate the progress of the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Work Plan initiatives, and set goals and priorities for the next fiscal year.
“We have a busy year ahead working to advance the policies, plans and programs that make the Authority a premier water agency,” said Martinez-Perez. “I’m honored to serve as Chair during this exciting time, and to work together with the Board to ensure we maintain a safe and reliable water supply for our current and future customers.”
The Sweetwater Authority Board also adopted Resolution 23-23, adjusting the Authority Board Meeting times to 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.
The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board is composed of five directors elected by division by the citizens of the district, and two directors appointed by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confirmation.
At its December 2023 meeting, the South Bay Irrigation District Board of Directors also appointed new officers for the 2024 term. Director Manny Delgado will serve as President and Director Josie Calderon-Scott as Vice President. SBID meetings will now be held at 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
