Tag Archive for: Otay Water District

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Otay Water District Kicks Off the 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

Spring Valley, Calif. – The Otay Water District has launched its annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest for residential customers. The program highlights the importance of outdoor water-use efficiency and awards customers for their dedication to making conservation a way of life. The deadline to enter is Friday, May 9, 2025.

The winner will receive the title of “Best in District” and a $250 gift card to a local plant nursery of their choice, along with a certificate, yard sign, and a goody bag. Entries are judged based on design, overall attractiveness, efficient irrigation methods, and appropriate plant selection and maintenance.

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

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.”

SLIDER Water Authority building

Board Chair Announces Committee Leadership for 2025-2026

San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Nick Serrano has appointed new leadership for the Board’s committees and regional boards. These positions are responsible for running vital committees that impact all aspects of the Water Authority’s operations and representing the Water Authority on key regional bodies.

“I am proud to announce these appointments, which reflect the expertise, dedication, and leadership needed to advance our priorities for the San Diego region,” said Chair Serrano. “This group of leaders brings diverse perspectives to the table and shares my commitment to keeping water rates low, ending the era of litigation that has stood in the way of collaborative decision-making for the Southwest, fostering regional collaboration across Southern California, and ensuring a sustainable future for San Diego County.”

Board Chair Nick Serrano.

The new San Diego County Water Authority committee chairs are:

• Ismahan Abdullahi (City of San Diego) – Administrative & Finance Committee
• Amy Reeh (Yuima Municipal Water District) – Engineering & Operations Committee
• Neal Meyers (Olivenhain Municipal Water District) – Imported Water Committee
• Valentine Macedo, Jr. (City of San Diego) – Legislation & Public Outreach Committee
• Marty Miller (Vista Irrigation District) – Water Planning & Environmental Committee

Chair Serrano also appointed Chair Emeritus Mel Katz (City of Del Mar) to be San Diego’s new delegate to the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California. Katz replaces former MWD Director Tim Smith (Otay Water District), who retired from this position late last year. Katz was officially sworn-in to his new role as an MWD delegate last week.

In addition, Board Secretary Joy Lyndes (San Dieguito Water District) will serve as the Water Authority’s primary representative to SANDAG.

“Together, we will continue to build on the progress we’ve made, tackle the challenges ahead, and deliver innovative solutions that meet the needs of our communities,” Serrano said. “I have full confidence in this team’s ability to advance our collective vision for a stronger, more affordable, and more resilient water future.”

The Water Authority’s 22 member agencies are represented through a 34-member Water Authority Board of Directors. At least one director from each agency sits on the Board. The Board establishes and administers policies for the Water Authority, and generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month with special workshops and other meetings as needed.

L to R (back row): Burbank Conservation Program Specialist Amy Tremmel, Metropolitan board Vice Chair Michael Camacho, Chair Ortega, Director Stephen Faessel, Director Desi Alvarez, Cucamonga Valley Water District President Randall James Reed and Metropolitan mascot Admiral Splash, with attending student artists. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Student poster winners

San Diego County Student Artwork Featured in 2025 Calendar

Four San Diego County student artists from four member water agencies are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2025 Metropolitan Water District’s 36th annual “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.

The creative artwork of 37 kindergarten through 12th-grade students, including the students from San Diego County, was recognized for being selected at the district’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in December.

The 2025 calendar features art from 37 students in Southern California, including four from San Diego County. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

The 2025 calendar features art from 37 students in Southern California, including four from San Diego County. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

During the first in-person calendar celebration in five years following virtual recognition ceremonies, the artists, their families, and local educators heard from Metropolitan Chair Adan Ortega, board director Brenda Dennstedt, and other student artists featured in the calendar.

Students also met five water mascots and took photos with them.

MWD board chairman Adán Ortega, Jr. thanked the students, their family and friends, and the many educators who support the annual contest.

San Diego student art featured in July and August 2025

Charlotte Chatham's winning artwork is featured on the July 2025 page in the calendar. 2025 calendar

Charlotte Chatham’s winning artwork is featured on the July 2025 page in the calendar.

Charlotte Chatham, a talented eighth-grade student at La Mesa Arts Academy, represents the Helix Water District in the 2025 calendar for July 2025. Her teacher is Alison Lindsay.

Three additional winners are featured on the August 2025 page.

Kenziee Bowen, Ava Fabunan, and Tristan Ong are featured in August 2025.

Kenziee Bowen, Ava Fabunan, and Tristan Ong are featured in August 2025.

Kenziee Bowen, a fourth-grade student at Carlton Oaks Elementary in Santee, represents the Padre Dam Municipal Water District. Her teacher is Amile Sicat.

Ava Fabunan, a sixth-grader at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Chula Vista, is the Otay Water District’s winner. Her teacher is Christina Stencil-Dare.

Ava’s creative piece highlights ways to use water wisely at home. She explains, “I thought that by making a character talking about how to conserve water, it would really inspire kids of all ages.”

Ava Fabunan's original artwork is on display with the other winners at the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. Photo: Otay Water District

Ava Fabunan’s original artwork is on display with the other winners at the Metropolitan Water District in Los Angeles. Photo: Otay Water District

Calendars are available to Otay customers at its offices at 2554 Sweetwater Springs Boulevard in Spring Valley.

Tristan Ong, a fourth-grade student at Allen Elementary School in Bonita, represents the Sweetwater Authority. His teacher is Ellen Sinong.

 Conservation message delivered through creative talent

Winners were recognized at a celebration in December. Photo: Otay Water District

Winners were recognized at a celebration in December. Photo: Otay Water District

The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was created 36 years ago. It selects student art submitted from grades K through 12 to help convey vitally important water conservation messages. Member agencies submit artwork for consideration among the winners of their local competitions.

Artwork from the student winners will remain on display at Metropolitan’s downtown Los Angeles headquarters in January. The traveling artwork will visit member agencies throughout the year. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.

Defina Gonzalez is sworn in to the Otay Water District Board of Directors. Photo: Otay Water District

Delfina Gonzalez Sworn In To Otay Water District Board

Delfina Gonzalez was sworn in at a special Otay Water District board of directors meeting on December 6. Gonzalez was elected to represent Division Two in the November 2024 election.

“I am honored to have been elected by the community of division two and proud to serve Otay’s ratepayers,” said Gonzalez. “My vision is to prioritize long-term planning, responsible water usage, fiscal accountability, and customer service. I am committed to fostering sustainable, pragmatic solutions for South Bay’s water needs, growth, and the well-being of families and businesses.

“The District has accomplished a great deal through its board and staff, and I am dedicated to being part of this team to continue executing the District’s mission.”

Gonzalez Contributes Wide Range of Experience

Defina Gonzalez participates in her first Otay Water District board meeting. Photo: Otay Water District

Defina Gonzalez participates in her first Otay Water District board meeting. Photo: Otay Water District

Gonzalez brings a multifaceted career to the board, spanning education, labor organizing, business ownership, and community relations. With more than 25 years of dedicated service to Chula Vista and the South San Diego region, she has been a strong advocate for civic engagement and water policy.

Gonzalez previously served on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Sweetwater Authority and is an elected member of the San Diego County Central Committee, where she has contributed to critical discussions on water policy and political advocacy. Additionally, she has been active in the City of Chula Vista’s district four civic initiatives.

Her professional experience includes her role as a childcare coordinator and department specialist at Southwestern College, where she enhanced educational programs and organized events include the annual Day of the Young Child Conference.

Gonzalez also owned an event planning company, managing large-scale city events. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is known for her ethical leadership, expertise in policy development, financial literacy, and community engagement.

Gonzalez Is Water Academy Grad

Gonzalez’s commitment to public service is reflected in completing the San Diego County Water Authority’s Citizens Water Academy. She is also a board member of I Am Green, a nonprofit addressing homelessness and promoting eco-friendly and environmental solutions for a greener future.

Originally from Spring Valley and a lifelong San Diegan, she resides in Chula Vista with her husband, Reyes, and is the proud mother of three adult children. During her free time, she enjoys participating in cultural events, church activities, and spending time with her dogs.

Director Gonzalez’s term will run from December 2024 through December 2028.

The five-member Otay Water District Board of Directors is the governing body of the District. It is responsible for setting rates for service, taxes, policies, and ordinances, adopting the annual budget, and other matters related to the management and operation of the water agency. Voters elect each director within one of five divisions to represent the public’s interest on the Board. Directors serve four-year terms in office.

 

 

San Diego County's member water agencies are channeling their holiday spirit into charitable holiday giving to nonprofits once again this season. Photo: Otay Water District holiday giving

Member Agencies Support Communities During Holiday Season

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2024 to benefit a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Otay Water District Supports San Diego Food Bank

The Otay Water District's elves decorated its valve maintenance truck with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista as part of its annual holiday parade. Photo: Otay Water District

The Otay Water District’s elves decorated its valve maintenance truck with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista as part of its annual holiday parade. Photo: Otay Water District

This holiday season, the Otay Water District is partnering with the San Diego Food Bank to provide food assistance through a virtual food drive. The District encouraged its more than 238,000 customers, employees, and anyone able to help to join the fight against hunger by donating safely online at their convenience.

Through the Virtual Food Drive, donors select and purchase food items, such as canned meats, vegetables, fruits, peanut butter, oatmeal, and cereal. Monetary donations are also accepted. For every $1 donation online, the San Diego Food Bank can provide two meals to families in need.

District staff and board members enjoyed participating in the annual Chula Vista Starlight Parade on December 14. Its valve maintenance truck was covered with lights to spread joy throughout Chula Vista’s Downtown Third Avenue. This truck is typically used for operating, exercising, and turning valves, a vital task in maintaining Otay’s water infrastructure.

Gratitude Walk and Toys for Tots Drive at Helix Water District

Helix Water District employees and customers have packed its Helix sleigh (service truck) with donations to Toys for Toys. Photo: Helix Water District

Helix Water District employees and customers have packed its Helix sleigh (service truck) with donations to Toys for Toys. Photo: Helix Water District

At Helix Water District, Toys for Tots boxes are overflowing with donations from customers and employees. “I can’t remember ever receiving this many toys,” said Helix General Manager Brian Olney. “I’m really touched by the generosity of the residents and businesses we serve and our team here at Helix. Thank you. The more smiles we can bring to children’s faces, the better.”

As of this week, over 350 action figures, Lego sets, musical instruments, balls, and more have been collected, and the donations keep coming. Participating in Toys for Tots is part of Helix’s year-round Helix Helps program.

Helix also kicked off its first annual Gobble and Go Gratitude Walk Thanksgiving week at Lake Jennings. Participants were asked to bring food items for the San Diego Food Bank.

Agencies Support Water For People Fundraising

Padre Dam staff with some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Padre Dam staff display some of the 100 baskets they assembled for the Water for People nonprofit. Photo: Padre Dam MWD

Employees of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District assembled fundraising gift baskets for the nonprofit the CA/NV AWWA-Water for People nut basket fundraiser. Water for People works across Latin America, Asia, and Africa to equip communities with lasting access to clean water and sanitation.

Padre Dam employees prepared 100 gift baskets for the Water for People San Diego Chapter’s annual fundraiser. The organization relies on volunteers to assemble and sell baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. Once sold, the gift baskets prepared by Padre Dam employees will raise $2,200 for the nonprofit.

Olivenhain employees participate in a long tradition of support for Water For People. Photo: Olivenhain MWD holiday giving

Olivenhain employees participate in a long tradition of support for Water For People. Photo: Olivenhain MWD

For 19 years, Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees have enthusiastically supported fundraising for the nonprofit Water for People. Olivenhain employees have volunteered abroad, helping set up water and sewer systems with the full support of the agency.

Olivenhain employees volunteered on weekends to assemble nut baskets of donated Wonderful Pistachios. OMWD also sold baskets to the public as holiday gifts. A total of 171 baskets were sold, with a total donation of $3,800 going to WFP.

Helping Hand From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees Gloria Achutegui, Records Management Specialist, and Michael Garcia, Assistant Board Secretary, display employee donations for the Authority's annual holiday giving effort. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees Gloria Achutegui, Records Management Specialist, and Michael Garcia, Assistant Board Secretary, display employee donations for the Authority’s annual holiday giving effort. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for more than two decades. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the items and brings them back unwrapped to the office. The Salvation Army picks up and delivers the donated toys. This year, employees donated enough toys to help make Christmas bright for 20 South County families and kids.

“Sweetwater Authority employees care about the community we serve,” said General Manager Carlos Quintero. “We’re happy to spread some holiday cheer through our participation in the Angel Tree Program.”

Generous Escondido Employees Make Holidays Brighter

City of Escondido donation drive leaders Gio Cortes and Emma Potratz gather donations to drop off to recipients at the Park Avenue Community Center. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido donation drive leaders Gio Cortes and Emma Potratz gather donations to drop off to recipients at the Park Avenue Community Center. Photo: City of Escondido

City of Escondido employees participated in their annual Holiday Donation Drive effort. Employees put together holiday stockings filled with personal care items, emergency supplies, and fun items for seniors at the Park Avenue Community Center. City staff donated enough items to fill 125 bags for recipients.

Donations from Escondido city employees gathered for distribution. Photo: City of Escondido

Olivenhain MWD Triples the Giving

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees back multiple traditions for deserving recipients.

Kicking off the giving season in October, donations were collected and dropped off to the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need during the holiday season.

For its November effort, employees created care packages for senior Meals on Wheels clients. Employees wrapped up the year with participation in Toys for Tots and Water for People.

 

 

 

New Cases Threaten Local Revenues in Coziahr v. Otay Water District

Two recent decisions of the California Court of Appeal have increased risk for California’s local governments as to utility fees and fees imposed to fund regulation. A new statute provides a means to reduce that risk somewhat.

Coziahr v. Otay Water District is a class-action challenge to tiered water rates imposed by a district which serves territory along the international border south and east of San Diego.

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Otay Water District to Fill Division One Vacancy Through Appointment Process

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.

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

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.
Chula Vista resident Shannon Nembach’s commitment to outdoor water use efficiency without sacrificing a beautiful lush landscape is the 2024 Otay Water District Landscape Makeover winner. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Lush Landscape Design Wins 2024 Otay Water District Makeover Contest

Chula Vista resident Shannon Nembach’s Italian-inspired landscaping proves that a waterwise landscape doesn’t need to be restricted to gravel and cacti. Neimbach’s makeover received the “Best In District” first-place award in the Otay Water District’s WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

Her garden is in the Otay Water District’s division 4, represented by Board President Jose Lopez.

Shannon Nembach put in 22 years of work and education to get her winning results. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Shannon Nembach put in 22 years of work and education to get her winning results. Photo: Otay Water District

“Otay Water District is proud to recognize Shannon Nembach for demonstrating a true commitment to outdoor water-use efficiency for more than two decades,” said Lopez. “Her efforts will continue to pay off as our region continues to transition into making WaterSmart landscaping a way of life.”

The District recognized Nembach at its August board meeting, awarding her a certificate of recognition, a gift certificate to a local nursery of her choice, a yard sign, and other promotional items.

A look at the backyard before its makeover. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

A look at the backyard before its makeover. Photo: Otay Water District

Italian Style Inspiration

Nembach transformed her outdoor space into a lush garden with pea-gravel walkways, an inviting outdoor dining area, and low-water-use features that attract native wildlife to her Chula Vista home.

Nembach purchased the home new in 2002. There was no original landscaping, so she took advantage of the opportunity to build a beautiful, functional garden that could withstand climate change and periods of drought, inspired by her trips to Italy.

Shannon Nembach first began working on her side yard. Photo: Otay Water District

Shannon Nembach first began working on her side yard. Photo: Otay Water District

Over the past 22 years, Nembach says she used a self-directed learning approach to tailor her landscaping design efforts to her family’s specific needs and preferences. She began by expanding her side yard to part of the front to make room for a courtyard. She hired a contractor to install a retaining wall and concrete patio with an entry gate and outdoor fireplace.

The well-maintained front yard features a small riverbed and bright green water-wise plants that bloom throughout. Past the entry gate, a large canopy wraps around a long dining table near the fireplace where she regularly hosts outdoor family dinners.

The family enjoys outdoor entertaining with seating near a fireplace. Photo: Otay Water District

The family enjoys outdoor entertaining with seating near a fireplace. Photo: Otay Water District

“I particularly enjoy the way our WaterSmart yard attracts native wildlife, creating a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem,” said Nembach. “It also provides a perfect setting for entertaining family and friends, offering a beautiful and serene backdrop for gatherings and outdoor activities.”

The backyard once included a small patch of grass for her children to play in when they were younger.

Today, raised planters near a sitting area replace the grass where Nembach grows vegetables. A cascade waterfall encompasses a sloped hill with a pond at the bottom. Low-water-use shrubs, such as Japanese Boxwood, add color throughout the yard.

Low water use plants add color throughout the landscaping. Photo: Otay Water District

Low water use plants add color throughout the landscaping. Photo: Otay Water District

Self-Taught Landscape Design

Nembach is a retired high school teacher who is self-taught in landscape design. She credits her mother, an avid gardener, with teaching her the tips and tricks of gardening. She also gained a wealth of knowledge by spending time in plant nurseries and reading Sunset Magazine and gardening books.

Shannon Nembach says she has never missed not having any grass. Photo: Otay Water District

Shannon Nembach says she has never missed not having any grass. Photo: Otay Water District

“We have never used a gardener. My husband and I planted everything except for two trees on our hill, including wheelbarrowing 7.5 yards of pea gravel into the front courtyard to build the free-standing patio and the waterfall and pond in the backyard,” said Nembach. “The pond has provided a constant water source for all the local wildlife for over 20 years.”

“I would recommend others to upgrade their yards. I’ve never missed having grass, which I associate with high maintenance, frequent mowing, fertilizing, weed control, and excessive water use,” she said. “Instead, our drought-tolerant landscape is not only low maintenance, but also beautiful, lush, and inviting. It is practical and attractive.”

Reducing Water Use

Shannon Nembach recommends homeowners consider waterwise landscape plans of their own. Photo: Otay Water District landscape design

Shannon Nembach recommends homeowners consider waterwise landscape plans of their own. Photo: Otay Water District

Nembach’s requires minimal trimming and weeding. Rainwater provides enough water during winter and spring to leave the irrigation system off. Mulching every year helps retain moisture and keeps the weeds to a minimum.

Her water-saving installations have contributed to a 42% decrease in the family’s total water usage when comparing the initial 11-year period in their household to the subsequent 11 years.

“Using water wisely has always been important to me, especially after hearing in the nineties that California’s water consumption was unsustainable,” said Nembach. “When we moved into our home in 2002, I was determined to create a landscape that could endure drought conditions and support long-term water conservation efforts.”