Otay Water District Archives

The Otay Water District participated in the Chula Vista Holiday Parade. Photo: Otay Water District

Member Agencies Give Generously to Nonprofits During Holidays

December 18, 2025/in Achievements, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

San Diego region’s water and wastewater agency employees pitched in to carry on a tradition of holiday giving in 2025, benefiting a wide array of nonprofit community services.

Agencies Support Water For People Fundraising Effort

The Padre Dam MWD team enjoyed putting these baskets together. (L to R): Michelle Revilla, Accounting Specialist/Payroll Specialist-AWP, Marie Southwick, Administrative Assistant, Adrienne Borden, Financial Analyst, and Ben Brugman, Accountant. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Employees of the Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Olivenhain Municipal Water District assembled fundraising gift baskets for the nonprofit CA/NV AWWA-Water for People nut basket fundraiser. Proceeds from basket sales raise funds to help provide clean water and sanitation to people in Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Padre Dam employees prepared 100 gift baskets for the Water for People San Diego Chapter this year. Once sold, the gift baskets prepared by Padre Dam employees will raise $2,200.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees and other Water For People volunteers give their time and talent in support of Water for People. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees have supported Water for People fundraising for two decades. Olivenhain employees have also volunteered abroad, helping to set up water and sewer systems with the agency’s full support.

“Access to clean, safe water is essential, and supporting this cause is incredibly meaningful,” said Tom Bloomer, Engineer at Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Water for People Fundraiser Organizer. “Each year, our staff looks forward to assembling these fundraiser baskets, knowing that every basket helps deliver the vital gift of water to the communities who need it most.”

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 204 baskets were sold through OMWD’s efforts, accounting for $5,100. It also facilitated sales and collected money for 365 baskets for a total of $9,125 in sales to support the nonprofit, a record-breaking number.

Lucy with donations for the San Diego Humane Society from Olivenhain MWD employees. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District

In October, OMWD employees collected donations for the San Diego Humane Society to support its efforts to rescue and re-home pets in need during the holiday season. Employees also gathered supplies to create 20 Meals on Wheels senior care packages for delivery during the holidays.

Otay Water District Boosts Food Bank and Water For People Fundraising

Otay Water District employees display some of the 200 baskets they assembled in support of Water for People fundraising this holiday season. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Water District employees volunteered to assemble 200 baskets in support of fundraising efforts for Water for People, adding to the impressive effort from San Diego County water agencies with its contribution. The effort was led by Engineering Manager Beth Gentry, P.E., and Engineering Department Assistant Mary Lee Wanamaker.

Otay Water District staff also collected non-perishable food donations, along with diapers, pet food, and feminine hygiene products, for the San Diego Food Bank’s holiday drive to help families in need.

Again, the Otay Water District participated in the Chula Vista Holiday Parade. Staff decorated a service truck bringing smiles along the miles of the parade route with their creativity.

Leonardo Lopez, Utility Worker II (left) and Mario Ballejos, Utility Worker I (right) along with Eileen Salmeron, Communications Assistant, decorated the truck and the two utility workers drove the parade. It took three hours to decorate the vehicle. Photo: Otay Water District

Helping Hand From Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees stepped up to lend the Salvation Army a helping hand this holiday season. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for more than two decades.

Each year, Sweetwater Authority partners with the Salvation Army to host its own Angel Tree initiative. Employees take a tag that contains information about their recipient (age, gender, and toy request). The employee shops for the item and brings it back to the office unwrapped. The Salvation Army delivers the donated toys.

This year, staff stepped up in a big way, generously donating gifts and helping bring joy to children and families throughout the community.

Generous Escondido Employees Brighten the Holidays

City of Escondido Utilities employees
Emma Potratz, Environmental Programs Specialist, and Gio Cortes, Recycling Programs Specialist, play Santa Elves with holiday donations from city employees. Photo: City of Escondido

As they have for several years, City of Escondido employees hosted a food drive for the Salvation Army Escondido Corps, and supported efforts by the Escondido Senior Center to provide gift bags to 150 recipients this holiday season. Thanks to their efforts, employees donated 600 pounds of food items to support the Salvation Army’s food boxes.

Employees collected toiletries, small household items, snacks, food gift cards, batteries, and socks to stock the Escondido Senior Center gift bags. For the recipients, it may be the only holiday gift they receive this year.

Toys for Tots Drive at Helix Water District

The Helix Water District collected 366 toys for the Toys for Tots program at drop-off locations at its La Mesa administration office and the Water Conservation Garden. Photo: Helix Water District

The Helix Water District is a longtime supporter of the Toys for Tots annual campaign through the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Individuals were encouraged to drop off donations at the administrative offices in La Mesa, and the Water Conservation Garden, making it easy for the community to come together and bring smiles to local children with 366 donated toys.

A map display showing the new path as part of the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation trail system. Sweetwater Reservoir Trail

New Sweetwater Reservoir Trail Open for Recreation

November 19, 2025/in News, Science/Environment /by Gayle Falkenthal

A brand-new 2.2-mile trail is open along the east side of Sweetwater Reservoir. Originally a maintenance road, the trail has been transformed into a scenic pathway for walking, running, and mountain biking.

Previously accessible only as a maintenance road, the 2.2-mile route has been repurposed into a safe and inviting public trail ideal for walking, running, and mountain biking.

“Sweetwater is committed to increasing public recreation while protecting water quality and preserving the environment and habitats at Sweetwater Reservoir,” said Sweetwater Authority board chairman Manny Delgado. “This new trail and the accompanying improvements are a testament to those continued commitments.”

This enhancement was made possible through a $1.16 million grant awarded to the Urban Corps of San Diego County by the California Conservation Corps, dedicated to trail improvements and habitat restoration. Additional support came from the County of San Diego, through two generous grants to the San Diego Mountain Biking Association.

Trail Provides New Access to Open Space

(L to R) Sweetwater Authority Assistant General Manager Roberto Yano, Otay Water District board member Mark Robak, and National City Vice Mayor, Sweetwater Authority vice chair and San Diego County Water Authority board member Ditas Yamane at the ribbon cutting for the new Sweetwater Reservoir southern trail. Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

(L to R) Sweetwater Authority Assistant General Manager Roberto Yano, Otay Water District board member and San Diego County Water Authority board member Mark Robak, and National City Vice Mayor, Sweetwater Authority vice chair and San Diego County Water Authority board member Ditas Yamane at the ribbon cutting for the new Sweetwater Reservoir southern trail. Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

Dedicated in September, the new trail connects the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Area (SWRRA) with the County of San Diego’s Southern Trail, offering the South Bay community fresh opportunities to explore and enjoy the outdoors. The trail connects to existing paths in the area and was created while preserving native vegetation and sensitive habitats, benefitting local wildlife.

The trail runs parallel to the reservoir’s shoreline east of Bonita and south of Spring Valley. It provides beautiful views of the water and the surrounding open space. It also connects to the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, a protected area that preserves native plants and wildlife as part of a regional conservation effort.

The trail is designed to be more accessible for beginners and families than some of the more rugged trails in the adjacent Wildlife Refuge to encourage fitness and recreation. By linking with existing paths, the trail also strengthens the region’s recreation network, creating new opportunities for exploration and connectivity.

Along with opening the trail, Sweetwater Authority has taken steps to protect the environment. Crews are restoring nearby habitat by removing invasive weeds, improving drainage, and planting native vegetation. These improvements will make the area healthier, support local wildlife, and reduce wildfire risk.

Trail Preserves Local Environment

South Bay community leaders and members of the public gathered to celebrate the opening of the newest trail at the Sweetwater Authority Recreation Area. Photo: Photo: Susie Murphy, @CVBikeMom63/Instagram for San Diego Mountain Biking Association

The addition of the new trail builds on Sweetwater Reservoir’s long tradition of outdoor recreation, which already includes a popular shoreline fishing program open Friday through Monday. With the new trail, visitors have another way to enjoy the natural beauty of Sweetwater Reservoir while also helping to protect the local environment.

The Sweetwater Reservoir Shared Maintenance Road and Trail officially opened to the public on September 5, 2025. Trail maps, visiting hours, and safety guidelines are available on Sweetwater Authority’s website at www.sweetwater.org.

Winning Student Artwork Spotlights the Value of Water in Otay Student Poster Contest

August 21, 2025/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

Five student artists were named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork.

Students learn about the importance of a clean, reliable water supply in the classroom through the Otay Water District’s educational program, which promotes water-use efficiency through art, and turn what they’ve learned into the award-winning posters.

Students Inspire Others To Protect Vital Resource

“We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.”

This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects.

“As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.”

Winners Advance to Regional Southern California Competition

Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag.

The 2025 Student Poster Contest winners include:

K-Third Grade Category:

Second grader Ethan Quintero-Ramos, won in the elementary school category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary

First grader Jacob Irons won second place in the K-Third Grade Category. Photo: Otay Water District

Second Place: Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary

Fourth – Sixth Grade Category:

Mila Vega's winning artwork won first place in the sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Mila Vega’s winning artwork won first place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary

Sophie Coghill’s poster won second place in the fourth to sixth grade category. Photo: Otay Water District

Second Place: Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary

High School Category:

Zhaoyu Zhai’s creative alien theme won the high school category. Photo: Otay Water District

First Place: Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School

The posters now advance to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year.

Otay Water District students have won the regional contest and been included in the Metropolitan calendar the past three years, including Ava Fabunan from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in 2025; Sofia Cardenas Loera of STEAM Academy and Sophia Garvida of Bonita Vista Middle School in 2024; and Christian Rogacion from Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and Khilee Haull from Hillsdale Middle School in 2023.

Winning posters are online at otaywater.gov/poster-contest-winners-2025.

Over 250 different species of flora and fauna, and more than 25 special status species are found in the San Miguel Habitat Management Area, a a 240-acre biological reserve owned and maintained by the Otay Water District. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Water District Habitat Management Preserves Biodiversity, Water Quality

August 4, 2025/in News, Science/Environment /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Otay Water District’s efforts to preserve local habitat contribute to the region’s biodiversity and support healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality for its customers and throughout San Diego County.

The San Miguel Habitat Management Area (HMA) is a 240-acre biological reserve owned and maintained by the Otay Water District. It is located within the City of Chula Vista and lies at the base of Mount Miguel and the San Miguel Mountains, surrounded by water reservoirs and the former Salt Creek Golf Course.

Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas works to help preserve local habitat which contributes to the region’s biodiversity and supports healthy ecosystems, which are crucial for maintaining water quality. Photo: Otay Water District

The HMA was established in 1994 under a joint agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, fulfilling requirements established by the Endangered Species Act.

The HMA is comprised of wetlands, coastal sage scrub, and native grasslands. Over 250 different species of flora and fauna, and more than 25 special status species were found within the HMA in a 2022 survey. Some of these species include the coastal California gnatcatcher, the least Bell’s vireo, the Quino checkerspot butterfly, the burrowing owl, the coastal cactus wren, the Otay tarplant, and the variegated dudleya.

Mountain bluebirds are one of the bird species found in the San Miguel Habitat Management Area. Photo: Otay Water District

“The San Miguel Habitat Management Area reflects Otay’s commitment to protecting native species and preserving natural resources while delivering safe, reliable water to our community,” says Otay Environmental Compliance Specialist Juliana Luengas.

Habitat Preservation Helps Maintain Water Quality

Water agencies preserve habitat to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for current and future needs, while also supporting healthy ecosystems and communities. Habitat preservation is crucial for maintaining water quality, regulating water flow, and providing valuable ecosystem services. Healthy habitats also support biodiversity, protect endangered species, and enhance recreational opportunities.

Flower of the Otay tarplant, a species within the San Miguel Habitat Management area. Photo: Otay Water District

In 2023, the Otay Water District was awarded a grant through the SANDAG TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program for Threat Reduction in the HMA. This program has allocated $4 million annually to help maintain the biological integrity of San Diego County.

Ongoing activities within the San Miguel HMA include updating wildlife surveys and site maintenance.

Public Help Needed To Prevent Trespassing Damage to Habitat

Posted signs remind the public about the need for habitat preservation by avoiding trespassing in the San Miguel HMA. Photo: Otay Water District

Recently, the Otay Water District has been using these funds to combat the increased threat of illegal trespassing. The HMA has experienced increased illegal entrance and the creation of trails, which have caused severe damage to native habitats and sensitive species it was created to protect.

The District aims to reduce the number of recreational trespassers, including mountain bikers, hikers, dirt bikers, and ATV riders along the perimeter fencing, and reduce disturbance to habitats throughout the HMA.

Members of the community are reminded that the San Miguel HMA is private property, and recreational use or any trespassing, such as hiking or biking, is not permitted. The public is asked to refrain from feeding wildlife or littering.

Violations will result in arrests, fines, vehicle confiscation, and prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Residents are asked to report any trespassing by calling the City of Chula Vista Police at (619) 691-5151.

More information about the San Miguel HMA can be found at otaywater.gov/HMA.

The Otay Water District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the California Special District Association’s Special District Leadership Foundation at an Otay board meeting (L to R): Gary Croucher, Otay Board Director; Jose Martinez, Otay General Manager; Chris Palmer, CSDA Senior Public Affairs Field Coordinator; Francisco Rivera, Otay Board Director; and Mark Robak, Otay Board Director. Photo: Otay Water District

Otay Water District Awarded Transparency Certificate of Excellence

May 21, 2025/in Achievements /by Gayle Falkenthal

The Otay Water District received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence from the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance and reaffirm its commitment to openness and accessibility for its constituents and local stakeholders.

“This award reflects the Otay Water District’s dedication to open government,” said Board President Jose Lopez. “I commend our staff for empowering the public with information and encouraging engagement and oversight.”

Award Recognizes Transparency in District Governance

The Otay Water District’s commitment to transparency was recognized with the Special District Leadership Foundation award. Photo: Otay Water District

To receive the award, the District demonstrated that it had completed essential governance transparency requirements, including ethics and harassment prevention training for all board members and staff, properly holding open and public meetings, promptly filing financial and compensation reports with the State Controller, and fulfilling other key transparency practices.

SDLF also notified the legislators representing the District’s service area about the achievement. Assemblymembers Marie Waldron, David Alvarez, Akilah Weber, and Senators Steve Padilla and Brian Jones received letters commending the District for its open and transparent practices and recognizing it as a model of best practices for California agencies.

SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation, and other recognition programs. For more about SDLF, visit www.sdlf.org.

Special districts are independent public agencies that deliver core local services to communities, such as utilities, wastewater treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, healthcare, sanitation, mosquito abatement, ports, libraries, public cemeteries, and more.

The Otay Water District is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer service to approximately 238,008 customers within approximately 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and east Otay Mesa along the international border with Mexico.

For more information about the Otay Water District, visit otaywater.gov.

Otay Water District Kicks Off the 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest

April 17, 2025/in Agency News /by Gayle Falkenthal

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

January 29, 2025/in Agency News /by Gayle Falkenthal

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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Board Chair Announces Committee Leadership for 2025-2026

January 22, 2025/in Achievements, Agency News, Features /by Jordan Beane

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

January 6, 2025/in Education, Features /by Gayle Falkenthal

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 36^th 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

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.

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, 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

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

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

December 19, 2024/in News /by Gayle Falkenthal

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

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.

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