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Kevin James-Water Professionals Appreciation Week-Water Industry-Water Authority

Water Authority Celebrates California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week

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As part of California’s seventh annual Water Professionals Appreciation Week, the San Diego County Water Authority is proud to highlight the essential role of water professionals and local public water agencies in providing water and wastewater services. 

Water professionals keep the water flowing 

“We appreciate the dedication of our highly trained operators, technicians and other specialists who ensure the San Diego region has safe and reliable water supplies,” said Dan Denham, Water Authority General Manager. “And we appreciate all of the water industry professionals who keep the water flowing in communities throughout California, including district managers, customer service representatives, treatment plant operators and engineers.” 

Show water professionals some love 

This year’s theme for Water Professionals Appreciation Week (Oct. 7-15) is “Show water professionals some love.”  This week and every week, we encourage you to offer gratitude to the dedicated professionals working every day to deliver our most precious resource to our homes and businesses – professionals like Victor DeJesus, Patty Duran, and Kevin James.  

Victor DeJesus, Senior Electrical/Instrumentation Technician 

Victor DeJesus

Victor DeJesus is a Senior Electrical/Instrumentation Technician with the San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“As a Senior Electrical Instrumentation Technician my role includes working on a variety of systems that support the ability for the Water Authority’s System Operators to safely and accurately perform remote control water delivery throughout San Diego County,” said Victor DeJesus, Senior Electrical/ Instrumentation Technician at the San Diego County Water Authority. “Our Technical Services group is responsible for maintaining upwards of 75 Flow Control Facilities in the region. Every day here is unique and interesting. On any given day our work can range from calibrating electronic flow meters, upgrading programmable logic controllers, troubleshooting cellular and fiber communication networks, maintaining access control software/hardware or the installation of new LED fixtures. Our work is never static! There is always something interesting to do. I like that what my colleagues and I do is enduring.” 

Patty Duran, Human Resources Analyst 

Patty Duran

Patty Duran is a Human Resources Analyst with the San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“The work is challenging, yet it is rewarding to work with a team to find solutions to issues that directly impact our community,” said Patty Duran, Human Resources Analyst at the San Diego County Water Authority.  “My advice to anyone interested in joining the water industry is to seek out learning and networking opportunities through professional associations and industry certifications.”

(To learn more about career opportunities in the water industry go to: www.sandiegowaterworks.org.)

Kevin James, Facilities Services Technician 

Kevin James

Kevin James is a Facilities Services Technician with the San Diego County Water Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“I was inspired to work in the water industry by my former Supervisor Baldemar Troche also known as BT,” said Kevin James, Facilities Services Technician at the San Diego County Water Authority. “At the time, I wasn’t fully sure if I was ready to make a change in my career path of HVAC. But after being mentored and speaking on the possible issues of this transition, BT reassured me of a brighter future I could have in the water industry. Also after seeing how successful his time was at the Water Authority and the gratification of helping our community to provide water to the San Diego region, it was a no brainer. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. And I am happy to have made the right choice.” 

Stay in touch, find water industry jobs

Follow the Water Authority’s social media accounts to learn more about our amazing team and the essential role they play in our community, and to get more information about jobs in the water industry.

Tish Berge and Kelley Gage Appointed to Key Leadership Positions

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority executives Tish Berge and Kelley Gage were promoted Monday by General Manager Dan Denham. Berge moves from assistant general manager to deputy general manager after two years in her prior post. Gage, who served as director of water resources the past five years, is now assistant general manager.

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One of 11 gunite bench sections along the Flume under construction in 1925. The Flume is the Vista Irrigation District’s main water conduit and has been indispensable in the area’s development. When water first flowed through the Flume, the District served a population of 337, compared to serving 134,000 customers today. Photo: Vista Irrigation District celebrates

Vista Irrigation District Celebrates 100 Years of Service

/in , , /by /Water News Network Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

The Vista Irrigation District, one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

In the 1920s, citrus and avocado farming in the Vista area increased so quickly that the growing region faced the real danger of running out of water. Completing the Henshaw Dam in 1923 made it possible for the Vista community to receive a reliable water source instead of relying on well water.

The arrival of the new water source sparked discussion about forming a water district to secure additional imported water to make continued growth possible. On August 28, 1923, voters approved the formation of the Vista Irrigation District (VID) in a landslide: 104 votes to four votes in a 100% voter turnout.

One of 11 gunite bench sections along the Flume under construction in 1925. The Flume is the Vista Irrigation District’s main water conduit and has been indispensable in the area’s development. When water first flowed through the Flume, the District served a population of 337, compared to serving 134,000 customers today. Photo: Vista Irrigation District celebrates

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Padre Dam Board Vice President August A. Caires

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Padre Dam Municipal Water District Board Vice President August Caires died August 2 from pancreatic cancer. He was 76 years old.

“Augie served this District and his community with outstanding distinction for nearly 30 years. He was a good friend and colleague to many of us,” said Padre Dam Board President Bill Pommering. “He will be missed greatly.”

Caires led the District as General Manager from 1993 to 2006 and served on Padre Dam’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2023.

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August Caires-Padre Dam Muncipal Water District-August A. Caires

Padre Dam Board Vice President August A. Caires

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Padre Dam Municipal Water District Board Vice President August Caires died August 2 from pancreatic cancer. He was 76 years old.

“Augie served this District and his community with outstanding distinction for nearly 30 years. He was a good friend and colleague to many of us,” said Padre Dam Board President Bill Pommering. “He will be missed greatly.”

Caires led the District as General Manager from 1993 to 2006 and served on Padre Dam’s Board of Directors from 2007 to 2023. He served as Board President in 2009 and 2017 and Vice President in 2008, 2011, 2015-2016 and 2023. Caires served on the East County Advanced Water Purification Program’s Joint Powers Authority Board of Directors from 2019 to 2023. He was also a Veteran of the United States Army.

Decades of public service

During his tenure, he represented Padre Dam on the San Diego Metro Commission/Metro Wastewater Joint Powers Authority, the San Diego Independent Rates Oversight Committee, the Association of California Water Agencies’ Water Management Committee and the Association of California Water Agencies/Joint Powers Insurance Authority. His commitment to the community extended beyond his role with Padre Dam; he served on the Grossmont College Foundation Board as well as 40 years as a member of the Rotary Club of Santee-Lakeside, serving as President for three terms and earning the Rotarian of the Year award for demonstrating “Service Above Self.”

Caires’ professional background includes 41 years of public service, including 27 years as a public agency CEO. Among his many accomplishments as Padre Dam’s General Manager, Caires created the Workforce Partnership which made labor, management and the Board equal partners in strategic planning – a great tradition of collaboration that continues today. In 2002, Caires was honored as one of the Top Ten Leaders in the Public Works Profession in the United States and Canada by the American Public Works Association.

“Augie’s passing leaves a deep sadness among Padre Dam employees.” said Board President Pommering. “I have known and worked with him since 2009. I will miss his counsel, I will miss his friendship and I will miss Augie.”

August A. Caires-Padre Dam Municipal Water District-Customer Service Center

Padre Dam’s Customer Service Center was rededicated as the August A. Caires Customer Service Center at the July 19, 2023, Board Meeting. Padre Dam’s Board recognized Director Caires for his outstanding public service to the District, community and San Diego region. Photo: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

Leadership ensures water reliability

Caires was a tireless proponent of infrastructure integrity, water quality and fire safety. His aspirations and advocacy for the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve resulted in the planning and approval of many projects, and his forethought and leadership were instrumental in making it a nationally recognized, award winning park. He was a strong advocate for ensuring water reliability while working to keep costs down, and was instrumental in the District’s efforts to advance water recycling and bring a local water supply to East County through the East County Advanced Water Purification Program.

During his time as General Manager, Caires played a pivotal role in the building of a new Customer Service Center in order to co-locate the District’s Administration offices with the Operations facilities already located at Santee Lakes. In July 2023, the building was rededicated as the August A. Caires Customer Service Center in recognition for Caires’ outstanding public service to the District, community and San Diego region.

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

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl Retires

/in , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retired June 29, after more than 40 years of public service. Deputy General Manager Dan Denham is acting GM until the Water Authority Board of Directors permanently fills the position.

Kerl’s tenure at the Water Authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four years as the agency’s top staff member during a period of unprecedented uncertainty regionally and nationally.

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Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl Retires After 40-Year Public Career

/in , /by /Times of San Diegoby Chris Jennewein Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retired Thursday after more than 40 years of public service, with Deputy General Manager Dan Denham taking over on an interim basis.

Kerl’s tenure at the water authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four years as the agency’s top staff member during a period of unprecedented drought regionally and nationally.

“Sandy’s vision and management skills have been crucial in successfully navigating the challenges of an extreme drought while ensuring stability through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mel Katz, chair of the water authority’s board. “Her deep experience with water issues, collaborative management style, and can-do spirit guided the agency through an unprecedented period of change.”

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Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl Retires

/in , /by /The Vista Press Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retires today after more than 40 years of public service, with Deputy General Manager Dan Denham taking over as acting GM until the Board of Directors permanently fills the position.

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl Retires

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retired June 29, after more than 40 years of public service. Deputy General Manager Dan Denham is acting GM until the Water Authority Board of Directors permanently fills the position.

Kerl’s tenure at the Water Authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four years as the agency’s top staff member during a period of unprecedented uncertainty regionally and nationally. Following her retirement announcement in April, Kerl was praised by state and local leaders for her steady hand and tireless efforts on behalf of San Diego County and the water industry.

‘Can-do spirit’

“Sandy’s vision and management skills have been crucial in successfully navigating the challenges of an extreme drought while ensuring stability through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mel Katz, chair of the Water Authority Board. “Her deep experience with water issues, collaborative management style, and can-do spirit guided the agency through an unprecedented period of change. Sandy’s dedication and work ethic on behalf of San Diego region will be missed. We are grateful for her service and wish her nothing but the best in retirement.”

During a June ceremony at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins presented Kerl with a framed resolution recognizing her contributions to the region on behalf of the entire San Diego County delegation in the state Legislature. San Diego County Congressmen Scott Peters and Darrell Issa also provided proclamations celebrating Kerl’s service.

As general manager, Kerl launched an era of increased engagement with the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. She took a similar approach with staff, issuing the first agency-wide employee engagement survey and using the results to focus on areas of improvement. The Water Authority was named a Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022 by The San Diego Union-Tribune based on employee surveys by an independent organization.

Sandra L. Kerl retires after decades of public service

Career highlights for Kerl also include playing pivotal role in securing financing for the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, which started commercial operations in Carlsbad in 2015 and produces approximately 50 million gallons of water a day for the San Diego region. Before joining the Water Authority, Kerl served as the city manager of La Mesa, Calif. Throughout Kerl’s career, she has been active in the International County Management Association and has served as chair of the San Diego City/County Managers Association and San Diego Regional Training Center.

Kerl served as Chair of California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) for the last year, an organization that has shaped the conversation about drought with state leaders during her tenure. She also served on the Executive Board of the Southern California Water Coalition, chairing the Colorado River Task Force and Southern California Leadership Council Executive Committee.

“It has been my privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated people during my 14 years at the Water Authority,” said Kerl. “Enhancing our workplace culture, breaking down barriers to collaboration, and ensuring safe and reliable water supplies despite intense challenges would not have been possible without the dedication of staff, member agencies, and the Board of Directors. I have complete confidence that they will carry on our mission without skipping a beat.”

In a farewell email to Water Authority staff, Kerl wrote: “So, the time has come for me to depart.  I do so with great respect and admiration for the work that each and every one of you do for the Water Authority to ensure safe and reliable water to the region 24/7/365.  It has been my honor to work alongside you to carry out the mission of the organization.”

Acting General Manager Dan Denham

The Water Authority Board formed a work group to lead the general manager selection process. During the interim, Denham will work closely with staff and the Board to ensure continued execution of Water Authority priorities. The transition team also includes Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, who will serve as acting deputy general manager, and Water Resources Director Kelley Gage, who was appointed acting assistant general manager.

Denham has served in several leadership capacities with the Water Authority over the past 17 years, including deputy general manager. In that role, he oversaw the MWD and Colorado River programs, along with the Engineering, Water Resources, and Operations & Maintenance departments. Denham also oversees the implementation of long-term agricultural-to-urban conserved water transfers that are among the largest in the United States. As a commissioner on the Quantification Settlement Agreement Joint Powers Authority, he leads the Water Authority’s fulfillment of environmental mitigation obligations and legislative advocacy efforts at the Salton Sea.

Before joining the Water Authority in 2006, Denham served in various capacities at the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Financial Management Department and Mayor’s Office. Denham holds undergraduate degrees in public administration and economics, and a graduate degree in public administration – all from San Diego State University.

San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl Retires

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San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra L. Kerl retires today after more than 40 years of public service, with Deputy General Manager Dan Denham taking over as acting GM until the Board of Directors permanently fills the position.

Kerl’s tenure at the Water Authority included 10 years as deputy general manager and four years as the agency’s top staff member during a period of unprecedented uncertainty regionally and nationally. Following her retirement announcement in April, Kerl was praised by state and local leaders for her steady hand and tireless efforts on behalf of San Diego County and the water industry.

‘Can-do spirit’

“Sandy’s vision and management skills have been crucial in successfully navigating the challenges of an extreme drought while ensuring stability through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mel Katz, chair of the Water Authority Board. “Her deep experience with water issues, collaborative management style, and can-do spirit guided the agency through an unprecedented period of change. Sandy’s dedication and work ethic on behalf of San Diego region will be missed. We are grateful for her service and wish her nothing but the best in retirement.”

During a June ceremony at the Water Authority’s Kearny Mesa headquarters, California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins presented Kerl with a framed resolution recognizing her contributions to the region on behalf of the entire San Diego County delegation in the state Legislature. San Diego County Congressmen Scott Peters and Darrell Issa also provided proclamations celebrating Kerl’s service.

As general manager, Kerl launched an era of increased engagement with the Water Authority’s 24 member agencies and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. She took a similar approach with staff, issuing the first agency-wide employee engagement survey and using the results to focus on areas of improvement. The Water Authority was named a Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022 by The San Diego Union-Tribune based on employee surveys by an independent organization.

Sandra L. Kerl retires after decades of public service

Career highlights for Kerl also include playing pivotal role in securing financing for the nation’s largest seawater desalination plant, which started commercial operations in Carlsbad in 2015 and produces approximately 50 million gallons of water a day for the San Diego region. Before joining the Water Authority, Kerl served as the city manager of La Mesa, Calif. Throughout Kerl’s career, she has been active in the International County Management Association and has served as chair of the San Diego City/County Managers Association and San Diego Regional Training Center.

Kerl served as Chair of California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA) for the last year, an organization that has shaped the conversation about drought with state leaders during her tenure. She also served on the Executive Board of the Southern California Water Coalition, chairing the Colorado River Task Force and Southern California Leadership Council Executive Committee.

“It has been my privilege to work with so many talented and dedicated people during my 14 years at the Water Authority,” said Kerl. “Enhancing our workplace culture, breaking down barriers to collaboration, and ensuring safe and reliable water supplies despite intense challenges would not have been possible without the dedication of staff, member agencies, and the Board of Directors. I have complete confidence that they will carry on our mission without skipping a beat.”

The Water Authority Board formed a work group to lead the general manager selection process. During the interim, Denham will work closely with staff and the Board to ensure continued execution of Water Authority priorities. The transition team also includes Assistant General Manager Tish Berge, who will serve as acting deputy general manager, and Water Resources Director Kelley Gage, who was appointed acting assistant general manager.

Denham has served in several leadership capacities with the Water Authority over the past 17 years, including deputy general manager. In that role, he oversaw the MWD and Colorado River programs, along with the Engineering, Water Resources, and Operations & Maintenance departments. Denham also oversees the implementation of long-term agricultural-to-urban conserved water transfers that are among the largest in the United States. As a commissioner on the Quantification Settlement Agreement Joint Powers Authority, he leads the Water Authority’s fulfillment of environmental mitigation obligations and legislative advocacy efforts at the Salton Sea.

Before joining the Water Authority in 2006, Denham served in various capacities at the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan Wastewater Department, Financial Management Department and Mayor’s Office. Denham holds undergraduate degrees in public administration and economics, and a graduate degree in public administration – all from San Diego State University.

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