Water Agency Workers Embrace Holiday Giving
The tradition of generous holiday support by the San Diego region’s water and wastewater agencies flourished again in 2021. Employees pitched in to help a wide array of nonprofit community services.
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Water Agency Workers Embrace Holiday Giving
The tradition of generous holiday support by the San Diego region’s water and wastewater agencies flourished again in 2021. Employees pitched in to help a wide array of nonprofit community services.
This year, the Charitable Giving Committee and Employee Association of the San Diego County Water Authority joined forces to support The Arc of San Diego. The Arc of San Diego serves adults and children with disabilities, empowering them to achieve their goals and reach their maximum potential.
The Arc of San Diego put together an Amazon holiday wish list for some of its clients with various items and brief bios on the recipients.
“Our employees eagerly pitched in to play Santa for these deserving families,” said John Kross, chair of the Water Authority’s Charitable Giving Committee. “It was even more meaningful to us when we learned a little about our recipients from Arc of San Diego. It reminded us what these small acts of kindness mean in the lives of our neighbors during the holidays. Our Charitable Giving Committee and Employees Association have a long legacy of philanthropic support, and we are more dedicated to our efforts than ever since the pandemic made life challenging for so many people.”
Bringing joy to kids and families in need
Sweetwater Authority employees collected toys for a family through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
Sweetwater Authority employees have been active participants in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program for nearly two decades, providing toys to children in its service area. Every year, employees take a tag that contains information about the recipient (age, gender, toy request). The employee shops for the item and brings them back unwrapped to the office. The Salvation Army pickups and delivers the donated toys. This year, employees donated enough toys to help make Christmas bright for 20 South County families and kids.
The Helix Water District employee volunteer program, “Helix Helps,” collected toys for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program at each of its facilities. Photo: Helix Water District
Each holiday season, the Marine Corps partners with local nonprofits and businesses to collect toys for distribution to less fortunate children throughout the community. The Helix Water District employee volunteer program, “Helix Helps,” collected toys from collection boxes at each of its facilities and donated both in-person and virtually from November 22 through December 16. Under the Helix Helps program, Helix employees, families, and friends volunteer their time to help support the communities the district serves year-round.
The Toys for Tots drive continues virtually. Individuals can shop for toys virtually or donate directly to the Toys for Tots campaign at toysfortotsbox.com
City of Escondido Environmental Programs/Utilities team employees drop off this year’s donations. Photo: City of Escondido
City of Escondido employees, including the water and wastewater divisions, put together “Souper Sacks,” bags of non-perishable food, and fun surprises distributed through the city’s senior program at the Park Avenue Community Center. This year’s effort brought 292 Souper Sacks. In addition, nearly 300 items included gift cards, toys, blankets, pajamas, and clothing were donated for students and families at the Escondido Union School District by the city’s “PJ Angels.”
(Left to right): Poway employees Alex Limas, Fernando Ramirez, Kathy Clancy, Santa Claus (a seasonal employee), Randy Slusher and Chad Weigel with holiday donations. Photo: City of Poway
The City of Poway’s Water and Wastewater Utilities employees collaborated with the Kiwanis Club “Holiday With A Hero” event to provide more than 100 Poway children with food, blankets, towels, first aid kits, shoes, and toys.
OMWD Engineering Supervisor Steve Weddle and Accountant Tammi Bowman are ready to load up donations from Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees. Photo: Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Olivenhain Municipal Water District employees are playing Santa Claus for humans and canines alike in 2021. Donations were gathered for a single mom and her four children, two local seniors, and two veterans in its annual Adopt-A-Family effort. Employees also collected a box load of donations for A New Life Rescue, an organization finding homes for abused and neglected dogs in San Diego.
OMWD employees also collected donations in support of the international organization Water For People, a volunteer-based nonprofit working to support disadvantaged communities by providing sustainable, lasting solutions. This winter, OMWD employees raised over $4,669 in donations to help this cause.
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Helix Water District, City of Poway, and City of Escondido, are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Sweetwater Authority Logo 2019Sweetwater Authority Governing Board Welcomes New Leaders
Chula Vista, Calif. – At the December 8 Sweetwater Authority Governing Board meeting, new leadership was appointed for the 2022 term.
The Governing Board appointed Alejandra Sotelo-Solis as Board Chair and Paulina Martinez-Perez as Vice Chair.
“It is an honor to have been elected as chair to help lead this body alongside Vice Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez,” said Chair Sotelo-Solis. “This is the first time in history at Sweetwater Authority that two Latina women are in side-byside executive leadership positions and I’m looking forward to continue working to address our district’s water needs, conservation efforts and helping to address the needs that COVID-19 has posed for our rate payers. We are stronger together.”
Sweetwater Authority Vice Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
Sweetwater Authority Board Chair Alejandra Sotelo-Solis. Photo: Sweetwater Authority
Four San Diego County Student Artists Featured in 2022 Calendar
Four talented San Diego County student artists from the region’s schools are among the 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2022 “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.
Produced by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar showcases student artwork with imaginative water conservation and water resource stewardship messages. Student artists from the Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the Sweetwater Authority are featured in the 2022 calendar.
Four San Diego County Student Artists Featured in 2022 Calendar
Four talented San Diego County student artists from the region’s schools are among 37 Southern California students whose artwork will appear in the 2022 “Water Is Life” Student Art Calendar.
Produced by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar showcases student artwork with imaginative water conservation and water resource stewardship messages. Students in grades K-12 submit artwork through participating member agencies after winning their local competition.
The four regional winners were invited to participate in a virtual award ceremony for all students, their families, and teachers to honor their achievements on December 6.
MWD Board Chairwoman Gloria D. Gray told the students, “We’re amazed every year at the beautiful artwork we receive with moving messages that compel us to cherish and protect our precious water supplies. Every day next year, this calendar will remind us how precious water is. In your artwork, I see the future generation of leaders. You have the power to bring about change.”
Winning students from the San Diego region
Third-grade student Lucas Regimbal is the youngest representative from San Diego County in the “Water Is Life” 2022 calendar. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Third-grader Lucas Regimbal from Christ Lutheran La Mesa School in Helix Water District explained his message. “I think there are so many big things to do to save water and conserve. But there are also many little things we can do as well. A lot of little things come up to some very big things. By fixing drips, each home or business can save hundreds of gallons of water per year. That means a lot if lots of families and business did this one little thing.”
Eighth-grade student Isabella Blakely brought drip irrigation to life as a symbol of conservation. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
An eighth-grader at Eastlake Middle School in the Otay Water District, Isabella Blakely took inspiration from the drip irrigation in her backyard garden at home.
“My family has always conserved water,” said Blakely. “We have a drip irrigation system in our backyard. I’ve always had a love for plants and animals. I wanted to show that through my drawing by drawing a plant.”
Yaricia Hernandez used a bold caption to call attention to her artwork’s message. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Yaricia Hernandez, a fourth-grader at Rio Seco School in the Padre Dam Municipal Water District, turned the Earth into a water spigot running dry. Her bold graphic caption for the 2022 calendar reads, “No Water, No Plants, No Oxygen, No Life.”
Sidney Shatwell illustrated good health practices that rely on safe, clean water. Photo: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Fifth-grade student Sidney Shatwell at Allen Elementary School represented Sweetwater Authority with her artwork depicting the critical importance of water in everyday good health practices such as brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and staying hydrated.
Adel Hagekhalil, MWD general manager, praised the efforts of the student artists.
“I’m so grateful seeing the work you have done and how you’re sending the message. Our future is in good hands with you,” said Hagekhalil. “Thank you for leading the way in making our future for water resilient, sustainable, and affordable for everyone. It was a bright day when I looked at your pictures.”
Conservation message delivered through artistic talent
The “Water is Life” Student Art Calendar was initially created 33 years ago. It curates student art submitted from grades K through 12, carrying a vital conservation message about the importance of water.
For the 2022 calendar, 216 entries were submitted by 26 regional water agencies. The annual calendar is distributed to 13,000 recipients each year.
(Editor’s note: The Helix Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District and the Sweetwater Authority, are four of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
Sweetwater Authority Water Supplies Remain Sufficient and Reliable Despite Statewide Drought
Chula Vista, Calif. – Thanks to investments in local water supplies, and customers’ water-saving efforts, Sweetwater Authority has sufficient water to meet customer needs, despite forecasts of a third consecutive dry year.
Earlier this week, the Department of Water Resources announced an initial water allocation of 0% from the State Water Project for California water districts. These allocations do not significantly impact the water available to Authority customers. The yearly allocation is a small portion of the total water supply for San Diego water agencies.
The Authority’s local water supplies include two reservoirs and groundwater wells connected to the Authority’s desalination facility, which provides a drought-proof water source. The majority of the water the Authority provides customers each year comes from these local sources.
$1M Rebate From San Diego County Water Authority to Help Offset Costs for Sweetwater Authority Customers
Chula Vista, Calif. – Sweetwater Authority (Authority) received a rebate of $1,070,931 from the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). The money from SDCWA comes as a portion of $35.9 million in rebate funds the regional wholesaler recently distributed to its 24-member agencies.
Sweetwater Authority Hires New General Manager After Monthlong Vacancy
Sweetwater Authority has selected its new general manager to manage the water agency responsible for about 200,000 customers in the South Bay.
Following a months-long vacancy, Carlos Quintero started his role on Sept. 27 following the Sweetwater governing board’s approval last month of a three-year employment contract with him. He has worked in the water industry for the past 24 years.
Dinner Table Lessons Launch Water Industry Careers
Jobs in the water and wastewater industry provide stable employment in meaningful careers, delivering a vital resource families and businesses depend on. With half of all current employees expected to retire in the next 15 years, recruitment efforts hope to fill many of these essential positions.
Family ties provide a positive influence in filling these roles with the next generation of water professionals in several water agencies in San Diego County.
Dinner Table Lessons Launch Water Industry Careers
Jobs in the water and wastewater industry provide stable employment in meaningful careers, delivering a vital resource families and businesses depend on. With half of all current employees expected to retire in the next 15 years, recruitment efforts hope to fill many of these essential positions.
Family ties provide a positive influence in filling these roles with the next generation of water professionals in several water agencies in San Diego County.
In many professions, exposure to career choices at the dinner table has a statistically significant influence. For more than four decades, the University of Chicago has tracked family and career trends in its General Social Survey. The survey found that younger generations often pursue careers due to early exposure to career paths, how they value certain skills, and even inherited aptitudes for building things or language.
Rasmussens share sense of pride
The Rasmussen family – (L to R) Eric, Craig, and Howard – represents a collective 35 years of employment at the Sweetwater Authority. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority
Three members of the Rasmussen family are currently employed at the Sweetwater Authority.
Howard Rasmussen started 24 years ago after several attempts to land an entry-level job. He was working in construction and looking for a change.
“They’re really great jobs,” said Rasmussen, who is now a Maintenance Lead Worker helping maintain multiple facilities. “It’s quite amazing and pretty gratifying knowing I’m contributing to my community.”
Seven years ago, son Eric Rasmussen followed his father into the profession after working for a decade at a home improvement retailer and pursuing an electrical apprenticeship. His water career started as a Utility Worker, and four years ago he was promoted to Equipment Operator.
“I really do love operating,” said Eric Rasmussen. “To tag along with what my dad said, it’s so awesome. You have a sense of pride. You want to make everything so perfect when it’s in your district. You don’t want to take any shortcuts.”
Eric’s brother Craig became the third Rasmussen to work at Sweetwater Authority after earning a college degree at San Diego State University. He works as a Watershed Caretaker.
Craig Rasmussen said he applied multiple times over five years before he was hired.
“It’s not like I was a shoe-in,” said Craig. “It gave me time to do some schooling. You just don’t want to let the family name down.”
Craig and Eric’s father is proud of his sons and co-workers.
“To have two boys work for the same company, for me it’s been a blessing,” said Howard Rasmussen. “Being here with my kids I hear how they work; I hear about their attitudes. I get complimented all the time what a great job I’ve done with my kids. Not many people experience that firsthand.”
All three Rasmussens encourage others to consider water industry careers.
“My dad taught me, this is your opportunity, you have to take it,” said Eric Rasmussen.
North County legacy spans three generations
Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother-in-law Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
Family ties span three generations at four different water agencies in North San Diego County.
Ed Pedrazzi works at the Vallecitos Water District as Operations and Maintenance Manager. His niece, Jessica Sherwood, is a Water Resources Assistant at the Vista Irrigation District. Jessica’s father Jon Sherwood was a Water Operation Supervisor for the Vallecitos Water District. Grandfather Amos Sherwood worked at the San Dieguito Water District from 1960 to 1990, and her uncle Terry worked at the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.
Ed Pedrazzi was hired to work in the Construction Department at Vallecitos in 1989. After completing courses at Palomar College, he became certified in Water Distribution and Treatment. Until his recent retirement from teaching, Pedrazzi taught modern water technology courses at Palomar to a new generation of professionals.
Vista Irrigation District Water Resources Office Assistant Jessica Sherwood is a third-generation water industry professional. Photo: Courtesy Jessica Sherwood
Jessica Sherwood saw an opening at the Vista Irrigation District in 2012 for a meter reader and jumped at the chance, working her way up to her current position. She said her entire family has been a positive influence on her water industry career.
“My dad is a very open and honest person and sometimes it’s hard to follow in his footsteps, but I know he’s proud of me,” said Sherwood. “My Uncle Terry is a quiet and modest man but had the same outlook as my dad.
“I think my dad and uncle’s strong work ethics stem from my grandpa. Everything they taught me comes from him. He had both working for him at San Dieguito Water District during the summers when they were still in high school. I just have to say, that I’m very proud of these guys and it’s a pretty cool legacy to be a part of.”
Because they are at different agencies, Pedrazzi and Sherwood don’t cross paths during their work hours, but they sometimes see each other at training meetings.
“He’s only a city away or a phone call,” said Sherwood.
Study shows families influence career choices
Amos Sherwood worked for the San Dieguito Water District from 1960 – 1990 and rose to become superintendent there. Photo: Courtesy Jessica Sherwood
Eric Rasmussen said family ties help, but family lessons learned and applied make the difference.
“With my dad leading the way, you can do nothing but give thanks to him and my mom for what we’ve been blessed with, and the ethics we possess,” said Eric.
Father Howard adds, “You may not think your kids are listening, but they do.”
(Editor’s note: The Sweetwater Authority, Vista Irrigation District, San Dieguito Water District, Vallecitos Water District and the Olivenhain Municipal Water District are five of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region.)
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