The Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Board of Directors recognized students from district schools for their excellence in the classroom through its 2025 Student Poster Art Contest at its June board meeting.
Three fourth-grade students from the local community were named winners of the district’s annual student poster art contest. The poster contest, targeting fourth-grade students, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
In this year’s contest, 30 students submitted their artwork from the 12 schools with fourth-grade classes within the San Marcos Unified School District.
This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.” The three winning posters were selected from all entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.
The winning posters will appear in the 2026 North County Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free at the district’s office starting in November 2025. The calendar includes winning artwork from 11 North County water agencies.
“It’s inspiring to see how fourth graders turn their creativity into powerful messages about the value of water,” said Vallecitos Board President Jim Pennock. “A big shoutout to our 2025 winners for their amazing artwork and for reminding us all how essential—and worth protecting—our water really is!”
Winning Posters Depict The Value of Water
Jimena Castillo Medina of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won first place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Jimena Castillo Medina, a fourth-grade student at Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School, won first place for her artwork, titled “Every Drop Counts.” Jimena says water “is good for your health and it helps people.” Her teacher is Andrea Vigil-Ruiz.
Liv Williams of Discovery Elementary School won second place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Fourth-grader Liv Williams at Discovery Elementary School won second place for her entry, which featured a mountain landscape and a person immersed in the beauty of the landscape. Liv wrote in her entry that water “helps us with our daily lifestyles. It also keeps us hydrated. Last, it can be really really really pretty!” Her teacher is Holly Hartzell.
Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School won third place. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Third place went to fourth grader Maryanne Alvizures of Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School and also in Ms. Vigil-Ruiz’s class. Maryanne’s artwork depicts the Earth with a massive water faucet, symbolizing rain that provides water to trees, flowers, birds, and animals. Maryanne wrote, “Without water, we will not survive.”
Winning students received gift cards in the amount of $100, $75, and $50.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/vwd-2025-poster-winners-2343.jpg7861080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-06-02 07:34:452025-06-05 07:35:07Students Recognized For Conservation Posters by Vallecitos Water District
Many of California’s reservoirs have filled nearly to capacity this year with runoff from the ample snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. But the situation is very different along the Colorado River, another vital water source for Southern California, where a very dry spring has shrunk the amount of runoff streaming into reservoirs. The latest forecast from the federal Colorado Basin River Forecast Center shows that the river’s flows into Lake Powell will probably be about 46% of average over the next three months.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00dguillenhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngdguillen2025-05-30 08:22:212025-05-30 08:22:21Meager Snowpack Adds to Colorado River’s Woes, Straining Flows to Southern California
The Vallecitos Water District was recognized with a One Water Award from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) for its efforts to work with homeowners associations in its district on turf replacement projects.
Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins accepted the award on behalf of the Vallecitos Water District in a recognition event at Metropolitan’s headquarters in Los Angeles on May 21.
L to R: Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Senior Water Specialist Gary Tilkian, Vallecitos Public Information/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins, and Metropolitan Board Chairman Adan Ortega at the One Water Awards. Photo: Metropolitan Water District
Now in its third year, Metropolitan’s One Water Awards honors businesses and non-residential industries for achieving remarkable water savings with assistance from its various water efficiency programs.
Award-winning projects are located throughout Metropolitan’s six-county service area and are recognized for accomplishments in sustainability, innovation, community engagement, collaboration, and leadership.
“The honorees here with us today are remarkable not only for their dedication to saving water, but for the example they set in their communities,” said Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr. “They are proving what’s possible – and showing how Southern California can rise to the challenge of adapting to a changing climate. That’s a vision Metropolitan shares.”
Watch a video about the successful landscaping projects.
“I’m so pleased to get this award. I feel a little guilty; I get to stand up here and get this award, but really it was a partnership,” said Robbins. “It was the incentives offered by the Metropolitan Water District. It was the partnering between the San Diego County Water Authority and the County of San Diego. And then it was the individual homeowners associations,” working with Vallecitos to make its projects a reality.
Robbins said videos featuring the projects and articles in the District’s newsletter generated additional interest from eligible HOAs.
Water News Network featured all three of the winning Vallecitos Water District projects as they were completed.
Fairways at Lake San Marcos Project
The bowl-shaped common space at the Mall III Homeowners Association property in Lake San Marcos was once dominated by turf, which wasn’t being used while requiring significant irrigation.
The San Elijo homeowner association had attempted to remodel its landscaping for nearly a decade. Not only was irrigation a significant expense, but the runoff from rain and irrigation polluted the lake. After a water-smart landscape upgrade, it’s now a point of pride that’s easier on the budget.
The transformation, made possible in part by incentives offered through the Water Authority’s rebate program, is one that local officials hope will inspire other communities.
23,000 sq ft area
10,000 sq. ft. native plants installed.
100,000 gallon reduction in irrigation runoff per year
Water savings: one million gallons
Cost savings: $66,000 over ten years
Fairways at Lake San Marcos HOA replaced 23,000 square feet of common area turf grass with native and drought-tolerant plants. A rock-lined swale cascades down a slope to prevent stormwater runoff and provides an attractive entrance to the community. A butterfly garden with a gravel walkway near the clubhouse provides accessibility and education.
Fairways HOA president Terry Brown said her community was introduced to the program and decided to move forward.
Preventing runoff into Lake San Marcos is a benefit of the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego
“We removed 23,000 square feet, and then we got three dollars for each square foot that we removed, plus we got 40 cents for the drip irrigation system. We’re going to receive one dollar per square foot for at least 10,000 square feet of California native plants. So, we did all of that. And we’re pleased with everything that has happened,” said Brown.
While rebates defrayed the initial costs, the real savings will be realized in the years ahead on one of the HOA’s major expenses, the cost of irrigation.
There are more than 6,700 homeowners associations in San Diego County. Two million County residents live within an HOA, according to the California Association of Community Managers.
Launched in 2021 by the County of San Diego’s Watershed Protection Program and the San Diego County Water Authority, the WaterScape Rebate Program is open to HOAs and commercial properties in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
The Landscape Optimization Service (LOS) offered through the Waterscape Rebate Program is a technical assistance program for large-scale landscaping projects in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County. The program helps applicants with large landscapes, such as HOAs, parks, and commercial properties, to navigate the requirements, overcome any barriers, and maximize their rebate eligibility.
Still Room for Thoughtful Use of Grass
Thoughtful inclusion of grass for play areas, pets, and other uses is incorporated into the new landscaping. Photo: County of San Diego
Makeovers don’t require removing all grass. Instead, grass is retained where it is most useful and practical. For the Fairways HOA board members, it meant accommodating the many residents who like to walk their dogs in the neighborhood, and wanted to retain some grassy spaces for them to enjoy with their pets.
As part of the program, LOS staff analyzes estimated water and cost savings, which helps decision-makers justify the investment with an understanding of how quickly the project will pay for itself. The program also offers discounted designs to participants.
The enhanced incentives include rebates for turf replacement, smart controller stations, rain barrels, and cisterns.
More information on the Landscape Optimization Service can be found here, or contact your member water agency for details.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/vwd-fairways-los-site-visit-3.jpg8101080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-05-22 11:45:542025-06-02 11:38:21One Water Awards Honors Vallecitos Water District Projects
The Vallecitos Water District honored its recently retired Operations and Maintenance Manager Ed Pedrazzi for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the district and its customers, re-naming the Twin Oaks Reservoir Facility as the Ed Pedrazzi Water Storage Facility.
Current and former Vallecitos Water District employees and supporters gathered for the dedication at the site to celebrate Pedrazzi’s career and legacy.
Pedrazzi was hired as a utility worker in the Construction Department in 1989. He was promoted five times from Water Systems Operator to Senior Operator, then Supervisor, and ultimately Operations and Maintenance Manager.
The new naming plaque for the Ed Pedrazzi Reservoir Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Vallecitos General Manager James Gumpel said, “Ed’s career is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field. Beyond his professional achievements, Ed’s true impact can be measured by the people he has mentored.”
Gumpel also noted Pedrazzi’s influence extends far beyond the Vallecitos Water District. “Ed has helped develop industry leaders and shape policies that improve water management across the region. His impressive list of certifications and qualifications, including his expertise in emergency response and hazardous materials management, reflect his dedication to safety, innovation, and progress.”
Accolades and Thanks for Pedrazzi’s Contributions
Ed Pedrazzi (far right) in 1996 with brother Jon Sherwood (second from right) and Vallecitos Water District employees Joe Lomeli and Rocky Eltzroth. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
Testimonial after testimonial offered tributes to Pedrazzi’s leadership role and the inspiration and motivation he provided through his long tenure at Vallecitos WD.
“Ed, if you look around at the people here, these are all people that you have made an impact on in some way or the other. That is a huge legacy, and you should be really, really proud,” said Vallecitos Board Vice President Jennifer Kerschbaum, P.E.
“You instilled your values of being so dedicated to the public, the public safety, the public’s best interest. You instilled your values of hard work into each of your team members, and you have guided your team along the way over many years. That’s why I’m so happy to see your name on this facility.
“This facility is the heart of our operations, and I really feel like you, Ed, are the heart of our district, and you’ve left a lasting legacy,” said Kerschbaum.
Pedrazzi Grateful For Recognition From Colleagues
Ed Pedrazzi was known for sending Minion memes with his emails to lighten the work day. Minion-themed cookies at the naming event commemorated Ed’s unique leadership style. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Pedrazzi thanked Gumpel and the board for approving the name change in his honor.
“It’s been one hell of a career … You guys made my job easy. You supported me through everything, and I just want to thank you all so much,” said Pedrazzi
“Ed, your leadership, your passion for mentorship, and your unwavering commitment to the safety and success of this district will not be forgotten,” said Gumpel. “Your name will stand as a reminder of excellence, service, and the impact that one individual can make on an entire industry.”
Ed Pedrazzi monitors Vallecitos Water District systems in 2001. Photo: Courtesy Ed Pedrazzi
When Vallecitos WD Public Information Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins conferred with Gumpel about whether to mount the naming plaque on a building or on one of the monument boulders in front excavated from the worksite, Gumpel said there was only one choice.
“Ed, you’ve always been our rock, so your plaque will be placed on one of these rocks. On behalf of Vallecitos Water District, your colleagues, and the countless individuals you have mentored, we thank you. Congratulations, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vwd-solar-twin-oaks-2-morning-1080x720.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-04-01 07:00:202025-03-27 14:33:15Reservoir Renamed In Honor of Vallecitos Employee Ed Pedrazzi
Encinitas, Calif. — At their March 19 board meetings, both Olivenhain Municipal Water District and Vallecitos Water District approved entering into a partnership agreement allowing VWD to install communication equipment at OMWD’s Denk Reservoir site in Carlsbad.
OMWD’s Denk Reservoir overlooks the southern portion of VWD’s service area and provides a clear line of sight between VWD’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation and San Elijo Hills Pump Station facilities. By partnering with OMWD to use the Denk Reservoir site to host the ethernet radio equipment, VWD will connect their two facilities with a reduced amount of equipment. The improved communications will ensure that system operators can monitor flow and pressure levels to make operational changes throughout the distribution system.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/OMWD-VWD-Combo-Logo.jpg200200Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-03-24 13:43:572025-03-24 13:43:57Water Agencies in North County Further Partnership to Minimize Costs to Ratepayers
Although no system can guarantee 100% effectiveness against a large wildfire, maintaining water tanks and rehabilitating them when needed is vital to ensure they are ready in an emergency.
There are few direct water sources in the San Diego region. Other than rainfall and saltwater desalination, water must be imported. Regional water districts store water for daily use and irrigation for their customers. They also store water in reservoirs and tanks to aid in emergency outages and fire protection.
The 40 year old Coronado Tank was showing signs of corrosion due to age and weather. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The Vallecitos Water District (District) recently completed the rehabilitation of its Coronado Hills Tank in San Marcos. Originally constructed in 1984, the 40-year-old tank showed signs of age and wear.
Time and Weather Affect Tank Aging Process
Mike Preston, a construction inspector for the district, explained why the tank needed the upgrade. “Like everything else, they get old. The interior steel structure and coating start to deteriorate over time, as well as the exterior coatings from the weather,” explained Preston.
The first step in assessing the tank’s condition was to send a diver into the tank with a specialized camera. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Before any tank is taken out of service to be upgraded, a diver enters the tank with an underwater camera to conduct a visual inspection and assess the interior steel structure. Exterior visual inspections complete the assessment.
A specialized contractor undertakes the rehabilitation process, sandblasting both the interior and exterior surfaces of the tank to bare steel. This allows a thorough structural inspection of the steel tank. Structural integrity improvements were made to rafters, beams, and stands.
Access points such as this tank door were improved for ease of access and worker safety. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
The District also upgrades technology and updates safety standards. The Coronado Tank’s access portals were made larger to allow safer access for annual cleaning, and a new climbing system provides access for water quality testing.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the project in this video.
Coronado Hills Tank Gets a New Look
When repairs were completed, the tank received a new interior coating specially approved for drinking water and new exterior surface epoxy coatings to safely extend its lifespan. Traditionally, water tanks have been painted dark green to blend in with their natural surroundings.
Changing the paint color of the Coronado Tank will improve the ability to maintain water quality. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
However, the dark color creates warmer water temperatures inside the tank, which makes it more difficult to maintain water quality standards.
As part of the rehabilitation project, the tank’s color was changed to beige to improve its light-reflectance value (LRV) from 11% when painted dark green to 67%. This means the tank surface now reflects 67% of the light hitting it rather than absorbing it.
Preston says the district is looking into changing the color of its other tanks, pending further monitoring to determine the long-term benefits.
“I already have had confirmation from one of our operators that when they were out sampling tanks. Already they’ve noticed a temperature change at this particular tank, which is a good sign. But only time is going to tell, over time, the main effect and how it’s really going to help us,” said Preston.
Water Tanks Play Vital Role in Fire Protection
The newly refurbished Coronado Tank plays a key role in wildfire protection. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Water tanks are placed on hills at elevation above populated areas to reduce pumping costs and ensure adequate water pressure for firefighters in the event of wildfire.
“Our Vallecitos Water District rehabilitations are necessary to provide constant, safe, potable drinking water for our customers, as well as a reliable source of fire protection by keeping these tanks in service for a very long time to come,” said Preston.
Preston says he’s thankful the Vallecitos Water District makes time to listen to employee input with suggestions on ways to improve district operations, “not only for just our customers, but also our employees as well.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/vwd-tank-1963-1080.jpg7211080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-02-20 07:52:172025-02-27 07:38:20Vallecitos Coronado Water Tank Gets Upgrade To Prepare For Wildfire Season
The vivid memories and recollections of a long-time water pioneer are at the heart of a new video project reviewing the history of the district.
The ten minute video uses a narrative driven by Jack Kubota, a native Californian and civil engineer who generously shared his historic insights from his 74 years of experience.
Jack Kubota participated in an interview with Vallecitos Water District staff sharing recollections of the region’s water and wastewater development history. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota, who is now 95 years old, first came to the area after his graduation from UC Berkeley shortly after the Vallecitos Water District’s inception in 1955. He first worked for the City of Carlsbad Water Utilities Department in 1957, then started his own engineering firm in 1959. The City of Carlsbad Water Utilities Department was among Kubota’s clients for 26 years.
Currently, Kubota works with Hoch Engineering.
Lifelong Journey in the Water Industry
The video is produced by Public Information Representative Alicia Yerman, who learned about Kubota from his son Russell, who works at the district as a landscape maintenance technician.
Jack Kubota as a young Navy sailor. Photo: Courtesy Jack Kubota
“Russell mentioned his dad worked on a lot of the engineering projects in the area and played a big part in some big projects,” recalls Yerman. Yerman asked whether his dad would be open to talking about his work and also talk about some of the history he knows about the District.
Kubota thought his father would enjoy it, and it would lift his spirits to be asked.
“We invited Mr. Kubota to come and speak and had a list of questions to ask. He wanted it to be related to Vallecitos and he did not want the focus to be on him. He is very humble,” said Yerman.
The finished history of the Vallecitos Water District is now available for viewing on the district’s YouTube channel.
Vallecitos Water District: From Wells to Modern Innovation
Kubota has a keen memory for the district’s key initiatives over the years, allowing it to grow from a small operation relying on well water to diversification of supplies including the introduction of imported water, and the eventual integration of desalinated ocean water into the supply mix.
The Twin Oaks Valley location of what became the Twin Oaks Valley Reservoir being cleared in 1987. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“From that beginning, I’ve been fortunate and privileged to be involved here in the San Diego area starting in 1952. I am grateful to be active and participate and share knowledge in the information that I can offer,” said Kubota.
The Twin Oaks Valley Reservoir under construction. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota reflects in the video on the growth of the region since his arrival.
“My goodness, if you look at the City of San Marcos today, when you look at the growth in terms of commerce, you look at the growth of the Cal State San Marcos campus, the medical facilities, Palomar College … you would be amazed!” said Kubota.
Collaboration Brings VWD Historic Insights Video To Life
Yerman says Kubota provided an old engineering document called the North Coastal SD Sewage Survey from 1960. She also combed through the district’s archives, and used slide equipment at the Carlsbad library.
Jack Kubota’s name appears in the staff credits of a 1960 report to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. Photo: Vallecitos Water District/Jack Kubota
“After our interview, I realized I needed to get some B-roll of what he talked about and reached out to the Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the library to see if I could scan the negatives and the slide cartridges,” said Yerman.
(L to R) Darrell Genty, Trish Hannon, Paul Davy, Betty Ferguson, and Tim Shell at the Twin Oaks Pump Station opening. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“The Carlsbad City Library’s Carlsbad History Collection contains many vital resources for understanding the development and management of water in our region, including our Collection of Carlsbad Water District Materials, 1911-1991,” said Jennifer Snapp-Cook, reference librarian for Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the Georgina Cole branch library.
“It includes historical maps, documents, and photographs that illustrate how water has influenced the growth and character of the communities in the area,”
“We were thrilled to have Vallecitos Water District reach out to us on this project and we look forward to any research assistance we can provide in the future.”
Library staff working with Genealogy and Carlsbad History at the City of Carlsbad Library assisted with project research. Additional help came from Cal State San Marcos Special Collections Library, MWD, and the San Diego History Center in San Diego. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Yerman said her project was a success “with the help from the ladies at the genealogy and Carlsbad history at the library assisting me.” She also received assistance from Cal State San Marcos Special Collections Library personnel.
Kubota said the Vallecitos Water District was always keenly aware of its responsibilities to be involved and part of the community in San Marcos including service clubs like the Rotary and Lions Clubs, and the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.
Jack Kubota Inspires The Future of the Water and Wastewater Industry
Jack Kubota emphasized the contributions from the many water and wastewater employees who played roles in the growth of the region’s services. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota said the district’s success is based not only on its technical advancements, but on its people.
“The entire success of the organization is dependent upon the capabilities, the attitudes, and the spirit, particularly in the area of young folks as they look for career opportunities getting into the water, wastewater sector. In my humble opinion, it’s a very, very rewarding place to be as a career,” said Kubota. He encourages people to consider careers in the water and wastewater industry.
“In my case, I was fortunate to become a practicing licensed engineer, and I’m just getting close to wrapping up my 74th year in the business. I can tell you, personally, it’s been a very rewarding enterprise to be in,” said Kubota.
Marissa Padilla, Capital Facilities Engineer and Alison Fisher, Capital Facilities Assistant Engineer personify the growing number of women in the water and wastewater industry. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota says he’s been impressed by the advances made by women in the industry.
“Way back when, you never saw a woman reading water meters. You never saw a woman at a wastewater treatment plant. You never saw a woman operating sewer line maintenance equipment. It just was not done.” Now, says Kubota, the industry recognizes the talent of its women employees with opportunities from operations to management to laboratory science. “The industry has made great advances, with the talents and the energies that you harness for the facilities here.”
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jack-kubota-hardhat-1080x720.jpg7241080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-01-28 07:19:382025-02-07 14:08:10Historic Insights In New Vallecitos Water District Video
The San Diego region’s future depends on water. The San Diego County Water Authority and its 22 member agencies depend on the skill and dedication of all their professionals to provide a safe, reliable water supply to support the region’s economy and the quality of life of its residents.
Professional landscape maintenance personnel play a vital role in the water industry in San Diego County, overseeing environmental stewardship, water conservation, and the preservation of habitats and ecosystems.
Russ Kubota helps maintain the vegetation and habitat throughout the Vallecitos Water District, including easements, and ensures accessibility to key facilities, including pipelines, tanks, and reservoirs. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Russell Kubota has dedicated 23 years to his work as a Landscape Maintenance Worker II with the Vallecitos Water District. Kubota helps maintain the vegetation and habitat throughout the district, including easements and ensures accessibility to key facilities, including pipelines, tanks, and reservoirs.
Kubota has a degree in ornamental horticulture and two licenses from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, allowing him to use herbicides when required to help manage the district’s environment. He has worked in the Conservation Department, performing irrigation audits, and represented the district performing outreach at events such as the San Marcos Street Fair, educating the public on water conservation.
See Kubota at work in this video.
District Safety Comes First
Currently, Kubota focuses on maintaining a fire-safe, ecologically healthy ecosystem throughout the Vallecitos Water District, covering approximately 1,989 acres in north inland San Diego County.
Safety is a key responsibility. “In the event of an emergency or even for routine maintenance, one of the biggest reasons I have to maintain the vegetation around our facilities is for safety,” said Kubota. “Being able to easily access and work around our equipment without being exposed to any hazards like rattlesnakes or bees.”
Russ Kubota and his team at the Vallecitos Water District work with the California Department of Forestry (CalFIRE), which helps provide personnel for vegetation management through its inmate firefighter program. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota coordinates this effort with the California Department of Forestry (CalFIRE). CalFIRE helps provide personnel for vegetation management through its inmate firefighter program, officially called the “Conservation (Fire) Camp Program.” It is run by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Kubota says he’s grateful for the opportunity to work with the program participants. “Because all these areas are part of public infrastructure, the inmates receive time off from their sentences for community service.”
Landscape Maintenance Preserves Ecosystem
Monitoring and removing invasive plant species is a key responsibility for Russ Kubota. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Kubota oversees the removal of non-native plants that are flammable and invasive, such as eucalyptus, castor bean, pampas grass, and salt cedar.
“Many areas of our district are near environmentally sensitive habitat. I always try to be aware of all the different types of plants and animals that are in our easements and right of ways,” said Kubota.
Kubota says he enjoys being outdoors, working in the many beautiful areas of the district. “I’m outside all the time, out in the fresh air, and we have lots of wildlife out here and a lot of natural vegetation like our oak trees. It’s just a beautiful place to work.”
Kubota says he hasn’t considered retiring because he gets to work outdoors and with people who are equally dedicated to their jobs at the Vallecitos Water District. It also doesn’t hurt that his job gives him time to surf in the morning before work.
“I really do enjoy the people I work with. I love the job sites that I go to. I love the entire work environment here at Vallecitos,” said Kubota.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vwd-russell-landscaper-portrait.jpg7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-12-26 07:28:252024-12-26 07:28:25Water Industry Landscape Maintenance Pros Ensure Safety and Preserve Habitats
The Building Industry Association of San Diego has dumped tens of thousands of dollars into supporting the campaigns of two Vallecitos Water District board candidates ahead of the Nov. 5 election, generating speculation about conflicts of interest from other candidates.
The Vallecitos Water District oversees water services for approximately 100,000 people in San Marcos, Lake San Marcos, parts of Carlsbad, Escondido, Vista and nearby unincorporated areas. The board reviews proposed development projects and sets water rates for developers.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.png00Kylie Capuanohttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngKylie Capuano2024-11-06 08:09:152024-11-06 08:09:15Developer PAC Floods $40k into Vallecitos Water District Races
The reviews are in for the 2024 Vallecitos Water District’s annual Water Academy, featuring a tour of the District’s facilities.
Participants raved about their opportunity to learn firsthand about the District’s operations from its professional staff in multiple disciplines, including James H. Gumpel, P.E., Vallecitos Water District General Manager.
Raul Rodarte, Wastewater Collections Worker II, offers a demonstration during the facilities tour. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Among the stops along the tour:
Water Operations Control Room
Wastewater Collections
Warehouse, Construction, and Training Facilities
Maintenance and Repair Shops and Mechanics Bay
Sustainable Demonstration Garden and Meters
See a video of the facilities tour events.
Water Academy Tour Highlights
The District’s Wastewater Collections Department demonstrated how it keeps sewer pipes clean with a combination truck. The CCTV camera van was also on display. A recorded video showed how the camera system inspects the District’s sewer pipes.
Wastewater Collections staff are also trained as the District’s Confined Space Rescue Team. They discussed how the team’s preparedness and training to address emergencies immediately, instead of waiting for first responders, can save lives.
At the District’s welding shop and mechanics bay, mechanics explained how performing repairs in-house saves District customers money.
The Maintenance Services Department discussed the essential emergency repair parts maintained in the warehouse which allows construction crews to expedite water main repairs and return service to the customers as soon as possible.
Close Up Look At Equipment
Water Academy participants also got a presentation by the Construction Department with a closeup look at heavy equipment in operation, including a Mini-Excavator, Backhoe, Skid Steer, Hydro Excavator and Service Truck, and a 10-wheeler Dump Truck. All the equipment enables Vallecitos Water District personnel to repair water mains as quickly as possible to return customers to service.
Water Operations personnel demonstrated the Neutral Output – Discharge Elimination System (NO-DES) trailer, which functions as a portable water filtration unit. It removes minerals that can settle in water mains over many years. This helps to maintain high water quality for the District’s customers.
Vallecitos Water District is among the first agencies in San Diego County to purchase one of these units. It also helps the District comply with regulations that require urban retail water suppliers to submit water loss audits to the State of California annually. Water agencies are required to account for every drop of water and reduce water waste wherever possible.
Staff Demonstrate Specialized Skills
At the District’s Spill Emergency Response Plan Training Center, participants learned how Vallecitos employees practice responding to sewer spills and watched a demonstration. All water used for training and the demonstration is potable water rather than actual wastewater. A combination truck was set up downstream to demonstrate how a sewer spill would be mitigated and collected.
Water Operations field and lab testing equipment were on display. Several tests were run to show how lab testing in-house delivers faster, more cost-efficient results. Additionally, staff showed customers how, by adding CO2 to a water sample, the pH (measure of acidity or basicity) is changed.
Vallecitos Water District customers learn how to check their meters at home. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Employees in the Meter Department showed customers how to read their own meters and how to check for leaks.
No Vallecitos Water District tour is complete without a stroll through its Sustainable Demonstration Garden, including its new seed library and garden features.
Positive Participant Feedback For Facilities Tour
Participants in the Vallecitos Water District facilities tour offered positive feedback from their experience. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Participants received samples of PureGreen fertilizer from Encina and water bottles and had fun with trivia questions to conclude the tour.
Participant reviews highlighted the complexity of the operation, the friendly staff, and how much they learned.
“(The) complexity of providing water to a high population density coastal area. Good people with good management” wrote Frank Yakos.
“Previous to today I already had a very positive impression of VWD. Today’s information increased my positive impression immensely,” wrote Diane Veach.
“Learned something interesting from each presenter, learned a lot! Loved how friendly everyone is,” wrote Ann Kreile.
“I’m impressed with everything! Clean facility! Great staff! Great presentation!” raved Nancy Sims.
“Thanks! Keep up the good work!” said it all for Michael Wilkinson.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/VWD-Tour-Demo.jpg7071080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-10-28 11:43:112024-10-28 11:43:11Rave Reviews for Vallecitos Water Academy Facilities Tour