Vista, CA – Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for scholarships from the district. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about how water related issues influence our daily lives.
The Vista Irrigation District board of directors elected Marty Miller as its president and Jo MacKenzie as its vice-president for 2026 at its annual organizational meeting.
Director Marty Miller will serve as board president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Miller, who has served on the board of directors since 2008, represents Division 1, which stretches from Gopher Canyon Road to Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. This will be the fourth time Miller has led the board since being elected.
Miller, who owned a general construction company for over 40 years, has served as chair of the district’s water sustainability, fiscal policy, public affairs, and Warner Ranch committees. He has represented the district on the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) board of directors since 2011.
Miller is also a member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California board of directors, representing the Water Authority, and a member of the Local Agency Formation Commission Special Districts advisory committee.
Director Jo MacKenzie will serve as vice-president. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
MacKenzie has served on the Board of Directors since December 1992 and represents Division 5, which includes northeast and southeast Vista, north Twin Oaks Valley, and the Bennett area in the city of San Marcos.
MacKenzie has been a member of governing boards and committees of statewide and local organizations for many years. She has been actively involved with the Association of California Water Agencies, the California Special Districts Association and San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission, serving as a representative for special districts.
Currently, MacKenzie leads the California Special Districts Association Finance Corporation board of directors as its president and serves as vice-president of the Special District Leadership Foundation board of directors.
Miller and MacKenzie are joined by directors Frank Nuñez (Division 2), Peter Kuchinsky (Division 3), and Patrick Sanchez (Division 4) to form the district’s board of directors.
Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to more than 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.
The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized Janet Chambers as the district’s 2025 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its August meeting.
The new landscape features a wide variety of blooming plants in bright colors. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Janet Chambers added a Small Little Library to her vibrant, watersmart landscape. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District’s Consumer Confidence Report, also known as the annual water quality report, is available to be viewed online. English and Spanish versions of the report are available for download from the district’s website.
In 2024, as in past years, the district’s tap water met all federal and state safe drinking water standards.
Vista Irrigation District (VID) selected three fourth-grade student artists from schools within its district as winners of its annual district-sponsored 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest, and awarded college scholarships to six graduating high school seniors at its May 7 board of directors meeting.
Vista fourth grade student Brylee Burton-Arner displays her award winning poster contest entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Grapevine Elementary school student Cosette Kennedy received first-place for her entry. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Cosette Kennedy, a fourth-grade student from Grapevine Elementary School, received first-place honors from VID for her entry in the 2025 Water Awareness Poster Contest. She received a $100 award.
Second place went to the poster entry by Brylee Burton-Arner from Lake Elementary School. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Brylee Burton-Arner from Lake Elementary School received second place and a $50 prize.
Third place went to Presley Regan for her artwork depicting the Earth as a turtle. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Presley Regan of Alamosa Park Elementary School placed third and received a $25 award.
The poster contest, which targets fourth-grade students, is designed to promote an understanding of water issues in elementary schools.
This year’s theme was “Love Water, Save Water.” The three winning posters were selected from 230 entries based on their depiction of the theme, artwork, originality, and poster design.
All three winners’ artwork will appear in the Vista Irrigation District 2026 Water Awareness Calendar, which will be available free for pickup at the district’s office in November 2025.
Vista Irrigation District college scholarship winners include (left to right) Hailey Ahmed, Nayleen Griffith, and Andrew Lee. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District presented six $1,500 scholarships to the winners of its annual high school scholarship contest at its May board meeting.
The scholarship contest, open to high school seniors living or attending school within VID’s service area, aims to increase knowledge and awareness of water-related issues affecting the district.
Twenty-two high school seniors submitted applications this year. Applicants were required to complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals.
Selection criteria also included community involvement or volunteer service and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.
Scholarships were awarded to Hailey Ahmed, Natalie Krahmer, Andrew Lee, and Nathan Sleeper from Rancho Buena Vista High School, Nayleen Griffith from Vista High School, and Christopher Rayo from Mission Vista High School.
Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board. The district provides water service to roughly 132,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.
The Vista Irrigation District (VID) is partnering with the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s “Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) Program to encourage job seekers and students to learn about water industry careers.
As part of the program, two VID employees were featured in informational videos describing their jobs, including their typical duties and the skills needed to succeed. Both employees also discuss the education required and local resources for career training.
Marselino Sanchez says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
Water System Operation II Marselino Sanchez is in charge of maintaining water distribution systems and analyzing water quality. In his interview, Sanchez called his job “dynamic” and said he likes making a positive impact on his community.
“The biggest challenge with this position is trying to manage the distribution system, (and) also trying to handle any emergency that arises,” said Sanchez. “Not every day is the same. It can change within a minute, within seconds, so we’ve got to be able to adapt very quickly. But that’s the part that makes the job very fun and exciting.”
Sanchez said he took courses at Palomar College, which helped prepare him to take require State of California certification exams required for his job. He says successful job candidates have strong mathematics and analytical skills they can apply to managing water quality.
Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the VID water system, including water system levels and water quality, water flow, adjustments in water pressures, and maintenance, all while staying ready for any possibility.
Like Sanchez, Farris says successful job candidates must be flexible. “Almost certainly, there’s going to be something that comes up that needs immediate attention, and so you’ve got to be ready for those curve balls that are thrown at you.”
Water Distribution Supervisor Dean Farris works daily with his team to analyze and maintain the Vista Irrigation District water system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
Farris encourages aspiring water industry professionals to take courses at the community college level, such as Palomar College, to learn about water distribution and water and wastewater treatment. Getting certifications shows an employer that you’re a serious job candidate.
In addition, Farris says successful water and wastewater professionals have strong analytical skills, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate.
“The first thing I do when I walk in here in the morning, before anyone gets here, is analyze that big screen behind me with the historical trends and then make decisions based on that throughout the day,” said Farris.
Both videos are now available on the Vista Chamber of Commerce’s SOCAL webpage and on the SOCAL Workforce YouTube channel.
Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning (SOCAL) drives economic empowerment by elevating student awareness of career and educational opportunities across multiple industries and provides a forum for students to take meaningful steps towards participation in the workforce of tomorrow.
Dean Farris and Marselino Sanchez discuss daily operations. Photo: Vista Irrigation District/Video Capture
SOCAL is a collaborative program between education and industry created by Tri-City Medical Center, the San Diego North Economic Development Council and Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, and Encinitas Chambers of Commerce. The vision is to give middle school, high school, and post-secondary students and transitioning adults an opportunity to gain insights into career pathways while allowing businesses and local organizations to participate in these students’ career exploration.
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.
Two Landscape Workshops on November 2 – 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: “Goodbye Grass, Hello Garden: Qualify for Rebates” will instruct residents how to maximize rebates to help them with turf removal projects.
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: “Garden Design Class” takes students through the landscape makeover planning process, including: sizing and siting the rainwater capture area, developing a palette of climate-appropriate plants, applying key design principles and laying out a successful planting plan.
In partnership with the San Diego County Water Authority, the Vista Irrigation District and Vallecitos Water District are teaming up to offer free landscape design workshops in November to help its customers redesign and install new water saving, sustainable landscapes at a convenient North County location.
Two classes take place on Saturday, November 2, at the Vista Irrigation District, 1391 Engineer Street in Vista. Residents can sign up for just one, or both classes. People attending both classes will be eligible for special giveaways. Prior registration is required.
This Vista Irrigation District award-winning landscape makeover demonstrates the options for beautiful yards without turf. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.: “Goodbye Grass, Hello Garden: Qualify for Rebates” will instruct residents how to maximize rebates to help them with turf removal projects. Register here.
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.: “Garden Design Class” takes students through the landscape makeover planning process, including:
Donald De Tar’s home after completing his winning landscape makeover. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
“I’m thrilled to be working in partnership with the Vista Irrigation District to host these garden classes,” said Chris Robbins, Vallecitos Water District Public Information/Conservation Supervisor.
“As it turns out, Vista Irrigation District is my water service provider, and we both play a crucial role in our region’s sustainability and well-being. Together, we’re committed to ensuring that our water resources are managed wisely and responsibly, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for all residents.”
Low-water plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Fall is an ideal time to plan landscape work, taking advantage of cooler weather and seasonal rainfall to help establish the new plants.
Countywide, regional residents have converted more than 1.5 million square feet of turf into beautiful, sustainable landscapes. They use less water and provide a lifestyle-friendly yard ideal for San Diego’s climate. New landscapes installed through the program have been proven to reduce water use by up to 37 percent.
More than 8,000 San Diego County residents have taken these courses to date.
Low-water plants, improved irrigation technologies, and WaterSmart classes reduce energy use, protect natural resources, and create beautiful outdoor living spaces, as well as save water.
WaterSmart landscape workshops help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes the enjoyment of the outdoor space, while saving the time and expense required for ongoing turf maintenance. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Landscape watering accounts for more than half of a typical household’s water use in California. WaterSmart workshops help residents create a drought-tolerant, water-efficient landscape with a design that maximizes the enjoyment of the outdoor space. In addition, homeowners can save the time and expense required for ongoing turf maintenance.
San Diego County homeowners may be eligible for between $2 and $4 per square foot to remove turf and replace it with low water-use plants better suited to our region’s hotter, drier weather. All customers are eligible for the base rebate of $2 per square foot.
Residents in unincorporated San Diego County may be eligible for additional incentives through the Waterscape Rebate Program. Learn more at socalwatersmart.com
