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: Positive Impact on the Community
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.
Dean Farris: Flexibility Key To Success
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.
About Student Opportunities for Career Awareness and Learning
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/vid-video-marselino-1.png7201080Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2025-02-12 11:52:292025-02-12 11:52:29Career Outreach by Vista Irrigation District Builds Workforce
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.
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 Capuano2024-10-04 08:05:582024-10-04 08:05:58Vista Irrigation District & Vallecitos Water District To Hold 2 Landscape Workshops
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
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. Register here.
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
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.”
Plan Ahead for Cool Season Installation
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.
Conservation Gains Plus Rebates Help Offset Costs
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/VWD-2021-Kaplan-1080X720.jpg7201077Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-09-18 16:09:582024-09-18 16:09:58Vista Irrigation District and Vallecitos Water District Host Free Landscape Workshops
The Vista Irrigation District Board of Directors recognized Thomas McCarter as the district’s 2024 WaterSmart Landscape Contest winner at its July meeting.
McCarter and his wife, Alice, moved into their current residence three years ago. Upon moving in, their yard was mostly a blank slate, with a majority of the yard unplanted.
The McCarters’ backyard landscaping prior to its makeover. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Working together as a team, they began to transform their yard. Alice took charge of creating a new layout for their garden.
The McCarters’ landscape project was a labor of love. They began filling in their yard with planted areas, artfully combining succulent varieties including aloes, aeoniums, euphorbias, agaves, and various groundcovers.
Unique planter bed highlights landscape design
Rocks, decorative wood, artwork, and even a raised planter “bed” with its own headboard are included in the landscaping among the plants.
Decomposed granite pathways wind through their garden, allowing the couple to move about freely and enjoy their creation.
Rain barrels help supplement the irrigation system. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Irrigation comes from a drip system, supplemented by water collected in four rain barrels installed during the landscape project. The couple is dedicated to caring for the environment, and their ongoing landscape project reflects their commitment to sustainable living.
“It reminds us that we are walking our talk regarding healing the planet,” Thomas McCarter said of his garden. “It’s also a celebration of our marriage and working together.” Friends and neighbors also admire the McCarters’ yard when they visit.
The annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.
“Free regional WaterSmart landscape workshops are available online and in person to assist homeowners to upgrade their home’s landscape to reduce water bills,” said Sandra Sanchez, Vista Irrigation District water conservation specialist. “Additionally, landscape equipment rebates, including those for rain barrels, are available to help with the cost.”
The Vista Irrigation District joined eleven other local agencies that held landscape contests this year, providing an opportunity to highlight residential water-wise landscapes throughout the region. Participating agencies include Vista, Helix Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Otay Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, San Dieguito Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos Water District, California American Water, Rincon Del Diablo Water District, and the cities of Escondido and Oceanside.
For more information about the contest and to see more examples of WaterSmart landscaping, visit www.landscapecontest.com.Visit the district’s website or call (760) 597-3160 to find out more about free landscape workshops and incentive programs.
Water agencies across San Diego County and California water associations offer multiple college scholarship opportunities in 2024 to help candidates secure their education as water and wastewater professionals.
The acceleration of industry retirements, as well as the increasing need for a skilled workforce trained to implement new technologies, result in an increased effort to develop more skilled individuals for water and wastewater industry jobs, including in San Diego County. For more information, visit sandiegowaterworks.org.
Scholarships are available for community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and graduate-level programs. The following examples are due in the coming weeks for study in the 2023-2024 academic school year.
San Diego regional water scholarships
Helix Water District will recognize two outstanding graduating high school seniors living within the district’s service area with $1,000 scholarships for university studies next fall.
The Robert D. Friedgen Scholarship and $1,000 Dr. Lillian M. Childs Scholarship honor two past leaders of Helix Water District. Friedgen retired in 1998 after 19 years as the district’s general manager and Childs retired in 1999 after 20 years on the board of directors.
Applicants must graduate in spring 2024 and attend a four-year college or university starting in fall 2024. Students submit a two-page essay exploring potable reuse and the East County Advanced Water Purification project. The scholarship committee reviews each applicant’s grades, extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experience, academic and career goals, and financial need.
Vista Irrigation District scholarship winners for 2023 (left to right): Monica Lozada, Naia Riggenbach, Sarai Rojas, Samantha Harris, Colin Gastauer. (Not pictured: Riley Robbins). 2024 scholarship applications are now open. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Vista Irrigation District invites local high school seniors to compete for up to six scholarships from the District in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of how water-related issues influence our daily activities.
Students who compete for a scholarship must complete an essay and provide a one-page personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, and letters of recommendation from high school faculty.
Applications must be received via email or at the district’s office by 4 p.m. on Friday February 23, 2024. Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vista Irrigation District service area. Find the application link here.
Contact Brent Reyes at (760) 597-3107 ">or email Reyes with questions or to request application information.
Scholarships were issued to local students by the Vallecitos Water District in 2023 to help them continue their higher education. (L to R): Board Vice President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, scholarship winners Phlavia Oyrem, Caitlyn Hansen, and Julianna Stipica-Kelecic, Board President Jim Hernandez, scholarship winners Daniel Baza, Evan Fox, and Board Member Erik A. Groset. Not pictured: Board Members Craig Elitharp and Jim Pennock, scholarship winner Brook Sannella. Photo: Vallecitos Water District
Vallecitos Water District invites local high school seniors and students at Palomar College and California State University San Marcos to compete for scholarships from the district. Up to six scholarships may be awarded in amounts up to $1,000 per scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship program is to encourage students to learn more about water-related issues impacting their community.
Eligible students must live or go to school within the Vallecitos Water District’s service area. Students must complete an essay and provide a personal statement related to their background and/or goals. Selection criteria also include community involvement or volunteer service, a financial needs worksheet, and letters of recommendation from faculty or an associate.
">Email Chris Robbins for application materials. Applications for the 2024 scholarship must be emailed or delivered to the District office by the deadline*. Note: The 2024 scholarship deadline has not yet been announced.
The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board awarded the Work for Water Scholarship to two local students: David Inchaurregui Jr. of Chula Vista and Kassandra Beltran of National City. Photos: Sweetwater Authority
Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to new or currently enrolled students at the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College or another accredited college, community college, or trade school with a career goal in the water industry.
The application deadline has not been determined. For questions regarding the scholarship, application, or uploading documentation, email or call Alessandra Angelone, Senior Public Affairs Representative, at (619) 409-6721.
The Mark Watton Scholarship Fund through the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges supports students attending the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. It honors former Otay Water District General Manager Mark Watton’s four decades of service to the district.
Applicants must be currently enrolled for at least six units at Cuyamaca College, verify financial need, and complete the general application and essay. Scholarships of $1,000 are available. Application dates are March 25 to May 4, 2024.
Students should ">contact scholarship specialist Shirley Hughes with questions.
In addition, National University partners with the San Diego County Water Authority to offer a 25% tuition reduction scholarship to employees and employees of all member water agencies. The San Diego County Water Authority Tuition Reduction Scholarship benefits working adults who want to reach specific educational goals but find it challenging to fit classes into their busy life. The tuition-reduction scholarship can be applied to most associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. Click for more information.
Professional association scholarships
Statewide scholarships are available through several organizations.
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) offers four undergraduate 2024 scholarships, one graduation 2024 scholarship and a fellowship opportunity to qualified applicants attending a University of California or California State University campus. Students must be juniors or seniors pursuing an undergraduate degree in a water-resources related field such as engineering, agriculture, environmental studies, or public administration. Criteria include scholastic achievement and motivation to the vocation of water-resources management.
ACWA began its scholarship programs in 1961 to motivate committed students to join the effort to ensure California’s water quality through sound management policies. The scholarship program is all about investing in future water leaders.
Deadline: March 1, 2024. Application Link. Questions? Call 916-441-4545 or email .
The California-Nevada section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) awards more than $20,000 in scholarships in support of students and professionals pursuing careers in a drinking water-related field. Two $5,000 graduate scholarships, four $2,500 undergraduate scholarships, and two $1,000 scholarships in support of training as a drinking water treatment/distribution operator are available.
Environmental and civil engineers; water, wastewater, and recycling treatment plant operators; distribution system operators; chemists; laboratory technicians; biologists, ecologists, and environmental scientists; and others whose roles support safe and reliable drinking water are all suitable 2024 scholarship candidates.
Deadline: March 15, 2024. Application Link. For information, call 909-481-7200 or email
The Water Environment Federation’s (WEF) Canham Graduate Studies 2024 scholarship provides $25,000 for a graduate student in the water environment field. The scholarship is for education-related expenses such as room and board, tuition, and books. The scholarship may not be used to cover stipends or wages.
The applicant must be a WEF member, complete an online application, and be enrolled in a graduate program. Recipients must commit to working in the water industry for two years following graduation.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Helix-Scholarship-Lily-Martinez-Board-845X450.jpg451845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2024-01-29 18:13:562024-01-29 18:32:482024 Scholarship Applications Open for Aspiring Water Professionals
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.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vid-100-Big-Tunnel-Bench-1925-845X450.jpg451845Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-08-28 10:35:272023-08-28 10:36:09Vista Irrigation District Celebrates 100 Years of Service
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.
Completion of the Henshaw Dam transformed North San Diego County, including the Vista area, in the 1920s. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
337 customers then, 134,000 customers now
In its first year, VID served 337 customers. Today, VID serves water to more than 134,000 customers in a diversified community and robust economy and is celebrating its 100th anniversary on August 28, 2023.
“Vista Irrigation District is proud of its accomplishments over the last century and looks forward to providing reliable water service to the residents and businesses it serves for years to come,” said Board President Jo MacKenzie.
Water builds new potential in Vista
The Vista community celebrated the arrival of the first water from Lake Henshaw on February 27, 1926. Following the arrival of water, crops of all kinds were planted in increasing numbers. The Vista area became known as the “Avocado Capital of the World,” with six avocado packing houses in the area.
In June 1946, after several years of negotiations, Vista Irrigation District purchased the San Diego County Water Company. Included in the purchase was the 43,000-acre Warner Ranch, a former Spanish Land Grant, which includes Henshaw Dam and Lake Henshaw. The deal was driven by the economic motivation to find another, less costly source of water for VID’s customers.
Members of the Vista Irrigation District board visited Lake Henshaw in 1951. Photo: Vista Irrigation District
Drought conditions and population growth continued to press VID to seek additional sources of water. On February 16, 1954, the Vista Irrigation District became a member of the San Diego County Water Authority. It allowed VID to bring in water imported from the Colorado River and Northern California.
One year later, in 1955, Vista’s first suburban-style housing arrived in what had been an agricultural community. The Vista area began experiencing a decline in its avocado producing and packing due primarily to the industry’s economic decline and drought, which would continue into the 1960s. Many avocado groves were split into smaller parcels and sold to housing developers. The land was more valuable for homes.
A century of success
An overview of downtown Vista looking southeast circa 1928. The region began to flourish with the arrival of water. Photo: Vista Historical Society and Museum
The people’s vote in 1923 revolutionized the small rural settlement held back by a lack of water. Over the years, Vista transformed itself from its agricultural origins to a thriving community with a diversified economic base and a revitalized downtown.
Today, Vista is a thriving community that continues to grow and develop many new activities and attractions, such as its popular Moonlight Amphitheatre. Photo: City of Vista
Vista Irrigation District has demonstrated its ability to adapt to these ever-changing landscapes over time and looks forward to many more successful years of service to the community. Through a century of service and stewardship, the Vista Irrigation District can take credit for its solid track record over the last century to continue many more successful years of service to the community.
(Editor’s note: The Vista Irrigation District is one of the San Diego County Water Authority’s 24 member agencies that deliver water across the metropolitan San Diego region. The District is celebrating “A Century of Service and Stewardship” on Saturday, September 9, at its Vista headquarters. The public is invited to attend.)
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Vid-100-Big-Tunnel-Bench-1925-845X450.jpg451845Gayle Falkenthalhttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngGayle Falkenthal2023-08-24 08:17:372023-08-24 08:18:45Vista Irrigation District Celebrates 100 Years of Service
Vista, Calif. — Vista Irrigation District has been presented with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. This certificate is the only national award for public sector financial reporting.
https://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Vista-Irrigation-District.png200200Mike Leehttps://www.waternewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WNN-Horizontal-White-Blue2.pngMike Lee2023-08-02 16:05:452023-08-02 16:05:45Vista Irrigation District Receives National Award for Financial Reporting
Vista, Calif. — The Vista Irrigation District board of directors recognized Diane Krupnak as the district’s 2023 WaterSmart
Landscape Contest winner. The annual contest recognizes outstanding water-wise residential landscapes based on the criteria of overall attractiveness, appropriate plant selection, design, appropriate maintenance, and efficient methods of irrigation.
