Tag Archive for: Board of Directors

Sweetwater Authority customer affected by flood damage should contact the agency to apply for available assistance programs. Photo: Sweetwater Authority

Sweetwater Authority Offers Help To Flood Damage Victims

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Sweetwater Authority customers impacted by flooding due to San Diego County rainstorms in early 2024 can seek assistance as they begin recovery efforts.

The Sweetwater Authority Governing Board approved a 12-month freeze on late fees and discontinuation of water service for non-payment for customers who sustained flood damage. The moratorium aims to alleviate financial stress and allow customers to focus on recovery efforts.

“The Board is dedicated to the well-being of our customers, especially during challenging times,” said Board Chair Paulina Martinez-Perez. “By providing this benefit for customers affected by recent flooding and exploring ways we can provide more assistance in the future, we demonstrate our commitment to helping our community recover and thrive.”

Contact Customer Service to Access Flood Relief Help

Impacted customers should immediately contact Sweetwater Authority Customer Service at (619) 420-1413 to discuss their account needs. They can apply for the benefit through the Authority’s website.

To be eligible for benefits, customer accounts must be located in areas identified as impacted by the cities of Chula Vista, National City, or the County of San Diego. Any other accounts will require verification by Sweetwater Authority staff.

Sweetwater Authority also works with customers who cannot pay their water bills by offering extended payment plans whenever possible. The Governing Board is exploring the implementation of an in-house assistance program specifically tailored for low-income customers.

Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

Low-income-household water bills-federal assistance

The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), established by Congress in 2021, offers one-time payments to cover outstanding residential water and/or wastewater bills. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

In addition, the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) offers additional support for all customers facing financial challenges. The program provides payment for current or past-due water bills.

LIHWAP was established to provide aid during the pandemic. It has been expanded and extended through March 2024. Since September 2022, Authority customers have received over $250,000 of assistance from this program.

Qualified customers can apply for funding at www.maacproject.org/lihwap or call the Authority’s Customer Service team for more information.

 

Two North County water districts will pay $25 million to the San Diego County Water Authority in a settlement over their detachment. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Water Authority Settles Detachment Issue with Water Districts

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The San Diego County Water Authority has agreed to a settlement with the Rainbow Municipal Water District (RMWD) and Fallbrook Public Utility District (FPUD), allowing both to detach from the Water Authority while dropping all litigation.

In exchange, the two districts agreed to an immediate $25 million payment plus related costs and fees. The settlement minimizes rate impacts on San Diego County’s 3.3 million residents while avoiding expensive litigation. It also provides institutional certainty moving forward.

“While the majority of SDCWA’s remaining 22-district membership remains opposed to detachment, they agree that this settlement makes the best of a bad situation,” said Mel Katz, chairman of the Water Authority Board. “While we continue to believe the detachment award should have been higher, RMWD and FPUD are required to pay all costs above the amount ordered by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in addition to its entire exit fee upfront, meaning there will be no immediate rate impacts for ratepayers.”

Settlement addresses detachment conditions and future claims

As part of the settlement agreement, both RMWD and FPUD have agreed to pay all costs related to the decommissioning of Water Authority facilities not being used post-detachment. The two agencies have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Water Authority against any future claims related to detachment. Both will complete all administrative, technical, and infrastructure-related tasks before the facilities can be transferred.

These settlement conditions exceed the conditions prescribed by LAFCO as part of its conditions for detachment.

In response to LAFCO’s July decision to approve RMWD and FPUD’s request for detachment, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner introduced and passed Assembly Bill 399: The Water Ratepayer Protection Act. Mayor Todd Gloria and the City of San Diego supported AB 399.

This legislation was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom this fall and will go into effect in January 2024.  It will require a countywide election to be held for a detachment of a local district moving forward. Its provisions protect the long-term integrity of the Water Authority and the San Diego region’s ratepayers.

Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors (left to right): President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, District 5; Vice President Jim Pennock, District 1: Director Erik A. Groset, Division 4; Director Jim Hernandez, Division 2; Director Craig Elitharp, Division 3. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Boyd-Hodgson Named 2024 Vallecitos Board President

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The Vallecitos Water District Board of Directors selected its leadership for 2024 at its December board meeting.

2024 President Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson, District 5. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson

Dr. Tiffany Boyd-Hodgson was selected to serve as president. Boyd-Hodgson represents Division 5 which includes San Elijo Hills, Discovery Lake, and part of Lake San Marcos. She is a neuroscientist by training and mother of four.

Boyd-Hodgson’s priorities include water equity, water education, diversifying water supply, and providing clean, reliable water at the lowest possible rate. In 2023, she chaired the Personnel/Policy/Public Awareness Committee and served on the Finance Committee.

During her tenure on the Board, Boyd-Hodgson has been instrumental in establishing the Vallecitos Water District internship program with Palomar College, the scholarship program for area youth, and codifying single-use plastics reduction at the district.

 

Pennock Will Serve as Vice President

2024 Vice President Jim Pennock, District 1. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Jim Pennock

Jim Pennock was selected as Vice President. Pennock was first elected to the Vallecitos Water District board in 2020. A resident of San Marcos since 1995, Pennock’s involvement in the community includes having served on the Budget Review Committee, Student and Neighbor Relations Commission, and Planning Commission.

Pennock has also coached youth sports in San Marcos for the past 26 years. Pennock currently works in the insurance industry, and has owned his own insurance agency for the last 26 years.

Boyd-Hodgson and Pennock are joined by three directors on the 2024 board. They are Director Jim Hernandez, Division 2; Director Craig Elitharp, Division 3; and Director Erik A. Groset, Division 4.

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

Welcome to the Board: Vicki Quiram, Carlsbad Municipal Water District

/in , , /by /North County Daily Star by NC Daily Star Staff Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Welcome to the Board: Vicki Quiram, Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Who: Vicki Quiram was seated on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on June 19, 2023, representing the Carlsbad Municipal Water District. Quiram serves on the Water Planning and Environmental and Imported Water committees for the Water Authority.

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Winning students in the 2023 Helix Poster Contest were honored at the May Board of Directors meeting. Photo: Helix Water District student

Helix Water District Student Poster Contest Winners Highlight What “Being Water Wise Is”

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Ten talented student artists were honored for their winning work in the annual student poster contest at the May 17 Helix Water District board meeting. The students created their winning posters to visually depict the theme “Being Water Wise Is.”

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California holds the regional poster contest to increase student awareness about water. Kindergarten through eighth-grade students in local district schools are eligible to compete. This year, 453 students from 24 schools within the Helix Water District Service area submitted posters depicting how to use water wisely.

These students took top honors

Grades K – 4

First Place – Evelyn Racine, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3 Helix Water District student

First Place – Evelyn Racine, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Second Place – Awra Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 4

Second Place – Awra Boubetana, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 4

Third Place – Katharina Theuer, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3 Helix Water District student

Third Place – Katharina Theuer, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 3

Honorable Mention – Aletheia Moffit, Julian Charter School Manzanita, Grade 1 Helix Water District student

Honorable Mention – Aletheia Moffit, Julian Charter School Manzanita, Grade 1

Honorable Mention – Ava Bleiweiss, Fuerte Elementary, Grade 1

Honorable Mention – Ava Bleiweiss, Fuerte Elementary, Grade 1

Grades 5 – 8

First Place – Catalina Raquel Jones, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7 Helix Water District student

First Place – Catalina Raquel Jones, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Second Place – Heaton Grey Hadidian, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 8

Second Place – Heaton Grey Hadidian, Christ Lutheran School, Grade 8

 

Third Place – Audrey Robinson, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Third Place – Audrey Robinson, La Mesa Arts Academy, Grade 7

Honorable Mention – Valerie Silva, Mount Vernon Elementary, Grade 5

Honorable Mention – Valerie Silva, Mount Vernon Elementary, Grade 5

Honorable Mention – Cameryn Kovar, Saint Martin of Tours Academy, Grade 7

Honorable Mention – Cameryn Kovar, Saint Martin of Tours Academy, Grade 7

Helix Water District student artists featured in regional calendars

All winning posters will be forwarded to the Metropolitan Water District to be considered for inclusion in its 2024 “Being Water Wise Is” calendar.

First-place winner Catalina Jones in the Grades 5 – 8 category also won as a sixth grader in 2022, and her poster was included in the Metropolitan Water District 2023 regional calendar.

Helix Water District students were also selected for inclusion in the 2022 calendar, and in the 2021 calendar, in competition with all other regional winners.

This year’s winning posters are displayed on the Helix Water District website and Facebook page.

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

Water Authority Board Welcomes Seven New Directors

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

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors welcomed seven new members from across the region at its first regular Board meeting of the year on January 26, expanding the agency’s leadership and policy making skills during a critical period for water in the West.

Each of the Water Authority’s 24 retail member agencies are represented by at least one member of the 36-member Board of Directors, which sets the Water Authority’s strategic direction.

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Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside Reps Begin Terms on Regional Water Board

/in , , /by /North Coast Current Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside representatives on the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors are among seven new members who participated in their first formal meeting Jan. 26.

Encinitas Deputy Mayor Joy Lyndes, Carlsbad Councilwoman Teresa Acosta and Oceanside Water Utilities Director Lindsay Leahy are part of the Water Authority’s 24 retail member agencies, which are represented by at least one member of the 36-member Board of Directors, according to a Jan. 27 agency news release.

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San Diego County Water Authority And its 24 Member Agencies

Water Authority Board Welcomes Seven New Directors

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January 27, 2023 – The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors welcomed seven new members from across the region at its first regular Board meeting of the year on January 26, expanding the agency’s leadership and policy making skills during a critical period for water in the West.

Each of the Water Authority’s 24 retail member agencies are represented by at least one member of the 36-member Board of Directors, which sets the Water Authority’s strategic direction. The Water Authority provides wholesale water supplies that sustains 3.3 million people and a $268 billion regional economy, in coordination with its member agencies.

“Our new directors bring qualifications and experience that will expand our capacity and provide diverse perspectives about the complex issues we face,” said Water Authority Board Chair Mel Katz. “We will all benefit from these experienced leaders who have proven skills in a wide variety of business and public agencies.”

New Board Members-San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors

New Water Authority Board members are:

  • Teresa Acosta, Carlsbad city councilmember, representing Carlsbad Municipal Water District – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Water Planning and Environmental
  • Clint Baze, Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District general manager, representing Rincon Del Diablo MWD – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Water Planning and Environmental
  • Steve Castaneda, South Bay Irrigation District board member, representing South Bay Irrigation District – Water Authority committees: Engineering and Operations, Imported Water
  • Lindsay Leahy, Oceanside Water Utilities director, representing City of Oceanside – Water Authority committees: Legislation and Public Outreach, Water Planning and Environmental
  • Joy Lyndes, City of Encinitas councilmember and deputy mayor, representing San Dieguito Water District – Water Authority committees: Legislation and Public Outreach, Water Planning and Environmental
  • Kyle Swanson, Padre Dam Municipal Water District CEO/general manager, representing Padre Dam MWD – Water Authority committees: Administrative and Finance, Legislation and Public Outreach
  • Ditas Yamane, National City councilmember, representing City of National City – Water Authority committees: Engineering and Operations, Water Planning and Environmental

The Board generally holds its regular meetings on the fourth Thursday of each month, with special workshops and other meetings as needed. Board members serve on committees and special work groups and are also appointed to represent the Water Authority on the boards or committees of other agencies and government organizations.

The public is invited to attend monthly meetings and to comment on agenda items or other matters before the Board. To learn more about Water Authority Board members and meetings, go to: www.sdcwa.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

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History on wheels rolls into the Vallecitos Water District when a 1947 Jeep becomes a museum display named for longtime board member Betty Ferguson. Ferguson is behind the wheel at the 2010 San Marcos Christmas Parade. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

History on Wheels Honors Vallecitos Water District Service

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The Vallecitos Water District will honor its history when it moves a vintage service vehicle with a significant story to tell into its lobby this month.

The District’s General Manager Glenn Pruim approved moving the 1946 “Willys” CJ2A Jeep into the lobby of its headquarters building as a museum display, with informational signage and photos depicting its activities.

Legacy of Service

The 1946 Jeep served the District for decades. It became a favorite public outreach tool, appearing in parades and public events in the District. It made its final apperance i the 2010 San Marcos Christmas Parade. Photo: Vallecitos Water District History on wheels

The 1946 Jeep served the water district for decades. It became a favorite public outreach tool, appearing in parades and public events. It made its final appearance in a San Marcos Christmas Parade. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

The 1946 Jeep served the water district for decades. It was used to survey property. When this task was no longer feasible, the Jeep became a favorite public outreach tool, appearing in parades and public events in the Vallecitos service area. It made its final appearance at the 2010 San Marcos Christmas Parade, driven by Vallecitos Board Member Margaret E. “Betty” Ferguson, who had an affinity for the Jeep after serving in the Women’s U.S. Marine Corps.

In addition to her 35 years of dedicated service to the Vallecitos Water District on its board of directors, Ferguson was the first City Clerk for the City of San Marcos. She was the planning commission secretary and city manager pro tem from 1963 to 1971. Throughout her career, Ferguson served on many city, county, and state boards, task forces, and commissions.

Vallecitos Public Information Representative Lisa Urabe said Ferguson repeatedly demonstrated her ability to work with other board members, customers, and District employees. “Betty was more than just a Vallecitos board member,” said Urabe.

In 2013, the Vallecitos Water District adopted a resolution honoring Betty’s contribution, diligent efforts, and selfless service to the District.

Board of Directors Salutes Betty

Several years later, Board President Jim Hernandez and Board Member Betty Evans expressed interest in using the Jeep for public outreach. Public Outreach/Conservation Supervisor Chris Robbins suggested the idea of a museum-type display. He suggested naming the Jeep “Betty” after Ferguson’s recent passing to honor her longtime service. “She used to love to drive it,” said Robbins.

The Jeep will be moved into place over a weekend, with curated signage and information about the colorful history of “Betty” and its beloved namesake. It will be on public display during business hours.

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

Olivenhain Municipal Water District Logo landscape design workshops

Matthew Hahn and Marco San Antonio Join OMWD Board of Directors

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Encinitas, Calif. — Matthew Hahn and Marco San Antonio were sworn in today as the newest members of Olivenhain Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors. Mr. Hahn and Mr. San Antonio were chosen by voters in the November 8 election to represent OMWD’s Division 4 and Division 1, respectively.

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