ACWA News January 20, 2017

NEWS

VOL.

45

01 Jan. 20, 2017

Atmospheric rivers have arrived in California this winter bringing record precipitation that is boosting reservoirs and forcing officials to prepare for and respond to floods. Left: (l-r) John Paasch , chief of flood operations, California Department of Water Resources; and Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, conduct a manual snow survey on Jan. 3 at Phillips Station. Statewide snowpack as of Jan. 18 was hovering at 151% of historic average. Right: Nimbus Dam on the American River released 55,000 cubic feet per second of water on Jan. 12 after a series of atmospheric rivers brought torrential rains to many parts of California. Photo credit: California Department of Water Resources

State Water Board Hears Input on Emergency Regulation Next Steps

Fierce Storms Bolster State’s Water Supply The fierce storms that have pummeled California in recent weeks have bolstered the state’s water supply significantly, filling reservoirs and deepening the critical Sierra Nevada snowpack. As ACWA went to press Jan. 18, another series of storms was scheduled to bear down on the state, adding more rain to an already record-breaking two months of precipitation.

efficiency on an ongoing basis.

Whether the state should extend the current emergency conservation regulation or let it expire was the focus of a workshop before the State Water Resources Control Board on Jan. 18.

Water suppliers also reiterated their support for the “stresstest” approach outlined in the current regulation, and many said they would continue monthly water use reporting and data collection if requested by the State Water Board. They encouraged the board to thank the public and shift the focus to the long term.

Citing dramatically improved conditions, water agency representatives from throughout the state voiced support for letting the regulation expire in February. They emphasized, however, urban water suppliers remain committed to helping their customers shift to permanent changes to improve water use

Forecasters say that the atmospheric rivers that provide up to 50% of the state’s precipitation in very wet years have arrived, with more on the horizon.

“I think it’s a very encouraging start to the winter and certainly we’ve had other winters when (the location of the survey) has been basically a bare field,” said Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, following the manual snow pack measurements on Jan. 3.

Their comments followed a presentation in which State Water Board staff recommended that the board extend the current regulation

WATER SUPPLY Continued on page 6

EMERGENCY Continued on page 7

2

New Administration Brings New Opportunities for Solutions

3

New State Laws Address Lead Service Lines, Excessive Water Use

4

San Joaquin River Flows Proposal Examined in Public Hearing

ACWA News is a publication of the Association of California Water Agencies Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: send address changes and subscription requests to ACWA News, 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3514 916.441.4545 | www.acwa.com Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs & Member Services Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Senior Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Emily Allshouse Senior Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach and Social Media Specialist Marie Meade Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN • TIMOTHY QUINN

New Administration Brings New Opportunities for Solutions Many people in the water community have been asking me the same question these past few weeks – What will a Trump Administration mean for California water?

No one knows the answer for sure, but as we move forward, as always, ACWA will stick to its core values. And the template for those core values is the coequal goals of advancing a water policy that benefits both California’s economy and environment.

I have worked in California water under five governors and now — with the election of President Trump — six presidents. These transitions are just part of life for those who work on public policy. ACWA, as an organization founded in 1910, has worked with many governors and presidents and with each administration, we worked to deliver reliable, safe water while preserving the environment. Now, we adhere to the coequal goals of water supply reliability and ecosystem health, and use the 2009 Delta Reform Act and Gov. Jerry Brown’s California Water Action Plan as our road map for achieving those goals.

We will continue this endeavor under the Trump Administration, and being an optimist, I see this change in Washington as a chance to open new dialog on critical water issues as outlined in the CWAP. Issues include adequate storage, functional Delta conveyance, protection of watersheds and making conservation a way of life. Using a broad brush, here are some of the key issues and opportunities that lie ahead: • Launching productive discussions on how to better implement the Endangered Species Act in a more comprehensive way that does not adopt a single species perspective on complicated water

issues, but rather an ecosystem approach.

• Making progress on a Delta Solution (with a final EIR/EIS now complete) as a part of the Governor’s California Water Action Plan.

• Focusing on California’s broad water infrastructure needs and developing more creative financing for projects, perhaps through low-interest federal loans.

On her way out the door, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell issued a six-point secretarial order outlining “timely actions” federal officials must take to address the effects of drought and climate change on California’s water supply and wildlife. ACWA likes many of the order’s main themes, others we are wary of. But I can say unequivocally that I wish Jewell and the Obama Administration had issued this order for “timely actions” in a more timely manner. We have been waiting for years for some action on these issues. But again, as an optimist, it is a positive sign that the order appears to send a signal to the federal government to develop a meaningful partnership with the state of California in resolving these complex issues.

As we move into 2017 with a new administration in Washington, we have an opportunity for a new era of collaborative problem solving and constructive partnership. We have the road map to success with the coequal goals and the California Water Action Plan. That vision is our future.

As we move into 2017 with a new administration in Washington, we have an opportunity for a new era of collaborative problem solving and constructive partnership.

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN • KATHLEEN TIEGS

After Eventful 2016, New Year is Off to a Walloping Start Anyone flying into Sacramento in early January can see that 2017 is off to a very wet start in Northern California.

While we don’t yet know whether the recent spate of atmospheric rivers will be enough to end our five-year drought, all signs point to an improved water supply picture this year.

For ACWA and its members, 2017 looks to be another year of action. Building on the solid foundation of our 2016 accomplishments, I am excited for the coming months and opportunities large and small to bring California water together.

The 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim was a fitting end to a year with many successes for California’s water community. Using the framework vision adopted by the ACWA Board of Directors in early 2016 as a roadmap, we made steady progress in the policy arenas and launched several priority initiatives designed to strengthen ACWA as an organization.

A critical effort that continues into 2017 is the Board-adopted goal to better assist ACWA’s agricultural members with ongoing water supply challenges and to increase their engagement in the association. Several productive listening sessions were held in 2016, and I look forward to concrete actions this year under the leadership of Region 6 Vice Chair Bill Diedrich, who is chairing an advisory group to address ag issues.

Another initiative celebrated at the fall conference was the unveiling of ACWA’s refreshed branding, including a new logo and tag line, “Bringing Water Together.”

I am extremely proud of the new brand, which reflects our role as the “big tent” in California and solidifies our unique presence in the water community.

On a personal level, I gained tremendous knowledge and insight during my travels to ACWA member agencies in every region of the state in 2016. From Tule Lake

Irrigation District in Modoc County to coastal and mountain areas to the Central Valley and desert areas, I had the privilege of attending some 66 events that reached 114 member agencies as part of the Meet the President initiative.

It was a very gratifying and energizing experience, and I look forward to more visits in 2017. My deepest thanks to ACWA members for extending their warm welcome, and thank you also to ACWA staff for helping to make this a reality.

ACWA’s Board kicks off the second year of our two-year term with a workshop and meeting on Feb. 2 and 3 in Sacramento. As always, I look forward to the dialog with my colleagues from around the state and welcome your input and ideas as we forge ahead in 2017.

New State Laws Address Lead Service Lines, Excessive Water Use New requirements addressing lead service lines and excessive water use policies are among changes in state law affecting ACWA member agencies in 2017.

Lead Service Lines SB 1398 (Leyva), of 2016, requires public water systems to compile an inventory of known lead user service lines in use in their distribution systems and to identify areas that may have lead service lines in use by July 1, 2018. After completing the inventory, water systems are required to provide the State Water Resources Control Board with a timeline for replacement.

As defined in statute, “user service line” means the pipe, tubing, and fittings connecting a water main to an individual water meter or service connection (i.e.,

the public side of the connection, not private).

The State Water Board’s Division of Drinking Water has added information to its Lead and Copper Rule web page that links to new requirements under SB 1398. Visit www.waterboards.ca.gov/ drinking_water/programs/ for details.

ACWA and its members secured amendments to SB 1398 that limited public water system responsibility to the public side of the connection and allow for more flexibility where pipe materials are unknown but lead is not detected in required water quality testing.

Excessive Water Use Policies SB 814 (Hill), of 2016, requires retail urban water suppliers to establish a method to identify and discourage excessive

water use during specified periods. Authorized methods include rate structures such as tiers, water budgets or surcharges for excessive water use. The bill also authorizes water suppliers to establish excessive water use ordinances and makes violations of such ordinances an infraction or administrative civil penalty.

The bill specifies that prohibitions on excessive water use apply during the following conditions: 1) during a drought emergency based on statewide conditions, as declared by the governor, to an urban retail water supplier that has moved to a stage of action in response to a local water supply shortage condition under the supplier’s contingency plan; 2) during a drought emergency based on local conditions, as declared by the governor, to an urban retail water sup-

Continued on page 4

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 3

San Joaquin River Flows Proposal Examined in Public Hearing The State Water Resources Control Board held a public hearing Jan. 3 on its draft plan for San Joaquin River flows that is as part of Phase 1 of its update to the Bay-Delta Water Quality Control Plan.

Numerous speakers testified to the State Water Board about their concerns regarding the draft plan, with many saying its proposal to increase unimpaired flows for fish species will not help fish and will result in inadequate flows for agriculture and Central Valley communities. Many critics of the proposal asked that the State Water Board look at other “nonflow” proposals to benefit fish species.

“Temperature, turbidity, nutrients are all primary drivers (of fish recovery), and those are not addressed by unimpaired flows,” said Terry Erlewine, general manager of the State Water Contractors.

Several speakers echoed Erlewine’s sentiments and asked that the State Water Board do more study before adopting changes to the flows. Some environmentalists argued that the unimpaired flows should be increased for fish.

As part of its draft update, the State Water Board has published a draft Substitute

Environmental Document that would require water users to leave significantly more water in the river and its tributaries from Feb. 1 through June 30 each year for fish and wildlife beneficial uses and salinity control. The proposal has generated strong opposition among water users that rely on the San Joaquin River and its tributaries.

The State Water Board’s flow proposals have been identified as a priority issue for ACWA as part of its Board-identified Ag Initiative, and more generally, in its strong commitment to coequal goals and comprehensive solutions.

Rebecca Franklin, regulatory advocate for ACWA, testified that the Water Quality Control Plan should be developed in a manner that is consistent with the direction outlined in the California Water Action Plan and established state policies, including the Delta Reform Act of 2009, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and the Human Right to Water Act. “The current ‘unimpaired flows’ approach will not help the state achieve these objectives, and will actually undermine established state policies by in-

creasing groundwater overdraft, making investments in storage projects irrelevant and negatively impacting disadvantaged communities,” Franklin testified.

Franklin added that the proposal also will have a “devastating impact on California’s economy, especially its agricultural economy, and the disadvantaged communities that comprise 40% of the area affected by this plan.”

Maureen Martin, senior water resources specialist at Contra Costa Water District, called the SED “inadequate” because it doesn’t address the full range of water quality impacts.

ACWA members and other interested parties have turned out for five public hearings held by the State Water Board on this issue since Nov. 29.

In December, the State Water Board extended the deadline for written comments on the draft plan from Jan. 17 to March 17 at 12 p.m.

The fourth revised Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment and Notice of Public Hearing includes specific information on submitting written comments by March 17.

Continued from page 3

plier affected by the declaration; and 3) to an urban retail water supplier during a period in which the supplier has moved to a stage of action in response to a local water supply shortage condition under the supplier’s contingency plan.

ACWA secured several amendments to SB 814, but questions remain about the workability of some provisions.

Public Records Under AB 2853 (Gatto), of 2016, public agencies are now authorized to refer a member of the public requesting a public record to the agency’s website where the record is posted. Public agencies are 4 • ACWANEWS

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required, however, to provide the specific location of the record on the website and must provide a hard copy of the record if expressly requested due to an inability to access the Internet.

ACWA strongly opposed an earlier version of the bill that would have expanded the definition of public record to include information on private cell phones. The bill was gutted and amended in March 2016, and ACWA moved to a support position when the author accepted ACWA’s requested amendments.

Water Supply Planning Under SB 1262 (Pavley), of 2016, public

water systems are required to consider the status of a groundwater basin under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and a groundwater sustainability plan, if in effect, when verifying water supply availability for development projects under the state’s “show me the water” statutes (SB 221 and SB 610 of 2001).

SB 1262 also prohibits hauled water from being considered a source of water for a new development.

ACWA opposed an earlier version of the bill but was able to move to a watch position when provisions of concern were narrowed and ultimately removed.

Brown’s Budget Proposal Contains Funds for Key Water Issues Gov. Jerry Brown on Jan. 10 released a $177.1 billion spending plan that contains funds for drought, water rights management, continuation of the statewide conservation program Save Our Water and other key water programs.

Brown’s budget proposals include: bolstering state reserves, increasing K-12 funding, continuing health care expansion, combating climate change, and strengthening transportation infrastructure.

Some $8.8 billion — $2.8 billion of general fund money — is designated in the budget for the California Natural Resources Agency. A significant portion of that money is proposed for drought

related services, including $178 million for one-time 2017-’18 resources to provide immediate response to drought impacts. Some of the one-time drought responses include: $5 million for the California Department of Water Resources for assistance to small communities, $5.3 million to the State Water Resources Control Board for water rights management, $2 million for the Save Our Water program, $91 million to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and $52.7 million for the California Office of Emergency Assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act to address tree mortality.

“The state’s drought response is strategically guided by advancing several

of the key actions of the California Water Action Plan that will provide longterm benefits for the state,” the budget summary read.

The $52.7 million proposed for OES for tree mortality would be used to aid local agencies in the removal of dead or dying trees that pose a risk to public safety.

The budget proposal also includes $3.5 million for a Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy and $8.2 million for emergency fish rescues and monitoring.

RESOURCE

Budget proposal: www.ebudget.ca.gov

California WaterFix Final Environmental Documents Released Following 10 years of study and hundreds of public meetings, state and federal officials on Dec. 22 released the final, refined environmental documents for California WaterFix, an effort to modernize the state’s water infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

The project’s lead agencies — the California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation — identified WaterFix as the preferred alternative to modernize California’s primary water delivery system in the Delta. Officials believe the plan is the best way to guard against water supply disruptions, and improve conditions for threatened and endangered fish.

The project consists of three new intakes in the northern Delta and two 35-milelong tunnels to transport water to the existing pumping plants in the south Delta. New intakes and tunnels also would help guard water supplies against saltwater intrusion as sea levels rise and in the event of an earthquake or storm powerful enough to destroy levees in the low-lying Delta.

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn called the release of the documents a “milestone.”

“ACWA supports a long-term Delta solution as a key element of the comprehensive strategy outlined in Governor Brown’s California Water Action Plan.

All elements of that plan — including

investments in surface and groundwater storage, sustainable groundwater management, ongoing improvements in water-use efficiency and development of a more effective water market — must move ahead to create a more resilient water system that can meet today’s challenges and those on the horizon,” Quinn said.

“We are glad to see this milestone for the WaterFix and encourage all interested parties — including our federal partners — to remain engaged and work together to implement long-term solutions for the Delta,” Quinn added.

RESOURCE

baydeltaconservationplan.com/ FinalEIREIS.aspx

State Requires Water Systems to Provide Lead Sampling for Schools The State Water Resources Control Board officially launched an effort Jan. 17 to encourage K-12 schools in California to have their drinking water tested for lead. As part of the effort, the board’s

Division of Drinking Water is issuing amended permits this week that require community water systems to test the schools in their service areas for lead if requested by school officials in writing.

Details are available on the State Water Board’s website. ACWA has tools and resources for members regarding the requirement, including sample letters and suggested outreach steps at www. acwa.com.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 5

Interior Secretary Calls for Expedited Review of WaterFix U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on Jan. 4 issued a Secretarial Order that directs federal officials to expedite the environmental review of the California WaterFix project as part of larger effort to take “timely actions” to address the effects of drought and climate change on California’s water supply and imperiled wildlife.

The order outlines several actions that address critical water issues in California, including expedited actions ranging from fostering Delta smelt resiliency to asking the federal government to work for voluntary flow agreements that align with the Endangered Species Act. The order is specific to California.

The order calls out the California WaterFix project in particular, directing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expedite its environmental review of the Delta tunnels project and issue a draft

biological opinion on the project by the end of this month and a final draft biological opinion by March 2017. A final biological opinion is to be issued by April 2017, the order states.

project,” Brown was quoted in the order.

“This state-federal partnership is what’s needed to improve water reliability for residents and farmers and protect vulnerable ecosystems.”

“Long-term drought, fueled by climate change, has adversely affected the state’s water supplies, exacerbated effects of water operations on imperiled species, impacted water quality, and added to the stressors affecting the health of California’s unique ecosystems, particularly the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Bay-Delta),” the order states.

The order states it is providing “direction for the Department, and particularly Reclamation and FWS, with scientific support and technical advice from the USGS, to complete the technical, scientific, and analytical work necessary to make permitting, regulatory, and other decisions associated with various water initiatives.” .

Gov. Jerry Brown praised the initiatives outlined in the order.

“Today’s action tracks closely with the state’s multi-pronged Water Action Plan and commits the federal government to a timely review of the California WaterFix

RESOURCE

Secretarial Order: www.doi.gov/ sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/sec_order_ no._3343_cal_water_0.pdf

WATER SUPPLY Continued from page 1

At the time of Gehrke’s snowpack survey, statewide snowpack was 70% of the Jan. 3 average. As of Jan. 18, that figure had risen to 151% of historic average.

Another round of record rainfall and possible flooding was expected as a new influx of heavy storms is lined up to hit the state by Jan. 20.

The drenching rains have filled reservoirs in California that had been well below average during the state’s multi-year drought. On Jan. 17, several key reservoirs in the state swelled above their historic averages with Lake Shasta at 124% of historic average, Folsom Lake at 106%, Lake Oroville at 125% and Don Pedro at 133%.

The state’s Northern Sierra 8-Station index is currently tracking record-high precipitation for Water Year 2016-’17 – sitting at a whopping 202% of average for the date as of Jan. 18. So far, the 6 • ACWANEWS

Vol. 45 No. 01

8-Station index has seen 16.6 inches of precipitation in January – almost double its average. In December the index measured an above-average total of 11.6 inches and in October, which typically sees 3 inches of precipitation, a 12.6 inches of precipitation was recorded.

Current WY 2016-’17 measurements (from October through December) show a cumulative daily precipitation of 46.2 inches – about 10 inches more than the October through December measurements from WY 1982-’83, the wettest water year on record. However, in order for the current water year to set a new precipitation record for the 8-Station index, above-average precipitation would need to be sustained for multiple months throughout the water year.

allocation to 45%, up from the initial estimate of 20%.

Even before the January storms, DWR on Dec. 21 announced an increase in its estimate of 2017’s State Water Project

Department officials said the wet winter start is promising and could result in increased SWP allocations later. .

EMERGENCY Continued from page 1

for another 270 days and revisit it in May when the rainy season is largely over and the water supply picture is clear. The staff also recommended that water suppliers update their stress tests to reflect changing conditions.

ACWA and numerous water suppliers said the emergency regulation had served to focus public attention on the drought, but has outlived its purpose. Much progress has been, they noted, and residents have changed how they view and use water.

Continuing the emergency regulation could create credibility issues and confuse the public, they said.

“It’s clear that water agencies and Californians have stepped up in a big way in response to the emergency regulation,” ACWA Director of State Regulatory Relations Dave Bolland told State Water Board members. “Continuing to message that we are in a crisis or emergency is problematic for a lot of agencies…. It’s time to move on to the long-term, sustainable practices agencies are now focused on.”

Bolland and others said it would be appropriate for water suppliers to continue submitting monthly reports, but noted that

could be done under a different mechanism than the emergency regulation. They also noted that the state will soon consider regulations requiring just that under the longterm conservation framework state agencies are finalizing as directed by Gov. Jerry Brown in his May 2015 executive order.

The State Water Board did not take formal action on the staff recommendation. Board staff indicated proposed regulatory language would likely be released the following week, with action likely at the Feb. 7 meeting.

Several Board members indicated they were interested in continuing the data collection and monthly reporting that has taken place under the emergency regulation.

Prior to the workshop, the State Water Board heard an update on the Save Our Water program’s successful 2016 efforts presented by ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Member Services Jennifer Persike and Department of Water Resources Public Affairs Director Ed Wilson. The program is focusing in 2017 on evergreen messaging and promoting a California lifestyle shift. Board members made several positive comments about the program and its results.

Deadline March 1 2017

Registration Open for ACWA’s 2017 Washington DC Conference Registration is open for ACWA’s 2017 Washington DC Conference set for the St. Regis Hotel, Feb. 28-March 2.

Online registration and cancellation deadline is Feb. 10.

This year’s DC conference will allow attendees to learn firsthand the priorities of Congress and the new administration, and to get the latest on the budget and funding for programs of interest. The conference will feature Congressional leaders, top officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Department of Justice. Learn the 2017 agendas of members of the California Congressional Delegation.

More information is at www. acwa.com/events/acwadc2016-washington-dcconference.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award. The award recognizes people (individuals or groups) who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California.

For more information go to www.acwa.com/content/acwa-excellenceleadership-award.

Sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation

ACWA DC2017 Annual Washington D.C. Conference

FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 1, 2017 St. Regis Hotel, Washington D.C.

Register at www.acwa.com JANUARY 20, 2017 • 7

2016 in Review: Shaping Solutions and Launching a New Look ACWA and its members advanced priorities in key policy areas in 2016 and brought new meaning to the phrase, “Bringing Water Together.”

Guided by the 2016-’17 Strategic and Business Plan adopted by the Board of Directors, ACWA took every opportunity to work for comprehensive solutions to the state’s intertwined water issues. The association also unveiled refreshed branding, including a new logo and tag line, at the 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition to convey ACWA’s unique role as the big tent in California water. Here is a look at some high-level accomplishments in 2016:

Long-Term Conservation and Drought Policy

ACWA mounted a full-court press to shift the focus away from 2015’s one-sizefits-all conservation mandates to drought preparedness and local control. In May, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted a “stress-test” approach allowing urban water suppliers to determine their own conservation measures based on drought preparedness.

On the external affairs and outreach front, ACWA messaged the importance of drought-preparedness with media and key audiences and assisted member with webinars, communications toolkits and other resources. It also reached Californians through management of the Save Our Water program, with three distinct campaigns that tallied more than 100 million impressions in 2016.

Pressing for Comprehensive Solutions ACWA continued to highlight the need for comprehensive and collaborative so8 • ACWANEWS

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lutions. A daylong briefing sponsored in partnership with the Brown Administration in January highlighted progress on the California Water Action Plan to date.

ACWA opposed legislation (AB 1713 – Eggman) and a statewide ballot initiative (Proposition 53) that would have impeded progress on Delta solutions.

Promoting Investments in Water Storage, Headwaters and Water Markets

ACWA’s advocacy helped position storage as a central element of the California Water Action Plan, and obtained changes to California Water Commission regulations to facilitate funding for storage projects. ACWA also worked with the California Forest Watershed Alliance to advocate for improved forest management and an end to “fire borrowing” in the federal budget.

On the water market front, ACWA’s Board adopted policy principles and the association engaged on legislation (AB 1755 – Dodd) to create a data clearinghouse to facilitate water transfers.

Improving Ag Involvement ACWA launched a major initiative to better assist agricultural members with their challenges and increase their engagement. An advisory group led by Region 6 Vice Chair Bill Diedrich held productive listening sessions and began formulating an action plan.

Engaging the Next Generation ACWA’s Board formed an advisory group to develop plans to educate and assist members with the challenge of recruiting the next generation of water professionals. 2016 activities included

an educational video and statewide issue forum at the fall conference.

Member Services and Events

ACWA brought members together throughout 2016 with a full slate of events, including a successful Spring Conference in Monterey and Fall Conference in Anaheim. In addition to the annual DC Conference, Legislative Symposium, Regulatory Summit and Continuing Legal Education seminar, ACWA organized 76 meetings, tours and events throughout the state. Seven new members also were recruited.

State and Federal Relations

ACWA’s State Legislative Committee tracked 178 bills and stopped or negotiated amendments to improve bad bills. ACWA also led advocacy at the Little Hoover Commission and logged a high level of activity on regulatory issues, including drinking water fees, groundwater regulations and more.

In Washington, D.C., ACWA focused on legislation, including passage of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN) that contained the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), at the end of 2016. ACWA also advocated on forest management and opposed expansion of mitigation requirements under the Endangered Species Act.

WATER NEWS DIGEST DWR Issues Interim Update to Bulletin 118 The California Department of Water Resources on Dec. 27 issued an interim update to its Bulletin 118 series, California’s Groundwater, which provides key information intended to help local agencies meet requirements and deadlines under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in 2014.

The update is at www.water.ca.gov/ groundwater/bulletin118/docs/Bulletin_118_Interim_Update_2016.pdf.

Drinking Water Workshops Offered The State Water Resources Control Board and the Rural Community Assistance Corporation are offering free California Drinking Water Workshops in the classroom and online, January through June 2017.

Complete information is at www.acwa. com/sites/default/files/news/2017/01/

ca-dw_jan-june2017-web.pdf.

Hertzberg Selected Chair of Water Committee Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) on Dec. 21 announced the selection of Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Los Angeles) as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

The announcement of Hertzberg was part of de León’s larger announcement of his leadership team members and nominees for all senate standing committee chairs and members.

The full listing of proposed chairs and members is at sd24.senate.ca.gov/.

President Obama Signs WIIN Act President Barack Obama on Dec. 16 signed the “Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act” (WIIN, S. 612), one week after it was passed

2017

CALL FOR ENTRIES Entries are now being accepted for ACWA’s 2017 Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for excellence. The award recognizes exemplary programs developed by ACWA member agencies in water resource management.

An official entry form and further details about the award, eligibility and selection process are available at www.acwa.com/content/ clair-hill-water-agency-award-excellence-0.

DEADLINE

03.01.2017

by the Senate. The ACWA-supported legislation includes the Water Resources Development Act of 2016, California drought legislation, and other measures.

S. 612 addresses the nation’s water infrastructure needs and includes provisions to address lead in drinking water, respond to historic drought in California and the West and authorize key investments in drought preparedness and environmental improvements.

S. 612 would authorize numerous projects in California, including restoration of the Los Angeles River, Lake Tahoe, and the Salton Sea. Additionally it would help ACWA member agencies work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on stormwater capture projects and groundwater recharge projects, and provide direction to the Corps to engage in environmental infrastructure projects, including water recycling projects.

State Reports 2016 CWAP Achievements Three state agencies on Jan. 10 released a report highlighting statewide accomplishments in 2016 in implementing the California Water Action Plan.

The plan, released by Gov. Jerry Brown’s office in January 2014, sets out 10 primary goals in a five-year framework to improve California water management. It addresses water quality, local and regional water projects, ecological restoration, and modernization and sustainability of our water supply. State officials invite the public to contribute to an assessment of current water programs in preparation for the 2018 update of the CWAP, by taking a survey by Monday, Feb. 6.

The agency is also offering webinars for those who would like to learn more about the assessment and survey questions.

They will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 23 and again on Tuesday, Jan. 24.

The survey is at www.water.ca.gov/waterplan/cwp/update2018/index.cfm.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 9

S P OT L I G H T

Tulare Irrigation District: Bringing the Waters of the Kaweah River to Growers in the Central Valley DISTRICT FACTS Established 1889 Location Tulare County Number of Customers Served • 65,000 acres of farmland •

Some 240 family farms

Water Sources • Kaweah River •

Friant Unit – CVP

Notable Projects • Lake Kaweah and Terminus Dam •

Visalia Exchange

•

Kaweah River Power Authority

Website tulareid.org

Encompassing about 65,000 acres of farmland in the Central Valley, Tulare Irrigation District was created by a vote of local farmers and citizens in 1889. It was formed to bring the Kaweah River waters from the foothills to the fertile, but dry lands to the west. Little did its founders know they were helping to build one of the most productive regions of farmland in the world.

“Water will continue to be the life-blood of our area,” said TID General Manager Paul Hendrix. “TID endeavors to pursue opportunities and programs which will preserve our precious water supplies for future generations and enable farmers — our primary customers — to continue to produce here in one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions.”

TID recently commissioned a history book called — “Quest for Water” — which chronicles its over 125-year story as a provider of water in the Central Valley.

Adapting the Original Vision In order to make their vision a reality, the founders of TID needed money to build canals to carry the river water, and a reservoir to store the water during the summer season.

The district issued and sold bonds for cash — $500,000 worth — a huge sum of money for 1890. Today, that amount would be well over $25 million.

There weren’t a lot of buyers for the bonds so the district then traded them for water rights and work on the canals. By the time the money ran out, some of the canals were finished, some were not and the reservoir wasn’t built. The effort to establish the water delivery system was not immediately successful and was hobbled further by the Southern Pacific Railroad leaving town and a drought, which made agricultural profits difficult.

By 1902, the district owed $663,000 on the bonds and a group of townspeople formed

“TID endeavors to pursue opportunities and programs which will preserve our precious water supplies for future generations and enable farmers to continue to produce here in one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions.” — TID General Manager Paul Hendrix

to solve the problem. They helped to convince both the district and the bondholders to enter into a bond payoff agreement of 50 cents on the dollar. But the district still had to find the money. So it levied a tax of 36 cents per every $1 of assessed property. It was a steep price, but it allowed the district to settle the debt and move forward with a new vision.

A Vision Realized Eventually, the canal system was built and today TID provides water to 65,000 acres of productive farmland and some 240 family farms that rely on that water as they grow corn, alfalfa, cotton, wheat, walnuts, and other crops. TID owns and maintains about 330 miles of canals, ditches, and other facilities to serve the farms. In 1949, the Kaweah River water it delivers was supplemented with imported water under contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation from the Friant Unit of the Central Valley Project – this contract was pivotal in the development of the CVP. Additional local water right acquisitions were acquired over the years and local supplies were enhanced in 1962 with the completion of Lake Kaweah and Terminus Dam.

Canal water proved difficult to meet all of the farmers’ needs, so they also grew to rely on groundwater. So, another primary function of TID is delivering enough water in ample supply years to recharge groundwater basins. To do this, TID water travels in earthen canals and is ponded in basins, so it can percolate to the underground reservoir. It remains there until it is pumped out for deliveries in drier years.

Providing a Breadth of Services TID also is one of a number of water agencies in the area that manages and distributes the flood waters of the Kaweah River, providing flood protection to the area. Lake Kaweah and Terminus Dam were built with an eye to that function. Their principal purpose was to provide additional flood control protection for the City of Visalia and downstream interests.

In 1996, planning commenced to enlarge the lake with the construction of a new and higher spillway, eventually bringing the storage capacity to 183,300 acre feet. The larger lake provides additional

flood control protection, improved water management, and enhanced habitat features.

The lake also allowed TID to eventually get into the power generation business.

In 1982, the Kaweah Delta Water Conservation District and TID formed a joint powers authority — the Kaweah River Power Authority — which filed for a license to construct a 17MW hydroelectric plant at Terminus Dam and Lake Kaweah. The plant went online in 1992 delivering power to Southern California Edison Company. The plant was later expanded to 21 MW.

Visalia Exchange TID and the City of Visalia also developed a water exchange that will soon provide some 12,000 acre-feet each year from a pipeline coming from the Visalia wastewater treatment plant, in trade for 6,000 acre-feet to be returned to Visalia on average, mostly in wetter years. Water from Visalia’s treatment plant is treated to essentially drinking water standards and suitable for all crop types.

Opposite Page: The beauty of Tulare County and the Kaweah River stands out in this photo taken at McKay Point along the point in the river where there is a prominent water control facility.

Right: California Gov. James Rolph signs an agreement for the authorization of the Central Valley Project in 1933. He is joined by representatives of Tulare and Madera irrigation districts.

Left: Bulldozers lay pipeline for the construction of Martin Basin, a groundwater recharge basin.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 11

ACWA Employees Recognized for Service Milestones in 2016 Lisa Lien-Mager – 15 Years Lisa has served two tours of duty with ACWA over the past 20 plus years. She originally began her career with ACWA in July of 1990 as a public affairs specialist. She transitioned in 1997 to become a state relations analyst. Lisa left ACWA in 1999 to raise her young sons, then returned in 2001 to serve as a part-time project specialist, steadily ramping up her time until returning to full-time in January 2008 as a communications supervisor. In 2012, Lisa was promoted to director of communications as part of ACWA’s major reorganization. In this role, she manages a top-notch communications team that is involved in all aspects of supporting and advancing ACWA’s issues. In her last 15 years, but certainly over all of her years of service, Lisa has been known as the “writer supreme” for ACWA. Whitnie Wiley – 15 years Whitnie Wiley was first hired in 2001 by former Executive Director Steve Hall and State Legislative Director Bob Reeb. She is a Senior Legislative Advocate, and has represented ACWA

on some of the most controversial and politically-challenging policy issues facing the association during her career.

During the past few years she helped wrestle the “SGMA alligator” to the ground for ACWA, working literally around the clock on the myriad of state legislative bills on that issue. Many people credit Whitnie’s strong subject matter expertise and her ability to give back as good as she gets for ACWA’s success in the legislative arena on these and other policy issues to which she is assigned. Whitnie also serves as the Liaison to the Legal Affairs Committee.

Tiffany Giammona – 10 Years Tiffany was hired in 2006 as a region affairs representative and has supported all 10 regions in the position. In 2012, she was promoted to member services group manager. Tiffany is responsible for supervising ACWA’s region and committee governance activities, ACWA’s outreach program and activities, member retention and recruitment programs, as well as developing and implementing a program designed to continuously improve ACWA’s customer service to its members. She also serves as liaison

to the Membership Committee and most recently has taken on the project management role for the “Meet the President,” and “Next Generation” initiatives.

Cindy Tuck – 5 years Cindy joined ACWA in March 2011 as state legislative director.

In this position, she led the association’s State Legislative Department and, together with ACWA’s other two advocates, represented the interests of ACWA members before the California Legislature and at the Governor’s office. In 2012, she became Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations overseeing the Federal Relations Department, State Relations Department, and the Special Projects Manager. Cindy’s legislative portfolio includes the Water Bond, the Delta, and drinking water. Cindy is well-respected at the capitol and with state agencies, bringing problem-solving skills and a calm demeanor. She has a laser-like focus, often intensely negotiating with Legislators and their staff in a professional manner.

Cindy is a licensed civil engineer and an attorney.

Wendy Ridderbusch Named ACWA 2016 Employee of the Year

colleagues.

ACWA Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch was honored as ACWA’s 2016 Employee of the Year in December following a vote of her

Ridderbusch joined ACWA in 2001 and manages the state relations team which lobbies on behalf of ACWA members on issues including local government, 12 • ACWANEWS

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special district property tax and reserves, water recycling, and the state budget among other policy issues. She is a dedicated employee with extensive legislative experience, making her contributions to the policy work of the association invaluable.

In voting for Ridderbusch as Employee of the Year, ACWA employees made the following comments: • “Wendy is an excellent supervisor, not

only providing membership and opportunities to her staff to develop the skills they need to advance in their careers but also advocating for them in regards to wages, working conditions, and fair treatment within the organization.”

• “Wendy is great about checking in with people, asking questions about their lives, communicating on internal policy issues, and soliciting feedback.

Wendy makes people feel valued in the workplace.” .

ACWA’s Fall Conference offered a wide array of programs. Left: Panelists at an Energy Committee forum Nov. 30 on storage include: Kelly Rodgers, San Diego County Water Authority; Don Liddell, California Energy Storage Alliance; Paul Cook, Irvine Ranch Water District; and Gary Arant , Valley Center Municipal Water District. Center: ACWA Deputy Executive Director Cindy Tuck (center) moderates a panel discussion Nov. 30 on safe drinking water.

Other panelists are: Jule Rizzardo, State Water Resources Control Board; Denise England, Tulare County; Jonathan Nelson, Community Water Center; and Lance Eckhart, Mojave Water Agency. Right: Local Government Committee Chair Larry McKenney moderates a committee program on reserves.

He is joined by: (l-r) ACWA Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch; East Bay MUD Director of Finance Sophia Skoda; and Mojave Water District Chief Financial Officer Kathy Cortner.

ACWA Fall Conference Programs Explore Energy Storage and Efficiency, Disadvantaged Communities, Reserves ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim featured an array of conference programs that explored everything from energy storage to water issues in disadvantaged communities. Following is a sampling of a few programs.

Energy Committee Programs The Energy Committee hosted two panel discussions on Nov. 30: a morning program on energy storage options and an afternoon program on energy efficiency. During the storage program the take-away from Don Liddell, chief council of the California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA) was that energy storage “is not monolithic, it’s multiform.” Kelly Rodgers, of San Diego County Water Authority, echoed this sentiment in her philosophy of “different tools for different uses,” whether that is bulk gravitational storage in water reservoirs or battery storage at distributed facilities.

The afternoon energy efficiency program focused on programs that allow agencies to perform energy audits and finance projects with state assistance, focusing on energy efficiency as the groundwork upon which all other technologies can be built.

ACWA will be co-sponsoring an all-day energy storage workshop with CESA in Sacramento on March 30.

Safe Drinking Water for A Wednesday, Nov. 30, session featured a panel entitled “Safe Drinking Water for All Communities.” One of ACWA’s six policy goals for 2016-’17 is to lead on the development and advancement of drinking water solutions for rural disadvantaged communities (DACs).

ACWA planned this panel to gain more information for Board of Directors’ work on that policy goal – and in particular to gain information regarding the challenges and opportunities. Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck moderated the panel that was comprised of: •

Jule Rizzardo, chief of the State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB’s) new Office of Sustainable Water Solutions (OSWS);

•

Denise England, deputy county administrator, Tulare County;

•

Jonathan Nelson, policy director Community Water Center; and

•

Lance Eckhart, director of Basin Management and Resource Planning, Mojave Water Agency

Rizzardo noted that often a community is too far away from a public water system for consolidation to be feasible.

She noted that the universe of solutions

cannot just be structural. One role the OSWS serves is to link DACs to existing resources – for example to Proposition 1 funding or to funding available from the California Department of Water Resources.

England noted that sometimes communities do not want to consolidate their systems. Tulare County obtained a $2 million grant in 2011 that funded a 3-year study that led to 70 recommendations and related pilot projects. The county works with the State’s Office of Emergency Services and the SWRCB on funding.

Nelson noted that no one solution fits all of the communities. He identified the funding of operations and maintenance as a difficult funding gap. Community Water Center is concerned about the affordability of drinking water. His organization sees implementation of AB 401 (Dodd, 2015) as a tool that will help on affordability. (AB 401 requires the SWRCB to study the affordability issue and report back to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2018.)

Eckhart explained that ACWA Member Mojave Water Agency implements a Small Water Systems Assistance Program in coordination with the California Rural Water Association. He noted that often Continued on page 14

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 13

Continued from page 13

small systems are not aware of existing resources, such as Proposition 1 funding.

Revisiting Reserves ACWA’s Local Government Committee Chair Larry McKenney moderated the Local Government Committee program entitled, “Revisit your Reserves! It’s Time to Recheck Your Reserves’ Vital Signs.” Kathy Cortner, chief financial officer with Mojave Water District, talked about protecting water agencies from future financial risks by checking reserve fund policies to ensure that they line up with a water agency’s board of director goals. She also revisited significant moments in her career when

reserve funds were utilized to illustrate the importance of planning, and highlighted the actions that were taken in the aftermath of the 2003 Southern California firestorm.

Sophia Skoda, director of finance for East Bay Municipal Utility District, discussed the separate types of reserve funds and the purpose of those multiple funds.

She also stressed the importance of customer and community outreach and transparency regarding a water agency’s overall financial plan.

Moderator Larry McKenney observed that good reserve planning was really an extension of solid financial planning that

ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference Materials and Presentations Available Online

took into account fiscal uncertainties like a decline in water district revenues due to drought or other factors.

ACWA Director of State Legislative Relations Wendy Ridderbusch emphasized the positive aspects of communicating with local legislators through on-the-ground tours of local water district facilities like water recycling plants, so that lawmakers better understand that water agencies are prudently putting aside reserve funds for specific reasons and to prepare for the many emergency events that so often befall California.

Powerpoints and videos from keynote speakers, programs, forums, townhalls and award presentations from ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim are now available online at www.acwa.com/content/acwa-2016-fallconference-exhibiton-presentations-and-materials-0.

2016 Best in Blue Awarded to Joshua Basin Water District The Huell Howser Best in Blue Award for 2016 was presented Dec. 1 to the Joshua Basin Water District for its innovative outreach program encouraging the public to plant water-saving native plants.

The honor was awarded during the annual ACWA Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim. Joshua Basin Water District was among six finalists for the award that honors stellar communications and outreach programs developed and run by California water agencies.

“Joshua Basin Water District’s creative and collaborative campaign to educate the public about the water savings inherent in native plants is an outstanding example of the many local programs being offered by water agencies throughout the state to help California survive this multi-year drought,” said ACWA President Kathy Tiegs.

“The district reached out to partners throughout its community to collaborate 14 • ACWANEWS

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on an educational and results-driven program to ‘Save Water…Grow Native.’”

Other finalists for this year’s award were: Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for outreach on its Conversion to Budget-Based (Water Budget) Rate Structure, which used hands-on demonstrations as well as social media to answer customers’ questions.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for its water conservation campaign called “Let’s All Take a Turn,” which encouraged residents to turn off their faucets whenever possible.

Padre Dam Municipal Water District for its public education campaign on the Advanced Water Purification Program, a robust media campaign designed to improve the community’s comfort level with the idea of indirect potable reuse of wastewater.

San Diego County Water Authority for its Citizens Water Academy, a program to educate customers on regional water issues, water supply, and regional water infrastructure.

Western Municipal Water District for its Free Sprinkler Nozzles Program, an outreach campaign that engaged customers and made it easy to obtain vouchers for free sprinkler nozzles.

Left: (l-r) Three Valleys Municipal Water District Assistant General Manager Kirk Howie and Three Valleys Board of Directors Vice President Davis De Jesus accept the top Outreach Award from ACWA President Kathy Tiegs at the ACWA Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim. Center: (l-r) Bella Vista Water District General Manager David Coxey accepts the award for Most Active Small Agency. Right: (l-r) ACWA’s Outreach Task Force Chairperson Jo Lynne Russo-Pereyra presents the award for Most Compelling Case to Padre Dam Municipal Water District, accepted by Communications Officer Melissa McChesney and General Manager Allen Carlisle.

Three Valleys Municipal Wins Top Outreach Award for 2016 Three Valleys Municipal Water District captured ACWA’s top outreach award for making the most legislative and regulatory contacts in 2016 through the ACWA’s Outreach Program. The award was presented Dec. 1 at the Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim.

Two agencies received awards in the special recognition categories. Padre Dam Municipal Water District won Most Compelling Case for its advocacy and outreach activities on the State Water Resource Control Board’s emergency conservation regulation. Bella Vista Water District received the award for Most

Active Small Agency for its outreach and advocacy on the conservation regulation, as well as the State Water Board’s drinking water fees proposal.

The following agencies were the top ACWA Outreach Winners in each region for 2016: • Region 1: North Marin Water District • Region 2: Rio Alto Water District • Region 3: City of Roseville • Region 4: (Tie) San Juan Water District and Oakdale Irrigation District

• Region 5: Monterey Peninsula Water Management District • Region 6: Kings River Conservation District • Region 7: Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Storage District • Region 8: Three Valleys Municipal Water District • Region 9: Cucamonga Valley Water District • Region 10: Vista Irrigation District .

Paul Bartkiewicz Receives ACWA Lifetime Achievement Award Paul Bartkiewicz was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim on Nov. 30. Bartkiewicz has a long record of service and leadership through ACWA’s State Legislative Committee. As chair of the committee, he has guided ACWA’s engagement on some of the most important legislation in recent times – including the 2014 water bond, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, the 2009 legislative package on water and numerous other measures.

In addition, Bartkiewicz has been a major contributor to ACWA policy initiatives of lasting statewide importance – including the ACWA Blueprint, the Water Finance Task Force, the Water Marketing Policy Task Force, the Statewide Water Action Plan and others.

He is a founding partner in the law firm of Bartkiewicz, Kronick & Shanahan in Sacramento.

Upon his retirement, Bartkiewicz is leaving California and returning to his hometown of Boston.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 15

Kathy Cole Receives 2016 Emissary Award for Exemplary Service ACWA on Nov. 30 presented its 11th annual Emissary Award to Kathy Cole, a skillful advocate on California water issues. The award was presented at the 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim and recognizes individuals who have made remarkable contributions to California water through voluntary service to ACWA. “Kathy Cole has made extensive and lasting contributions to California water through her service to ACWA,” said ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs.

“Through her leadership, she has helped to build consensus around some of the state’s most critical water challenges, helping to craft a sustainable water future.”

Cole has a long record of service and leadership to ACWA through its State Legislative Committee where she has served as vice chair since 2009. She will assume the role of chair of that committee in 2017 when the current chair Paul Bartkiewicz retires. During Cole’s tenure on the committee, she has helped to guide ACWA’s engagement on critical legislation – including the 2014 water bond, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, and the 2009 legislative package on water.

Cole also has been a major contributor to ACWA policy initiatives of statewide importance – including the Statewide Water Action Plan, the Water Finance

Task Force, and the Water Marketing Policy Task Force, among others.

Cole is a legislative representative for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Panel Examines Changing Workforce as Next Generation Steps Up As Baby Boomers retire in record numbers, managers in the water industry seeking to attract and retain millennials should create a flexible work environment that fosters creativity.

That was the overarching message delivered by panelists at a Statewide Issue Forum Dec. 1 titled “Why it Matters? Generational Diversity & the Changing Workforce.” The forum was held at ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim.

Moderated by Kevin Wheeler, president/ founder of Future of Talent Institute – Envisioning the Workforce of 2025, panelists explored methods they’ve used to adapt their workplace to better accommodate the next generation.

Panelists were: Salam Baqleh, program administrator for diversity and inclusion at Santa Clara Valley Water District; Joone Lopez, general manager of Moulton Niguel Water District; and Martin Zvirbulis, general manager and CEO of Cucamonga Valley Water District.

The forum kicked off with a video presentation developed by CV Strategies in conjunction with ACWA that examined 16 • ACWANEWS

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the so-called “silver tsunami” – or wave of retirements that will hit the water industry in coming years.

Wheeler said many workforce studies estimate that one in every three workers currently working will be eligible to retire in the next five years. Wheeler said the wave of retirements makes attracting — and retaining — the next generation critical. He stressed that flexibility in the workplace is perhaps the most important way to keep millennials on staff.

“We need to be really flexible about how we look at work,” said Wheeler. “Flexibility is the name of the game for employers.”

Wheeler said employers should look at their human resources policies to see how they can vary them legally to create a more flexible work environment. Later, some of the speakers added that labor laws have not yet caught up with the changing, flexible workforce.

Wheeler also said that millennials value “interesting, meaningful work” that requires creativity. And he added that the annual performance review is not the preferred method of feedback for millennials. They want continuous feedback

Panelists explore generational diversity in the workforce at a Statewide Issue Forum Dec. 1. They are: (l-r) Martin Zvirbulis, general manager/CEO, Cucamonga Valley Water District; Joone Lopez, general manager, Moulton Niguel Water District; Salam Baqleh, program administrator, Diversity and Inclusion Program, Santa Clara Valley Water District; and Kevin Wheeler, president/ founder of Future of Talent Institute – Envisioning the Workforce of 2025.

on their job performance, so once a year may not be enough anymore.

“All big companies have eliminated (performance reviews) and gone to continual feedback,” he said.

Lopez, of Moulton Niguel, said “it starts at the top to support these kinds of changes” that will retain millennnials.

“There’s an obligation and responsibility of the organization to help them,” she said.

ACWA Regions Explore Local Projects, Atmospheric Rivers, the Yolo Bypass and More at Fall Conference

By ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey ACWA Regions wrapped up a busy year with a full schedule at ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference in Anaheim, including all 10 regions hosting membership meetings and three regions hosting well-attended and intriguing region issue forums.

The regional programs began on Wednesday, Nov. 30, with Region 8’s program, “Think Global, Act Local: Why Local Projects Matter.” Region 8 Board Member Michael Holmes moderated the panel discussion on local Southern California water supply projects and supplies. The panelists included: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Director of Water Resources David Pettijohn, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Colorado River Resources Manager William Hasencamp, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Assistant General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Debra Man, West Basin Municipal Water District General Manager Richard Nagel, and Los Angeles County Public Works Chief Deputy Director Mark Pestrella.

Wednesday afternoon, Region 1 hosted a program titled, “A New Frontier in Water Operations: Atmospheric Rivers, Subseasonal-to Seasonal Predictions and Weather Forecasting Technology.”

A panel of experts provided an overview of atmospheric rivers, subseasonal-toseasonal precipitation prediction needs, related weather forecasting technology, and their potential benefits to the future of water management. Sonoma County Supervisor Shirlee Zane moderated the discussion, which included presentations and commentary from Sonoma County Water Agency Chief Engineer and Director of Groundwater Management Jay Jasperse, California Department of Water Resources Principal Engineer Jeanine Jones, Irvine Ranch Water

District Director Steven LaMar, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Flood and Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Research and Development Center Associate Technical Director Cary Talbot, and UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes Director Dr. Martin Ralph, Ph.D. On Thursday, Dec. 1, Region 4 hosted its program, “Fish, Food, and Flood Water in the Yolo Bypass – How Local Agencies Are Essential to Finding a Balance.”

Eric Nagy, Principal, Larsen, Wurzel and Associates, moderated the program which explored the work of local agencies to balance the needs of fish, food and agriculture in the Yolo Bypass. The audience heard from some of the agencies involved in setting the example for federal, state, and local interests to move forward with coequal goals. Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency Director of Planning Tim Washburn and Solano County Supervisor Skip Thomson served as panelists for this program.

Thursday afternoon, all 10 regions concluded conference with membership meetings. At the meetings, the regions were updated by their committee reporters, addressed regional governance business, and discussed upcoming regional activities. The regions also were updated on ACWA’s 2016 Strategic and Business Plan priorities as well as ACWA JPIA activities.

The presentations from region programs and the meeting notes from the membership meetings will be made available online at www.acwa.com.

For more information about ACWA Regions, visit www.acwa.com/content/ acwa-regions.

Top: Attendees packed the room Nov. 30 at the Region 8 Program “Think Global, Act Local: Why Local Projects Matter.”

Middle: A panel of experts discusses atmospheric rivers during a Region 1 program Nov. 30. They are: (l-r) Steven LaMar, director, Irvine Ranch Water District; Dr. Cary Talbot, program manager, Engineer Research and Development Center, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Jeanine Jones, interstate resource manager, California Department of Water Resources; Dr. Marty Ralph, director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, UCSD/Scripps Institution of Oceanography; Shirlee Zane, third district supervisor/director, Sonoma County Water Agency; and Jay Jasperse, chief engineer and director of groundwater management, Sonoma County Water Agency.

Bottom: Panelist explore “Fish, Food, and Flood Water in the Yolo Bypass – How Local Agencies Are Essential to Finding a Balance” during a Region 4 program Dec. 1. They are: (l-r) Tim Washburn, director of planning, Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency; Skip Thomson, Solano County Supervisor; and Kris Tjernell, special assistant for water policy, California Natural Resources Agency.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 17

It’s Midterm. Do You Know Your Region Board Members?

We’re midway through our 2016-’17 term. The regions are hard at work planning meetings and program for ACWA’s membership in 2017. Since the term began, there have been a number of new appointments to the ACWA Region Boards, and few vacancies are still left.

Here’s a rundown of board members and vacancies.

Region 1 Chair: Dennis Mayo, McKinleyville Community Service District Vice Chair: Michael Ban, Marin Municipal Water District Board Members: David Bentley, North Marin Water District; Judy Mirbegian, Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District; Jennifer Burke, City of Santa Rosa; Brad Sherwood, Sonoma County Water Agency; Marvin Talso, Redwood Valley County Water

Region 2 Chair: Eric Larrabee, Western Canal Water District Vice Chair: David Coxey, Bella Vista Water District Board Members: George Barber, Paradise Irrigation District; Sean Earley, Richvale Irrigation District; Ryan McNally, Browns Valley Irrigation District; Randy Fletcher, Yuba County Water Agency Vacancies: The Region 2 Board has one vacancy to fill. Interested candidates must return the necessary paperwork to ACWA by Feb. 6 to be considered for the position.

Region 3 Chair: Joshua Alpine, Placer County Water Agency Vice Chair: Shannon Cotulla, South Tahoe Public Utility District Board Members: Dave Eggerton, Calaveras County Water District; Patrick 18 • ACWANEWS

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Hayes, Mammoth Community Water District; Gene Mancebo, Amador Water Agency Vacancies: The Region 3 Board has two vacancies to fill. Interested candidates must return the necessary paperwork to ACWA by Feb. 6 to be considered for the position.

Region 4 Chair: Robert Roscoe, Sacramento Suburban Water District Vice Chair: Glen Grant, Solano Irrigation District Board Members: Mike Hardesty, Reclamation District #2068; Thomas McGurk, Stockton East Water District; John Mensinger, Modesto Irrigation District; Tim O’Halloran, Yolo County Flood Control & Water Control District; Pamela Tobin, San Juan Water District

Region 5 Chair: David T. Hodgin, Scotts Valley Water District Vice Chair: Bill Rosen, Goleta Water District Board Members: Polly Holcombe, Carpinteria Valley Water District; Dick Quigley, Zone 7 Water Agency; Lesa McIntosh, East Bay Municipal Water District; Anson B. Moran, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; John H. Weed, Alameda County Water District

Region 6 Chair: Matthew Hurley, Angiola Water District Vice Chair: Bill Diedrich, San Luis Water District Board Members: Rick Gilmore, San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority; Gregory H. Beberian, Fresno Irrigation District; David Cehrs, Kings River Conservation District; Brian Davis, Madera Irrigation District; Palmer A. McCoy, Henry Miller Reclamation District

Region 7 Chair: David Bixler, Kaweah River Power Authority Vice Chair: William Taube, WheelerRidge-Maricopa Water Storage District Board Members: Tom Barcellos, Lower Tule River Irrigation District; Scott Edwards, Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District; Eric Averett, Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage; Paul Hendrix, Tulare Irrigation District; Morrison E. MacKay, Rosamond Community Services District

Region 8 Chair: Steve Cole, Newhall County Water District Vice Chair: Gloria Gray, West Basin Municipal Water District Board Members: Bill Cooper, Castaic Lake Water Agency; Michael Holmes, Walnut Valley Municipal Water District; Melvin Matthews, Foothill Municipal Water District; Brian Bowcock, Three Valley Municipal Water District Vacancies: The Region 8 Board has one vacancy to fill. Interested candidates must return the necessary paperwork to ACWA by March 3 to be considered for the position.

Region 9 Chair: Patrick O’Dowd, Coachella Valley Water District Vice Chair: Harvey R. Ryan, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Board Members: Joe Kuebler, Eastern Municipal Water District; James Morales Jr., East Valley Water District; Stephen Farrell, Crestline Village Water District; Jim Ventura, Mojave Water Agency Vacancies: The Region 9 Board has one vacancy to fill. Interested candidates must return the necessary paperwork to ACWA by Feb. 6 to be considered for the position.

Continued on page 19

Save Our Water Reminds Californians to Adjust Water Use in Winter and as a Daily Habit As 2017 kicks off with some of the wettest weather in recent memory, the Save Our Water program is reminding Californians that reducing water use should be a daily habit regardless of the weather.

Recent data from the State Water Resources Control Board showed that statewide water savings was nearly 19% in November, even with increased precipitation and snowpack, with more on the way. From reimagining landscaping to replacing old toilets and fixing leaks, many Californians are hearing Save Our Water’s messaging about permanent change and are already embracing water conservation as a habit for life.

The program is gearing up to continue its focus on encouraging Californians to make permanent changes both inside and out to reduce water use – because even with some drought relief, Californians cannot take water for granted. Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2017-’18 state budget has earmarked $2 million to support Save Our Water’s public education campaigns.

This funding will become available in July if approved by the state Legislature.

Planning for 2017 public education campaigns is already underway, building off the success of the program in reaching Californians more than 160 million times in 2016. Save Our Water will

continue its commitment to research by gauging public opinion and awareness later this winter. The program also is looking at new and creative ways to tailor and target its messaging to Californians.

Though no paid media campaigns are planned for the first few months of this year, Save Our Water will be utilizing its strong social media following and recently revamped websites to reach Californians. As with 2016, partnership opportunities with water agencies will be key in expanding the programs reach and regular webinars will be held to keep partners up-to-date on all Save Our Water activities and opportunities.

Deadline for ACWA Scholarships Extended to March 1 ACWA has several scholarships available to assist the industry’s best and brightest, and the deadline for these has now been extended to March 1.

to a qualified graduate student majoring in law, policy or public administration with a focus or concentration in California water resources.

residents attending a four-year, publicly funded college or university full-time as a junior or senior during the year the scholarship is awarded.

Graduate students with an eye toward water resources may be eligible for the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship, created in 2007 to honor former ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall upon his retirement. The $7,000 scholarship is presented annually

Undergraduate students majoring in engineering, irrigation technology, environmental sciences, public administration and other water-resources related fields may be eligible for one of two ACWA Scholarships. The $3,500 scholarships are awarded to California

All scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 1. Guidelines and applications are available at www.acwa.com/content/scholarships/ scholarships.

Water District; Richard Vasquez, Vista Irrigation District; Charles Gibson, Santa Margarita Water District; Larry McKenney, Municipal Water District of Southern California

region board, please contact ACWA’s Regional Affairs Representatives Brandon Ida at brandoni@acwa.com, Melissa Sparks at melissas@acwa.com, Michael Cervantes at michaelc@acwa. com, Region and Member Services Specialist Ana Javaid at anaj@acwa. com, or visit www.acwa.com for more information.

Continued from page 18

Region 10 Chair: Brian Brady, Fallbrook Public Utility District Vice Chair: Cathy Green, Orange County Water District Board Members: DeAna Verbeke, Helix Water District; James Atkinson, Mesa

For more information about ACWA’s regions or to let ACWA know if you are interested in a vacant position on a

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 19

MEMBER NEWS

Sacramento Suburban Water District Dedicates “Garden on Eden” Sacramento Suburban Water District and EcoLandscape California in December marked the grand opening of the “Garden on Eden,” a water-wise demonstration garden developed over a groundwater well site.

Named for its location at 4900 Eden Court in Carmichael, the region’s newest demonstration garden transformed an unattractive groundwater well site into a water-wise garden beauty for the community to enjoy. Previously, the landscape featured a spotty, high-water use lawn.

“The drought brought new focus and attention to the benefits and beauty of sustainable, low-water use landscaping,” said SSWD Water Conservation Manager Greg Bundesen. “This garden

is designed to continue that momentum well beyond the drought.”

The garden transformation was part of a hands-on workshop series on sustainable landscaping techniques sponsored

by SSWD and taught by EcoLandscape California instructors.

“We had several important goals for this project,” said SSWD Board Member Kevin Thomas during the event. “We wanted to provide an opportunity to educate customers about low-water, sustainable landscaping through hands-on workshops and a permanent demonstration garden.

We also wanted to be a good neighbor by investing in our community. I think we’ve accomplished that — and more.”

Learn more about the transformation at Garden on Eden at www.sswd.org.

Sacramento Suburban Water District Board Member Kevin Thomas cuts a ribbon with golden gardening sheers to mark the grand opening of the “Garden on Eden,” Carmichael’s newest water-wise demonstration garden. Holding the ribbon are Project Manager Cheryl Buckwalter of EcoLandscape California (left) and SSWD Water Conservation Manager Greg Bundesen. Photo Credit: Meredith Carty

New Public Water District Created for Santa Clarita Valley Following a year of study and public engagement, a majority of Santa Clarita Valley’s water leaders voted in December to create a new public water district for the region that will combine the Newhall County Water District and Castaic Lake Water Agency.

In separate votes, the respective boards from NCWD and CLWA voted a combined 14-1 to move forward to create a new district. The creation of the district requires state legislative approval.

“This is an historic night for Santa Clarita Valley and our region’s water reliability,” said Maria Gutzeit, president of NCWD. “We can achieve so much by working together. This new district is now poised to take on our serious water issues headon and collaboratively.”

Cost savings was an important goal in exploring a new district. The two districts studied the challenges and opportunities and determined significant savings, including: 20 • ACWANEWS

Vol. 45 No. 01

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$14 million of savings in the first 10 years of the new district

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$1.3 million in annual savings from internal efficiencies (achieved through attrition)

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Significant savings on external services for legal and other services

Leaders from NCWD and CLWA also offered praise for the deal and how it would improve regional water service.

“Our statewide and regional water challenges are too big to work in silos,” said Tom Campbell, president for CLWA. “It’s time we work as a region to solve our local challenges together, as the Santa Clarita Valley. It is exciting to move forward with this historic concept.”

A major opportunity highlighted by the board is the ability to build more regionally beneficial and significant projects as a new agency over the current structure of five separate water districts.

“We will be better equipped to build

regional projects, like recycled water and groundwater management for all Santa Clarita Valley residents,” said Bill Cooper, director for CLWA. “These projects are desperately needed and can be achieved through the economies of scale of this new entity.”

“The new water district is built for financial strength, ratepayer advocacy and long-term sustainability,” said Dan Mortensen, director for NCWD. “We’ve developed ideas and innovations that will modernize our water management in the Santa Clarita Valley and serve as a model of fiscal responsibility statewide.”

Legislation is necessary to create the new district and is likely to be submitted by both NCWD and CLWA in early 2017.

If approved by the legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown, the new district would likely be formed on Jan. 1, 2018.

More information on the new water district, its financial and operational analysis, and public engagement and opinions can be found at www.YourSCVWater.com.

PEOPLE NEWS

New Board Officers Step Up to the Dais in Local Water Districts The following is listing of some of the new board officers who will serve on water district board of directors this year.

director, appointed to represent the area north of the Yuba River, and is not on the Yuba County Board of Supervisors.

Yuba County Water Agency Welcomes Four New Directors, Brent Hastey Elected New Chair The Yuba County Water Agency on Jan. 10 welcomed four new members to its seven-member board of directors.

The four newly elected YCWA Board Directors include: Gary Bradford, Mike Leahy, Doug Lofton and Charlie Mathews. Bradford, Leahy and Lofton all won election to the Yuba County Board of Supervisors and also serve on YCWA’s Board of Directors. Mathews was sworn in as YCWA’s new at-large

These new members will join current directors Brent Hastey, Randy Fletcher and Andy Vasquez. Hastey was elected as new board chairman and Fletcher as the vice chairman.

Yuba County Water Agency Board of Directors: (l-r) Brent Hastey, Charlie Mathews, Mike Leahy, Randy Fletcher, Gary Bradford, Doug Lofton and Andy Vasquez.

Dublin San Ramon Services District Elects President, Vice President The Dublin San Ramon Services District Board of Directors has elected Richard Halket as president and Georgean Richard Halket Vonheeder-Leopold as vice president for 2017. The positions rotate annually, per district policy. The five-member board also includes Directors D.L. (Pat) Howard, Edward Duarte, and Madelyne (Maddi) Misheloff.

Mission Springs Water District Elects Russ Martin New President for 2017 Mission Springs Water District has appointed veteran board member Russ

Martin as president for 2017. Martin, a six-year veteran of the MSWD Board, replaces outgoing President Nancy Wright Russ Martin for her service over the past two years.

Nancy Wright

Randal Duncan, a second term director, was elected to serve as vice president.

Duncan is in his fifth year of service on the MSWD Board.

EBMUD Board of Directors Elects McIntosh New President The East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Board of Directors on Jan. 10 unanimously elected Lesa R. McIntosh president of the Lesa McIntosh board through 2018 and voted William B. Patterson to continue to serve as board vice president.

President McIntosh, Vice-President Patterson and Director Doug Linney each were sworn in for a four-year term of Continued on page 22

Monte Vista Water District Launches “Water You Doing…” Campaign Monte Vista Water District this fall launched a new public awareness campaign called “Water You Doing…,” which emphasizes the many ways that people can conserve water by making simple changes at home and maintaining them permanently.

“Our hope is that our customers will be inspired to make a lifelong commitment to saving water at home, at work and in their communities,” said MVWD Board

President Sandra Rose. “We are asking everyone to do their part – not just under emergency conditions.”

The bilingual English and Spanish campaign includes a series of ads that focus on six main themes that build on MVWD’s existing water use efficiency programs. Over the next year, the community can expect to see the ads in their water bills, on the district website and social media pages, as well as in email

blasts, newsletters and print publications.

In addition to water-use efficiency tips, the campaign offers opportunities to sign up for water-use efficiency clinics and rebate programs for low-flow toilets, washing machines, sprinklers, irrigation devices, and rain barrels.

Visit www.mvwd.org to learn more about the “Water You Doing…” campaign.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 21

PEOPLE NEWS

Governor Brown Appoints Guzman Aceves and Rechtschaffen to PUC Gov. Jerry Brown in January appointed Martha Guzman Aceves and Clifford Rechtschaffen to the California Public Utilities Commission, pending state Senate confirmation.

Guzman Aceves has served as a deputy legislative affairs secretary on the governor’s staff since 2011, and was previously sustainable communities program

director for the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. In 2010, she co-founded Communities for a New California.

Rechtschaffen has served as a senior advisor in the Office of the Governor since 2011, where he has worked on climate, energy and environmental issues. He also has served as acting director of the

California Department of Conservation and special assistant attorney general in the California Department of Justice Attorney General’s Office. Previously, he directed the environmental law program and co-founded the Environmental Law and Justice Clinic at Golden Gate University School of Law. Guzman Aceves and Rechtschaffen have been appointed to replace Michael Florio and Catherine Sandoval, whose six-year terms expired Jan. 1.

Continued from page 21

office that began Tuesday, Jan. 1 and will end Friday, Dec. 31, 2020.

4-year terms. He will serve as the alternate representative to WQA.

EBMUD’s Board of Directors consists of seven members publicly elected by geographical wards. Board members not up for reelection in 2016 and who will continue service on the board include: Frank Mellon, Ward 7; John A. Coleman, Ward 2; Andy Katz, Ward 4; and Marguerite Young, Ward 3.

Borba and Holdaway Elected Board Officers for Contra Costa Water District The Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors has elected Lisa Borba as its president and Constance Holdaway as Lisa Borba its vice president for twoyear terms.

Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD Board of Directors Elects Chavez President The Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District in January elected Director Ed Chavez as president and Director Ed Chavez Alfonso “Al” Contreras as vice president. Director Anthony Fellow, Ph.D., was elected to serve as secretary and Director Charles M. Treviño as treasurer.

Director Chavez is serving his third term on the board and will also serve as the district’s representative to the San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority (WQA).

Contreras was first elected to the board in 2002 and served two consecutive

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Vol. 45 No. 01

Borba, a professional land planner certified by the American Institute Constance Holdaway of Certified Planners, joined the board in 2010. Holdaway, a paralegal, has been on the board since 2014. Both have broad backgrounds in volunteer work and community involvement. They were unanimously elected Dec. 21 by their fellow board members, Ernie Avila, Bette Boatmun and John Burgh.

David Slawson Appointed EMWD Board President; Ronald Sullivan Vice President David J. Slawson has been appointed president of Eastern Municipal Water

District. Slawson has served as the vice president for the previous two years and takes over for Randy A. Record.

Ronald W. Sullivan, who represents Perris and Menifee, has been selected as EMWD’s new vice president.

Slawson, who represents the Moreno Valley area, is EMWD’s longest serving board member. He is a licensed professional land surveyor and licensed attorney and a former member of the California Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

Record, who represents the Hemet and San Jacinto areas, remains EMWD’s representative to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he was recently reelected as chairman of the board.

Sullivan also serves on the Board of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and is active with the National Water Resources Association and in federal affairs issues on behalf of EMWD.

PEOPLE NEWS San Juan Water District Names Paul Helliker as New General Manager The San Juan Water District Board of Directors announced Jan. 12 that it has selected Paul Helliker to be the district’s new general manager.

Helliker fills the vacancy created by the midDecember retirement of Shauna Lorance, who served in the position for 13 years.

Paul Helliker

“The caliber of the many candidates who desired to lead the district was very high,” said Board President Ken Miller, “but Paul’s extensive background and experience made him stand out. We are pleased he will be able to take the reins in early March.”

Helliker is a registered civil engineer who has spent his entire career in the environmental

Kathleen Tiegs

management field, and the last 22 years in water management specifically. His previous jobs include: general manager of the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District; deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources; and general manager of the Marin Municipal Water District.

Helliker also has served for many years on the ACWA Board, and is currently one of the leaders of a coalition of over 100 public water agencies, including SJWD, that is engaging with the state in response to ongoing and proposed conservation mandates.

“I am excited by the prospect of joining this innovative and well-regarded organization,” said Helliker.

CVWD Directors Tiegs and Curatalo Appointed to Regional and State Boards Cucamonga Valley Water District has announced the recent appointments of two of its directors to prominent regional and state boards. Director Kathleen J. Tiegs was selected as the vice chair of the Southern California Water Committee and President James V. Curatalo Jr. was named chair of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions.

Tiegs was elected to the CVWD Board of Directors in 2005 and also currently serves as the president of ACWA. In addition, she serves on ACWA’s Groundwater Committee, the ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority Board and the ACWA/JPIA Executive Committee.

“I am honored to be a part of this integral, regional organization, while also representing the needs of CVWD and our local community,” commented Tiegs. “I look forward to working with SCWC’s 200 members to continue moving forward the dialogue on the most critical water issues.”

“I look forward to collaborating and guiding LAFCOs in my new role as the chair of CALAFCO,” commented Curatalo, “Together with other municipalities, we will work cooperatively to address growth, preservation, and service delivery for the agencies and populations we serve.” .

Curatalo was elected to the CVWD Board of Directors in November 1999. He is the regular special district member for the County of San Bernardino LAFCO and chairman of the Commission.

James Curatalo Jr.

Kevin Starr: California Historian Who Helped Chronicle ACWA’s History Dies California historian Kevin Starr, who wrote an in-depth introduction to ACWA’s history book — A Century of Leadership — died Jan. 14 in San Francisco. He was 76.

Starr was a professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, and wrote an eight-volume history of California, collectively known as “Americans and the California Dream.”

He was widely viewed as California’s

ultimate historian and ACWA was honored to have him write a foreword to the association’s book that was written to commemorate ACWA’s 100th anniversary in 2010.

JANUARY 20, 2017 • 23

MOST CLICKED

Here are some of the latest mostclicked stories on ACWA’s website, www.acwa.com. Be sure to subscribe to ACWA’s eNews to get the latest news in your email box each week.

See www.acwa.com/newsletters/ ACWA-eNews for more.

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Periodicals Postage PAID Sacramento, CA

Time Valued Material

State Rolls Out New Lead Sampling in Schools Requirement — 01/17/2017 Brown’s Budget Proposal Contains Funds for Drought and Other Key Water Issues — 01/11/2017

UPCOMING EVENTS 1

Major Storms Bring Flooding, Record Rainfall — 01/10/2017 Interior Secretary Jewell Issues Order Calling for Expedited Review of CA WaterFix — 01/04/2017

FEBRUARY 2017 2 A Water 101 educational program sponsored by Water

Eduction Foundation will be at the West Sacramento City Hall, West Sacramento. The program will look at the historical, legal and management aspects of water in California as well as key water issues facing the state, including drought, groundwater management and the Delta. Top speakers include: Lester Snow, former California Natural Resources Secretary; Alf Brandt, senior counsel for the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee; Jennifer Harder, assistant professor at McGeorge Law School; and Jennifer Persike, ACWA deputy executive director, external affairs and member services. For more information contact the Water Education Foundation at (916) 444-6240.

San Joaquin River Flows Proposal Examined in Hearing — 01/03/2017

TWITTER CHATTER kcranews@kcranews • Jan. 9 • Historic ‘drive-through’ sequoia toppled by California storm AccuWeather@breakingweather • Jan 6 • California could see its worst flooding since 1997 in the coming days sdcwa@sdcwa • Jan 6 • NorCal braces for ‘once-in-10-year’ storm amid fears of flooding, avalanches, blizzards CWA@ACWAWater • Jan. 4 • Obama moves to speed up Delta tunnels project sacbee.com NWS Sacramento@ NWSSacramento • Jan. 4 • SNOW! Travel remains treacherous across the Sierra as snow continues to fall #cawx

28 – Mar. 2

ACWA DC2017 conference is set for Feb. 28 to March 1 at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. Online registration & cancellation deadline is February 10. For registration and more information go to www.acwa.com/events/acwa-dc2016-washington-dcconference.

MARCH 2017 8 ACWA 2017 Legislative Symposium is set for March 8 at the Sacramento Convention Center. More details to come.

ACWA DC2017

Annual Washington D.C. Conference

FEBRUARY 28 – MARCH 1, 2017 St. Regis Hotel, Washington D.C.

REGISTER TODAY at www.acwa.com