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Agenda Packet - Legislative & Public Outreach Committee - 09/24/2009
10VLYW ast Val ley Water District PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING Date: September 24, 2009 Time: 9:00a.m. Place: 3654 E. Highland Ave, Suite 12 Highland, CA 92346 AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. Public Comments 2. Accept minutes for August 20, 2009 3. Discussion regarding ACWA's "Water for Tomorrow" publication. 4. Discussion regarding the District's phone system. 5. Discussion regarding the District's website. 6. Discussion regarding test pumping at District facilites. 7. Discussion regarding "Splashtastic" by Khevin Barnes. 8. Discussion regarding AWWA's bill stuffers. 9. Discussion regarding District jackets. 10.Discussion regarding school conservation programs. 11. Discussion regarding neighborhood landscape program. 12. Discussion regarding the "Water Saver Hero" program. 13. Discussion regarding SDLF's District's of Distinction 14. Discussion regarding CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy ADJOURN Pursuant to Govenunent Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability- related modification or accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above- aprulized public meeting should be directed to the District's Administrative Manager at (909) 885 -4900 at least 72 hours prior to said meeting. Subject to Approval EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT August 20, 2009 PUBLIC OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES The meeting was called to order at 2:03 p.m. by Vice President Wilson. Ms Hendricksen led the flag salute. PRESENT: Directors: Sturgeon, Wilson ABSENT: None STAFF: Robert Martin, General Manager, Justine Hendricksen, Administrative Manager, Cecilia Contreras, Administrative Office Specialist GUEST (S): Jo McAndrews (McAndrews & Boyd) PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There being no verbal or written comments the public participation section was closed. REVIEW AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES FOR MAY 27, 2009 Director Sturgeon and Vice President Wilson accepted the minutes for May 27, 2009. DISCUSSION REGARDING PROGRAM WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND / OR LOCAL SCHOOLS TO SELL DROUGHT RESISTANT PLANTS Vice President Wilson stated that he would like to see schools have fundraisers to sell drought resistant plants rather than candy bars. Ms McAndrews stated that she would talk to agencies to get more information about programs that are available. DISCUSSION REGARDING SCHOOL GARDENS 1VIs. McAndrews discussed the possibility of participating in a conservation garden at local elementary schools and to use drought friendly plants; that this program would get students involved and learn how to maintain a conservation garden; that she will Iook into the cost and possible sponsorships available; that there could be signs in the gardens for Minutes 8/20/09) cmc I those who helped donate; that she will research more information and bring it to the next meeting. Vice President Wilson stated that he is very interested in hearing more details about this project. DISCUSSION REGARDING CALIFORNIA FRIENDLY SIGNAGE Ms. McAndrews discussed the possibility of identifying homes that have California friendly landscape with drought resistant plants; that she will talk to the homeowners for permission to post pictures of their homes on the District's website. Director Sturgeon was receptive of this idea. DISCUSSION REGARDING SOLAR CHALLENGE 2009 -2010 Ms McAndrews has received comments from local schools wanting to participate in another Solar Challenge; that she would be willing to donate her time upfront and hope to receive enough sponsorships to cover costs; that she is looking for another agency to run the event. DISCUSSION REGARDING WATER QUALITY CONFERENCE Ms. McAndrews is working with the Water Education Foundation to coordinate another Water Quality Conference; that East Valley Water District could be a sponsor instead of organizing the conference; that she would gather additional information and bring it to the next Public Outreach Committee meeting. Director Sturgeon stated that he would like to take this idea to the entire Board. ADJOURN The meeting was adjourned at 2:46 p.m. until the next scheduled Meeting. Robert E. Martin, Secretary Minutes 8/20/09) cmc 2 Association of California Water Agencies Since 1910 August 12, 2009 Dear ACWA Member, PlEc m AUG 1 '7 aa It is our pleasure to enclose the premier issue of "Water for Tomorrow," a magazine published through an exciting new partnership between ACWA and National Geographic Custom Publishing. The magazine is designed to reach consumers in a new and engaging way with information to help them understand all aspects of the California water story, including where our water comes from, why many parts of the state are experiencing shortages and the role Californians can play in reducing their water use on a daily basis. First unveiled in May 2009 during the ACWA Spring Conference & Exhibition, the magazine is being distributed during June and July to participating ACWA member agencies and their customers, as well as policy makers and the media. It is also being sent to California subscribers of National Geographic. The next issue of "Water for Tomorrow" will feature stories on the Delta, water shortages and their impacts on agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley, and balancing the needs of the people and the environment. Additional issues will be published in fall 2009, spring 2010 and fall 2010. A new companion Web site, www.waterfortomorrowmag.com, is also available with content based on the magazine. ACWA is extremely proud of this new publication, and we are grateful to the ACWA members who have volunteered their time and talents as part of the Editorial Advisory Board that is guiding the content of the magazine. Response to the magazine has been tremendously positive. As you may recall, this project is one of the first undertaken by ACWA under the Strategic and Business Plan adopted earlier this year. The plan calls for ACWA to expand its efforts to educate Californians on the state's water challenges. Copies of the first issue of "Water for Tomorrow" are still available. ACWA members may also subscribe to future issues. For more information, please contact Jennifer Persike, ACWA's director of strategic coordination and public affairs, at 916 -441 -4545 or jenniferp @acwa.com We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please do not hesitate to contact us or Jennifer Persike with your feedback. Sincerely, Glen Peterson President fi Paul Kelley Vice President Association of California Water Agencies Since 7 910 Water for Tomorrow" is an engaging 20 -page, four -color magazine aimed at informing consumers about California water in a new and refreshing way. Magazine can be used as part of public education efforts under BMP 2.1 of the California Urban Water Conservation Council's Memorandum of Understanding. Includes how -to tips on conservation, quick water facts, in -depth articles, and a consumer - oriented approach. Available in English or Spanish. Visually appealing format with National Geographic editorial and photography. All aspects overseen by ACWA with input from member advisory committee. Web site: waterfortomorrowmag.com The magazine is aligned with ACWNs Strategic Plan goal of increasing outreach to California consumers. The per -unit cost means ACWA members can purchase large quantities to distribute to consumers throughout their service areas. Non - members can also purchase the magazine. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC A Custom Publication SUBSCRIPTION FORM Member cost: $0.35 per unit cost I Non- member cost: $0.50 per unit cost Minimum order is 1,000 copies per issue, for a total of 4,000 copies over 2 years. DESCRIPTION QUANTITY UNIT PRICE TOTAL Member — English (WT01) So.35 Member — Spanish (VIT02) $0.35 Non- member — English (I%T03) $0.50 Non - member — Spanish (WT-011) $0.50 AGENCY LOGO (114TI01 $1, 000 per issue SHIPPING SELECTION OPTION 1 Bulk Shipping (WTSB) National Geographic ships directly to your agency 300 — $500 depending on quantity ordered). OPTION 2 First Class Mailing (WTSP) National Geographic ships directly to your mailing lists postage cost 24 - 30 cents per piece). Submitting Your File —The mailing list must include first and last name, street address, city, state, and zip. You can email your mailing list to waterfortomorrow@acwa.com or upload your list on the following FTP site: FTP Address: ftp: / /itascoftpl.gwinc.com User Name: onwardpub Password (case sensitive): c5u4aYEQ CONTACT NAME AGENCY SHIPPING ADDRESS (NO P.O. BOX) CITY /ZIP - - -- - - PHONE E -MAIL FAX Gue=_ftnL7 Call Michaela Martinez, ACWA's Communications Assistant, at 916.441.4545, or . ):. It . Please return the completed form to: Association of California Water Agencies Arm: Michaela Martinez - 910 KStreet, Suite 100, Sacramento CA 95874 Fax: 976.325.4927 • Email: waterfortomorrow @ocwo.com e7=_ 2te: vrat- rfcr:;z r:erroi >r^ag.c_... E- mai ;: water" crtosr,nrroi @a::cva: er:. Volume One Number One i i it y' I r Where' Dpes Your Y Water Come. From? l Why Conserve? a A Wor. with PBS Host Huell owser 1 I Y i Z: F r ii l+ 3f. CHECK €N'G 11Y oi.,me G ^.e ecmh:r 0•.e California and Neater. The two will ways be linked. Water is the critical ement in the well -being of our people id our environment, the "liquid gold" at keeps our economy strong. But e've tended to take it for granted — perhaps because water has been reliably provided at a very economical cost. Ask where water comes from and most people are likely to reply, "the faucet." Lately you might have noticed things are changing. We now read in the news daily that water is a finite resource around the globe, and that having enough for everyone in any given year is far from guaranteed. Unless we change our ways and invest in our future, that trusted faucet could run dry, and soon. But what kinds of changes are we talking about? How should we live differently? And why does California, in particular, find itself with water shortages? We at Water far Tomorrow believe knowledge is power and that all of us can and will pitch in to use water more responsibly if we understand the problem. So we created th s publication to help you understand where your water comes from, its value, and why shortages seem to be more common lately. We've also included some great rips for conservation to help you save water inside and outside your home. Water for Tomorrow is brought to you by a partnership through National Geographic custom publishing and the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), whose members are responsible for 90 percent of the water delivered in the state. We care about water issues, and a recent statewide survey tells us that 61 percent of you ranked "having sufficient water supplies" near the top of your concerns, while 85 percent expressed a willingness to make significant changes in household water use. In future issues we will continue to look at how California is working to protect our water supply today and for the future. This fall, we'll discuss the profound impact water shortages are having on our farmers. Plus, you can always visit us online at www.waterfortomorrowmag,com where we will continue to share with you smart ideas for conserving water at home, at work around the ,yard. If we each do our part to learn about water and conserve where we can, we can make a difference for California. Will you join us? Sincerely, Wendy B. Murphy Editor -in -Chief PAC, JOIN THE BLUE REVOLVHOU: GOOD, BETTER, PEST 14EXT ISSUE Pere are a multitude of actions, r I, d nt -I i (,s( large and small, that you can lake, tM.- aLl, to conserve water inside and i'('Juallu r PUBLISHER di x: 1IJ il)t; 0Pf),)111(, ruw FACTS Jeffrey Barasch 1% 11Y 0 R L) WI T F1... HUELL. HOWSER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR The easygoing and charismaiic pubk, Wendy Murph.v P.4 W F, E K L D 0 S YOUR VItAT 1: R, ART DIRECTOR 0 0 I. V11. 1 E. F F11 0 M ? Bruce McGowin Whether collected frorn the mountains or raised from the wound. this vilai resource travets & temarlcable distance before reaching oL;l. homes. PRESIDENT Glen Peterson P.7 CURRENT STYLES Five products to help you go blue. VICE PRESIDENT Paul Kelley R11 WHAT'S YOUR VVATER WORTHI? A look at the lime, technology, and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR money that is required to collect Timothy Quinn and distribute water to residences and businesses. DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC COORDINATION AND R12 WHY CONSERVE? PUBLIC AFFAIRS CaVornia is running low on water. Jennifer Persike It's time for all of us to fundamentally change nova, we think about and use H''atL`7- for Tomom-ow is published exclusively this precious resource. for ACWA by: Onward Publishing, Inc. P.14 WATER CONSERVATION in partnership with National Geographic CASE STUDIES 6 Bay vie" Avenue, Northport, N—Y 11768 A Northern California business and a Southern California homeowner reap Phone; 631.757.8300 major rewards after implementing @ 2009 ACWA. All rights reserved changes to save water and energy. PAC, JOIN THE BLUE REVOLVHOU: In: i I I I , ' n I , m I r u, I I I I,' I I . I 6l 4I r u I . L, : : C : . i, , , s GOOD, BETTER, PEST 14EXT ISSUE Pere are a multitude of actions, r I, d nt -I i (,s( large and small, that you can lake, tM.- aLl, to conserve water inside and i'('Juallu r outside your home. di x: 1IJ il)t; 0Pf),)111(, ruw FACTS 1% 11Y 0 R L) WI T F1... HUELL. HOWSER The easygoing and charismaiic pubk, le!evis:on host sh,;rezz his ihouohrFl aV ver is, le, ibom C, orn'12's v, I In: i I I I , ' n I , m I r u, I I I I,' I I . I 6l 4I r u I . L, : : C : . i, , , s D dourWhere R above Lai,:e 'A t. w In California, chances are tWwater coming out of your tap has made an impressive journey. Out state is justly famous for its spectacular natural. be46ty, abuntdant sunshine, fertile fa rmla n"& I,' a0d enterprising A communities. These charzicteristics ha4 combined to make California one of the most productive places on earth. The critical feature that allows this modern miracle to thappen involves moving water from where the rain falls to where the water is needed in a reliable and sustainable way. Large parts of California are semi -desert year round, and almost everywhere our climate is hot and dry during the long summer when water is in highest demantz:*- above Lai,:e 'A Without the development and innovative management of the state's limited water resources, the story of California's success would be very different, for water is truly vital to our economy. Figuring out ways to spread this already limited resource ever farther, to serve everyone adequately — including homeowners, farmers, businesses, industry, fisheries, and the environment— has always been difficult. And the challenges are growing yearly, as our population increases. If we don't continue to invest in the system and strive to conserve, it's pretty clear that the place we call home is headed for serious shortages. For more on this see pages 12 and 13.) How have we managed so far' Through developing a system of dams, reservoirs, aqueducts, and pipelines that earn, vast amounts of water from where it is collected to the places where its most needed. Where does your water come from' r It depends. The water's journey could be short. But more likely than not, some of it has traveled many miles, and sometimes even hundreds. Starling Points To understand how it all works, let's start with the water itself. Some of the water we consume is groundwater. Groundwater is the accumulation of precipitation that is hidden in the rocks, sands and gravels below the surface. Wells are drilled and pumping stations built to raise the water to the surface. These underground reservoirs, also known as aquifers, are found only in select areas. They must be managed carefully so the amount of water pumped out does not exceed the amount recharged over time. (A strategy called water banking is used in some areas to recharge underground storage basins using water transported from areas with water surpluses.) Groundwater typically accounts for about 40 percent of statewide water use in average years. The percentage can be considerably greater in drought ears when sui face water is in short supply. Surface water refers to water in rivers and streams that originates as rain and snow. About two- thirds of the precipitation we receive evaporates into the air, soaks into the ground, or is absorbed by vegetation. The remainder runs down hillsides to lakes. ponds, rivers and streams that lie within natural basins called watersheds. Some of the runoff flows into wild and scenic rivers or environmentally sensitive estuaries and eventually makes its way to the ocean. The rest is considered California's "usable" water supply, or what is actually collected and stored in the state's vast water storage and delivery system. In normal years as much as 75 percent of California's usable water falls as snow and rain in the northern third of the state between November and March, mostly on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Climate change is likely, to acid a new variability to this pattern, however. Another significant portion of the state's surface water comes from the Colorado River, which originates in the Rocky Mountains and traverses a number of other mountainous states to the east. As much as 80 percent of California's water demand is in the southern two- thirds of the state where very little surface water is found naturally. To remedy the existing inequities between supply and demand, federal, state and regional authorities have built perhaps the most complex water storage, water transport, and flood management system found anywhere. Major regional projects serve Los Angeles, San Francisco and the East Bay. Dozens of local projects serve people around the state. Three of the largest water projects in the state that serve multiple cities and agricultural areas include: The Genteel Valley Project (GVP) runs 450 miles through a vast oblong valley that begins with Lake Shasta in the north and extends to Bakersfield in the south. The CVP captures and conveys water from the state's largest river, the Sacramento. Farther south, the San Joaquin and several other Is, .01 :16 V, e`i;n c," .. . wm:x:.•x -r. v :x . °F._ ?• }ds. ..X..v::':. ^'r a v d ..,: ::iiz `x s ,; .u':Ra ` '` . fir`.; smaller rivers contribute to the system. Work began on the CVP in the 1930s and was originally conceived as a relatively modest state project. When financing failed, the CVP was taken over by the federal Bureau of Reclamation. Construction grew to include 18 dams and reservoirs, 500 miles of canals and aqueducts, I1 hydroelectric power plants, and three fish hatcheries. Today the CVP delivers enough water to supply about one -third of the irrigated farmland in the state and close to a million households in the Central Valley and parts of the Bay Area. The Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) diverts a share of the water coming into California from the Colorado River. A 1922 agreement among the seven states that form the river's drainage area paved the way for the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1936. Shortly after, construction began on a number of downstream storage and diversion structures, including the CRA, which was engineered, built and managed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, a water - wholesaling agency that serves 26 member agencies in six counties from Ventura to San Diego. The CRA serves the water needs of Los Angeles and many other Southern California communities through a system of nine reservoirs, five pumping plants, 63 miles of canals, 92 miles of tunnels, and 84 miles of buried pipeline. Under the terms of compacts and treaties forged among 6 ... . .. .. 4n,n1e Jno- 11-11,: bo On. seven Western states, several sovereign Native American tribes and Mexico, California is entitled to 4.4 million acre -feet of the Colorado's water in normal years, though supplies have tightened in recent years as other states have begun to take their full allotment. In addition to the CRA, another major network called the All - American Canal System serves several irrigation districts in the Imperial Valley and elsewhere in southeastern California. The State Water Project (SWP) was designed to deliver public water supplies from areas in the north, where tearer is plentiful, to areas of need in the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California. Citizens voted to approve the water system in 1960 and construction began in 1961 on SWP facilities including the Orov lle Dam that spans the Feather River. By the mid 1960s, the first water deliveries were reaching the San Francisco Bay Area and what would later become Silicon Valley. In 1972 the SWP reached its southern limits: two canals veer east and west on the far side of the Tehachapi Mountains near Bakersfield. The Coastal Branch Aqueduct, a 116 -mile long offshoot to Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo, opened in 1997. Today the SWP boasts 32 storage facilities, reservoirs and lakes, 17 pumping plants, three pumping - generating plants, five hydroelectric power plants and about 660 miles of open canals and pipelines. Along the way water is supplied via 29 public water agency contractors to 23 million Californians and 775,000 acres of irrigated farmland. About 70 percent of SWP water is delivered to urban users and 30 percent to agricultural users. The pumps for both the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project are located in the southern portion of the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta. California's largest estuary, the Delta is where the rivers of the western Sierra converge before heading toward San Francisco Bay. While these projects are considered engineering marvels and have provided the foundation for California's economic success, they were not built to meet ail the demands being placed on them today. Nor were they built with the Delta's current environmental issues in mind — problems caused by a variety of factors including water diversions, invasive species and the loss of habitat. Due to the Delta crisis, the SWP and CVP are being challenged to provide for people and the environment even though the system wasn't built to do both. State, federal and local agencies are working to develop long -term solutions to achieve that goal. Next time you pour that glass of water, take a shower, or do a laundry load, think about all the natural and manmade contributions that go into delivering this precious resource. lVhar steps can you take to assure that it will always be there? How can you and your neighbors use water more wisely? R ght now, learning how to conserve must become our daily business. For every water-conserving product you introduce into your horne you are doing your part to make our future brighter and greener. Below are some easy retrofits, but to learn about the full range of "WaterSense" products available, check with your local water agency or visit www.epa.gov/watersense. 7". I- :!111 1tp ..'.","."C "I '.j "a I.a; 1, ': 11; .n° I Lven in Gaiifornla, vtrhere v atu`C shortages are e QI'm -aon" the cost of v ater is Eroalrety considered by most residents. [n most commundies it's shit less than a penny per 6aiion a4 the tap, But it you stop to think about the time, {eohnology; and money ii, take= to gaihar; ireat, cclmp y4 and dist°ibuic vilalet €t's: a bait afn at any ptJm, So what exactly determines the cost of your water, First, there are capital costs associated with building and maintaining the vast and complex water distribution system that brings water from its source to where you live. As you read in "Where Does Your Water Come From" on page 4, the water that reaches many California consumers often travels hundreds of miles and passes through dozens of reservoirs, 8 ...... i. i.... 1.1111.1le one C3 storage facilities, power plants, aqueducts, canals, pipelines, and tunnels. These facii6es were built and paid for by construction loans and other forms of financing that the users —you and the contracting agency that buys your water wholesale — must pap back over time. Even the parts of the state's vast water delivery system that were built many decades ago require ongoing funding. Aging parts must be upgraded, conduits extended to meet new needs, and advanced technologies introduced as they come along. And with these improvements, the ultimate costs must be passed along to the consumers. In some districts that lie far from the point of water origin, capital expenses and debt senice can represent as much as 70 percent of the monthly water bill. Operating expenses account for the other, generally smaller share of the bill. These costs include the day -to -day bulk purchase of water from a water supplier. They also go toward the salaries of the highly trained personnel, such as plant technicians, water engineers and managers required to maintain all the equipment: and facilities. Substantial energy costs make up another portion — while many of our water systems generate hydroelectric power as a byproduct of storing and releasing large volumes of surface water, the power generated provides only about a third of the total energy needed to keep the system functioning. The rest must be paid for as a share of your water bill. Consider, for example, what it takes to move water conveyed through the Delta by the California Aqueduct up and over the Tehachapi Mountains to customers in Southern California. Fourteen pumps at the Edmonston Pumping Plant on the northern edge of the mountains lift the entire aqueduct flow -- as much as 33,000 gallons per second — nearly 2,000 feet high to get it to the other side. That feat takes a lot of electricity. Another big -ticket item is the cost of water treatment. A lot of effort goes into protecting water sources so that treatment is minimal, but in some areas costs are still substantial. Residential water has high safety and quality standards in California. Various treatment processes eliminate undesirable organisms and chemicals. Water is also treated for hardness, acidity, taste, odor and something called turbidity, which is how clear water looks in the glass. Water that is used strictly for irrigation and other agricultural purposes is generally purchased at considerably cheaper rates. This is mostly due to the fact that fewer treatment processes are involved. Lastly, your water bill may reflect a share of the costs involved in managing environmental concerns, including the cost of alternative supplies your water district may need to purchase as a result of rules in place to protect species. Conservation Whether your water bill is calculated based on a flat rate or a metered rate also plays a part in pricing. Flat rate payers pay a preset rate, often based on the size of house and lot. Metered rate payers are billed according to the number of units, called CCFs (1 CCF = 748 gallons), flowing into the house through the meter on their service pipe. On site readings are taken periodically by the utility's meter reader or, in more modern versions, are sent via radiofrequency to a computer. Meters in most urban and suburban communities are located in a box set near the sidewalk or street. Legislation passed in 2004 calls for all remaining flat rate users to become metered with deliberate speed. Metered water usage has proved to be a boon to conservation. Meters are excellent tools by which users can maintain greater individual control over water habits and keep water bills down. Many water agencies have or are adopting a tiered rate system that provides additional incentive to conserve. Customers pay a single lower rate for the first der unit of water used (a figure based on estimated basic needs) and progressively higher rates for the second and third tier. As water shortages continue to be an issue for California, expect to hear more about this approach. khaking Sense of YGur Water Bill Your water bill contains valuable information that can help you keep track of your consumption. The data presented in the bill reflects the amount of water that has flowed through either a straight- reading or round - reading meter outside your home. Adopt new water- saving practices and then monitor the numbers on subsequent bills to see how you have managed water use. Two types of water meters are described below. SRIA 9 On the SRMs some of the calculation is already jA' done and appears in a y window marked "cubic feet." Subtract the first four digits of the previous reading from the current reading to get the total cubic feet of water recorded during the time lapse. Charges are based on "units" used, each unit being 100 cubic feet (CCF). If you prefer to convert CCFs to gallons, multiply CCFs used by 748. (Many agencies use 1,000 - gallon units, rather than 100.) RRIM To read the many - dialed RRM, focus on the three m dials at the top, starting with the 100,000 dial and read clockwise. If the hand on any dial is between two numbers, use the lower number in your calculations. Subtract your last reading from the current reading to get CCF usage, applying the same method described above to convert to gallons. To check for leaks in your system turn off all faucets and do not flush toilets for 15 minutes. If the sweep hand on the SRfMi or the "one foot" dial on the FIRM continues to move, you probably have a leak somewhere that needs fixing. do I 4 i. rq yYi1J '• 2 y i r F Y do I 4 i. rq yYi1J '• 2 y i yl: A" C T.} wai i. r F yl: A" C T.} wai i. 5 F 4 a I c a3 a'"t il gt t 4! k.ek ¢` pax Uzi v q h F';R .h...,.,,a, 5 >•f- as ,., v` x v s 41 b+ .ryfFr. •? . . ^iir. . f Y i 11:02" lfwc. Water shortages are not, of course, a new idea in California. Shortages are a common feature of our cyclical weather patterns in which several years of relatively wet conditions are followed by longer, deeper cycles of dry. But occasionally mere shortages grow into sustained droughts, which are marked by tinder -dry hillsides, raging wildfires, nearly empty reservoirs, and hasty efforts to transfer remaining water supplies where most needed. Many of us remember in particular the devastating dry spell that settled in from 1987 to 1992, and the shorter, historically harsh two -year drought that parched the Sacramento and San)oaquin Valleys from 1976 to 1977. Farmers, a mainstay of our economy, suffered devastating crop losses in those years and the natural environment sustained significant, even irreversible damage, in some places. Right now we are in the m dst of a similar situation, with farmers once again bearing the brunt. (See sidebar.) 12 vr: n a ^vin,, ,.... ... 9n' ... Lessons learned in earlier droughts have been put in place, though some would say much more can be done. For example, new legislation has been enacted to encourage water - conserving building codes on new construction, and water metering has been extended to many communities that had not monitored individual use before. Millions of dollars have been invested in upgrades of some local and regional public/private water projects, including the creation of several local reservoirs and underground water bank. Water recycling and desalination are also on the rise. Even the face of California agriculture has evolved with many farmers shifting from lower value, water intensive crops to higher value, water efficient ones and upgrading their irrigation methods. But several new factors make today's water shortage situation more serious. Not only has the population that must be served grown by nine million since the last multi -year drought, but climate change is altering our rain and snowfall patterns. A series of storms in February 2009 helped boost our snowpack and reservoirs, but not enough to make up for the previous two dry years. Water storage in our main reservoirs remains low, and this year's Sierra snowpack — the natural "reservoir" whose melting waters feed a series of manmade reservoirs downstream — cannot make up for the major deficits experienced in 2008 and 2007. 1.1 elH , t;1ui w,;. Regardless of the rain and snowfall we receive, California will still face shortages. Environments] problems in the heart of the state's water system are reducing water deliveries for many California cities, farms and businesses. The problems will continue to restrict water supplies even when the current drought ends and more normal rain and snowfall patterns return. 1' I o Water shortages are not, of course, a new idea in California. Shortages are a common feature of our cyclical weather patterns in which several years of relatively wet conditions are followed by longer, deeper cycles of dry. But occasionally mere shortages grow into sustained droughts, which are marked by tinder -dry hillsides, raging wildfires, nearly empty reservoirs, and hasty efforts to transfer remaining water supplies where most needed. Many of us remember in particular the devastating dry spell that settled in from 1987 to 1992, and the shorter, historically harsh two -year drought that parched the Sacramento and San)oaquin Valleys from 1976 to 1977. Farmers, a mainstay of our economy, suffered devastating crop losses in those years and the natural environment sustained significant, even irreversible damage, in some places. Right now we are in the m dst of a similar situation, with farmers once again bearing the brunt. (See sidebar.) 12 vr: n a ^vin,, ,.... ... 9n' ... Lessons learned in earlier droughts have been put in place, though some would say much more can be done. For example, new legislation has been enacted to encourage water - conserving building codes on new construction, and water metering has been extended to many communities that had not monitored individual use before. Millions of dollars have been invested in upgrades of some local and regional public/private water projects, including the creation of several local reservoirs and underground water bank. Water recycling and desalination are also on the rise. Even the face of California agriculture has evolved with many farmers shifting from lower value, water intensive crops to higher value, water efficient ones and upgrading their irrigation methods. But several new factors make today's water shortage situation more serious. Not only has the population that must be served grown by nine million since the last multi -year drought, but climate change is altering our rain and snowfall patterns. A series of storms in February 2009 helped boost our snowpack and reservoirs, but not enough to make up for the previous two dry years. Water storage in our main reservoirs remains low, and this year's Sierra snowpack — the natural "reservoir" whose melting waters feed a series of manmade reservoirs downstream — cannot make up for the major deficits experienced in 2008 and 2007. 1.1 elH , t;1ui w,;. Regardless of the rain and snowfall we receive, California will still face shortages. Environments] problems in the heart of the state's water system are reducing water deliveries for many California cities, farms and businesses. The problems will continue to restrict water supplies even when the current drought ends and more normal rain and snowfall patterns return. Two of the state's largest water systems — the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project -- move water through the Sacramento -San Joaquin River Delta to more than 25 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern Califon a and to more than 2.5 million acres of fannland. The Delta, however, is in an ecological crisis, with several key species in decline. New rules in place to protect one threatened species — the Delta smelt — have resulted in permanent restrictions on water project operations. The restrictions, the result of a federal lawsuit, are reducing water deliveries by as much as 30 percent in average years. Other regulator, actions involving salmon and long - fn smelt are expected to restrict supplies even further in 2009. These restrictions are just one s}mhptom of the problems facing me Delta. Other factors include conflicts arising from the 50- ye2r -old infrastructure used to convey water through the Delta, pollution, non - native species, land subsidence and seismic issues that have led to sharp declines in both ecosystem health and water supply reliability. Public processes are under way to address these challenges. In the meantime, however, California needs a survival strategy to keep water flowing to the cities, farms and businesses. Conservation is a key part of this strategy. To that end, state and local agencies have partnered in a new statewide public education effort called "Save Our Water." The program is aimed at educating Californians on the state's water supply challenges and encouraging them to reduce the amount of water thev use even day. See ideas on how to save within this magazine. Farmers in the Crossfire With less water from the Central Valley Project or State Water Project to irrigate crops or water thirsty cattle, and with local groundwater in very short supply, many of California's 1.1 million farmers have already been forced to take drastic measures this year. Land that for generations has provided the state and the nation with a cornucopia of fruits, nuts, vegetables, grains and cotton thus remains fallow this growing season and perhaps for many more - Dairy herds are being thinned due to reduced pasturage. In parts of Southern California, permanent assets such as avocado trees (below) that have taken years to cultivate, are being stumped in the hope of saving them. Some citrus growers are simply uprooting their trees due to lack of water. Almond growers in the Central Valley are removing older, less productive stock to save their limited water supply for younger ones. And some water - intensive row crops are being phased out altogether. The smaller harvest will cause market prices to rise just as surely as farming profits and jobs will be lost. "We're just one step short of disaster here," says Tim Larson, a grower in Kings County. "I've already taken out about 160 acres of alfalfa and we're trying to figure out how to save our grapes and pistachios." Larson is looking at what else can go but tie adds ruefully, After a while there's not much left -" al,gCn.mon maaxo, G'Atlom;a s vale Ox 13 l't<,`S Ei;'. C;CS[vScf?`t1tii 141! tea `,, t.. 14 tVate, t; ta+.oau.s k%me Or l Recently, the Silicon Valley \grater Conservation Awards Program presented the best -in -class business award to semiconductor technology experts, Applied Materials, Inc. The company's comprehensive approach to water conservation is saving 40 million gallons a year — reducing its overall consumption by 16 percent. No sn'angers to conservation effort or die marvels of technology, a committee of volunteers representing employees from the Facilities Group, the Apps Lab Group, and EHS /Sustainability came up with a complement of high- and low - tech conservation solutions to benefit AM's 3,800 California employees. Improvements were made in all three of the company's California campuses: Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Fairfield. Simple software changes were orchestrated at AM, 's R&D facility in Sunnyvale so that when wet process lab tools (used when water polishes silicon wafers) were in idle mode they would not require continuously-running water. This reduced water consumption by 25 percent, and is now saving millions of gallons of water annually. The facility in Sunnyvale supports semiconductor manufacturers as they transition to new technologies. Here, they can test, customize and pre - integrate these new technologies for various device reeu;r ements. At the center recycled ater is used. ro feed cooline towers and cribbers and de- ionized water is bein¢ 1-daimed as weL. AM consolidated its os a..,. acustee c`'nc'.' xc.,inological settings so the facility now saves 10.5 m Ilion gallons of water each year. In this regard, AM's savings are trickling down to its customers. Other modifications included installing sensor - activated faucets and low -flow toilets, as well as introducing xeriscaping, which incorporates drought- resistant native plants and shrubs in the landscape. In total, AM is using 51 million gallons of water less per year than it did in 2006. That's enough water to fill 2,500 swimming pools. Bruce Klafter, head of Applied Materials' Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Group, says environmental stewardship is in the company's DNA. "The employees have really gotten behind our efforts," he explains. "It is these sustainability issues that people really seem to care about." Klafter goes on to say that, "In full - scale production facilities, the amount of water we consume is considerable, and the attention we're giving water is on the rise.'"Iether the motivation is one of corporate responsibility or economics, water is taking center stage in today's business environment." Applied :Materials has been inspired to set a global water conservation goal to reduce consumption by at least ten percent in its facilities around the world by the year 2012. "Overseas, only so much water can be consumed," Klafter says. "Its up to them — correction, it's up to all of us — to use it wisely." After their home was destroved in Southern California's 1993 Cedar Fires, San Diego Counn residents Richard Caputo and Carol Nagy Jacklin rebuilt with an uncomprotnising eye to efficiency. Their new 1,712- square -foot home is a model for conservation inside and out. The couple's water -savvy solutions have slashed consumption by 33 percent and created a vibrant living environment that demonstrates how conservation can bring beauty -- and a new brand of abundance — to any home. The need to rebuild presented us with an oppomu iry to do th ngs right the second time around — from the ground up," says Caputo. Their in -home efforts include installation of low -flow toilets, faucets, and water -nuser showerheads. The duo has populated their home with water - efficient appliances. Their front - loading washer cuts water use by 50 percent. The need for plentiful hot-water to shower, cook, and clean clothes can be a drain on anyone's conservation plans. To eliminate the wasteful running of water to reach desired temperatures, Caputo installed a circulating hot water system, which makes hot water almost instantly available. H ghly efficient appliances use nor only less water, but less energy to heat water. Caputo says saving energy is an important benefit of conservation. "It takes massive amounts of energy to pump and process San Diego's water," explains the retired aerospace engineer. Water conservation is one of the cheapest -- and easiest — w a es for families to reduce both their water and their carbon footprints." Rich and Carol's conservaelon efforts are bearing fruit in their garden as well. A gray water system captures 50 percent of the house water for use in a drip irrigation system. Rainwater is collected using gutters and barrels and gravity -fed underground pipes. The system runs on timers, which are adjusted seasonally. Effective conservation can be simple to execute," says Jacklin, "but it requires a plan." She proclaims lawns are out, unless space is needed for children to play. Creating paths with destination points using rocks, pots, trellises and benches add interest while reducing water demands. To prevent overwatering, all plants are grouped according to their water appetites and sun and wind tolerances. Adding organic material to the soil ensures water is retained where it's needed most. The use of colorful, drought- resistant flowers and shrubs brings vivacity to any garden. Our holistic approach not only saves water," says Jacklin. "It also creates a healthier environment for our plants — and a better living space for our family." Al :a:z't11!1 11G1 1 an, ......::..n...... :<,......: I i ed Al :a:z't11!1 11G1 1 an, ......::..n...... :<,......: I i IAKIF, join the 'Blue Revolution: Goodeerl e sf p, 1'. 10 111)1 Ml !11 siou" •lrnap! ng' revil a (IS. I In- F r, z F r -n 0'% L "a.11 i:o Gonserve vilalw fns.!Oe aiwi f;UlLsicie ,A) U'r f'lzi 1110OUGsfions io get you Started, 3's Fival° (D 1"ReV," tilldidIhOli mc1jpriiy of Oaliiornians arc unavkfetrp. itl- Fi ovel 0 pc, Or-,M Oi is ic, landscapes anicl laikr ns? Rennernber ilia:i the cmI'L ;l t I PCs;, iv:, tM-lil ll every one c, acftrts will havc G 1111F 16 :, y.peo. Vou, 0, NL,1,1n1 01. GOOD: Spread two to three inches of organic or sgtlthetic mulch around plant,, shrubs, and trees. This allows the underlying soil to retain moisture and reduces weeding, both of which benefit plant grom th. lint wont need to % +ater as ofietr either. GOOD: b\4tsh fruits and ) egtiables o) e” a hnwi or lmc'ket in our sink and reuse it to water plants. .Also, don't keep the tap running when washing dishes. Instead, clean them in a sink fiiU of so-ap) water and rinse afterward. Ci:}00: Illn of! the tap while hntshing your teeth and sale roughly t)co gallons Per minute. No purchases nrproducrs required, just a St!le eco- thoughtfulness. outgoes BETTER: Install a smart irrigation system that uses state -of- the -art technology to care for your lawn and gardens and cut your outdoor water consumption by 25-45 percent. This computer -based method of irrigation integrates current weather data from the Web with analysis of soil moisture content collected by ground sensors to provide precision watering for outdoor areas. K ft, Le f f BETTER: Fix leaky faucets. Those drips may not seem like a lot, but collectively, American households with defective faucets waste more than I trillion gallons of water annually. Did you know that: 60 drops = 192 gallons per minute lost per month 90 drops = 310 gallons per m nute lost per month 120 drops = 129 gallons per minute lost per month cl,t III, oal BETTER: Install a low -flow 1.5 gallons - per- minuteshowerhead — this can save the average family close to 8,000 gallons of water per year. Showering accounts for 17 percent of a household's indoor water use. Cutting back on hot water expenditure has the secondary, benefit of reducing energy consumption, too. l I" 111,:nt drought - resistant trees, shnr! ,s, and plants that are narl), to vour region. This clilai )criscaping and its witiani r.ra? benefit is water r.atio:i. t touch other d,;rntascs lnclndc :ninintal ilpl.egl at loner w:ncr hills. i;iIcd, c %. ul \t,ur io;;:l paiden nt Ti rrmnnrr,, 1, , i i „, )'t , ll i :u c.r. f3Lc T: it'xta''l faucet arr'.:,nti. III, tht 111)"14 m`xtc!ii•cii)cwtn to t ntitrvc V MCI ill c wl. Ilotl >c k?- fashioned fann'ts ust aaHoll, per minu;t, bbl ilnu. 4.05 or 1' gl)w. v,lvir,lp, tnC' a% (.1 hulnt' 14.;'(10 ialkw, per ',,;tr. i(,.l mt,thm f;Ynct r air thrt:.IJQ l 11 "idc it) accept ttatoi. mal:ine nrtulati,m c, cr, 1n the 1"1."1,1 i::uldi 11!1,1 nl iny.iliL;!tCU h. V=1:. !`: I'tpintc luut (.Id rnilvi \% 11!•. r iliwcr L;))- Ilrn +. duai- f!n,F1 Illo"wi Ilild loll ll!Il t tYnCr',: 0 scree tv mu: r w ,al r In th m;t-; rnnrcr. inn- c.mxn:n;: tx,il;t, car! uxr nrorr =,ii,;, - trali..m lien fit! !al lut;h- ;,itkicr,ci u,l)c; -. — L..!i Ins per Push.) Uxt S. FA T,` A<Wi0ES 1. Revolution" (smart 22 -Down consumption) 5. Jack Sprat's taboo 8. Nine -digit IDs 12. Brought into the world 13. Suffix with meteor 14. Chain known for breakfasts 15. Consume sparingly 17. _ Scotia 18. Employ 19. Kiev's country: Abbr. 20. Get ready for surgery 22. Used to be 24. Kitchen source of 22 -Down 27. Told fibs 28. Dallas hoopsters, for short 29. Brewpub order 30. Covert _ (spy doings) 31. Measurer of 22 -Down 32. College transcript no. 33. Lefter after cee 34. Federal power dept. 35. Seven days 36. Tel Aviv's land: Abbr. 37. "Days of _ Lives" ANSWERS By Rich Norris © 2009. Rich Norris 38. One giving orders 39. Marriage promise 41. Corp. honcho 42. Low- faucet 22 -Down saver) 44.22 -Down conduit 49. Drought easer 50. Pecan or hickory 51. White winter blanket 52. Car loan figures: Abbr. 53. Refusals 54. Up- and -down toy 1. English channel: Abbr. 2. English john 3. Spigoted coffee server 4. Came after 5. Log - burning event 6. Off-road transport: Abbr. 7. Golf ball support 8. Dishwashing place 9. Supply deficiencies 10. Eleventh mo. 11. Health resort 16. Sixth sense, briefly 0 09 1300 flEI00 No NEON 0 0 loom NOON 00!7 NORSEMEN N n0Mo mom 000 MEMO mom ANN 00 00 0 0 any 0N o 0©©00©©©© lMMIN No M 0 Ono o©©©© E. MEN NONE 1300, ARM one moommods, mom o 000© No n noloan SM Eno o©= ono o o ooa0©oo Elam MMMU ono 30 011 n0©': x]000 1 .. . i.: C. V.1111 11 .i.4 :, u,:. .. JENNE MEN No NEON mom NOON NORSEMEN N mom mom MEMO mom ANN 00 ANNE any o lMMIN No M E. MEN NONE ARM ANN moommods, mom o No OMEN SM MI» an= ono MEND 19. Cold War foe: Abbr. 20.22 -Down conduits 21.22 -Down storage place 22. Subject of this puzzle and this magazine 23. Declare as fact 25. European mountains, to the French 26. Highest level of usage 27. City near Sacramento 28. Restaurant's list of dishes 31. Gals cry 35. Like a forest 38. Buzzer in the garden 40. Has title to 41. Reductions 42. Monk's title 43. Once around the track 44. Columnist Landers 45. Status _ 46. Spanish "one" 47. Playing hard to get 48. What it takes to tango? s. ... 2 %i!: frittiflai;P. t "s itef}ibEit` G CRif.`.¢i': Gf PJatef rig "eC! ;;: tNriG'r: I)f?r5( +'i'g Gali', nL'f;dS: X;O ?'tiir:P tf; i +i9 t:'4rl(! i'i4!rtitff liE "cn ?i at:bL fi!li [.IiGi}'': ;s' ill(; cff.(utic rC£alF.!" NA,- a73 Tile renowned tutevisioti host sits dovert with us to discuss the health of California's water system. Q How did you get concerned about California's Wader Issues? Twomy nvowli to conum nod abum ht 1 a l01 1<1!v to k,'-Ft fllo'.: 1 ";a tor fok pop, an ME alluld to h.01M.1 ffe;a:,ti. f,,irt; itat a MM Now— hoe 0 t up cc VMOTOMM Od ON q h A Sa1173 WV Mod ones wh C. A pool am a Repormy 0 Mp,vloprl 0 Obsey yNb5and ant: Wall iii QO W"Mvhj Mun W&A -to on p- 0. What impressed you most it-, your travels? i "wjC t-*c:i,".:iii':,, to Inv napAN 0 Euom!? POVAq symal W, M% InHy yy h 0 0 lop lose hi to amp,a na t-. eas C."el lJy l;lz OUSNOW at cynons .l W, aid "i :r"tr on V 1: V.A to ONS VAU MAUM to Onas 2 in aum a 21?, can mm"Y won !In, V "Zoo: At, Wsp We pumps; in thy cc t ME sq* I zu U On"a Lostri Jo,s iol rtp mul; ittivible k a M1 M us Onlynyail. W, wo "M ,it, "W'. lAus yuse VVY w3un County Vy wt;E'e! WU MA" RX! won CBS wity CL How did you go about making the PBS series California's Water"? Tly I I now to I "of Z K, J o:iE Segovia not ove- PC yems u *-"* UIN EVi 1 Valvelow On ova, N za A 0 1 nvinillub I Wo Lev insn sum UP ;G-S t F, OYAO to, vat on AM TAOV Y?z at -1 ar to too it, A FE Q n in KA a V CU. Q. What kind of feedback have you had from the public? ZO; 1:16 lssu[-, -in: ex.1"liA-fill".1 le;f`li!? iii!e End an:e-,U! !,I slvz. 1'ee'.1 Q a sqMPW ix TO! Payu olio iiild neva; i:;"oJ:' s:, 1i ,c iva" two A DiT 10 01 H now's irloi: u.q ilm Q. Do you think Californians are finally getting the conservation message? E PY Avon on q ToWn PV Is UMM3 Is 0 a 0, VO Fay Qmvsi oo 1 an, 0; 1 Come 5 wW, 1-:F 'i ill' ,1 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814 -3577 OrdAssociation of California Water Agencies PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ONWARD PUBLISHING INC. 110 M A i§ tR Even small actions can make a big difference. Something as simple as turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons a day. Really, it's that easy! Look at how you use water inside and outside your home. If we all work together, we can save California's water. A message from the Association of California Wate; Agencies ano the California Department of Water Resources Visit saveourH2O.org to find out more, Justine Hendricksen From: Kip Sturgeon Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 5:46 PM To: Justine Hendricksen Subject: EVWD Website Hi Justine, It might already be on there, but can you add EVWD's website and phone system on the next public outreach agenda? Thanks, Kip Justine Hendricksen From: Kip Sturgeon Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 5:46 PM To: Justine Hendricksen Subject: EVVVD Website Al AszIne, A mignr already be on there, but can you add EVWD's webs:te and phone system on the next public our reach agenda? Thanks, Kip Main page: The content on this main page seems to be mostly left justified. When items are added to any of the webpages, the finished product should look like someone took the time to make things look correct. There is still information on the main page for people to book hotel rooms at the Doubletree for the Water Quality Conference. I am not sure we should be advertising conferences put on by other agencies. It is unlikeiv anv of our customers are interested. Our Consumer Confidence Report should be on the main page, but it appears that the moniker from our report was scanned and pasted. It doesn't look cool. ERNIE either needs -its own website or should not be placed on the ma— E'WD page. When I clicked on "ERNIE ", i was sent to a Laserfiche page. The only way to get back to EVWD's main page was to close the window and start from scratch. Our Mission: Statement" looks good, but the title is redundant. We can just list our mission. Your Account: When going to "Access My Account Online ", the viewer is taken to a page possibly operated by an outside vendor. Under EVWD's logo, there is a "Contact Us" link. This takes the viewer to a page to send feedback. The only feedback category is to report a leak. I'm not sure that a leak is considered "feedback ". Further, the feedback function doesn't work anyway.. The entire "Application for Automatic Payment" process should be handled online. Presently, it takes the viewer to a scanned sheet which would tend to scare most customers away. The same problem exists for "Start Service ". Many other agencies now allow customers to start and stop service online, We should do the same. About EVWD: The wording under "About the District" and "Service Area" are identical. Under "Employment Opportunities ", there is nothing to click. Administrative Manager is blue, but Environmental & Health: Under Links ", some of the links do not work, Projects: Under "Projects in Planning" there is nothing listed. We have a bunch of projects which, could be listed. The same is true for "Projects Under Construction ". The same is true for "Completed Projects ". My biggest concern about our current website is that our public records are difficult to locate. I have heard this complaint from at least three individuals in the community who find our current database annoying. have found many examcles o= ocher agenev's websites which work well and are .'ery user rri —al _t ..sl -ed, _ „ar. __main. y send you one fOr -ne Des- Orec, My guess is that : am stepping on toes regarding my concerns, but EVWD's website is a direct reflection of the Board and Staff. In closing, I have corresponded with Dustin Buss regarding our website. When he redesigned EVWD's website many months ago, monthly maintenance didn't interest him. His schedule has apparently changed and he is willing to assist with EVWD's website on an ongoing basis. Here is a copy of his correspondence... From Dust. r. Buss: Whether it's me or not, I suggest that EVWD gets someone to retain in a web consulting capacity. It's comparable to maintenance on your car. you can either work on your own car (Jim & William maintain your site), or you can take your car to a local mechanic (hire someone else that didn't build your site), or you can take your car to the dealership for service (me). With the dealership, you're sure to ce_ not_fzea of any recalls, necessary repairs, and options for upgrades and features, and most importantly, you don't void your warranty. Wow, that analogy worked a lot better than I thought at would. Based on my usual specs, these would be the options for this sort of agreement: 300 /mo On -call for emergency website issues Up to 4 hours per month of updates to web content / graphic design for site (additional hrs at $50 /hr) General advice and suggestions on web -tech issues as necessary General advice and consultation on web event or campaigns EVWD may want to launch 400 /mo Same as $300 /mo, plus: Provide monthly web traffic and activity charts - exported data from Google Hnaiytics 450 /mo Same as 5400 /mo, plus: P -o,ide extilanaticr. and analysis of web traffic and activity cha;:rs, as weli as suggestions to improve trends Thanks, Dustin This e -mai_ has taken me a couple of months to send you so I cannot very well expect a prompt response. Please address my concerns at your convenience. Kip r i niL V CfJivii i YV ami nazaru Highland. Unil Scus ('rrrur:turtitz <. S,iur'>1a sssp,ijiisr.. Water hazard by PAULA KASPR1-YK Reporter, Highland Community News August vi 2 ,Oi b:0: Pivi CD i Motorists on Palm Avenue in the area of Third and Fifth streets encountered thousands of gallons of water flowing across traffic lanes Thursday.k.g The East Valley Water District conducted the _„ planned release as part of a test of the well. Daniel Dietz, East Valley Water District production operator, explained that the old well was found to have a high level of contaminants. He said piping on the well had been redesigned and trailers had been brought in with equipment to filter the nitrates and uranium from the water. rage t or i Print Page Highland Community News photos by Paula Kasprzyk) Water gushes down Third Street Thursday in a planned East Valley Water District test of a well. The release is part of the process of rehabbing the well," said Dietz, adding that the district must conduct such tests in order to meet criteria from the state. He also said East Valley Water District had notified the city of Highland prior to the release. Dietz said the water was released at a rate of about 1800 gallons per minute between 11:10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Copyright © 2009 - Highland News W Close Window http:/ /www.highlandnews.net /articles/ 2009 /08/28/ news /doe4a9/01d6956a9606577008,prt 8/"31/2009 Print Version. > Water hazard Page 1 of 1 P ?' ', j+ r j`yv};. qk,t ^, jjj a - rrj• x v av,' Water hazard Print Page by PAULA KASPRZYK.^"^° Reporter, Highland Community News; € z T' Motorists on Palm Avenue in the area of Third and Fifth streets K, encountered thousands of gallons of water flowing across traffic lanes Thursday. The East Valley Water District conducted the planned release as part of a test of the well. Daniel Dietz, East Valley Water District production operator, explained that the old well was found to have a high level of contaminants. k s He said piping on the well had been redesigned and trailers had 4 been brought in with equipment to filter the nitrates and uranium from the water. Highland Community News photos by Paula Kasprzyk) The release is part of the process of rehabbing the well," said Water gushes down Third Street Thursday in a planned East Dietz, adding that the district must conduct such tests in order to valley Wafer District test of a well. meet criteria from the state. He also said East Valley Water District had notified the city of Highland prior to the release. Dietz said the water was released at a rate of about 1800 gallons per minute between 11:10 a.m. and 2 p.m Copyright © 2009 - Highland News x] Ciose Window htTn /ihanam; ri6Qq (Fnoii00 77nOPnrr ROPZI „I',. Page I of 1 iittn' /i%anuiu hiahlanrinPxzic nPii rnntPnt/ a7-tirlaci)O OQ/( 1 I ino R' ?°' rage 1 of I Justine Hendricksen From: Khevin Barnes [Khevin @drwilderness.coml Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 8:37 AM To: George Wilson Subject: Water Conservation Show Good morning George, I wanted to let you and the other directors know about my newest water education touring show called SPLASHTASTIC !" I continue to perform in Southern California under a 12 year contract with the San Diego County Water Authority, but for the school year 2009 -2010 I will be taking this award- winning program throughout California. I'd like very much to visit your district. I've attached infonnation and a proposal. Thanks for your consideration. Khevin Barnes The Dr. Wilderness Show, Inc. wwvv. Drwi 1 demess. c om 9!2/2009 THE DR. WILDERNESS SHOW CALIFORNIA'S AWARD - WINNING WATER EDUCATION PROGRAM Starring Khevin Barnes as Dr. Wilderness with "Socrates the Toucan" INTRODUCTION For 20 years we have been presenting water education programs in schools, museums, performing arts centers, fairs and at major water festivals around the world. The Dr. Wilderness programs promote conservation and environmental awareness through exciting and highly engaging, educational magic performances. QUICK FACTS The Dr.Wilderness Show is the longest running nonprofit water education and magic program in California with presentations in 2,500 schools and funding from dozens of water agencies and corporations in excess of 1.5 million dollars. The show has had phenomenal success in southern California schools, most especially with grades K -6. Show sponsors include: The San Diego County Water Authority Salem Water and Electric Eugene Water and Electric Portland General Electric CBS Television The Oregon Bureau of Environmental Services The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry Los Angeles Metropolitan Water District The Walt Disney Company-- E nviron mentality Rancho Cucamonga Water District Palmdale Water District Rosamond Water District North Carolina Natural History Museum San Diego Natural History Museum Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation The show has been featured in San Diego with an unprecedented 12 year performance contract with the San Diego County Water Authority, spearheaded by Ivan Golakoff, Education Director. No fewer than 20 major stage programs have been created and performed to address each area's water conservation issues. The result is education combined with exciting stage magic, symphonic music and state -of -the -art video and robotic /animatronics —to engage students and adults alike in an inspiring and comprehensive conservation experience. THE CURRENT SITUATION 2010 Reprinted from the Association of California Water Agencies Despite intense media attention and focus by the Governor and legislators, the public is largely unaware of the state's water problems. The Association of California Water Agencies ACWA), a coalition of 450 public water agencies, has launched a statewide effort, entitled California's Water: A Crisis We Can't Ignore," to educate Californians about critical challenges now confronting the state's water supply and delivery system. Drawing on successful models for other key public policy issues, the education program will reach the public directly through television, radio and print advertising, as well as through the Internet and community outreach. The effort will begin in September and continue through 2007. Information on this program can be obtained at www.calwatercrisis.ore. The multi - million dollar program, funded by voluntary contributions from public water agencies throughout the state, is aimed at raising awareness among Californians of current and future water problems, including a deepening crisis in the Sacramento -San Joaquin River Delta (Delta) and a recent court - ordered massive reduction in our statewide water supply. Key Water Problems at a Glance Thanks to a string of relatively wet years and the fact that water flows whenever the tap is turned on, the state's water problems are not readily apparent to the public. But many experts agree the state is facing some of the most significant water challenges seen in the last half - century: The Delta, a key natural estuary and the pathway through which more than 25 million Californians and 2.5 million acres of productive farmland receive their water, is in an ecological crisis that threatens people as well as the environment. California's water supply has been drastically reduced, impacting people, businesses and farms in Northern, Central and Southern California. In late August, a federal court cut water supplies from the state's two largest water delivery systems by up to one -third to protect an endangered fish – potentially the largest court- ordered water supply reduction in California history. California's population is growing rapidly, but our statewide water storage and delivery system has not been significantly improved in 30 years. Our statewide water reserves are extremely low and would not be able to meet public demand during a major disruption to the state's water delivery system. Aging Delta levees are at risk of a natural disaster that could cripple water deliveries for an extended period of time. California is facing severe drought conditions, with 2007 ranking as a record dry -year in some regions. If the current drought continues, mandatory water rationing may be imposed in many areas. Significantly reduced supplies and growing water uncertainties already are causing some California farmers to fallow prime agricultural lands, hurting one of our state's most important industries. Climate change is reducing our mountain snow pack– a critical source of natural water storage – and may usher in longer droughts and more severe floods. While we have made great strides in water conservation and efficiency programs, the collective impacts of drought, climate change, increased population demands, court- ordered supply reductions and /or potential natural disasters mean that conservation alone will not solve this crisis... it's just simply not enough. Why a Statewide Education Program Now? Despite the seemingly high degree of interest among policy makers and the media, the public at large seems unaware of critical water problems facing California today and their potential impact on our economy, environment and quality of life. The decision to launch a statewide education program follows ACWA's successful move last year to underwrite a multipart series on water for public television called, "California's Water." The series, produced by Huell Howser, has been airing on public television stations since April 2006, covering various aspects of California's water system. ACWA hopes the education program will build on the "California's Water" series and previous outreach efforts to help the public become better educated about current and future water problems. BACKGROUND The Dr. Wilderness Show, based in southern California, is an Emmy- award - winning stage magic show. Featuring professional magician Khevin Barnes, the production began as a national television special, airing in prime -time on CBS stations. A graduate of Walt Disney elementary school and a former cast member at Disneyland, Khevin brings the Disney" philosophy, excitement and performance standards to his live shows. The programs are interactive, multi -media family shows combining inspiring commentary, theater, amazing robotics, special effects, and magical illusions. That guy with the bird !" is how most audiences remember Khevin. His co -star is Socrates the Toucan ", a very talkative, computer controlled and life -like animatronic bird —and great teaching tool.. Khevin's shows have been seen by over one million elementary school students in the last 10 years. The programs are science and nature based with an emphasis on water conservation and natural history. All programs feature magic and songs about animals, biology, ecology, natural history, Earth science, and recycling. The primary theme for the shows is imagination and creativity with regard to solving our conservation issues, and each program aligns with the science standards for California elementary schools--- grades K -6. The Audubon Society calls Khevin Barnes "America's premier environmental magician" and he was voted "Best Family Entertainer" by the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. PROSPOSAL I am dedicated to bringing important water education to California's youth through a series of live programs in schools, performing arts centers, fairs and festivals and special touring events in shopping malls and other public venues. With many years of experience designing and implementing touring shows for numerous water agencies in California, I am able to create, deliver and schedule shows for your specific needs. Additionally, my television experience is available for Public Service Announcements, radio spots, CD's, DVD's other media opportunities to spread the word on water conservation. I have produced a children's musical CD that is available for free distribution and a teacher's curriculum guide to accompany each live presentation. I am proposing a tour of your elementary schools with additional programs for family events in your community. My staff is able to contact and book each of your schools, and we deliver a final report to you with program statistics (number of students in attendance, issues and ideas, and a teacher survey to help design future content). WHY DR. WILDERNESS? Over the years my programs have evolved in their capacity and scope and I've had the opportunity to interview hundreds of teaching professionals. This keeps the show timely and significant for my audiences. Additionally, my shows have been carefully constructed to follow California science standards for specific age groups. My programs have changed with the times. Once a three person touring show with a trailer -full of stage magic, I now perform a one -man (and one bird!) program that allows the students to become co -stars in the show, while presenting exciting magic and education simultaneously. This show size keeps costs down and permits me to see many more students for a set budget. My 15 years of nonprofit status invites opportunities from a variety of water agencies and corporate sponsors. And finally, the inclusion of Socrates ", one of the most advanced robotic figures available, designed and built at a cost of $30,000, insures that my programs have the very latest in "cool gadgetry" to captivate young audiences CONCLUSION The Dr. Wilderness show, with two decades of performances, is not simply a school assembly. The production standards for the show rival the stage shows of vaudeville, with music, video, superb magic, audience participation, amazing animatronics and special effects, and an unwavering dedication to theatrical and educational excellence. Audiences are inspired and motivated to learn more and do more. As a 501(c) 3 nonprofit company for 15 years, I am committed to bringing these programs to you at affordable prices. It will be my pleasure to create the perfect programming for your agency or group at your request. I look forward to working with you and to addressing California's serious water issues in a timely, educational and enjoyable format. Thanks for considering the Dr. Wilderness program. Sincerely, Khevin Barnes a.k.a. Dr. Wilderness Founder and Creative Director The Dr. Wilderness Show, Inc. A nonprofit corporation bringing environmental education to kids and families world -wide. www.Drwilderness.com Email: Khevin@Drwilderness.com Telephone: (760) 899 -9577 American 1fifater Works Association 93 RECE ED The Authoritative Resource on Safe Water' v East>. August 28, 2009 Mr. Robert Martiri General Manager East Valley Water District PO Box 3427 San Bernardino, CA 92413 -3427 Dear Mr. Martin, 6666 West Quincy Avenue Denver, CO 80235 -3098 T 303.794.7711 wvrw.awwa.org Advocacy Communications Conferences Education and Training Science and Technology Sections As water professionals, we all know that tap water is the best deal around. On average, tap water costs consumers a fraction of a penny per gallon —a tiny percentage of what consumers spend on other liquids they use every day. But do your customers realize the tremendous value of their tap water and the services of your utility? I am pleased to announce the availability of a new AWWA bill stuffer that's designed to help you reinforce the value of tap water and the great work performed by your utility. Inserted along with your billing, it provides an excellent way to send just the right message —at precisely the right time. Printed on earth- friendly recycled paper, the stuffer can be custom imprinted with your utility's logo and messaging, further advancing your brand. The attractive brochure also makes an excellent handout for schools and community groups, as well as lobby displays. Take a look at the enclosed sample and order your supply today. Contact AWWA Customer Service at 800.926.7337 for pricing on imprinting and quantity discounts. Sincerely, Paula Macliwaine Interim Executive Director PLEASE COMPLIEPE BELOW YES? I want to communicate the value of tap water to my customers. Send the following bill stuffers today. Quantity I ] "Go ahead, call me cheap:' —Bill Stuffers. AWWA member price $34/10() each for members, 47/100 for nonmembers, plus shipping. No. 70147 Bill stuffers are sold in packs of 100. Prices shown are for quantities of 1 to 10 packs. Discounts are given for quantities over 10 packs. Call AWWA Customer Service at 1.800.926.7337 or 303.794.7711 for larger - quantity orders. IMPRINTING Personalize your bill stuffers with your utility's name, logo, Web site address, and messaging on the back cover (black ink only). The cost to imprint is $250 for the first 1,000 of the same bill stuffer and $100 for each additional 1,000. Imprinting (including color) is free with orders of 50,000 or more of the same bill stuffer. Specify special printing instructions below: Order amount $ Colorado resident sales tax $ PAYMENT METHOD SHIP TO Jplease Piro) 0 American Express 0 Discover 0 MasterCard 0 VISA Name Card No Exp. Date Member 0 Check enclosed, payable to AWWA in US funds Government Purchase Order 0 Bill me (AWWA North American members only) GUARANTEE If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, return it within 60 days of invoice date for replacement, credit, or refund, less shipping. i Canadian resident 5% GST $ Shipping (see chart) $ TOTAL $ Address __- We cannot snip to a PO Box.) City State /Prov Country ZIP /Postal Code Telephone' E -mail Telephone number required for delivery outside the United States. ORDER TQDX A1NWA BILL STUFFERS ORDERING METHODS STANDARD UPS SHIPPING -PRINT PRODUCTS Online: www.awwa.orVbookstore Amount US /USTerr. Can /Mex E -mail: custsvc @awwa.org 25 or less 6.50 $ 8.50 Phone: US and Canada call 1.800.926.7337 Other countries, call 303.794.7711 25.01450 7.50 $10.50 Fax: AVIWA Customer Service 303.347.0804 50.01 4100 9.50 $13.50 Mail: Customer Service 100.01 4150 11.50 $19.00 American Water Works Association 150.01 -$200 13.50 $25.00 6666 West Quincy Avenue: 200.01 4250 16.00 $33.50 Denver, CO 80235 -3098 250.01 -$350 19.00 $43.00 PAYMENti Over $350 7 °% of order 14.5% of order AWWA North American members can choose to be billed. Nonmembers must include check or credit card information at time of purchase. Purchase orders All other countries 30% of order amount. from US and Canadian government agencies accepted for billing. Payment Rush shipping —call AWWA 1.800.926.7337 must be made in US dollars. Prices are subject to change without notice. PLEASE COMPLIEPE BELOW YES? I want to communicate the value of tap water to my customers. Send the following bill stuffers today. Quantity I ] "Go ahead, call me cheap:' —Bill Stuffers. AWWA member price $34/10() each for members, 47/100 for nonmembers, plus shipping. No. 70147 Bill stuffers are sold in packs of 100. Prices shown are for quantities of 1 to 10 packs. Discounts are given for quantities over 10 packs. Call AWWA Customer Service at 1.800.926.7337 or 303.794.7711 for larger - quantity orders. IMPRINTING Personalize your bill stuffers with your utility's name, logo, Web site address, and messaging on the back cover (black ink only). The cost to imprint is $250 for the first 1,000 of the same bill stuffer and $100 for each additional 1,000. Imprinting (including color) is free with orders of 50,000 or more of the same bill stuffer. Specify special printing instructions below: Order amount $ Colorado resident sales tax $ PAYMENT METHOD SHIP TO Jplease Piro) 0 American Express 0 Discover 0 MasterCard 0 VISA Name Card No Exp. Date Member 0 Check enclosed, payable to AWWA in US funds Government Purchase Order 0 Bill me (AWWA North American members only) GUARANTEE If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, return it within 60 days of invoice date for replacement, credit, or refund, less shipping. i Canadian resident 5% GST $ Shipping (see chart) $ TOTAL $ Address __- We cannot snip to a PO Box.) City State /Prov Country ZIP /Postal Code Telephone' E -mail Telephone number required for delivery outside the United States. G%z 4-.4Cd 0 Za rd Cd 5 0 P4 Cd o 0 0C.) i t i r % L m rd j \ \ \ \ co 7 r / e _ = \ / \ E) k4f\ E!% k 2 E 2 j E r % L m rd j \ \ \ \ co 7 r / e _ = \ / \ E) k( 2 2 j 2 r % L m rd j \ \ \ \ co 7 r / e _ = \ / \ c a o i 3 m m: Q 0 o Eo3iei ° cco u5 aci y o °-mv rn s a , y c o ,,° ai o O a OiS a5 6 h v O d OU l06 O 3 U C b Nw N N N T O in o. S¢ E E° e e e e I cmrdb w GO N C = cl v nn ° a o a a > v O N N .0+ OCD q m rd Z7 to 3 tO a f6 0 .o °- 3 .N d .? o+ °' c m Q'c w m :3 °o n E E Lo_ sa m e Cdco aa e e A e u LO N o O to ti U O Lq 7a 00 Y . V O N O 10Lo 0 LO gy v- 1E O O O CO O U O a= al z .. P•'I N O L U) E cNil C cd O F Z c rn " O N V A a .. d C L •L' 'L:1 ' O IR d 1•.. W 0 CL < 44 cq U vi a m a C3 F s w: a; Q! SPEQAL DI."I4JCf LGD£RSHIp N"AJpATKKJ May 16, 2007 Ms. Justine Hendrickse:n East Valley Water District PO Box 3427 San Bernadino, CA 92413 Dear Ms. Hendricksen; As requested, please find enclosed an application for SDLF's Districts of Distinction program. Too often we hear disparaging stories about special districts —about how one district has encountered unethical directors or management —while the other thousands in the state exist in functional, well governed anonymity. This program is designed to shine a spotlight on those districts that believe in continuing education, that conduct and follow financial audits, that have comprehensive policies and procedures; the districts, in short, that serve their communities soundly. The SDLF Board of Directors created the Districts of Distinction program to help special districts demonstrate their commitment and ability to provide essential public services. Participation in the program can mean a great deal to helping shape a positive public perception of special districts. Your interest in participating can benefit not only your district, but all special districts and the millions of Californians they serve. T look forward to receiving your completed application and supporting documentation, and answering any questions you may have. Again, thank you for your interest in this very important program. Most sincerely, Nicole Dunn SDLF Specialist 11121 Sweet Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 916.231.2939 916.992.7889 fax Districts of Distinction AN ACCREDITATION PROGRAM FOR CALIFORNIA SPECIAL DISTRICTS SPECIAL M5MCT LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION DISTRICTS OF DISTINCTION Nearly every California resident benefits from one or more essential services — water, sewage treatment, fire protection, parks and recreation, transit, street light- ing, mosquito abatement and more — provided by an independent special district. Because of the kind of services they provide, special districts are the form of local government closest to the people they serve. Yet by their specialized nature, special districts are sometimes thought to operate out of public view, which has led to concern and increased scrutiny by the media and the legislature in recent years. The Special District Leadership Foundation, a collab- orative effort of eight special district organizations, has developed the Districts of Distinction program to help special districts demonstrate publicly their soundness as providers of essential public services. What is the Districts of Distinction program? The Districts of Distinction program is an accreditation program that enables districts to demonstrate to their communities, the media and legislators their commitment to operate in a sound, responsible manner. Districts ap- ply for designation as a "District of Distinction" by submit- ting financial audits, policies and procedures, and proof of training received by directors and executive staff. Who should apply to be a District of Distinction? Any California special district that wants to demonstrate publicly the effectiveness of its operations. Applying for this designation shows that your district understands and respects the responsibilities inherent to providing essen- tial public services in a fiscally responsible manner. What does a district receive for completing the program? Districts of Distinction earn the right to use the program's seal on district materials and a plaque honoring their accomplishment. SDLF will also write and issue press releases and notify legislators on a district's behalf. For how long is the designation valid? The Districts of Distinction designation is valid for two years and may be renewed by submitting a renewal ap- plication and a $100 renewal fee. How does a district apply? Districts interested in earning the District of Distinction designation must complete the enclosed application and submit the following documentation: A copy of the district's policy manual, including a minute action adopting /reviewing the policies from within the last year; Copies of the three most recent audits, including financial statements and management letters; and Proof of ethics and governance training for the Board of Directors and executive staff (at least the general manager). Applications must also be accompanied by an ap- plication fee. The fee is on a sliding scale, based on a district's ability to pay: District annual operating budget Application fee 0- 299,999 200 300,000 - 749,000 400 750,000- 999,000 600 1,000,000- 2,999,999 800 3,000,000 or more 1,000 For more information, contact SDLF at 916.231.2939 or visit www.sdlf.org. ACCREDITATION CRITERIA The Districts of Distinction program enables districts to demonstrate to their communities, the media and legislators their commitment to delivering essential public services in a sound and responsible manner. Districts apply for this designation by completing the enclosed application and including financial audits, policies and procedures, and proof of training received by directors and executive staff. Financial audits Districts must demonstrate that they undergo regular financial audits and apply any recommendations to future years. What to submit. Copies of the three most recent audits, including finan- cial statements and management letters. Each audit will be reviewed by a member of the Audit Review Commit- tee. Committee members are volunteers from the special district community, including district controllers, directors of finance and general managers. To volunteer for the Audit Review Committee, contact SDLFAdministrator Melissa Soria at 916.231.2939 or msoria @sdlf.org. Policies and procedures Districts must demonstrate that their operations conform to all statutes and regulations under state law, as reflected in a policies and procedures manual. Policies and procedures should focus on governance, ethics, board conduct, district finances, reserves, etc. What to submit. Copy of your district's policies and procedures manual, along with a minute action adopting and /or reviewing the policies from within the past year. SDLF makes available guidelines for formulating sound policies, adapted from guidelines developed by the As- sociation of California WaterAgencies. To receive printed guidelines, contact SDLFAdministrator Melissa Soria at 916.231.2939 or msoria @sdlf org, or download the guidelines at www.sdif.org. Training Districts must demonstrate that ail directors and executive staff have received training in governance as well as compliance with Assembly Bill 1234, which relates to ethics: Governance: Six hours of basic governance training within the past five years. Governance Foundations, offered by the California Special Districts Association's Special District Governance Academy, satisfies this requirement. Other courses may qualify as well; contact SDLF for an up -to -date list. Ethics: As of Jan. 1, 2006, AS 1234 requires two hours of ethics training every two years for elected and appointed members of local government legislative bodies. AS 1234 ethics compliance training offered by the Califom a Special Districts Association satisfies this requirement. What to submit: Documentation showing class attendance, such as a certificate of completion, for each board member, general manager and other executive staff members as identified by the board. Application SPECIAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION DISTRICTS OF DISTINCTION State Senator(s)•: Include all state legislators representing the district's area of operation. Please include the following with this application: Board of Directors roster List of executive staff, including titles Copy of current operating budget Documentation verifying completion of AB 1234 ethics compliance training by all board members and executive staff Documentation verifying completion of governance training by a!! board members and executive staff Copies of the three most recent audits, including financial statements and management letters Copy of policies and procedures manual Copy of minutes showing the policies and procedures have been reviewed and adopted Please enclose a check for the application fee. The fee is on a sliding scale, based on a district's ability to pay: District annual operating budget: Application fee: 0- 299,999 200 300,000. 749,000 400 750,000- 999,000 600 1,000,000 - 2,999,999 800 j $3,000,000 or more 1,000 Annual application deadlines: May I and November I Submit this application along with all required documentation and payment to: Special District Leadership Foundation, 1112 1 Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814 SPI CIA1. DISTRICT LEADERSHIP EOUNUATIOV Dedicated to Excellence in dlae SpGI! Local Government nonprofitr gan In recent years the task of governing fZff0 df9h'ep b+lgfri pe a' public agencies has grown more complex s v jaiv more regulated., and more costly, New, rforta s[olrla39 more demanding benchmarks for effective government are required. In response ;'k81tfgYitr representatives of eight special district rreDstret associations combined their resources and formed the Special District Leadership Foundation to provide high - quality, cost of r nbL.: fective professional development opportu'e pp nities for special district public officials and administrative personnel. ; _. wa Q svean n t[noeasxrorouJwU NOn March 28, 2007 Mr. Kip Sturgeon East Valley Water District PO Box 271 Redlands. CA 92373 Dear Mr. Sturgeon: Last year, the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) received notification of your interest in our Districts of Distinction program. The program has recently undergone a period of transition, which is now complete and ready to move forward. To apply for the Districts of Distinction designation, a district must submit the following documents and information for review by SDLF: Board of Directors roster List of executive staff, including titles Copy of the district's current operating budget o Documentation verifying completion of AB 1234 ethics compliance training by all board members and executive staff o Documentation verifying completion of governance training by all board members and executive staff a Copies of the district's three most recent audits, including financial statements and management letters Copy of the district's policies and procedures manual Copy of minutes showing the district's policies and procedures have been reviewed and adopted The Districts of Distinction program was created to help special districts demonstrate their commitment and ability to provide essential public services. Participation in the program can mean a great deal in helping shape a positive public perception of special districts. Your interest in participating can benefit not only your district, but all special districts and the millions of Californians they serve. If you would still like additional information surrounding the program and would like to receive a District of Distinction application, please contact SDLF Specialist Nicole Dunn at 916.231.2939 or via email at nicoled(a)sdif.oro. We look forward to working with you in our continued efforts to provide districts of distinction with the recognition they deserve. Sincerely, Nicole Dunn SDLF Specialist 1112 I Street, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95814 916.231.2939 916.44:2.7839 fax at, y /.r4.1,.; tqd R' T n' Ntty 4 tI 9. 1 .., '(} 5 k. 1. 1 plI+V +ice uJ SPECIAL DISTRICT LEADERSHIP ACADEMY CSDA Citizen governance is the backbone of American democracy. The basic assumption of our governance system is that ordinary citizens who are elected or appointed to public boards reflect the beliefs, values and needs of the community. Equally important is that CSDA's they bring those values to the board table and together, as a unified board, they will set i•° ae °pn a•mr a direction that is responsive to the needs and values of the community. CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy is a groundbreaking and curriculum - formmll die CSIN based continuing education program that recognizes the necessity for the board and vo,l D;,r,rn87`11W1° general manager to work closely toward a common goal. If you are a Special District dtadony. professional, you must include this training in your schedule. It is important. It is your responsibility. Completion of the Leadership Academy training program marks a hallmark in your Special District career. This program of training is the signature of professionalism for special district leadership and special district governance. Program participants attend four six hour modules: Governance Foundations Setting Direction and Community Leadership Board's Role in Finance & Fiscal Accountability Board's Role in Human Resources General Managers are encouraged to enroll in the program as a member of the leadership team. The Academy in its entirety consists of 24 hours of instruction and participation. In order to receive the best value from this education, we recommend you complete the entire Academy. Aad • Individual module registrations are allowed; however, we strongly recommend tak- R v, ing the Governance Foundations (Module 1) as the prerequisite to the other three modules. Program participants who complete the entire program receive a certificate of completion award. Completion of all four modules may be used toward the Special District Would you like to bring the academy Administrator certification. to your areal When each member of the Board of Directors in your district completes all four modules of the Leadership Academy, your district is on its way to qualifying for the SDLF District of Distinction recognition. E r 1 tf. CE With a minimum enrollment of 25 people, CSDA will be happy to bring the Academy to you. This will allow CSDA to provide the classes based on your schedule, at your location, and at the participants' pace. This is an excellent opportu- nity to team up with other districts in your area or even your local chapter of CSDA, to cus- tomize your own schedule for completing the Academy. for more information, contact Darcel Harris, Education Director, at 877.924.CSDA or darcelh@c.sda. net. MODULE 1 March 23, 2007 Doublerree & Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina 200 Marina Blvd. Berkeley, CA 94710 510) 548 -7920 i Room rate: $149 R„iml m creation dcoalik: March I. 2007 April 13, 2007 West Valley MVCD Facility 1295 E. Locust Street Ontario, CA 91761 For nwrc infin'nlarion pk%t'mu fall CSDA: 191 b1 -14'_- 887 October 3, 2007 During CSDA Annual Conference) Porcola Plaza Hotel Two Porcola Plaza Monterey, CA 93940 Genera.l: (831) 649 -4511 This workshop requires payment separate from Annual i Conference Registration. Room rate: $185 i Room raar,rnirm deadline ii'ptcnlbrl l.:i. 201:- MODULE 2 April 20, 2007 Doubletree & Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina 200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94710 i (510) 548 -7920 Room rate: $149 Boom rc.scrs'stiou deadline: Mute) 29. 2007 May 11, 2007 West Valley MVCD Pacific 1295 E. Locust Street Ontario, CA 91761 Fni mole inioi'nl'allon please call (.SDA: 916i -4 12 -'88 MODULE 3 MODULE 4 May 31, 2007 August 3, 2007 West Valley MVCD Facility Doubletree & Executive 1295 E. Locust Street Meeting Center Ontario, CA 91761 Berkeley Marina Fol nvoe inlonn;nifm please 200 Marina Blvd. C;:I) ' N.)A: Berkeley, CA 94710 I:n(,i 4 -;?- Sl- 510) 548 -7920 Room rate: $149 t 1, 4,n1 re5e1''2UOli i1Cdi { {I Il (:: June 7, 2007 luiv 12.2(io- Doublerree & Executive Meeting Center Berkeley Marina 200 Marina Blvd. Berkeley, CA 94710 510) 548 -7920 Room rate: $149 i Ro n1 w"Civ,mon deadline: M i.% 16:200-, November 9, 2007 West Valley MVCD Facility 1295 E. Locust Street Ontario, CA 91761 i 14,r nlolr. inhlnna60J) plcxa CAJ CSDA: 9161 -4.42- 5ti, mI m71,. I Mohleicen'..: fwndnivm : Module 2Semenauon/ tealenA'r Governance Foundations As the core of CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy, this module serves as the "foundation" for the series on the effective governance of special districts. This course focuses on the three critical dimensions of governance: Special District Trustees as Policy Leaders The Effective Special District Board The Board's Responsibilities and Roles in Special Districts The focus of this course, the Effective Special District Board, is on the four essential steps leading to effective governance for special districts. Directors /Trustees will learn how to: a unity of purpose on their board and work within the board's role in the district a strong, positive operational culture on The board the formal structure of the board March 23 - Berkeley April 93 -cearia iiWioi er 3 - Iltaa2eroy (DunngAnnuai L'anfermce) Setting Direction /Community Leadership The second module in the Academy focuses on two critical aspects of governance: the board's role in setting the long -term direction for the special district and the board's role in educating the public on the importance of the agency's agenda. The Setting Direction portion of this class will provide a step -by -step discussion of the board and senior management's roles in establishing the vision, mission, and strategic goals and success indicators for the district. The Community Leadership portion of the class will address the importance of the board providing leadership and information to the public on the essential services provided by the special district in their community. The Setting Direction element of this course will teach participants to: why The process of setting direction is important and the benefits of the process for your district to think strategically the importance of being future - oriented to make the transition from individual board member to a member of a governance team the sequence of steps in developing a setting- direction process The Community Leadership element of This course will teach participants: Why it is important to be with the community To with the person who approaches you in public on district business To set protocols for the public's in board meetings To a board communications plan April 2C - OerWey May I I - anwic AGENDA Each module follows the same format: 9:30 a.m, to 9 a.m. — Registration 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Instruction 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Lunch Lunch included in registration fees. May 715 — Ontario August 3 — Berkeley slims 7 -- S'arkeiel;9 November 9 — Onurio MODULE4 Board's Role in Finance & Fiscal Accountability Board's Role in Human Resources The third module in the series looks at how the special The fourth and final module in the series focuses on district board carries out its fiduciary responsibility to what might be the most difficult area for most special the district The budget is arguably the most significant district boards: personnel. The main employee hired by policy document in a special district. It reflects the short the governing board is the general manager. This module and long -term goals of the district. Boards do more than will address the board's ongoing relationship with the just adopt budgets; they also monitor budgets, receive manager, the senior staff and other staff in the district. It audit reports and understand the principles of facility will address general manager evaluation, the board's role development. in the evaluation of other staff members, and what to do and not do in human resources. Participants will learn how to: a method for approving the district's annual Participants will learn how to: budget guidelines when assessing the performance of budget information to the public the general manager financial goals a protocol for approving personnel policies district finances a process for approving job descripriom and a process for capital improvement plans and organizational structure developing a reserves guideline confidentiality and legal liabilities of a district finance to: district board member District belief Values Mission Strategic goals AGENDA Each module follows the same format: 9:30 a.m, to 9 a.m. — Registration 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Instruction 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Lunch Lunch included in registration fees. May 715 — Ontario August 3 — Berkeley slims 7 -- S'arkeiel;9 November 9 — Onurio Q v.•vavnrro rco..non CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy becomes platform of SDLF Recognition Program CSDA's Special District Leadership Academy certificate of completion is the first step to realizing the Recognition in Special District Governance developed by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF). In addition to the Academy, a candidate must also complete 10 hours of elective coursework by one of the Foundation's sponsoring organizations; Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) California Association of Public Cemeteries (CAPC) California Association of Recreation and Park Districts (CARPD) California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) California Rural Water Association (CRWA) California Special Districts Association (CSDA) Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) Mosquito and Vector Control Association of California (MVCAC). The recognition is designed so that the Academy covers the essentials of good governance, and the electives cover service - specific knowledge. Districts that are members of one of the sponsoring organizations will receive a significant discount on the price of the Academy. For further information on SDLF, please contact SDLF Administrator, Darcel Harris at 916.442.7887 or darcelh@csda.ner X. CSDA is pleased to announce: NO INCREASE in 2007 Leadership Academy Registration Fees! i s°D`rshlll RegistrationLeadlDl1Academy @Ci- .ir..]53Sa^.8's"3En ,.:dF"+••` -' FULL R GISTRATION FOR ALL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COURSES —BEST VALUE! Full registration includes registration for all classes in CSDAs Special District Leadership Academy. Simply indicate which classes You would be interested in attending by checking the appropriate box below. YES; E WOULD LIKE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FULL ACADEMY1 CSDA Member: $660 1 SDLF Sponsoring Organization Member: $760 Non- member: $1,020 IWD1lylfaUAL IJODULES 'Registration fee includes lunch. CSDA Member: $185 per course I SDLF Sponsoring Organization Member: $210 per course Non- member: $275 per course Governance Foundations Board's Role in Finance & Fiscal Responsibility March 23, 2007 — Berkeley May 31, 2007 — Ontario April 13, 2007 — Ontario June 7, 2007 — Berkeley October 3, 2007 — Monterey Setting Direction /Community Leadership April 20, 2007 — Berkeley May 11, 2007 —Ontario PLEASE idAlUF6.R THIS FORhq TO: CSDA, 1112 1 Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814 Toll -free: 877.924.CSDA (2732) 1 Fax 916.442.7889 Regiscer on -line at www.csda.net Board's Role in Human Resources August 3, 2007 — Berkeley November 9, 2007 — Ontario CANCELLATION POLICY Cancellations MUST be made IN WRITING no later than three days prior to the event in order to receive a full refund less a $25 processing fee. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. Payment Method: Check Visa MasterCard Aca. Name: Accr. Number: E,--D. 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