Candidate for
Board Member; Casitas Municipal Water District; Division 5

REVIEW OF A TIME LINE FOR CMWD Past + Present - Future

The Past

The last eight years has brought many positive changes to CMWD.

One of the most important changes was a command shift following the retirement of a long-term General Manager. This single event helped set the stage for a new direction at the District which carried with it the possibility of establishing new relationships with local, State, and Federal agencies as well as the users of Lake Casitas and its water.

In addition, my involvement with risk management helped develop new safety guidelines and compliance with State and Federal laws. As a result, CMWD's employees are now safer in their workplace.

Very careful attention was also given to the development of the Resource Management Plan mandated by the Bureau of Reclamation. This plan will guide the type and intensity of recreation at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area and provide for the protection of resources at the same time. Intensive scrutiny of detail, legal requirements, and adherence to the vision of CMWD resulted in a favorable outcome for the District and the lake.

The discovery of Quagga mussels in Lake Mead in 2007 and its rapid spread to other water bodies prompted an immediate need to develop methods to protect our water resource from emanate destruction! CMWD developed one of the first boat inspection procedures to protect lakes that are used for both recreation and as a public water supply. The diligence and dedication of CMWD's Park Service Officers in applying all of the inspection procedures has been an effective deterrent against the infestation of Lake Casitas by Quagga and Zebra Mussels, and other invasive species.

In conclusion, the actions by the Board of Directors and new General Manager have corrected the District's long-term deferred maintenance problems and enabled the District to reach out and work more closely with other public agencies and private water companies. In addition, the District has improved its relationship with the Bureau of Reclamation by negotiating a required Recreation Agreement. Finally, the District revised the water rates paid by different types of users to be in compliance with changes in State law.

THE PRESENT

Currently, the Board of Directors is facing an important policy decision. At issue is the request of the customers of Golden State Water Company to be relieved of their exposure to frequent water rate increases. The CMWD Board is reviewing the request and a decision will be forthcoming soon.

CMWD is also beginning a comprehensive review of the Water Efficiency and Allocation Program (WEAP). This process will entail a fresh look at an ordinance adopted in 1992 (after a dreadful 5 year drought) to see if water allocations in relation to demand factors are correct and current water conservation measures are effective enough.

In addition, the District is drafting a new water service agreement with the City of Ventura to assure that its water sales are in compliance with both the State Water Code and the District's water license issued by the State Water Board.

The Matilija Dam Ecosystem Restoration Project has been stymied by both the method and cost of properly transporting and disposing of an estimated two million cubic yards of fine sediment trapped behind the dam. The fine sediment includes nutrients and other constituents that must not find their way into our critical water resources during water diversions. After months of review by the Fine Sediment Working Group a list was developed for suggested solutions and tactics. This list was handed to a newly formed Technical Advisory Group, which will include expertise in the fields needed of find the most cost effective measures required to solve the disposal problems and allow demolition of the Matilija Dam to proceed.

THE FUTURE

Dramatic changes can become reality in the future as a result of dynamic leadership in the present and a commitment to action by concerned citizens. Thus, self-determination is possible for the local customers of Golden State Water Company. To make my position as clear as possible, I feel the customers of GSWC have every right to determine their own future and the future of their community.

Concerning another subject, the identification of the activities allowed in the area surrounding Lake Casitas (which was purchased by the federal government in 1973) remains to be finished. The property (over 3000 acres in size) was acquired to protect Lake Casitas from pollutants that could have caused devastating algae blooms and stinky lake water coming out of residents' faucets. CMWD and the Bureau of Reclamation will tackle the issue of identifying activities and management of the area in the near future. Once again, to make my position clear, I am going to do everything possible to protect the quality of the lake water upon which everyone in the District depends.

Another major item, the removal of Matilija Dam must not be allowed to languish unfinished for decades. There are good reasons to remove the dam and restore the Ventura River because this river is one of the keys to maintaining economic and recreational prosperity for this area as well as providing habitat for both local and migratory wildlife. I am committed to the completion of this major restoration project and will diligently pursue it until the final piece of concrete is brought down.

The water that every person who lives in our district relies on originates as water that falls from the sky. The management of this water resource, both as surface water and ground water is paramount to the survival and sustainability of our culture, customs, businesses, and heritage.