Despite an additional five million people in the area over the last 30 years, Californians deserve a pat on the back for keeping overall water usage at the same level since 1985. Nonetheless, we still need to cut back even more.
This from Luis Cetina, Principal Government & Regional Affairs Representative for The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, who captivated the audience at the November 6 Government Affairs Forum with his knowledge of all things water. We all know that California is in the midst of a severe drought, but what you probably did not know is that the MWD has made great strides in insuring that we here in Southern California have an adequate supply of water.
The monthly forums open to the public are sponsored by Keystone 365 Sponsor Singpoli and led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting, as well as Forum co-chair Peter Ulrich.
<Story continues below the following photo gallery from today’s Forum, which includes slides from the PowerPoint presentation…>[flagallery gid=250]
The MWD is a regional water wholesaler with 26 member agencies serving 5 counties and 19 million residents. It is a 5, 200 square-mile area servicing a $1 trillion economy! Noting that California is in the midst of an exceptional drought, Luis showed the audience a dramatic slide of the January 2014 snow pack compared to the January 2013 snow pack (see photo gallery above). Virtually no snow in 2014. Of course, California relies on that snow pack for a significant amount of our water.
Luis indicates that the Governor has called for a 20% reduction in water use. There has been a doubling of the conservation budget to $40 million, making funds available to residents who would like to invest in drought tolerant landscape. Two stunning facts that we should all be proud of here in Southern California:
- Since the late 1980’s potable per capita water use has declined 24% in Southern California.
- Demand for water is flat even though we have added five million more people to the area.
Proposition 1 is a $7.545 billion bond issue that was just passed by the voters. It addresses water quality, supply and infrastructure. It includes $2.76 billion for water storage facilities. Proposition 1 has no earmarks, provides for a competitive process and provides money for projects that leverage non-state funds. It is Bay Delta Conservation Project neutral. Eligible applicants include public agencies, non-profits, public utilities, tribes and mutual water companies.
In addition to hearing from Luis Centina, Brian Mejia representing County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich provided the audience with an update. Brian indicates that the county has just launched a new website trails.lacounty.gov It is a super website listing all sorts of information about hiking trails and the great outdoors. Brian also indicates that the Supervisor will be meeting with the Arcadia City Council on November 19 at 8 a.m. at Arcadia City Hall.
Arcadia Assistant City Manager/Development Services Director Jason Kruckeberg reports that the City is hosting a grand opening of the Transit Plaza today, Thursday, Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. It is a wonderful addition to the City. Jason also reports that an Ad Hoc Committee has been meeting to update the City’s zoning requirements. In addition, the city is working on plans for development of an 80-acre industrial property on Lower Azusa Road. Jason also congratulated and thanked Pete Siberell from Santa Anita for another successful Breeders’ Cup.
John Nicoloro from the Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte Town Council reports that the District Manager of Golden State Water was one of their speakers at a recent meeting. The discussion centered on how fines can be enforced against a customer for improper water use since Golden State is a private company. Linda Sells, also from the Monrovia, Arcadia, Duarte Town Council reports that on Thursday, Nov. 20, they will be feeding 300 people a Thanksgiving meal at Pamela Park! Happy Thanksgiving indeed! Also, thanks to John and Linda for the muffins and fruit they supplied for the Government Affairs Forum.
Pete Siberell of Santa Anita Park reports that Breeders’ Cup was a success. People came in from all over the world to attend. We had visitors from Ireland, England, Dubai and from all around the United States to name just a few of the places. Breeder’s Cup provided a $65 million boost to the local economy.
Scott Hettrick, CEO of the Arcadia Chamber, reports that the website and app VisitArcadiaCalifornia.com has been launched, giving visitors and residents alike a go-to-place for information on where to eat, play and stay in Arcadia. The City supported this latest Chamber initiative with the purpose of promoting Arcadia and all it has to offer. Scott indicates that there will be a joint Chamber Mixer at Custom Comfort Mattress in Pasadena tonight, Nov. 6 from 5:30 till 8 p.m., the monthly Love Lunch at T-Neer Tea Room in Sierra Madre on November 12 between 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., and the monthly Networking Breakfast to take place at Santa Anita Golf Course on November 20 at 7:30 AM.
The public is invited on the first Thursday of each month to hear informative presentations at the monthly Government Affairs Forum led by Chairman Jack Orswell from Orswell & Kasman, Inc. Environmental Assessments & Consulting, and co-chairman Pete Ulrich, former Arcadia City Councilman. RSVPs to the Chamber of Commerce office are appreciated – (626) 447-2159 or info@ArcadiaCaChamber.org.
Story by Bill Hacket (626) 447-2159 or Bill@ArcadiaCaChamber.org
