Issues 

 

Control Water Rates

I will fight to keep our water rates down. I will maintain constant vigilance over OMWD’s internal costs and oppose wasteful and unnecessary spending. I will challenge our water wholesalers, demanding fiscal control so unreasonable cost increases are not passed on to us! For example, in June 2023, I was one of the few San Diego County Water Authority Board members who voted against what I believe was an unreasonably high wholesale rate increase. I will continue to be vigilant in those efforts.

Oppose Unreasonable Water Use Mandates

Despite an unusually wet winter, the Colorado River, which we rely on for over 70% of our water, remains in a severe drought. Lake Mead, which supplies our water, is less than 35% full. Fortunately, San Diego County is better positioned than most places to withstand water shortages because of your water conservation efforts, recycling, water reuse, and local desalination. I will oppose water use mandates from Sacramento that do not consider our available supply.

Promote Conservation and Drought Education

We must conserve water and provide incentives such as rebates and credits for our water conservation efforts. I introduced a well-attended online Native Plant Virtual Workshop, which provided information about native plants and how to reduce your garden water use. I supported a succulent plant giveaway with OMWD staff at the Encinitas Home Depot to encourage drought-resistant planting.

       Encourage Access to OMWD’s AquaHawk ™ Portal.

With AquaHawk, you can monitor your water use by the hour, reducing your water bill by as much as 15 percent! I have supported OMWD staff's rollout of the system and to providing access customer support. Thousands of OMWD customers monitor their water use online thanks to their efforts. If you haven’t yet, here is the link to get you started http://www.olivenhain.com/mywateruse/: 

Explore Alternative Sources of Water Supply

We do not receive enough rain in San Diego County to meet our local needs. OMWD is exploring the feasibility of locally sourced groundwater from the San Dieguito Valley to reduce our reliance on others. The Board will soon make important decisions about whether to go forward with this project. You can learn more about it at https://www.olivenhain.com/your-water-supplies/san-elijosan-dieguito-valley-groundwater-project/.

Increase District Transparency

Promoting transparency and accessibility in public meetings is crucial for fostering trust and accountability in our communities. My OMWD board was one of the few water agencies that did not provide remote meeting access. In January 2023, I recommended staff explore live public streaming. My objective came true in August 2023 when the Board adopted my recommendation. From now on, all OMWD public meetings are accessible through Zoom. Just go to the agenda for information and join! I encourage citizen participation. We need more input from you!