On Thursday, October 27, 2022, leaders in water, business, labor, agriculture, and nonprofits joined us for our annual meeting, a dinner with award presentations, and a keynote by State Water Resources Control Board Vice Chair Dorene D’Adamo on the state of California water and an update on efforts to expand uses of recycled water and reuse.

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl introduces keynote speaker Dorene D’Adamo, Vice Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.

SCWC held its annual Board meeting prior to the dinner and State Senator John Laird joined the group via Zoom web conference to talk about water infrastructure funding. The dinner followed with nearly 300 people attended. Two awards were given out to outstanding members of SCWC for their work.

A.G. Kawamura Recognized with Harriett M. Wieder Award

A.G. Kawamura received the 2022 Harriett M. Wieder Award for his holistic water leadership. He is third-generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper from Orange County and the former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (2003-2010). He is co-chair of Solutions From the Land, a non-profit organization that collaborates with farmers, ranchers, foresters and stakeholders to implement climate smart land management practices and strategies.

A.G. Kawamura won the 2022 Harriett M. Wieder Award for his holistic water leadership. He was unable to attend and Paul Cook, GM of IRWD, accepted the award on his behalf.

In addition to his longtime service on the SCWC Board, Kawamura currently serves on several boards and committees including: The Ag Advisory Committee for the AGree Initiative; the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR), a policy arm of the National Academy of Sciences’ Natural Resource Council; Ag Advisory Committee for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Trustee for the Council on Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST); American Farmland Trust; The 25x’25 Alliance, a national alliance of renewable energy stakeholders; Advisory Committee for the Agricultural Sustainability Institute (ASI) at U.C. Davis. He is a former chair and current board member of Western Growers Association. As a progressive urban farmer, Kawamura has a lifetime of experience working within the shrinking rural and urban boundaries of Southern California. Kawamura graduated with a BA from UC Berkeley and was participated in the California Ag Leadership Program.

Patty Cortez Wins Kathy Cole Award

Patty Cortez’s legislative work in California water in general and as Co-Chair of SCWC’s Legislative Task Force was recognized with the Kathy Cole Award. Cortez is the Mayor of the City of Covina and the Executive Director of Government and Community Affairs at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. She has over fifteen years of diversified experience in the management of public relation campaigns, public affairs and crisis communications. Patty is responsible for managing the District’s legislative agenda, public relations and educational outreach to the community.

Tony Fellow, Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District Board member, presents the 2022 Kathy Cole Award to Patty Cortez, Covina City Mayor and Executive Manager of Government and Community Affairs of USGVWD.

Prior to joining Upper District, Patty was a Public Affairs Manager for Edison International in the Legislative Affairs division. There, she managed public outreach programs for Edison’s legislative priorities and new infrastructure projects. Patty also served as a District Representative for Congressman Gary Miller and has extensive experience in public relations with Formula PR, where she developed national PR campaigns for sports and entertainment clients.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford has served as SCWC’s Board Chair since July 2020. Her term with us ends this year. She was recognized at the Annual Dinner with an award and SCWC’s sincere thanks for her leadership.

SCWC Board Chair and San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford and SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson, as Supervisor Rutherford is recognized for her service as SCWC Board Chair.

Dorene D’Adamo, Vice Chair, State Water Resources Control Board, makes keynote remarks at the SCWC Annual Dinner at the Long Beach Hilton on Oct. 27, 2022.

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In honor of Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting just a few of the regional female leaders whose service to public health and water supply reliability has proved instrumental in achieving strides towards sustainability. Their reflections on their careers, their support for one another, and their advice for other women pursuing a future in water are nothing short of inspiring. Each woman serves as a member of the Southern California Water Coalition Board of Trustees and several also chair or co-chair its task forces.

Patty Cortez

Patty Cortez, Mayor Pro Tem for City of Covina, SCWC board member, and co-chair of the SCWC Legislative Task Force, encourages new professionals to learn as much as they can and not be afraid to ask questions. She reflected on moments at the beginning of her career when she was intimidated by others’ titles and expertise. “Over time, I found that the water industry is a very supportive community across all levels,” said Cortez. “I wish I had taken those early moments to ask questions and increase my knowledge in the field.” 

Cortez herself brings tremendous expertise and experience that benefits the water field, including a background in public relations, work as a district staffer for a member of Congress, and public affairs and legislative project management for an energy utility.

“I truly believe every position I had prepared me to be where I am today,” said Cortez. “My background helped me realize that my passion was working in government and communicating to the public. Thankfully I have been fortunate enough to combine the two into my position today.”

Heather Dyer

Looking back on the beginning of her career, Heather Dyer, the CEO and general manager of the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, never imagined that the top job at a water district was in her professional future. “I am an endangered species biologist by training,” said Dyer. “If I could give myself advice when I was new to the water industry, it would be to take off your blinders and let yourself imagine what is possible and what path you might take.”

Dyer discovered that her skill set was applicable across many aspects of her work throughout her career. “At the beginning, I never fully understood my ‘why.’ My why is complex problem solving to make the world a better place. I wish I had figured that out earlier.” She encourages young women just entering their field to figure out their “why,” too. “That will drive your future to do work that you love.” 

Allison Febbo

For Allison Febbo, the general manager of the Mojave Water Agency, inspiration to pursue a career in water started with the female role models throughout her life. “I had a science teacher in high school who went out of her way to acknowledge and support my interest and abilities in the subject,” said Febbo, who also chairs SCWC’s Delta Issues Task Force. “And later, a college professor and scientist guided my development and was a great role model.” More recently, Febbo was encouraged by a colleague at the Mojave Water Agency. “Laura King Moon, the assistant general manager of State Water Contractors, made regular efforts to advise and support me through my career development,” added Febbo.

She considers herself fortunate to have been motivated by several influential women throughout her education and career and hopes to do the same for young women looking to enter the water industry today. “I would advise young women to expose themselves to as many networking, training, and leadership experiences as possible throughout their career, including finding a trusted mentor to help with guidance and advice,” said Febbo. “Find a comfortable work/life balance. We must develop and honor ourselves as whole individuals to make sustained contributions to water.”

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady

Carol Lee Gonzales-Brady, the Board President of the Rancho California Water District and co-chair of SCWC’s Legislative Task Force, was inspired by prominent water rights attorney and Laguna Beach County Water District Commissioner Susan Trager to pursue and persist in her work in the water industry. “I had the honor and pleasure of counting her as a dear friend for years,” said Gonzales-Brady.

When one is just starting out in their career, it can be easy to get caught up with worries about what other people think. But the best advice that she’d give those starting out is to not to try too hard to please everyone. “There will always be those who may not like you or may even work against you for a variety of reasons,” said Gonzales-Brady. “But respect is more important than popularity, so make sure you focus on producing high-quality work.”

Sandra Kerl

Sandy Kerl, general manager of the San Diego County Water Authority and chair of SCWC’s Colorado River Task Force, found inspiration from a female water veteran of her district who pioneered innovation. “Maureen Stapleton, SDCWA’s retired general manager, helped to create water reliability through innovation and creativity in the San Diego region that had never been done before and is standing the test of time during this historic drought in California.” It’s these dynamic approaches that Kerl hopes to see more women bringing to the future of water. 

As one who spent her entire career in public service, starting as an intern and working her way up, Kerl knows a thing or two about professional growth and development. “Avail yourself to all opportunities to learn and engage,” Kerl advised all newcomers to the water industry. “Seize opportunities to attend webinars, training, conferences, mentorships, and new assignments for which you will have to stretch to achieve the desired outcome.” 

Joone Kim-Lopez

As a former police officer, Joone Kim-Lopez is unafraid to stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. “I can’t sit by and see injustice,” said Kim-Lopez, who is now the general manager of the Moulton Niguel Water District. “I hope that women will be more impactful in establishing justice because when you talk about diversity and inclusion, what it comes down to is justice.” She hopes that her leadership will continue to inspire regional inclusion efforts and keep moving water in the direction of equity. 

There were many women in water that Kim-Lopez looked up to when she entered the public leadership. “Environmentalist Frances Spivy-Weber, Orange County-based water leaders Cathy Green and Pam Tobin, and San Bernardino County-based water leader Kathy Tiegs all spoke up and stuck up for others,” said Kim-Lopez. “I admired that.” She went on to articulate her hope for the water industry’s future to include more perspectives from different backgrounds. “We have the ability to make things better for the people of California,” said Kim-Lopez. “Find your calling. Get involved in your community.”

Kris Murray

Kris Murray, Chair of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and president of KLM Strategies, a women-owned consulting firm advancing sustainable projects, encourages women’s involvement in the water industry. “Women are still underrepresented despite many rewarding career paths within the water industry,” said Murray. She recommends that women entering the sector identify mentors to guide them and to join associations and industry groups that will help them develop their skills, broaden their contacts, and open opportunities for leadership.

“The future of water must include a comprehensive focus on the nexus between climate change, sustainability of our natural resources, water quality and supply,” said Murray, who also chairs SCWC’s Water Energy Efficiency Task Force. “I look forward to watching women in water innovate new ways to resolve these issues and secure the long-term resiliency of our industry.”

Janice Rutherford

Janice Rutherford, SCWC Board Chair and the Second District Supervisor of the County of San Bernardino, is continually inspired by women’s hard work, expertise, and contributions to the water sector. Her shoutout is to Debby Cherney, who served as the Eastern Municipal Water District’s Deputy General Manager.

“Debby impresses me with her work ethic as well as her desire to expand her knowledge of policy and government issues,” said Rutherford. “She is dedicated to helping other women succeed in their career paths, and I admire her commitment to excellence in public service.” 

Kathy J. Tiegs

Kathy J. Tiegs, former SCWC Board Chair and longtime director of Cucamonga Valley Water District, was motivated by another strong leader in water. “Pat Mulroy, the retired general manager of Southern Nevada Water Authority, inspired me throughout my career,” said Tiegs. “In a male-dominated industry, she encouraged women to get involved in water issues and pursue leadership and elected positions. I am forever grateful to Ms. Mulroy for the example she set in blazing the path for women in the water industry.”

Tiegs also had a welcoming statement for young women entering the water industry. “You are the next generation of women water leaders to protect our most vital resource: water,” said Tiegs. “The water industry provides you with the opportunity to achieve your long-term goals, take on leadership roles, work with a diverse multidisciplinary group of professionals, meet interesting people, influence collaboration and outcomes, and most importantly, have your voice heard as more and more women get involved in water issues.”

Eunice Ulloa

Mayor Eunice Ulloa of the City of Chino grew up in the hub of the citrus and dairy industry, making her keenly aware of the importance of water from a young age. When she served as the executive director of the Chino Basin Water Conservation District, she was excited to see many young women entering the water industry.

Ulloa, who has served on the Chino City Council since 1984, recounted a time that she felt re-inspired by one of her hires: “I hired a young woman with a doctorate in Water Science and Management to lead our education programs. Her passion for her work, her knowledge and understanding of the science of water, and the art of educating others about water were infectious. Her energy and creativity in teaching students about water by getting them out in the field, experiencing the complexity firsthand, and passing along those skills to educators were exciting and inspiring. When she spoke, you could see lightbulbs turning on in the room. I think that for those of us who have been in the water industry a long time, it is important to look at the issues from new perspectives.”

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“I’m so grateful to be serving a collaborative partnership dedicated to Southern California’s water needs,” said Rutherford.

Rutherford has a long history in public service, including serving on Fontana City Council in 2000 where she served three terms, serving on the Parks and Recreation Commission as well as the Fontana Planning Commission. Rutherford was then elected to the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors and was selected to serve as Chair of the board in 2013, consequently reelected as Second District Supervisor in 2014, and re-elected again in 2018.

“We’re very fortunate to have an experienced and passionate community leader joining the force for the advancement of water policy and state water resource education,” said SCWC Executive Director, Charles Wilson. “I’m so pleased to welcome her as our new chair.”

Rutherford currently serves on many boards with the County, including the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority. With over a decade of experience serving on City Council as well as many awards and recognitions for her dedication to community service, the SCWC looks forward to Janice Rutherford’s contributions to the coalition.

Established in 1984, the Southern California Water Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources. Spanning Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Riverside, Ventura and Kern counties, the SCWC’s members include representatives from business, government, agriculture, water agencies, labor and the general public.

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