SOLUTIONS & INNOVATIONS

rates. Then, each potential savings measure is assessed to calculate anticipated lifetime savings.

Once the measures are agreed upon, the project moves through the phases of design, development, construction and completion. “We provided project management for the project from start to finish,” said Mitchell.

Centrica supported the district through the financing application process. In this case, a California Energy Commission (CEC) loan was identified that offered the district a 1% interest rate and a payback of just over 16 years at an estimated energy savings of nearly 59,000 kWh, translating to $9,723 energy savings plus $1,221 system maintenance savings per year.

“The loan process is often the longest part of the process,” said Centrica Project Manager Dustin Schaff. “We supported the district by providing the necessary analysis, data and supporting documentation to help the process go smoothly.”

In the case of Rim of the World Recreation and Park District, there were three measures identified for upgrade: Networkable thermostats, LED lighting, and solar panels.

Networkable thermostats were important due to the remote location of the site. When snow makes it difficult for staff to be on location, it is critically important that the systems be able to be monitored remotely and to activate on a preset schedule.

Exterior and interior lighting was upgraded to LED at three locations, including controls that would activate and deactivate lights with occupancy either on schedule or by motion. One common solution to reducing energy usage is to have lighting installed that can’t be left on for long periods when not in use.

Solar panels on three buildings were the final measure, which at these sites was a bit different than Centrica’s usual solar panel project due to the residential-style construction. The district buildings have steeply pitched roofs to encourage snow to slide off. When accounting for solar panel energy savings in a snow environment, a forecast model takes into account the amount of sunlight available to the panels so the district has a realistic expectation of energy production.

California has been a national leader in innovative thinking, from public policy to environmental changes designed to lessen humankind’s carbon footprint. The federal ambition put into place by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 should soon translate to incentives for special districts to continue seeking efficiency projects to meet the nation’s carbon reduction goals and the state’s more aggressive stated goal of net zero carbon pollution by 2045.

To learn more about Centrica Business Solutions, visit centricabusinesssolutions.com.

CSDA encourages our members to also watch your weekly eNews for an aggregated grants update provided by our affiliation with the National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC). The weekly grant update is provided in partnership between NSDC and The Ferguson Group.

CSDA Members that may not have an energy efficiency project coming up can still have their energy bills analyzed for savings by CSDA Endorsed Affiliate Utility Cost Management (UCM). Their process is simple and affordable. For more information, visit utilitycostmanagement.com.

Give yourself a benefits checkup to be sure you’re utilizing all your membership offers!

West Valley Water District is pleased to announce that Director Kelvin Moore, Division 3, has received the 2023 Norris McDonald Living Legacy Award by the Inland Valley news for his dedication to the betterment of his community and the environment. The award is presented to individuals who are dedicated to protecting the environment, enhancing human experience, plant ecologies, and increasing African American participation in the environmental movement.

“I am honored and humbled to have received this award and grateful for the opportunities I have been given to serve my community,” said Director Moore, “I want to provide my heartfelt thanks to Inland Valley News for honoring me in this way and hope to continue my work at the West Valley Water District and other service groups that I am a part of, to the utmost benefit of those we serve.”

Congratulations to West Basin Municipal Water District Water Policy and Resource Analyst Jenyffer Vasquez on being awarded an Emerging Leader Award from the Waternow

Alliance. Jenyffer oversees the district’s grass replacement pilot program that provides landscape design resources, free droughtresistant trees, direct assistance with rebate applications, and translated program materials, in order to support an existing turf replacement program through West Basin. The program prioritizes environmental justice communities through the use of Census data and CalEnviroScreen. Jenyffer also participates in the Transformative Water Leadership Academy and hopes to explore language access in the water sector to find ways to enhance program development to the diverse communities her water utility serves.

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) announces that Laura Maravilla has been chosen as the new Director of Human Resources replacing recently retired Celia Chandler. As the new Director of Human Resources, she oversees a staff of 25 human resources and risk management staff. In this role, Ms. Maravilla is responsible for providing human resources management, and ensuring compliance with employment law and regulations. Additionally, she develops and manages programs designed to attract and retain top talent and ensure the safety of OC San’s workforce. CSDA would like to congratulate Laura Maravilla on her new role, which began the end of March, and send congratulations to Celia Chandler with best wishes for retirement.

The Board of Directors of Westlands Water District (District) named Allison Febbo as the next General Manager. With nearly 25 years of experience in natural resources, hydrology, and water operations, Ms. Febbo will be the first woman to serve the District as General Manager. “Westlands has long been recognized as a leader in California water policy, and I look forward to working collaboratively with staff, water users, and other agencies to explore and implement creative, comprehensive and climateresilient approaches,” said Febbo.

After 35 years of service and over 8 years with Montecito Fire, Chief Kevin Taylor retired on March 31, 2023.

”In my 35 years, serving the community remains at the heart of why I chose this profession. Your support and gratitude have sustained me through the most difficult moments. None of my professional accomplishments would have been possible without the outstanding people who comprise the Montecito Fire Department, the incredible community we serve, and most of all, my supportive wife and son,” he said.

In retirement, Chief Taylor looks forward to road-tripping across the country with his wife & spending more time with his son Jake, as well as distance running & boating. Congratulations on a distinguished career & well-deserved retirement, Chief Taylor.

The Board of Directors at Peninsula Healthcare District has announced the selection of Ana M. Pulido as their new Chief Executive Officer after past CEO Cheryl Fama announced her retirement. Fama was with PHCSD since 2007.

“Having deep roots in San Mateo County, I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve as Peninsula Health Care District’s next Chief Executive Officer,” said Ana Maria Pulido, Chief Executive Officer, Peninsula Health Care District. “I would like to thank the Board

MOVERS & SHAKERS

of Directors for their trust in my leadership.”

CSDA would like to congratulate CEO Pulido on her new role which began April 10 and send congratulations to Cheryl Fama with best wishes for retirement.

The Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) announced that Wally Ritchie has been selected as the new Director of Finance. Mr. Ritchie will be responsible for providing oversight to OC San’s accounting and treasury, procurement and warehousing, and information technology functions. Prior to his promotion as the Director of Finance, he served as the Controller for four years.

Mr. Ritchie has nearly fifteen years of government finance and administration experience and a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining OC San, he served as the Director of Finance/Assistant City Manager for the City of Ivins in Utah. Additionally, he has worked as a Director of Finance, Controller, and City Manager.

Eastern Municipal Water District Vice President Stephen J. Corona was elected to the Board of Commissioners for the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) for the western district of Riverside County. Corona joins the seven-member LAFCO Board as a Special District representative. The LAFCO Board includes two Riverside County Supervisors, two City Council representatives, two special district representatives, and a member of the public.

Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA) announced the selection of Brian Kelley as their new CEO. Kelly is a lifelong resident of Sacramento, with an undergraduate degree and an MBA from CSU Sacramento. His background includes the position of COO at Public Risk Innovation, Solutions and Management (PRISM) where he was responsible for underwriting, human resources and employee benefits programs. PRISM provides coverage and risk management services to 55 counties, including special districts and special district JPAs. His new role as SDRMA CEO began in March.