Susanna Li

The caucus meeting included introductions of attendees present in person and virtually. The primary discussion item involved a detailed presentation on the turf replacement rebate program for businesses and institutions, detailing current rebate amounts of $7 per square foot (up to $50,000 for commercial and $200,000 for public agencies) until September 30, 2026, after which it reverts to $4 per square foot. The discussion covered program requirements, including the need for an efficient irrigation system upgrade, planting of new trees (with a $100 rebate per tree, maximum of five), retaining stormwater on-site, and using permeable hardscape and mulch. The presentation also addressed California Assembly Bill 1572, which prohibits the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf starting in 2027 for public agencies and 2028 for commercial entities. Further discussion touched upon free water use surveys and a potential pilot program with the Department of Public Works.

The meeting commenced with the calling to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a call for public comments, which did not receive any written or electronic requests. Key discussions centered around two proclamations: one recognizing Juneteenth, acknowledging its historical significance, the impact of slavery, and the agency's prior resolution designating it as an observed holiday; and a second proclamation recognizing LGBTQI+ Pride Month, honoring the community's history and ongoing pursuit of equity. The agenda also included a presentation by Ms. June Lopez, representing the Aqua Foundation, detailing its establishment as a separate 501c3 non-profit entity focused on advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and workforce development within the water industry. The foundation's immediate focus areas include securing funding, developing effective programs and accountability strategies, and fostering partnerships. The discussion highlighted the increasing public and regulatory scrutiny regarding DEI and ESG initiatives, as well as the importance of these efforts for future workforce relevance and state partner relations.

The special board meeting included public comments, one of which was a written submission commending the entity for transparency regarding audit reports. Another comment addressed the importance of civic engagement, particularly among young people, regarding water provision. The meeting featured presentations recognizing Cal State University Dominguez Hills for their commitment to sustainability and water conservation, specifically highlighting their innovative HVAC condensate reuse system which saves approximately 880,000 gallons of water annually and serves as an educational resource. A proclamation was issued honoring the university's engineering students, sustainability office, and central plant team for winning a 'One Water Award.' A second presentation involved a proclamation recognizing Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in Texas in 1865, and recognizing the board's prior action to make it an observed holiday for the district.

The Public Information & Education Committee meeting involved quorum determination and no public comments were received. Key discussions focused on two main items. The first action item concerned the recommendation to award an agreement for event production services for the 2025-2026 Water Harvest Festival, with a strong recommendation for Coast to Coast Conferences and Events based on qualifications, value, and past performance, despite a slightly higher bid than a competitor. The second major topic was an update on the 30-year recycled water anniversary campaign, detailing ongoing and planned recognition tactics such as facility tours, branded materials, and digital content. A significant portion of the discussion involved seeking board feedback on the scale and format of a potential dedicated 30-year celebratory event, with suggestions leaning towards an expansion of the annual Water Harvest Breakfast or a separate weekday event to better engage key customers and partners.

The meeting commenced with a quorum confirmation. Key discussions included the presentation and recommendation for adopting a resolution authorizing a grant application to the California Department of Water Resources for the Landscape Smart Outdoor Gear Efficiency Program, focusing on outdoor water efficiency measures and turf removal. The committee also reviewed legislative updates, covering federal affairs, including the Omnibus Appropriations Bill and the 2022 Water Resources Development Act, and state affairs, noting Governor Newsom's inauguration focusing on state policies, the state budget deficit, and pension returns. Discussions also covered key legislative committee assignments in the Senate and Assembly, particularly concerning environmental quality, water issues, and tracking legislation related to snowpack, atmospheric rivers, and water supply risk reduction. The Director Installation Ceremony agenda item was tabled pending the arrival of Director Gray.