What I've been up to at the Water District

Thought I'd cross reference some posts I've done for my Water District blog. I'll have to decide whether they're really relevant here or not for future posts. As I've said before, the work is turning out to be more about good government than straight environmentalism, but the two concepts certainly overlap when you're talking about watershed restoration, flood control, and water supply.

New chair and vice chair, and thoughts about the Gold Street project

Second board meeting: environmental review issues, ag water, and water rates

First day on the job, and questions about being the Chair in 2011

And here's a nice editorial from the San Jose Mercury News:

Mercury News editorial: At last, new leadership for Santa Clara Valley Water District

"There was a concern in the past that the (Santa Clara Valley Water District) board was somewhat dysfunctional," observed its new chairman, former county Supervisor Don Gage, as he accepted the gavel Tuesday.

Somewhat? That's putting it mildly.

What a relief to have Gage and Vice Chairwoman Linda LeZotte at the district's helm. Along with Brian Schmidt, they were elected in November as reformers. Having them head the board for the next two years -- the vice chairman generally ascends to chairman -- should reset the district's course.

....

The district for years has been distracted by board and management blunders. Now it can concentrate on the critical work of protecting our water supply, including shoring up dams that are vulnerable to earthquakes.

At the risk of repetition: What a relief.