Oro Loma Sanitary District Selects New General Manager
In January, the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board officially selected Jimmy T. Dang, P.E., MPA, CHST, as the new General Manager for the District. His selection was the culmination of a national search to fill the position. According to the Board’s Selection Committee, there were many qualified candidates but Mr. Dang’s unique combination of industry experience, relevant education, and focus on customer and employee satisfaction made him the best choice for Oro Loma. They added that he has proven himself to be a valuable visionary and leader at Oro Loma since his arrival in 2011. “I am excited to have this opportunity to lead Oro Loma. We are known as innovators and forward-thinkers and my goal is to continue in that vein, building on what’s in place and planning for future initiatives.” said Mr. Dang. Read the full press release here. Congratulations from the CASA team, Jimmy!

 

Monterey One Water to Receive EPA Grant to Combat Food Waste, Climate Change
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced two grants to organizations in California – Monterey One Water and the Yurok Tribe – to divert food waste from landfills by expanding anaerobic digester capacity. Monterey One Water plans a study to evaluate the conversion of anaerobic digesters at its wastewater treatment facility to equip them to co-digest sewage sludge with food and other organic wastes. “Completion of this study and implementation of co-digestion will be key in helping Monterey One Water and our project partner, ReGen Monterey, adapt to the changing climate and enhance the services we provide the community,” said Paul A. Sciuto, Monterey One Water General Manager. “Thanks to this funding from EPA, we hope to be a model for cross-sector collaboration as we work together to meet State requirements to divert organics from landfills and increase our renewable energy production to help secure the power needs our essential, 24/7 operations require.” Read more in the full press release here.

 

OC San Wastewater 101
The Orange County Sanitation District’s Free Virtual Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy is slated to start on March 9. The Academy consists of four virtual workshops and will be available for individuals who are 18 years or older. To sign-up or for more information, please visit the Virtual Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy page.

 

 

 

Central San Externship Program
This spring, Central San is bringing back their Externship Program and holding it for the first time in person, after doing virtual sessions in 2021 and 2022. The Externship Program welcomes college students and recent grads to Central San’s facilities in Martinez over the course of one week. Central San is holding the week-long program between March 27 and 31 with daily sessions from 10-3 with a one-hour lunch break. The goal is for staff from across Central San to share different careers in wastewater with the participants, and hopefully inspire them to find a pathway in our industry. Applications are accepted now until March 24. The program is open to current college students (including technical and vocational schools) or graduates who matriculated ≤1 year ago. Please share this flyer with anyone who may be interested!

 

In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened to inform the CASA membership of the passing of Mt. View Sanitary District (MVSD) Board Member, Stan Caldwell. Stan was elected to the Mt. View Sanitary District Board of Directors in 1993 and continued to serve in this capacity until his passing. At the district, Stan has held the seats of Vice-President and President of the Board, has served on the District’s Finance and Public Information/Public Outreach Committees. He was also very active in the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), serving as a board member and past president. “Stan played a significant role in CSDA’s growth over many years and it was an honor to work with him. His passion for districts and public service will carry-on in the work we do on behalf of our members.” said CSDA CEO Neil McCormick. CASA extends their deepest condolences and sympathy to Stan’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched, especially within the CASA, CSDA, and the Contra Costa County communities. See more in the CSDA news release here.