Tag archives: Montecito water District
In last week’s Montecito Journal, newly elected water directors inaccurately castigated me for over half a page, but again failed to explain how they plan on paying the $7,000,000 a year in new costs they want the District to incur, except by increasing your water bills. They still have not said why, when it takes […]
Something smells at the Montecito Sanitary District, and its not coming from the sewage. On Monday, October 15, Warner Owens, a long-time, never-elected member of the Sanitary Board announced his resignation, effective immediately. Less than 24 hours later, the “Notice of Vacancy in Office” was posted “By Order Of the Board of Directors of the […]
Montecito’s vaunted “semi-rural” ambiance was shattered along with residents’ confidence after the Thomas Fire and the ensuing mud and debris flow that took the lives of 23 of our friends and neighbors and destroyed or seriously damaged nearly 10% of our housing stock. It is going to take a little time before the idea of […]
Two years ago, the voters in Montecito and Summerland elected us, Tobe Plough and Floyd Wicks, to serve four-year terms as directors of the Montecito Water District (MWD). Based upon our recent service on the MWD Board, we fully endorse the election of the following five members of the Water Security Team: For Montecito Water […]
As we reported in August, “Smart Meters” are set to be installed in Montecito beginning next year; last week, Montecito Water District (MWD) approved a 10-year financing plan with Holman Capital Corporation for the project’s estimated cost of $3 million. The main benefits of a Smart Metering Program are access to near “real-time” water use […]
37 cents of every dollar received by the Montecito Water District (MWD) from our customers goes to the Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) for our State Water deliveries. The CCWA operates and maintains the Central Coast water transmission system that brings northern California water all the way to Lake Cachuma. Since 1997, CCWA has delivered […]
by Woody Barrett, Dana Newquist, Ken Coates, Brian Goebel and Cori Hayman The Montecito Water and Sanitary Districts are defined as special districts, each led by a five-person, publicly elected board of directors. According to the handbook for special district governance and operations, board members must “serve the best interests of the community, provide services […]
Montecito has been my home since 1984. Like most, I sought this paradise that has been adopted by many for the natural beauty and semi-rural charm we cherish. Montecito is a magical place. After selling my Chain of Computer Stores in 1985, I sought another venture that I would enjoy. For me, joy comes from […]
Earth’s oceans breathe in carbon dioxide when it gets colder and exhale carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when it gets warmer. This happens because cold water absorbs more CO2 than hot water, and that is why Coca-Cola quickly loses its fizz when it gets warm. Al Gore yelled “global warming fire” on a crowded planet […]
I am running for the Board of Directors of the Montecito Sanitary District because I want our neighborhoods to have a diversified and secure source of water for the safety and well-being of our community. Montecito deserves water security. Our family has called Montecito home going on 18 years. Our children all attended Montecito Union […]
A few years ago, Jean Paul Cousteau spoke at a CASA Conference (California Association of Sanitation Agencies). He said that he was one person who could claim that he was raised on the Seven Seas. He was home-schooled by his mother on the Calypso. He said that it was always a thrill to come into […]
We enjoy the presumption of innocence in this country. It is by far the fairest way to handle a crime. Due process is the sign of a civilized people. My fear is we might be on the verge of losing it. Ms (Christine Blasey) Ford’s allegations have put Judge Kavanaugh in a position that he […]
Heal the Ocean released its long-awaited study detailing the volume of potentially available water for a significant expansion of water recycling in California on September 26 – and coincidentally at the same time, the Montecito Water and Sanitary districts appear to be pulling together to develop recycled water for Montecito. As the final details of […]
On November 6, Montecito voters will go to the polls. This year’s ballot contains an extreme rarity: a contested election for the Montecito Sanitary District (MSD) Board of Directors. For the first time in anyone’s memory, voters will choose among four different candidates running for two MSD seats. Why is this unusual? Because since 2000, […]
Montecito Water District’s (MWD) Strategic Planning Committee met September 20 to review the highly anticipated draft Recycled Water Feasibility Study and discuss feasible projects. The issue of recycled water in Montecito has been in the news of late, due to the ongoing drought as well as an election in November wherein there are multiple seats […]
I am running for the Board of Directors of the Montecito Water District because I believe that sound governance can deliver a more resilient and secure water future for our community. After years of inaction, we must shift to a more reliable, local, and sustainable water supply that will maintain our quality of life and […]
I would like to thank Dr. Edo McGowan for clarifying his position on recycled water with the residents of Montecito (“Water Warnings,” MJ #24/37). As quoted last year, he supports recycled water “as long as it’s done properly” (“It’s Where the Future Lies…” by Melinda Burns, Edhat and Independent, June 8, 2017). His words of […]
I, Dick Shaikewitz, am an incumbent Montecito Water District (MWD) director since 2006, holding a business degree from Northwestern University and a law degree from Washington University. I practiced law in Southern Illinois; primarily doing litigation. Montecito has been my home for 21 years. I served six years as a Montecito Association director. The Music […]
by Ken Coates, Brian Goebel and Cori Hayman In his recent letter to the editor, long-serving Montecito Water Board Member Dick Shaikewitz said: “So far, everything the [Water] District has done has been correct and proper.” (“On Recycling Wastewater,” MJ #24/37) We disagree. Let’s review what the water board has actually done during his tenure: […]
We should thank Judith Ishkanian and Bob Williams for their service to our community as appointed board members of the Montecito Sanitation District (MSD) for the past 12 and four years, respectively. I also want to thank the employees of the MSD who worked long and hard hours to restore our systems after the debris […]
