7/28

Canal Patrol Officer Shane Pinto caught this rainbow -- almost a double rainbow -- over the Bisso Building early Sunday morning.

He said the rain was little more than drizzle, and evaporated as soon as it hit the ground. But, if you looked quickly you got an unexpected treat in the sky.

The weather forecast is for cloudy and warm weather throughout the week, with highs in the lower 90s.

7/23

Comedian and talk show host Conan O'Brian joins the celebrity parade to bring attention to the drought with a new PSA that suggests an alternative to water.

7/22

The July Safety Newsletter focuses on slips and falls, and the number of close calls and incidents during the previous month.

There were four incidents in June, ranging from a slip to an employee burn.

Through the end of June in 2014, there have four lost time injuries resulting in 187 lost workdays and two avoidable vehicle accidents. Last year, there were two lost-time injuries with 45 lost workdays and five avoidable vehicle accidents.

We have a complete library of Safety Newsletters dating back to 2005.

7/21

The District's top safety award has been presented to Bill Barham, Clayton Funk and Ron Zaragoza, it was announced today.

The "Star Recognition" was presented to Bill and Clayton for conducting hands-on Wildlands Fire Suppression training to Watershed and Lands employees.

A "Star" also went to Ron for volunteering to investigate safety and security concerns raised by LVRC staff.

Only eight start awards have been presented this year. Read more about the latest honorees here.

What were you doing in 1974 when Director Bette Boatmun joined the CCWD Board?

• “The Sting” won the Oscar, but beat out a field that included “Chinatown” and “the Godfather Part II” Also in the theaters were “Blazing Saddles” and the “Towering Inferno.”

• “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack won the Grammy for Record and Song of the Year.

• President Richard Nixon resigned on Aug. 8, and Gerald Ford was named President.

• Patty Hearst was kidnapped.

• The Oakland A’s won the World Series over the Dodgers.

• The Miami Dolphins won the Super Bowl over Minnesota.

• Johnny Rutherford wins the Indy 500 in a McLaren, the first time the legendary race is held on a Sunday.

• Stephen King releases his first book under his own name: “Carrie”

• “All in the Family” is the top-rated show on television. “Happy Days” debuts.

• The best-selling American car in the U.S. is the Ford Pinto, followed by the Plymouth Valiant.

7/17

"This is a very special meeting," said President Joseph L. Campbell after pounding his gavel at the start of the gathering Wednesday night.

The Board honored Director Bette Boatmun, who has served an unprecedented 40 years on the Board, with a resolution in her honor and by naming the Conservation Garden after her.

Director Boatmun was first appointed to the board on July 31, 1974 representing Pittsburg, Antioch and part of Concord, which she still represents.

She served as Board President from 1990-1992, and was also president of the Association of California Water Agencies from 2002-2004. She has won numerous awards and accolades from local and statewide organizations. In March 2001, she was honored as the California State Assembly’s “Woman of the Year.” Last year, she won the Hollingsworth Award of Excellence from the California Special Districts Association.

Director Lisa Borba said Director Boatmun ( the second woman on the Board), "is such a pioneer for women in politics and an inspiration for me."

"I know of no one who has contributed more than Bette," said Director John Burgh.

"It's been a great honor and a pleasure, and I look forward to working with you for many, many years" Director Karl Wandry, speaking to the Board via telephone while recovering from a medical procedure.

President Campbell said when he first met Director Boatmun, "she was putting her hard hat and boots on and wanted to really learn about things."

He said Director Boatmun's curiosity has continued ever since.

He also said that it was Director Boatmun who first proposed to the Board the idea of converting what was a lawn in front of the building into the Conservation Garden in the early 1990s.

Other Board members at the time were not too enthusiastic. "She never quit," he said about her persistence. "Eventually, everyone gave up, and eventually she was right. That garden has paid off."

Director Boatmun said she was surprised by the honor, "It's been an honor and a privlege," she said. "It's been a wonderful experience."

As she closed her remarks, she told General Manager Jerry Brown that the District needs to make the garden bigger, extending it all the way around the building.

7/16

The District launched a new comprehensive Lawn to Garden section of its website this week.

The new section -- authored by the District's Conservation Staff -- is a complete resource for customers looking to turn their water-wasting lawns into beautiful gardens.

CCWD will pay single-family homeowners up to $1,000 to replace their front lawns with gardens.

In addition, the District also launched its new Landscape Design Assistance Program new Landscape Design Assistance Program that will pay homeowners up to $150 for a two-hour consultation with a professional landscape designer.

7/11

The District's Annual Family Event returns to O.co Colisieum on Friday, Aug. 22. Employees and their families can watch the Oakland A's play against the Los Angeles Angels.

The game begins at 7 p.m. with a tailgate preceding the game from 5:45 to 7 p.m.

Here's more info.

RSVP by Friday, Aug. 1 by calling Michelle at Ext. 8033.

7/1

It's almost time to hit the links for the 16th annual Golf Classic. This year's event will be held September 14 at Boundary Oak. All are welcome to participate; so grab your spouse, children, parents and friends!

The cost is $70 per person and includes cart, green fee and prizes. Download the registration form for more information.

Questions? Call Dom at 925-813-1048.