2/10

Eye wash bottles will soon be fitted to all CCWD trucks, members of the District Safety Committee were told at their Thursday meeting.

The bottles contain fluid to help employees flush dust out of their eyes. The idea to equip the trucks came from the committee’s safety suggestion program.

Committee Chair Greg Dixon said the bottles are already been equipped on trucks at the Los Vaqueros Watershed.

Following another employee suggestion, “sharps containers,” used for safely storing hypodermic needles found by crews working along the canals, have also been ordered for equipment that works in the canal.

The Committee discussed how an employee sprained his back while turning a large reluctant valve. Safety Officer Spiro Zapantis said that in the future employees finding themselves in difficult positions should: “Stop work, talk to your supervisor, and not risk injury.”

The back injury ended the District’s “No Lost Time” Safety Clock at a record 145 days. “We’re gaining ground,” said AGM Steve Welch about the sharp decrease in injuries in 2011 and so far in 2012. “We need to keep focusing on ways to be more ergonomic about our work, and need to keep up the good work.”

The Committee is looking into finding ways to safely cut or enlarge “mouse holes” into meter boxes. Some saws or grinders create a lot of dust, which could be a hazard without some type of respirator.

Committee members also discussed the importance of communicating to other employees the work of the committee.

The committee will meet again in March at the Antioch Service Center.

2/9

One of the Amgen Tour of California's stages will race past the North Entrance to the Los Vaqueros Watershed near Brentwood.

This stage of the bicycle race begins on Tuesday, May 15 in San Jose ends in Livermore, and includes a climb of Mt. Diablo. It is 115 miles in length.

As part of the stage, the cyclists will head down Marsh Creek Road, then right onto Camino Diablo and zip right past our north entrance as they race toward Byron.

As America's most successful cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California is one of the nation’s largest and most recognized annual sporting events. An eight-day event, this prestigious cycling road race features elite professional teams and athletes from around the world.

2/8

Take the 10-day Fitness Challenge towards a healthier year and a healthier you!

During February, exercise a minimum of 10-days and improve your overall health. To help, “The Big C Athletic Club” has graciously offered CCWD employees a free 10-day exercise guest pass.

If you’re already a member, then pick up your shoes and head to the gym. If you’re not a member, get a pass from HR – call Ext. 8002 – and ask for a pass.

The hardest step is the first one. If you need a buddy, a member of CCWD’s Wellness Committee will be more than happy to accompany you and take you through a short orientation to help you get started!

If it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Start today…this offer expires March 1.

2/8

General Manager Jerry Brown sent an e-mail to all employees today outlining changes to the District's Organizational Structure:

After carefully considering options for reorganization as a result of Kurt Ladensack’s retirement, I have decided to implement the following organizational changes effective Monday, February 27:

• The AGM-Administration position will not be filled at this time.

• Brice Bledsoe will be promoted to the new position of Director of Finance and Human Resources and will report directly to me. In addition to the Finance Department, Human Resources and Risk will report to Brice. Brice will also be designated Plan Administrator of the Retirement and OPEB Plans. Karen Connolly will continue in her role as Recording Secretary for both the Retirement and OPEB Committees.

• Jennifer Allen will report to me and continue in her role as Director of Public Affairs.

• Watershed and Lands will report to Greg Gartrell, AGM of Planning and Water Resources.

• Dave Omoto, Environmental Compliance Officer, will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by Peter Colby, but will report organizationally through Greg Gartrell on matters involving compliance.

These changes will put in place an organizational structure that aligns with our future needs and gives staff an opportunity to further develop their skills. I look forward to your continued cooperation as we strive to deliver high quality water to our customers in a cost effective manner.