Sending fair winds and following seas to Robin Morishita, Director of Technical Services, who retired in March 2024 after 20 years of outstanding service!

He began his service as a Project Coordinator before climbing the ranks to the Technical Services Director position. He played an essential role in the District's capital improvement program, including LWD's headquarter building, major upgrades to the Batiquitos and Leucadia pump stations, replacing two LWD's major pipelines, and upgrading a majority of the District's smaller pump stations.

Construction is about to begin along Calle Barcelona, southeast of Rancho Santa Fe Road in the city of Carlsbad, to support a new recycled water pipeline installation that will save 12.5 million gallons of drinking water every year.

The work by Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) will take place Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Near Mission Estancia Elementary School, work will be limited to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to noon Friday to reduce the effect on student drop offs and pickups.

We're proud to see our own Marvin Gonzalez featured by California Water Environment Association as he inspires many within the industry!

Congratulations to Field Service Technician (FST) Johnny Montoya for receiving his Grade 2 Collection System Maintenance certification from the California Water Environment Association (CWEA)!

Johnny has been working for the District since September 2021 and this is his third certification since his employment at the District. This accomplishment reflects Johnny’s desire to excel through continued professional development.

We recently visited El Camino Creek Elementary (ECC) school of Carlsbad, CA to award the Teacher Grant recipients with a wastewater demonstration by our Field Service Technicians (FSTs). The 6th graders asked great questions about how the sewer system works especially alongside their learnings of the stormwater system.

Thanks to Katie Oberman of ECC for hosting us!

We are happy to report that the District was able to provide a sewer lateral grant to Carlsbad resident, Anne-Marie Wish. She had a recent lateral rehabilitation project and our grant program offset some construction costs.

She experienced a blockage in her private sewer lateral from an offset joint and root intrusion near the connection to the public sewer system. Fortunately, Ms. Wish did not have a sewer backup in her house and was able to contact a plumbing company to remediate the issue by digging down to the offset joint and making a repair.

Applications are open for the California Special District Association Districts Make a Difference Video Contest. Eligible students from grades K-12 can create and submit 60 second video to show how special districts play an important role as the backbone of our everyday life. Winners in grades 9-12 are eligible for cash prizes. Applications are due March 31 and details can be found at the link below.

Congratulations to Field Service Technician Hugo Gonzalez for being named the California Water Environment Association San Diego Section Collections System Person of the Year! Hugo has been an integral part of LWD since 2013, and this recognition is truly well-deserved. He now advances to compete for the State-level award next. Go Hugo!