In celebration of Women’s Awareness Month, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) Board of Directors, at its March 15, 2006, meeting, awarded proclamations to five women who have made a positive impact in the water industry and on environmental awareness.
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano is an avid promoter of conservation, water recycling, desalination, and sound groundwater management and storage programs to address southern California’s need for adequate water quality and supply.
Congresswoman Linda T. Sanchez was recognized for support of clean and recycled water programs and securing funds for a study of the Los Angeles Basin Watershed. The study was designed to explore ways to capture rainwater runoff in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, to increase the supply of clean drinking water, reduce ocean pollution, and improve neighborhoods, mini-parks, and habitat areas. In addition, Rep. Sanchez sponsored legislation to ensure the safety of California’s Public Lands and Rivers. The legislation H.R. 3325 titled Southern California Wild Heritage Act of 2004 designates specified lands and rivers as wilderness areas protected under the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Dorothy Green of Santa Monica was recognized for her pioneering efforts to protect the Los Angeles and San Gabriel area watersheds and beaches. Her grassroots activism gave birth to the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council, the mission of which is to preserve, restore, and enhance the many beneficial uses of the Los Angeles River and San Gabriel River watersheds eco-system through education, research, planning, and mediation.
Jeanne Marie Bruno, General Manager of Park Water Company in Downey, California was recognized for her work in water quality protection and overall water policy efforts. Ms. Bruno is one of the few women general managers in the water industry.
Satra D. Zurita, Compton Unified School District Board Member, was recognized for her leadership in K-12 education.
Laura Doud, then Controller for the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, was recognized for her efforts in shepherding WRD to the fiscally prudent agency it is today. Ms. Doud is part of a team of staff members that led WRD to receiving the prestigious California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) Meritorious Award for outstanding budget presentation and process for its 05/06 budget document. |
