With Appreciation to,    
       Jerry D. Paley
        on His Retirement.

 
Jerry D. Paley

30 Years of Service to Customers—During the last 30 years, Jerry’s face may well have been one of those you saw when you visited the District Office. Jerry has contributed greatly to the smooth operation of the District and has always been gracious in supporting other staff and in accepting additional duties.

Responsible For Improved Efficiency
—Decades ago, Jerry was instrumental in moving the District’s billing and accounting systems from hand written to computers. He also maintained rationing and moratorium programs during the prolonged 1990’s drought period, and currently implements the District’s Water Conservation programs.

Thank You, Jerry—The Board of Directors and staff of Montecito Water District thank Jerry for many years of excellent service and extend our warmest good wishes for his future.

Two Santa Ynez River  Projects Protect Fish, Improve the Environment, and Help Secure Water Supplies

In order to maintain access to Santa Ynez River water supplies for our customers, Montecito Water District and its partners in the Cachuma Lake Project are working cooperatively to enhance fish habitat in the Santa Ynez River and its tributaries. Two recent projects are described below.

El Jaro Creek Project
Reduces Sediment

A series of three separate projects to reduce sediment in El Jaro Creek was completed in December 2003.

This demonstration project, funded by grants, aids Steelhead by reducing the amount of sediment that would otherwise clog gravels needed by the fish for spawning.

Streambank Stabilized

The work involved stabilizing an eroding streambank and removing or stabilizing culverts.

State and Federal Grants

Over $3 million in state and federal grants have been received in recent years to help pay for the cost of fish enhancement projects.

Salsipuedes Creek Project

Completed in January 2004, the Salsipuedes Creek  project involved construction of three small step pools to allow Steelhead to migrate to and from spawning areas during high and low water flows.

Cooperative Effort

Montecito Water District and other local agencies worked cooperatively with federal and state agencies and fishery advocates to carry out the project.

Win-Win Situation

Projects such as this on the Santa Ynez River and the creeks that feed it not only benefit endangered fish and wildlife species but help ensure a local water resource.