Congratulations to all our SFBS State Award Winners and 5S Inductees!
By: Tyree Jackson (City of Oakland)
May 4, 2023
As many of us attempt to dry out and re-group, after what has been a challenging wet-weather season, CWEA offered a nice reprieve at the One Community-One Purpose Annual Conference 2023 held in mid-April. AC23 took place in San Diego, and SFBS members were well represented as recipients of several awards and industry acknowledgements (see below).
In speaking with many CWEA members from across the state, it was eye-opening to hear of the great need for training, trainers, and affordable resources to help collection systems and WTPs keep up with the increasing demand for skill development and technical proficiency. It was also both humbling and comforting, to know that SFBS has maintained a resource-rich local section – primarily through a consistent and committed volunteer base. It also helps to be surrounded by well run and well-accomplished local sections like Redwood Empire and Santa Clara Valley. SFBS and its neighboring local sections have a strong history of mutual support and collaboration – and now is the time to expand that sense of community even further, in support of our fellow operators, technicians, inspectors and other industry peers outside of our immediate service areas and jurisdictions.
In addition to developing programs and initiatives to support leadership and professional development for our SFBS members, the Board submitted a budget that aims to support opportunities for members to provide training (or trainers) and other mutual aid, to some of CWEA’s smaller local sections. Be on the look-out for information on SFBS activities and events in support of CWEA’s one community-one purpose mission. We hope to see and hear from you soon!
Upcoming Events:
- Thursday, May 18th 2023: SFBS May Dinner Meeting 2023 – San Francisco
- Tuesday, May 23rd 2023: Introduction to Electrical and Instrumentation Technology in the Water Industry
- Wednesday, May 24th 2023: SFBS – Collaborative Project Delivery – Walnut Creek
- Wednesday, May 24th 2023: CWEA SFBS May 24th Happy Hour (2023) – Oakland
- Thursday, May 25th 2023: CWEA Leadership Training Program – Martinez
- Tuesday, June 6th 2023: 2023 CASA-CWEA Partnering for Impact – Berkeley
- Thursday, June 22nd 2023: Lunch and Learn – IDEXX and Wastewater Analysis – Dublin
Coming Soon:
- Mid-May/Early-June 2023: O&M Committee site tour of Oro Loma Sanitary District WTP for mid-May or early June
Awards:
2022 CWEA Award Winners from SFBS:
Category | Winner(s) |
WTP Operator of the Year | Manuel Dos Santos (South San Francisco) |
Community Engagement and Outreach: Film Festival | Chris Goward & Joe Zumbo (CCCSD) |
Community Engagement and Outreach: Photography Award | Joe Zumbo (CCCSD) |
Leadership: Outstanding Young Professional of the Year | Jamie Johnson (SWRCB) |
5S Award | Tyree Jackson (City of Oakland) |
Roya Yousefelahiyeh (Black & Veatch) | |
Cleveland Porter (City of Antioch-Retired) | |
Lydia Guerra (CWEA) | |
Norah Duffy (CWEA) | |
Quarter Century Award | Frank Casey (Ironhouse SD) |
Volunteering:
The San Francisco Bay Section is always looking for volunteers! The Technical Certification Program (TCP) Committee and Safety Committee are actively seeking leadership and project support, respectively. If you are interested, or have any questions, please reach out to any SFBS Board member – or email [email protected].
You can also use the following link to find additional volunteer opportunities within CWEA: Volunteering | California Water Environment Association (cwea.org)
We hope to see you at some of our events this year – and that you’re able to get involved! Let us know if you have any questions, comments, recommendations, or concerns. The San Francisco Bay Section is yours, and the SFBS Board is here to support you!
As always, thank you for your membership and interest – and stay safe out there!

Follow the link below to view the SFBS Board members!
