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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPipeline - May and June 2026Protecting Our Beaches (See article on page 2) YOUR SOURCE FOR OC SAN NEWS AND INFORMATION MAY/JUNE2026 PAGE TWO | MAY/JUNE 2026 Orange County beaches are making waves for all the right reasons. Heal the Bay recently released its 2025–2026 Beach Report Card, which gives beaches across the West Coast an A-F grade based on bacterial pollution levels across three grading categories: summer dry, winter dry, and wet weather. This year, the report revealed that Orange County beaches continued earning top honors for exceptional water quality. The report found that 91 percent of California beaches received an A or B grade during summer dry weather conditions, highlighting generally strong coastal water quality statewide. Because of last year’s higher-than- average winter season rainfall in Southern California, less beaches than normal earned an A or B grade during wet weather conditions. Even with this challenge, four beaches in OC San’s service area earned a spot on Heal the Bay’s prestigious Honor Roll for maintaining A+ water quality grades year-round: • Huntington Harbour, Admiralty Dr. Beach • Huntington Harbour, Coral Cay Beach • Huntington City Beach at Beach Blvd. • Sunset Beach at Broadway These results are more than just impressive rankings—they reflect OC San’s commitment to protecting ocean water quality and the success of our urban runoff diversion program. Through routine surf zone sampling, monitoring 185 square miles of ocean, and treating up to three million gallons per day of urban runoff, we’re protecting and improving water quality along our coastline. Thank you to all staff for your continued dedication and commitment to environmental stewardship and protecting public health. California State University, Fullerton Leadership Academy Congratulations to our recent graduates! This month, we’re celebrating Cliff Casanova (Div. 840), Mani Firouzian (Div. 760), Yolanda Herrera (Div. 320), and Shaun Siddiqui (Div. 830) for completing the Leadership Development for Public Agencies program through California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Through the virtual 14-week, instructor-led course offered to OC San employees through our Centralized Training Program, graduates gained essential skills in strategic and innovative thinking. The program coursework is designed to support the development of emerging leaders and focuses on tools essential to the success of public agencies. Key topics included strategic thinking, financial management, decision making, emotional intelligence, group communication, and more! Participation in this program also gives employees the opportunity to connect with staff from other public agencies. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit the Employee Resources page, Centralized Training, and then click CSUF Leadership Program on The San Box. OC Beaches Earn High Marks in Heal the Bay Report Card Brandon Yokoyama (Div. 630) conducting beach water sampling. OC San’s ocean monitoring vessel-“Nerissa”. Yolanda Herrera Records Management Tech (Div. 320) Cliff Casanova Operations Supervisor (Div. 840) “I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the program and would recommend it for anyone. This program can help you discover what type of leader you are, including strengths and weaknesses, and help clarify your values so you can clearly establish them and stay consistent.” “What began as a learning opportunity through this program became a journey of self-discovery, helping me better understand my strengths, expand my thinking, and grow as a public servant and leader.” PAGE THREE | MAY/JUNE 2026 Mani Firouzian Engineer (Div. 760) “I would like to thank the OC San Management Team for providing me with the opportunity to attend the program. Through this experience, I gained valuable knowledge and was introduced to excellent resources and professionals from other local government agencies.” Shaun Siddiqui Lead Plant Operator (Div. 830) “Taking this leadership class was a rewarding experience that helped me develop skills I will carry into both my career and personal life. Leadership is not about the title, it's about influence, growth, and service.” PAGE FOUR | MAY/JUNE 2026 PAGE FIVE | MAY/JUNE 2026 Division Profile Mechanical Maintenance at Plant No. 1 – Div. 870, Work Group 02 and Work Group 03 Mechanical Maintenance plays a vital role in supporting OC San’s mission by ensuring that critical equipment is reliable, safe, and operating at peak performance. By keeping systems running efficiently and cohesively, the team enables Operations to maintain consistent, high-quality treatment and uphold OC San’s reputation for excellence. At Plant No. 1, the Mechanical Maintenance teams support equipment across the entire treatment process. Daily responsibilities include preventative maintenance such as lubrication, inspections, oil and filter changes, and belt replacements. The team also handles a wide range of corrective maintenance, including pump replacements, piping repairs, precision alignments, and bearing work. The Mechanical Maintenance team at Plant No. 1 is split into two groups within Div. 870: Work Group 02 (WG02) and Work Group 03 (WG03). Both groups include a Maintenance Supervisor, Lead Mechanic, Senior Mechanics, and Mechanics who work together to support plant operations. At the front end of the Plant, WG03 plays a critical role in maintaining the equipment that starts the treatment process (influent). This team of eight supports key assets including metering and diversion pipelines, screw conveyors, bar screens, main sewage pumps, primary clarifiers, trickling filters, and digesters. Known for their versatility and ability to respond to urgent situations, WG03 ensures equipment is maintained, deficiencies are addressed, and coordination with Asset Management and other teams is seamless— even during high-pressure conditions. WG02 handles the back end of the Plant (effluent) and includes seven professionals, with an additional Senior Mechanic on the way. The team is responsible for maintaining dewatering equipment, like centrifuges, the truck loading system, and cake pumps, along with blowers, aeration basins, final clarifiers, odor control, and plant water lines. WG02 brings together experience from many different industries, including automotive, construction, oil refining, oil fields, and laboratory work, with tenure at OC San ranging from just over a year to more than a decade. They pride themselves on being adaptable, well-rounded, and highly collaborative, with a strong sense of camaraderie. Beyond their technical expertise, the Mechanical Maintenance team has a wide range of hobbies, including cycling, fly fishing, golfing, camping, hunting, music, motorsports, and exploring national parks. This reflects a well-rounded and dynamic team dedicated to keeping OC San running strong Work Group 02 (left to right): Ryan Myers, Omar Saucedo, Nick Garcia, Dan Schuler, Anthony Castaneda, and Adam McMurdy Work Group 03 (left to right): Victor Gonzalez, Adrian Barajas, Matthew Pivovaroff, Aharon Rosenhamer, James Holt, Aaron Weaver, Chris Walker, and Luc Tang Not pictured: Eder Godoy, Andrew Taylor,and David Haug PAGE SIX | MAY/JUNE 2026 PAGE SEVEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 On June 2, Operations successfully coordinated a planned, rare shutdown of OC San’s Long Outfall as part of Project No. J-137. This shutdown allowed us to complete a critical deep- sea inspection at a manhole nearly 200 feet below the ocean surface. During the brief shutdown, specialized divers inspected the manhole, replaced hardware and gaskets, and installed a new manhole cover. The work provided condition assessment information to support the upcoming rehabilitation of the Long Outfall. The operation required close coordination among Operations, Engineering, Information Technology (IT), and the Design consultant. IT also developed a mobile application, that allowed Operations to watch the live feed of the underwater inspection in real time. Setting the Course — PUBLIC AFFAIRSStrategic Plan Exciting things are on the horizon for the Public Affairs Office! We’re talking new volunteer opportunities for staff, an official mascot, supporting the launch of the new ocean monitoring vessel, and more! These initiatives are part of the newly approved Public Affairs Strategic Plan (Plan) for Fiscal Years 2026–2028. The Plan lays out a two-year roadmap to strengthen communication, outreach, and transparency across the agency and throughout the community. Built around eight focus areas, the Plan highlights efforts to support employee communication and engagement, expand public outreach, strengthen OC San’s media and digital presence, and actively participate in legislative and government affairs. The new Plan also introduces many new initiatives, including coordinating Proposition 218 notifications, promoting a new video library, and developing a comprehensive branding strategy for OC San facilities. Together, these efforts will keep communication clear, proactive, and connected to the communities we serve. Interested in learning more? Read the Plan on The San Box, Communications Page, Public Affairs Office then click Public Affairs Strategic Plan. Milton Rocha and Jackie Tao (Div 840) closing the valve for the Long Outfall isolation during flow suspension. Thank you to everyone who helped make this successful operation possible, including: Mo Abiodun (Div. 250) Pegah Behravan (Div. 760) Jon Bradley (Div. 830) Scott Green (Div. 840) May Kyi (Div. 760) Mark Melby (Div. 840) Victoria Pilko (Div. 750) Milton Rocha (Div. 840) Jackie Tao (Div. 840) Our new mascot is on the way—keep an eye on The San Box for the reveal! J Meet OC San’s Newest Team Member PAGE EIGHT | MAY/JUNE 2026 PAGE NINE | MAY/JUNE 2026 Catalina is on an important journey beneath Coast Highway and the lower Newport Beach Channel. After being carefully lowered into a 50-foot-deep excavation, she is carving a precise underground path toward the other side of the Bay Bridge, where she'll emerge near Dover Drive. Catalina is a microtunneling machine. Microtunneling is a trenchless construction method used to install underground pipes with minimal surface disruption. This approach is especially useful for crossing beneath channels and roadways, or where open excavation would be difficult or disruptive. The Bay Bridge Project (Project No. 5-67) microtunnels a 72-inch (6-foot) reinforced concrete pipe casing measuring 1,310 feet (1/4 mile) in length. Once the casing is in place, inside will be a dual 24-inch force main system, or two new pipelines. The project team knew the microtunneling machine deserved a name worthy of the important job ahead. After plenty of thought and discussion, Jenna Torres (Div. 770), Resident Engineer on the project, helped lead the effort to officially name her “Catalina.” The name carries special meaning for the project and its location. Situated near the coast in Newport Beach, the Bay Bridge Project is surrounded by water, and on clear days, Catalina Island can be seen in the distance from the project area. The team wanted a name that reflected strength, water, and a connection to the local landscape, making Catalina the perfect choice. Catalina consists of five main sections: • Cutter Head – Excavates soil at the front of the machine. • Steering Joint – Allows operators to control the machine’s direction and maintain the planned alignment. • Hyperbaric Chamber – Provides safe access for maintenance or inspections at the cutter head under pressurized conditions. • Airlock Stand – Allows workers and equipment to safely enter and exit the pressurized chamber. • Power Pack – Supplies hydraulic and electrical power to operate the machine. Together, these components allow the tunnel to be constructed safely and accurately beneath the channel while minimizing impacts at the ground surface. While the process is highly technical, naming the machine has brought an added sense of excitement and camaraderie to the project team. Around the world, tunneling machines are often given names to recognize the significance of the work and the people behind it. For the Bay Bridge Project team, Catalina now represents both the engineering efforts and collaboration driving the project forward. Catalina and her underground crossing help OC San deliver a critical piece of infrastructure beneath the surface of Newport Beach. For more information about this project, visit ocsan.gov/BayBridge. There’s a new member of the Bay Bridge Pump Station and Force Mains Replacement Project (Bay Bridge Project) team — and her name is Catalina. Jenna Torres (Div. 770) and Todd Linn (Div. 770, contractor). Catalina’s first section is lowered into the launching pit next to our existing Bay Bridge Pump Station. PAGE TEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 PAGE ELEVEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 The Woodwor k i n g Wonder – We all know that OC San is full of talented people, but did you know we have quite a few artists that walk among us? This Best of OC San article highlights one of those artists—Jesse Freeman, Maintenance Specialist from Div. 821. In Jesse’s free time, he puts his creative and maintenance knowhow to good use by making tables, artwork, and custom pieces. You name it, and Jesse will find a way to build it. Since his daughters grew up and moved out of state, Jesse has had more time to spend in his home workshop, carefully crafting one- of-a-kind pieces. “I love having the freedom to decide what to do on any given day,” he shared. “Could be working in the shop, riding motorcycles to another state to visit friends, or anything I want— it’s rad.” Over the years, Jesse has transformed his garage into a fully equipped woodworking shop, filled with tools collected through years of experience. Depending on the project, he uses saws for cutting, lathes to shape the wood, shapers for frames and custom molding, and even powder coating tools to finish the brass hardware he creates himself. “People think you have to have expensive tools to get into woodworking, but you don’t,” Jesse explained. “I’ve helped others start out with minimal tools, and as they progress, they can add more and start collecting for their own setups.” So, what does Jessee do with his masterpieces? “I sell at art shows, punk markets, gothic expos and things like that. I make mirrors, bandsaw coffin boxes, and other items.” “Hands down my favorite piece is the slab coffee table I made. The slab came from a tree I had taken down at an old house. This table was an insane amount of time, but it gets so many comments from people, and I’ve had four offers to buy it. I don’t think I will ever sell this one.” With such a vast array of artwork pieces, coming up with new ideas seems like a daunting task. “Most of the time I will see things and come up with ideas, or customers will order custom items, and I will spin off ideas around them and make similar but unique items. I would say most ideas come when I am just tinkering.” Jesse also finds inspiration from those around him. At a recent art show, a customer shared an idea with him to make a batch of crosses out of laminated skateboard decks. “I started making a batch of the item she described,” Jesse said. “Once finished, I’ll ship her one for free.” Jesse even donates some of his decorative scraps to a jeweler in Santa Ana, where they’re turned into earrings and necklaces. Creating for others and sharing his artwork is what drives Jesse to continue making one-of-a-kind art pieces. “I make a lot more items for others than I do for myself. And even things I make for myself I will tend to give away to the first person that says they like it. I’m not sentimental about much and I love to give stuff away, and like seeing people stoked on things I make.” From custom tables to one-of-a- kind décor, Jesse continues to turn everyday ideas into pieces that reflect his creativity and craftsmanship. FEATURING: Jesse Freeman (Div. 821) Jesse FreemanJesse Freeman Jesse Freeman’s favorite piece-a slab coffee table. PAGE THIRTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026PAGE TWELVE | MAY/JUNE 2026 • EPIC Award of Distinction from the California Association of Public Information Officials for the 2025 Take Your Kid to Work Day Event in the Internal Communications category. This EPIC Award recognizes programs or events that strengthen employee relations. This is Kacey Abu-Shaban’s (Div. 770) first year coaching the junior varsity lacrosse team at Edison High School. The team finished with a winning 8–7 record—a significant improvement for the program—and they’re excited to keep building momentum next season. Congratulations to Isai Carrillo (Div. 340) for completing the Santa Ana 5k Fun Run! Congratulations to Rhea De Guzman (Div. 220) and Keilani Bafim (Div. 340) for completing the OC half marathon! The race took runners right past OC San’s Bay Bridge Pump Station, where they were greeted with an encouraging banner! • Platinum Peak Performance Award for both Plant Nos. 1 and 2 for the 13th year from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies! This award recognizes agencies that achieve 100 percent compliance with their water discharge permits over a consecutive five-year period, with zero permit violations. Earning this recognition reflects our commitment to protecting the environment and keeping our waters clean and free of pollutants. • 2026 Wood in Architecture Award for Headquarters from WoodWorks which celebrates achievements in mass timber, light-frame wood, and hybrid buildings in the United States. • Infrastructure Leader Award from PMWeb as part of the Project Empowerment Awards for delivering critical infrastructure while improving project planning and delivery. Congratulations to Chad Crow’s (Div. 250) daughter, Emiko Crow, on graduating with honors from Cypress High School and attending Biola University this fall. Cortney Light (Div. 830) took home second place in the Founders District Spring 2026 Online Speech Contest. This outstanding achievement reflects Cortney’s exceptional communication skills, confidence, and dedication to personal and professional growth through public speaking. Congratulations, Cortney! Isai Carrillo Chad Crow Keilani BafimRhea De Guzman Kacey Abu-Shaba n Cortney Light Congratulations to Andrew Taylor (Div. 870) on the birth of his son Cable born on March 31, 2026. Andrew Taylor And The Award Goes To Congratulations to Rob Thompson (Div. 110) on the birth of his first grandchild, Harper! Rob Thompson CommunityConnections PAGE FOURTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 City of La Palma's Festival of Nations PAGE FIFTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 Enisha Matthews (Div. 220), Becky Polcyn, and Gregg Deterding (Div. 340) at the City of La Palma’s Festival of Nations, featuring surprise guests Murphy (Gregg’s dog) and Carson (Gregg’s son). OC San joined water industry leaders at CASA’s Partnering for Impact conference to advance collaborative and resilient policy solutions for California’s future. California Association of Sanitation Agencies Partnering for Impact As the 2025-26 Fiscal Year (FY) comes to a close, OC San is preparing for the next two-year budget cycle covering FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28. The proposed budget will be presented to the Board of Directors at the June Board of Directors Meeting and, once approved, will take effect on July 1, 2026. The two-year budget serves as a roadmap for OC San’s priorities, activities, and expenditures in the years ahead. It outlines funding for daily operations, capital improvement projects, and debt service obligations to ensure OC San has the resources necessary to implement the Strategic Plan and continue fulfilling its mission of protecting public health and the environment. For more information, visit ocsan.gov/budget. New Fiscal Year, New Two-Year Budget TOTAL AGENCY BUDGET FY 26-27: $673,163,778 FY 27-28: $706,412,506 Budgeted Full-Time Authorized Staff: 699.50 Operating and Capital Improvement Budget: $571,185,218 Annual Regional Single-Family Sewer Fee: $397 Estimated Cost to Collect, Treat and Dispose of One Million Gallons of Sewage: $4,142.31 Featured are Rob Thompson (Div. 110), OC San General Manager, speaking during the conference and pictured with Steve Jepsen, Executive Director of Clean Water SoCal; Lan Wiborg (Div. 610), OC San Director of Environmental Services; and fellow industry partners. PAGE SEVENTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026PAGE SIXTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 CelebratingCelebratingYears of ServiceYears of ServiceCelebrating Victoria Pilko (Div. 750) I started working for the Operations and Maintenance Department in 2006, managing their projects, and was shortly after promoted to a Project Manager in the Engineering Department. I have been in the Project Management Office ever since. Because of those projects I’ve been fortunate to lead, I was recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers with a Public Sector Engineer of Merit Award, and on two separate occasions by the Orange County Engineering Council with an Outstanding Engineering Merit Award. There is a saying that “you haven’t lived if you didn’t buy a house, raise a son, and plant a tree.” Well, I did all of that: my house is a historical cottage in the heart of Dana Point’s Lantern District; my son lives and works in Minnesota; and my lemon tree continues to produce lemons every year. In my free time, I enjoy travelling, reformer pilates, and spending time with friends. It has been an honor and a privilege to manage projects for OC San for the past 20 years, and I am grateful to those who have been part of my journey. Joe Manzella (Div. 630) When I first drove through the gate at Plant No. 1 about 20 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about wastewater treatment or environmental laboratory work, having come from the pharmaceutical sector. One of the things I love about working at OC San is how much there is to learn. Just when you think you’ve got everything figured out, there’s a new unique challenge or an emerging technology that needs to be evaluated. Even after 20 years, I’m still learning new things on a regular basis. (Either that, or I have a terrible memory…) But the absolute best thing about OC San is our people. I’m privileged to work in a team of true professionals who really do care about their jobs, but also about each other and their communities. Having spent 12 years in the Army Reserve, I was not expecting to find the same sort of camaraderie and team solidarity in a civilian job, but OC San’s team keeps exceeding my expectations. This is a very special agency, and I consider myself lucky to be a part of it. WORKS WEEKWORKS WEEKPUBLICPUBLIC Every May, we celebrate Public Works Week and shine a light on those who keep our community running smoothly. At OC San, the importance of public works is something we experience firsthand through the essential, around-the- clock services we provide. This year’s celebration included a week full of activities, from picture and word challenges to sweet treats and a special message from our General Manager. Thank you to everyone who participated and congratulations to our raffle winners: Chau Alex (Div. 880) Mary Castro (Div. 620) Cara Chan (Div. 630) Josh Turner (Div. 770) Mike Zedek (Div. 610) Photos from Public Works Week-Take a Selfie Tuesday. Wel come to the TEAM PAGE NINETEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026PAGE EIGHTEEN | MAY/JUNE 2026 Kirk Bailey (Div. 880) Electrical Tech II JC Agcaoili (Div. 770) Associate Engineer Andrew Nguyen (Div. 250) Information Tech Analyst II Adam Einstoss from Construction Inspector to Senior Construction Inspector Abel Galan from Environmental Tech to Electrical Tech II Matt Goldsmith from Senior Construction Inspector to Construction Inspector Supervisor Claudia Gonzalez-Meixueiro from Accountant to Senior Accountant Manuel Hernandez from Electrical Tech I to Electrical Tech II Kevin Loo from Instrumentation Tech I to Instrumentation Tech II Samir Patel from Senior Info Tech Analyst to Principal Information Tech Analyst Bob Tran from Senior Engineer to Engineering Supervisor Dominic Camera (Div. 820) Mechanic Daniel Cardona (Div. 870) Power Plant Operator I Adam Walter (Div. 880) Senior Mechanic See It on the ‘Gram @Orange County Sanitation District @OCSanDistrict Mo Abiodun Krystal Aleman Frank Camarillo Robert Carman Robbie Coronel Rhea De Guzman Rom De Brito Linh Dinh David Gulley Robert Hernandez Tim Hopkins Alla Manson Nasrin Nasrollahi Mike O’Reilly Erika Rizk Milton Rocha Natalie Shamma Matt Smith Bryan Tran Sammady Yi Sharon Yin Core Awards Congratulations to the following Core Award recipients (April 7, 2026 through June 4, 2026). OC San is active across social media, sharing sewer safety tips, behind-the- scenes looks, and yes, even jumping in on the occasional trend. Our posts are an engaging way to show what we do every day while reaching a broader audience. Following us on social media isn’t just for our customers, staff can benefit too! By staying connected, you can easily share our content with family and friends, helping them learn about important topics like the 3 P’s and fats, oils, and grease. Who knows, they might even spot a cameo of you in action! Christopher McWilliams, Maintenance Specialist (Div. 821) retired on May 11, 2026, after 5 years of service. PAGE TWENTY | MAY/JUNE 2026 ServiceAwards May 2026 - June 2026 20 YEARS Robert Gamber Joe Manzella Nick Oswald Victoria Pilko 15 YEARS Isabel Arango Robbie Coronel Mark Melby Kha Nou Jesse Velasco 10 YEARS Marta Dudek Randall Martin Gloria Ramos Lori Shimomura 5 YEARS Yiping Cao Robert Carman Reuben Contreras Jessica Frazier Eustace Nwadiwe Raymond Villalba YOUR SOURCE FOR OC SAN NEWS AND INFORMATION Pipeline provides news and information to OC San employees, retirees, and the Board of Directors. Pipeline is published bi-monthly by the Public Affairs Division. Senior Editor: Daisy Covarrubias Editor: Rebecca Long Writers: Becky Polcyn Kelly Newell Designers: Gregg Deterding Isai Carrillo Submit story ideas to forinformation@ocsan.gov. OC San Pets MEET Maximus (left), age one and a half years old and recently adopted from Mary S. Roberts Pet Rescue; Rocco (middle), age seven; and Zuzu (right), age four. Melody Rubiano (Div. 620) Wednesday, October 21, 2026 SAVE THE DATES: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 VIP LuncheonWednesday, August 19, 2026 Halloween Event Tuesday, December 8, 2026