Wendy Alane Smith; The Right Choice for Crescenta Valley Water

By Wendy Alane Smith

As owner of a Construction company I interface with residents, property owners and business owners everyday. I have a unique position to bring to the Board and I will ensure the perspective of the consumer is represented whenever policy and direction is being set.

I am running for Crescenta Valley Water, Board of Directors to help protect our water for the Crescenta Valley. I am a staunch advocate of water conservation and re-use. The drought is serious and our solutions need to be serious and immediate. Great work is already being done in La Crescenta, however, conservation must continue to be urgently emphasized on the community level. Rebates and Incentives need to be increased to save residents money. Community education needs to be greatly enhanced.

I am committed to serving Crescenta Valley and I ask for your vote on November 3, 2009.

As the owner of a Construction company I have a unique position to bring to the Board. I speak to residents, property owners and business owners everyday about how they will and will not spend their money for remodeling, new plumbing, driveways, landscaping, etc. Installing alternative materials and new equipment to conserve water costs money. I want to increase rebates and incentives to help save residents money.

As a member of the Crescenta Valley Water Board I will ensure the perspective of the consumer is represented whenever policy and direction is being set.

I am fresh face, a new voice with ideas and opinions from outside the box. I get people organized, motivated and moving. I am asking for your support as a candidate and here is my platform.

I am committed to:

I. Limiting ocean run off.

Expanding our abilities to capture rainwater by surrounding our homes and businesses with permeable materials that allow the water to run back into the ground and into the natural aquifers.

a. Replacing driveways, patios and sidewalks with permeable materials. b. Collecting rainwater from our roofs and gutters to use it on our gardens. c. Creating incentives and offering rebates to encourage homeowners and businesses, schools, churches to spend the extra money it takes to build permeable driveways, patios and sidewalks.

More specifically:

• The City can replace non-permeable concrete sidewalks and driveways.
• Schools can replace non-permeable concrete blacktop and sidewalks as well as putting in green roofs and rain gardens.
• Residents can replace non-permeable concrete sidewalks, driveways, patios and property slopes (terracing).
• County Parks can replace non-permeable concrete sidewalks, driveways and change landscaping practices.

Educating the community on how to limit their water usage.

a. Xeriscaping or drought-tolerant landscapes. Replacing our garden plants with low-water foliage i.e. junipers, agave, sage, cactus etc. b. Installing low flush toilets, low use faucets and high efficiency washers. c. Creating incentives and offering rebates to homeowners, businesses, schools, and churches to change out their plumbing. d. Offering rebates to people who cut their water usage in half. Half is doable.

More specifically:

• More laws passed (and enforced) can be passed that all residential remodels and new buildings must include low flush toilets, low use faucets, rainwater capture containers, Xeriscaping and permeable paving materials.
• Crescenta Valley Water can offer more community education forums and go door to door to evaluate water usage and present alternatives, as well as informing community members about the incentives and rebates. An outreach program for architects, remodelers, landscapers and homeowners needs to be established.

Greywater makes up 50-80% of the wastewater that leaves our homes. Grey water from shower, baths, sinks, and washing machines can be re-used especially for landscape irrigation. Using water twice will save on consumer's water bills.

a. Educating the community on how to reuse greywater in their homes b. Creating incentives and rebates for residences and businesses who do re-use grey water

More specifically:

• Consumers can capture the rinse water from their washing machine.
• Place a bucket in the shower while waiting for the water to warm up.
• Wash dishes inside a dishpan instead of directly in the sink.
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water, instead of under running water.
• Use a bucket to scoop out your water after a bath.
• Re-use grey water on indoor and outdoor plants.
• *To eliminate concerns about the presence of chemicals in greywater, consumers can switch to plant-based, phosphate-free cleaners for all of their household needs. Reverse osmosis filters can also be used.

My expertise is in effectively motivating and delivering information to people. As well as encouraging people to take responsibility for their part in things and helping them make changes. I believe in people and their ability to change and grow. I can help with disseminating water conservation information to the public.

My husband and I are the owners of Plan-Spec Construction, a Construction Company in La Crescenta, California which has been in business since 1987. We specialize in Commercial and Residential construction and offer energy efficient and green building practices. I believe every project we have is an opportunity to evaluate and potentially reduce environmental impact, specifically; water conservation, solar energy, rainwater utilization systems, and high efficiency heating systems.

Our company has installed low flush toilets, low flow showerheads, used recycleable, sustainable and Eco-friendly construction products, built rainwater collection systems, installed drip irrigation, recycled demoed materials, used non-toxic or lead-free paints, low energy light bulbs and practices Xeriscaping. Our construction shop is powered partly by Solar Energy. My experience and commitment to the environment and water conservation will enable me to make a significant, positive contribution to the Crescenta Valley Water District. I walk the talk.

I respectfully ask for your support this November 3, 2009

Thank you!

Wendy Alane Smith