Oceanside CA— On January 29, 2022, City of Oceanside Water Utilities employees were honored at the annual California Water Environment Association (CWEA) San Diego awards banquet. Four City employees from the San Luis Rey Wastewater Treatment Plant were appointed to the CWEA Board, while another received a prestigious award for his outstanding service and exemplary work in the maintenance field. Mike Mensing, Mechanical Technologist I, was awarded the title of Mechanical Tech of the Year for the San Diego CWEA Section. This recognition is conferred upon one individual for their outstanding performance and dedication to the job. Mensing has been with the City of Oceanside for 3 years and is uniquely talented at fabrication and welding, a skill that has greatly benefited City projects, and one that he willingly shares and imparts upon his fellow mechanics through trainings and mentorship. One winter, during a heavy rain event, Mensing expertly crafted a tool to avert a large sewage spill. His ingenuity, team spirit, and ability to problem solve in time sensitive scenarios make Mensing the ideal recipient for this year’s Mechanical Tech of the Year award.
San Diego CWEA also welcomed new members to the Board. Daniel Cotter, current Wastewater Plant Supervisor of the San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility, was appointed to President of the San Diego CWEA Board. Daniel will head a professional wastewater community spanning across the diverse region of San Diego County. His vision as new Board president will focus on equity and inclusion through improved training, and promotion of diversity in the wastewater workplace. He serves to protect both public health and the environment and hopes to bring a renewed focus to underserved and marginalized communities.
Ryan Williams, Plant Maintenance Supervisor, was also appointed to First Director of the Board. Williams will play an important supporting role in implementing the vision of San Diego CWEA. Further appointments were given to Daniel Parker, Wastewater Plant Operator III, and Carlos Raymundo, Instrumentation Technician II. Parker will serve as Public Outreach Chair and is responsible for creating and promoting public outreach materials, as well as maintaining a positive relationship with the regional community. Raymundo will serve as the Electrical Instrumentation Chair and will curate training programs, classes, and events for CWEA members.