press release

January 7, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

Sweetwater Authority and the South Bay Irrigation District will each forward the name of a local high school senior to compete for one of six $1,000 regional scholarships to be awarded by the California Special Districts Association (CSDA). Local finalists will also be considered for a $500 scholarship from Sweetwater Authority or the South Bay Irrigation District.

The purpose of the scholarship program, said Public Information Coordinator, is to increase knowledge and awareness of special districts and their role in local government. Special districts are the most direct link to government for many Californians, yet few people understand how they work or their history within the community. Special districts are formed to provide a service such as water, sewer, irrigation or fire protection. They have an elected Board of Directors which holds public meetings much like a city council.

Sweetwater Authority, formed through a joint powers authority agreement between the City of National City and the South Bay Irrigation District, provides drinking water to more than 175,000 people in National City, Chula Vista and Bonita. Both Sweetwater Authority and the South Bay Irrigation Districts are members of the CSDA.

Students who compete for the CSDA scholarship will be asked to complete an essay exhibiting knowledge and views about the purpose of special districts, and provide a one page personal statement about their reasons for application, their desire to continue their education, their goals or personal background. Community involvement or volunteer service, letters of recommendation from high school faculty, and grade point average (2.5 minimum) will also be used as criteria to select the winning applicant.

To apply for the scholarship, students may contact Public Information at Sweetwater Authority, 422-8395, ext. 647, or they may obtain materials from their high school counseling offices or local public libraries. Applications must be received at 505 Garrett Avenue, Chula Vista, by 4:30 p.m. March 10, 2000.