press release

October 15, 2002

BEAUCHAMP JOINS WATER BOARD

National City Council member Mitch Beauchamp was sworn in last week to join the seven-member Sweetwater Authority Governing Board. Beauchamp was appointed by the National City Mayor and City Council to replace Director Sue Jarrett, who represented National City for 14 years. The National City Mayor also holds an appointed position on the water board, a decision-making body that includes five Directors elected by division to represent the South Bay Irrigation District.

As a Sweetwater Authority Director, Beauchamp will vote on policies governing public water treatment, delivery and service for 175,500 residents of National City, Bonita, and the western and central portions of Chula Vista. In addition to his position on the City Council, Beauchamp owns Pacific Southwest Biological Services, Inc., an environmental consulting firm.

Sweetwater Authority is currently celebrating its 25th year as a public agency. The agency began operating in 1977 as a joint powers authority formed by the City of National City and the South Bay Irrigation District. A public vote and lengthy court case awarded ownership of the system, previously held by California-American Water Company, to the South Bay Irrigation District.

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