Around LADWP
Employee Events are Plentiful in October
October is LADWP’s busiest month in terms of employee events and initiatives! Mark your calendars so you don’t miss any of these fun, engaging virtual and in-person events. Check MyDWP for the latest information and updates, as well as event recordings and additional materials.
October 4: Customer Service Week Virtual Panel
To celebrate Customer Service Week, the Customer Service Division is hosting a virtual panel featuring employees from the Joint, Water and Power Systems, including Community Affairs Manager Stephanie Spicer, Utility Services Manager Angela Ruiz and District Engineer for Metro East Service Planning Jeffrey Bergman. WebEx link and details will be provided via Bulletin.
October 5: Clean Air Fair at JFB
Hosted by the LADWP Green team to celebrate California Clean Air Day, this event will be held from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the JFB upper A-level parking lot. Event exhibitors include City Plants, L.A. Sanitation, Metrolink and North East Trees. Workshops and clean air-related giveaways will be provided. Look out for additional information via Bulletin.
Remember to pledge your commitment to clean air at the Clean Air Day website before October 5. All employees who pledge will be entered into a raffle to win prizes!
October 6: Annual Donors’ Welfare Plan Campaign Kicks Off
LADWP’s annual Donors’ Welfare Plan campaign will run from October 6 to November 10, and is a Power, Water and Joint System competition for the highest participation based on employee giving via payroll contribution. The campaign is a time-honored LADWP tradition with donations supporting a variety of employee assistance and local charity programs. Your support is needed more than ever after the prolonged pandemic.
Please complete a white contribution card and encourage your fellow employees to do the same. Your Donors’ Welfare Plan Campaign Coordinator or the Employees Association can provide more details at (213) 367-3146 or DonorsWelfarePlan@ladwp.com.
October 12: ¡Somos LADWP! Virtual Panel
This virtual panels is the last event of the Departments National Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. LADWP employees will share their perspectives, backgrounds, and personal histories to promote Hispanic cultural appreciation and awareness. Featuring Board Vice President Cynthia Ruiz and others. Held via WebEx from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Throughout October: Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. LADWP will be issuing Bulletins with information and activities throughout the month. Please monitor your inbox for valuable information regarding cybersecurity and the ability to win prizes!
Monkeypox Public Health Emergency
According to the California Department of Public Health, the current risk of getting monkeypox in the general public is very low. Furthermore, current public health guidelines do not call for specific protective measures against monkeypox virus in our workplace. Water faucets remain safe to use.
The most important general recommendations by the California Department of Public Health include:
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Contact your medical provider for health concerns, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Wear a face mask to prevent respiratory droplet spread with close and prolonged face-to-face interactions.
Learn more by reading the Bulletin from Employee Health Plans and Services issued August 9.
Northern District Crews Fight Fires and Floods to Protect Aqueduct Infrastructure
On July 8, staff from the LADWP Bishop Construction yard responded to a mutual aid request from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) to help fight a fire that broke out in a small housing community and quickly moved towards LADWP property.
In total, LADWP sent six water tenders, a D6 bulldozer, a six-inch water pump and brought a light plant to aid Southern California Edison lineworkers in re-establishing power to the area. Once the fire was contained, our Bishop Construction crews continued to provide support to Cal Fire, the U.S. Forest Service and multiple local Fire Departments.
The following month, the Eastern Sierra experienced another natural disaster. Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall hit hard the Eastern Sierra slopes and Owens Valley, causing road closures and potential damage to LADWP aqueduct infrastructure. Our Aqueduct and Reservoir Keepers and Construction crews from both the Bishop and Independence yards worked around the clock clearing debris and repairing access roads that were washed out or covered by mudslides.
Thank you to our employees who respond at all hours of the night during unexpected events. We honor your commitment to maintain our operations and safely deliver water and power to our customers.
Group photo by Chris Corsmeier
Kevin Brown Recognized for 40 Years of Service
On July 1, 1982, Kevin Brown started as a young and eager Civil Engineering Assistant in LADWP’s Water Operating Division, Engineering Group. After years of working in different groups, he promoted in 2018 to his final position that he retired from in August 2022: Managing Water Utility Engineer with the Water Distribution Division Executive Office, serving as Manager of Construction Support. At the July 12 board meeting, Brown was presented with his 40-year service pin by Board of Water and Power President Cynthia McClain-Hill.
“Mr. Brown set the example of the caliber of people that we have in the Water System, he has been a great role model for many," said Senior Assistant General Manager of Water System Anselmo Collins. Water Distribution Director Breonia Lindsay added, “Kevin’s expertise and knowledge in material specifications and service/material contracts are unrivaled, and he was a great resource for me here in Water Distribution and the Water System. We are a better people because of him.”
Back to School Goody Bags
The Employee Health Plans and Services office coordinated the annual Back-to-School goody bag distribution for the children of LADWP employees from August 16 to 18. The Department distributes the bags each year to help wish students success as they begin a new school year. Items in the bags included lunch containers, notepads, stretch bands, stress balls and pens. Staff distributed the bags in the JFB cafeteria and at outlying facilities, including the Truesdale Training Center, Temple Street Yard, Scattergood Generating Station and Bishop. About 2,800 bags were handed out in total, 800 more than last year.
Photo by Art Mochizuki
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This publication is written and published by the Corporate Strategy and Communications Division. For other 2022 issues, click the three horizontal lines icon next to the Contact logo at the top left of the document. Then click the “Editions” tab. For issues from 2000-2021, see Intranet page MyDWP/.