CWEA Wastewater Professional :: April 2014 March 2014 Volume 2 | Page 5

From the President | Christoph Dobson folks spread across thousands of square miles. Did Santa Ana River Basin Section celebrated genera- you know the Northern Sacramento Valley Section tions of leadership with a 1940’s theme in the Lyon stretches all the way from Davis to the Oregon Air Museum. In Sacramento they had their own border? But then there are a different set of logis- version of the Academy Awards. tical issues to deal with when tackling the dense At the end of each evening I reflected on the population of some of the southern sections like night’s festivities, and thought to myself how fortu- Santa Ana River Basin and Los Angeles Basin. Each nate I was to be part of such an important profes- section has adapted to their unique geographical sion, and to be a member of an Association with features to formulate an education delivery model such a great culture. That culture is strong because that works for them. of its uniformity and its diversity. I am proud to All this work being done to serve our industry recognition is very important. Each award ceremo- have spent the past year presiding over an Association that celebrates both. ny was handled with heartfelt gratitude, and a local twist. At Monterey Bay, Past Presidents and Quarter Sincerely, Century professionals spoke about their experiences, and the esteemed Order of the Sewer Rat was bestowed. In San Diego there is the Daphnia award, a pin shaped like the small aquatic crustacean whose abundance is an indicator of good water Christoph Dobson, CWEA CSM Grade 1 quality. In Sacramento the President appreciates a CWEA President 2013 - 2014 special volunteer with a trophy so large it won’t fit in a car without punching a hole in the roof. Even the food and entertainment had distinct flavors, from intimate family-style Basque cuisine in Bakersfield (Golden Empire Section) to the highrolling “funny money” atmosphere in San Diego. Wastewater Professional April 2014 3