West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin) Treasurer, Ronald C. (Ron) Smith recently joined with the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce to present the annual "Citizen of the Year" awards at a dinner held October 11, 2013. Four individuals and organizations were recognized in the categories of "Citizen of the Year," "Outstanding Nonprofit Organization" and "Outstanding Community Service Program." 2013 honorees included:

West Basin Treasurer Ronald C. (Ron) Smith (Photo: Business Wire)

West Basin Treasurer Ronald C. (Ron) Smith (Photo: Business Wire)

  • Sandra Saunders, Re/Max Palos Verdes Realty/Execs (Citizen of the Year)
  • Marymount California University (Outstanding Nonprofit Organization)
  • Palos Verdes Sunset Rotary Club (Outstanding Community Service Program)
  • Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Club (Outstanding Community Service Program)

"It was an honor to present these fine community stewards with a proclamation honoring their public service contributions," said Smith. "Cities like Palos Verdes and the surrounding cities are close and connected communities. Leaders like those honored this year ignite community service and improvement. They are a reminder to all of us about the importance of civic engagement and improvement and that every voice does make a difference," he said. Smith represents West Basin Division I covering the cities of Carson, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates, Rolling Hills and portions of San Pedro. West Basin is a wholesale water agency that serves nearly one million people in coastal Los Angeles.

Smith has been a member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber for eight years and as a member of West Basin's Board, actively promotes water conservation and education throughout the Division I service area. Under Smith's leadership, West Basin will build an "Ocean Friendly" demonstration garden at Palos Verdes High School, teaming up with the Surfrider Foundation to teach residents how to incorporate water efficient outdoor landscaping practices to save water and money. The new garden will be built in early 2014.

West Basin Municipal Water District is a wholesale water district that serves nearly a million people in 17 cities and unincorporated areas throughout its 185-square mile service area. West Basin is reducing its dependence on imported water through its Water Reliability 2020 program that will double conservation, double recycled water production and add desalted ocean water to its portfolio by the year 2020. Visit www.westbasin.org to learn more.

West Basin Municipal Water District
Alexis Tate, Chief Public Information Officer
310-660-6218
alexist@westbasin.org