The City of Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment System on Feb. 17 was recognized with five awards by the California Water Environment Association-Monterey Bay Section.

The 2022-23 awards honor Wastewater Collections/Flood Control Manager Rome Norman, Environmental Compliance/Laboratory Manager Akin Babatola, Supervisor Armando Deloera, the “Sewer Snatcher,” (Collection System Gimmicks and Gadgets) and the Wastewater Treatment Facility Tour community engagement video.

Both Norman and Babatola received Quarter Century Awards for their commitment to improving the quality of life and the protection of the environment with 25 years of experience in the water environment industry.

Deloera was honored with the Supervisor of the Year Award in recognition of his successful mentoring of team members, professional development and effective communication.

Wastewater Field Crew Leader Jim Locatelli and Senior Wastewater Collection Maintenance Technologist Erik Pedersen won the Collection System Gimmicks & Gadgets Award. Their innovative “Sewer Snatcher” creatively removed a gasket lodged in the sewer main avoiding replacement of the sewer line, which would have cost thousands of dollars in both supplies and staff time.

The Wastewater Treatment Facility Tour community engagement video was recognized with a Community Engagement and Outreach: Film Festival Award for its public education helping to inform the public and change public behaviors and attitudes.

To view the video in English and Spanish, visit cityofsantacruz.com.

Chirinos joins board

Joshua Chirinos joined the board of directors at the Family Service Agency of the Central Coast, according to a release from the organization.

Chirinos is general manager of La Quinta Inn and Suites in Santa Cruz. A native of Santa Cruz, Chirinos graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in business administration. Previously, Chirinos has been in management positions at resorts in both Santa Cruz and Monterey.

Education

The following local students were honored for academic achievement.

• Carson Spence, of Scotts Valley, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Spence was among 973 students who received bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees during winter commencement.

• Maya Shoval, of Santa Cruz, earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Shoval was one of more than 1,750 students receiving degrees during winter commencement.

• Bridget Opperman, of Los Gatos, was named to the fall 2022 dean’s list at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey.

• Ashley Miller, of Scotts Valley, was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Emmerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

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