http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20949~2062552,00.html

Water woes resurfacing in Agua Dulce community

By Nicholas Grudin Staff Writer

4-5-04 AGUA DULCE -- Water troubles have surfaced again in the dusty community of Sierra Colony, where the wells are running dry and local leaders face a recall election for failing to address the shortage. Manny Fernandez, president of the Sierra Pelona Valley Water Co., said Friday that his term in office could end today, but he warned that a successful recall would disrupt the process of securing water for the upscale, 60-home community. Currently, the homes valued at as much as $1 million each must rely on trucked-in water because of a shortage that will only get worse this summer. "It's simple math," Fernandez said. "The moment that the weather (heats up) ... we will be consuming more than the well produces."

An independent expert's report released Thursday indicates there is enough groundwater available to serve the community -- but a costly new well must be drilled to tap into it. According to Fernandez -- who took office in 2002 after a recall of Don MacAdam, the previous head of the local water company -- another recall will not solve the problem. "It's strictly a political thing," Fernandez said. Some residents say Fernandez and his board have halted progress on securing more water for the ailing community, which spends as much as $70,000 per month to truck in water. Gary Milliman, one of the leaders of the recall campaign, said Fernandez has not only been ineffective but has intentionally snubbed dissenters. "I was among seven signers on a petition for the recall election," he said. "The current three members of the (Sierra Pelona Valley) board have failed to solve the community's water supply problem, and there does not seem to be any positive progress toward securing a solution under their leadership. "One of the problems with the current board is a lack of communication with the shareholders," said Milliman. "Only a portion of the community receives the shareholder newsletter. Those who question the direction of the company are excluded."

County officials are aware of Agua Dulce's problems and have intervened before. However, although the water shortage is apparent, neither Sierra Colony's developers nor the county have taken responsibility for the water shortfall. "County staff, at the direction of Supervisor (Michael) Antonovich, is working with the residents of Sierra Colony to address the water issues. The supervisor and county staff will work with whatever leadership is in place," said Antonovich planning deputy Paul Novak. "It is clear to the county engineers that a new well needs to be drilled for Sierra Colony. ... Supervisor Antonovich is working with all parties to try to identify funding sources for drilling that well." Novak said a new well would cost the county $250,000 -- but Fernandez disputes that, saying the price tag could run as high as $1 million. Nicholas Grudin, CC dailynews.com

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