The Vista Irrigation District (VID) Board of Directors honored Board Member Richard L. Vásquez for his 24 years of service. Vásquez did not seek reelection and will be retiring effective December 6, 2024.

Vásquez has served on the Board of Directors since December 2008; this will be the fourth time he has led the board since being elected in 2008.  Vásquez was a member of the Board of Directors of the Bueno Colorado Municipal Water District from 1986 to 1992, and he was formerly on the Board of Directors of VID from 1992 to 2000.  Vásquez represented Division 2, which encompasses the area north of West Vista Way and west of North Santa Fe Avenue in Vista.

“It’s been an honor to serve on the VID Board representing Division 2 for more than two decades,” said Vásquez. “I am proud of the Board’s accomplishments and appreciate staff’s efforts in addressing the specific needs of the District’s customers.”

Vásquez, a retired civil engineering designer, has served as the chair of VID’s public affairs, fiscal policy and water sustainability committees.  He also actively represented the VID’s best interests through his dedicated service on outside committees and organizations including the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Region 10 Board of Directors, ACWA water quality and groundwater committees, the Southern California Water Coalition and Groundwater Resources Association.

“Richard, the accolades that you have received here today are not enough to truly recognize your accomplishments and contributions to the Board and the District,” said Board of Directors Vice President Patrick Sanchez. “You stressed the importance of setting good public policy and always keeping the ratepayer in mind when decisions are being made by the Board.”

During  Vásquez’s tenure on the Board of Directors, VID completed many significant capital projects including the replacement/rehabilitation of several reservoirs and pump stations and the replacement of over 30 miles of pipeline and related appurtenances. He also helped lead the district on numerous special projects including the completion of a Water Supply Planning Study, which guided the Board’s monumental decision to begin the planning to replace the 100-year-old Vista Flume; the historical Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Restoration Project which garnered significant honors from the State of California; and the considerable task of finalizing the San Luis Rey Indian Water Rights Settlement. VID also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association and the District of Distinction Platinum Recognition and the Transparency Certificate of Excellence awards from the Special District Leadership Foundation while Vásquez was a member of the Board.

Vista Irrigation District is a public agency governed by an elected five-member board.  The district provides water service to more than 130,000 people in the city of Vista, and portions of San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, and unincorporated areas of the county of San Diego.