Media Corner

For Immediate Release
January 27, 2010

Central Basin Director Elected President of The San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority

Commerce, CA- Central Basin Municipal Water District Director Robert Apodaca was elected this week to serve as Board President of the San Gabriel River Discovery Center Authority (SGRDCA).

Formed in 2006, the SGRDCA oversees the planning and development for the San Gabriel River Discovery Center, a partnership between many public agencies and private groups. Once complete, the Discovery Center will take an innovative approach to education on water conservation and the natural resources of the river. The Center will tell the story of the San Gabriel River watershed. The center will, feature a demonstration riparian/wetland area, outdoor classrooms, "green" building exhibit and meeting spaces and pathways that will provide the community with a program about all aspects of watershed education: geologic setting, natural history, water quality and conservation, human reliance on river resources, flood management, and river restoration, as well as an enriching nature experience.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve the communities of our service area in this role," said Director Apodaca. "The Discovery Center will be an invaluable educational resource for the people of Southeast LA County and the surrounding area."

Director Apodaca was originally elected to the Central Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors in November 1998 and is currently serving his third term, representing the Division II cities of La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs and Whittier. Apodaca is a 38-year resident of Whittier and a respected leader in his community, as well as in the California water industry. He served as President of the Central Basin Board of Directors from 2001-2008 and has also represented Central Basin on the Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors during his tenure.