The Borrego Springs Community Sponsor Group meeting, held on July 7, started off by congratulating Linda Haddock and Bill Berkley (absent), to the board as of June 21. Mrs. Haddock, having completed all her training; making her an official voting member, stated that she "is thrilled to be on the board".

Having concluded all other relevant business, one of the non-action items, besides a continuation of the read-through of the Borrego Springs Community Plan, was a presentation made by Lyle Brecht.

Mr. Brecht updated the board regarding the Groundwater and Sustainability Plan (GSP) that is currently in development between San Diego County and the Borrego Water District (BWD).

"The County and District are currently working towards creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to address any overlap. Thereafter, it will be the responsibility of the two GSAs to create a Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). A key element in the GSA's responsibilities is securing stakeholder participation and input in the process of developing a plan."

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) empowers local agencies to adopt groundwater management plans that are tailored to the resources and needs of their communities. Since the SGMA will go into effect after the GSP is written, and implemented to reduce the amount of water we are using, Mr. Brecht is requesting that the sponsor group read over proposals and discuss writing a letter of support in order to have their voices heard.

Once the plan has been drawn up, there will not be a chance for public comment and Mr. Brecht suggests the county should include business items, as well as taking regulatory items into consideration, before hiring a consultant to represent Borrego.

For more information, a meeting will be held at the BWD July 19.

Mr. Beltran, President of the sponsor group, will follow up with their decision at the next board meeting scheduled for Thurs. Aug. 4, 4:30 p.m. in the Borrego Springs High School community room.