Board of Directors

The Board

A five-member Board of Directors, elected from geographic division, governs the District. The Board manages through an appointed general manager and four department heads.

The Board meets on the first and third Mondays of each month at 2:00 P.M. in the Board room at the District offices, 29300 Valley Center Road, Valley Center, California. 

Monday holidays will postpone meetings until Tuesday.


The VCMWD Board of Directors will welcome the public back to its Board Room in a limited capacity while still accommodating remote participation options. Seating inside the Board Room will be spaced to accommodate social distancing, with an option to listen to the meetings on speakers outside of the Board Room. Our Board Meetings will also continue to be livestreamed for those who wish to observe remotely.  Please be advised that one or more members of the VCMWD Board of Directors or staff may participate in this meeting by teleconference consistent with Assembly Bill 361.


Valley Center MWD Elected Board of Directors


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Robert Polito

Board President

Bob Polito is involved in the direct marketing of his Polito Family Farms products all over southern California through local and regional Farmer’s Markets in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Frequently involved in civic matters, he served as President of the Valley Center High School Foundation from 2010 until 2014.

Election Division: One
Occupation: Farmer, Rancher
Since 1989


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Enrico Ferro

Vice President

Enrico is an avocado grower and pest control advisor for area citrus and avocado groves. In addition to his Board duties, he serves as President on the San Diego County Farm Bureau, is a member of the California State Farm Bureau Water Committee and the Agricultural Committee of the Association of California Water Agencies, a statewide water association. Enrico is a 1996 graduate of UC Riverside and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

Election Division: Four
Occupation: Farmer
Since 2016


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Daniel Holtz

Director

A Valley Center native, Daniel grew up on his family’s Avocado Ranch, attending local schools. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he earned a degree in BioResource and Agricultural Engineering. Employed with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Escondido since 2010, he assists landowners throughout SD County in improving irrigation efficiency and reducing soil erosion. He is a Licensed Civil Engineer and Certified Conservation Planner.

Election Division: Five
Occupation: Agricultural Engineer
Since 2018


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Oliver Smith

Director

A resident of Valley Center since 1979, Oliver Smith is an electronics engineer with a national firm developing and manufacturing medical equipment. He came to the District Board of Directors after serving 12 years on the Valley Center Fire Protection District Board of Directors and 12 years as Chairman of the Valley Center Community Planning Group.

Election Division: Three
Occupation: Electronics Engineer
Since 2018


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Cooper Ness

Director

Cooper Ness a fifth-generation Valley Center native, who now manages the family’s iconic “Bates Nut Farm.”, a landmark of the Valley Center Community for over 100 years. In addition to being a Manager of one of the most recognizable agricultural farms in the region, Cooper has an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

Election Division: Two
Occupation: Retail Manager
Since 2022


More Information

Division Boundaries