Newsletter

The City of Chino Hills Receives FEMA Funding to Support Fuel Reduction Project

The city of Chino Hills has received $565,000 in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to support a fuel reduction project that will reduce the potential for wildfires. The money was approved as part of the federal government’s spending bill, which includes local projects requested by their legislative representatives. The project was supported by U.S. Representative Young Kim, who represents California’s 39th Congressional District which includes Chino Hills, and U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, who represent California.

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“We are very thankful to our elected officials for all of their leadership to bring funding to our city,” said Chino Hills Mayor Ray Marquez. “While our community enjoys an enhanced quality of life through the preservation of over 3,000 acres of open space in our city, wildfires are always a concern. Our residents’ safety, health, and, in many cases, lives depend on our ability to protect them from the destructive paths of wildfires.”

“I am proud to be able to deliver federal funding that will directly support the Chino Hills fuel reduction project,” said Rep. Young Kim. “This is an important initiative to protect open space and keep residents safe from wildfires by removing fuel hazards near residential areas. I am grateful to the city of Chino Hills for working with me to assess the need for the project and get it through the finish line in Congress. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I will continue to work to prevent and contain wildfires and promote public safety.”

The city of Chino Hills has approximately 3,350 acres of city-owned open space and is adjacent to the more than 14,000-acre Chino Hills State Park. All these areas are vulnerable to wildfires. The city will use the FEMA funding to enhance its citywide fuel reduction project that reduces the potential for wildfires by removing fuel hazards near residential communities. The funding will allow the city to supplement its annual weed abatement efforts with a program that enlarges defensible space and removes dead and declining plant material in the landscaped buffer zones between the city’s habitable structures and its hillsides vulnerable to wildfire. In addition, the project will use environmentally friendly techniques that are cost-effective and will result in long-term greenhouse gas reductions.

Risks from wildfires remain a constant threat for many California JPIA members. In 2021/2022, Californians experienced another dry winter, which increases wildfire risks. High winds and low fuel moisture combined with excessive dead and declining vegetation significantly increase the chances of wildfire in our communities. Efforts should be made to minimize wildfire exposures that threaten personnel safety, property loss, and continuity of operations. For an in-depth analysis of wildfire exposures and risk management, download the California JPIA’s wildfire white paper from the Authority’s website.

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City of Camarillo Wins Earth Day Award for North Pleasant Valley Groundwater Desalter Facility

The County of Ventura Board of Supervisors recently recognized the City of Camarillo with an Earth Day 2022 Award for the North Pleasant Valley Groundwater Desalter Facility. The project was 20 years in the making and involved permitting from numerous agencies, several different funding sources, complex land acquisition and approvals, design, and construction. At a total project cost of $66 million, the desalter was nearly 50 percent funded by outside sources.

The California JPIA assisted the city with the project by reviewing construction contract insurance requirements and providing builder’s risk coverage for the project through the property insurance program.

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Signifying its importance to Camarillo and the region, the desalter has also been awarded the 2022 American Public Works Association (APWA) National Project of the Year in the Small Cities/Rural Communities Environment category. The city will be recognized at an awards ceremony during the annual APWA national expo in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 29, 2022.

Water conservation is swiftly becoming a more urgent environmental issue, and the desalter is an integral part of Camarillo’s critical infrastructure. Before considering the desalter, the city was expected by 2035 to import 70 percent of its water supply from the State Water Project (SWP). The desalter will provide reliable, drought-resistant potable water and allow the city to reduce imported SWP water to 25 percent of its water supply.

The desalter treats brackish groundwater from the northern portion of the Pleasant Valley Basin, turning it into potable water, doubling water supply production from local groundwater sources, and reducing the city’s dependence on imported water. The facility will aid the city in the sustainable use of natural resources as it continues to strive toward a more resilient and sustainable future for Camarillo and the region.

Congratulations, City of Camarillo!

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City of Dana Point’s Public Works Department Exemplifies “Ready & Resilient”

National Public Works Week, May 15–21, 2022, celebrated the contributions of public works personnel throughout the nation, educating the public about how public works employees plan, build, and operate at the heart of communities to improve residents’ quality of life. This year’s theme, “Ready & Resilient,” touched upon the dedicated spirit of public works employees.

In recognition of this week-long celebration, the California JPIA pays special homage to the City of Dana Point’s Public Works Department, which can be relied on to serve its community and manage challenges through risk management best practices.

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“Public works employees provide critical services that many of us take for granted,” said Senior Risk Manager Alex Mellor. “Whether maintaining infrastructure, managing capital improvement projects, or performing myriad other tasks, public works employees are vital to maintaining the health of the communities in which we all live.”

Public works employees support Dana Point by managing and supervising the city’s infrastructure from 112 miles of sidewalk along City streets to the Salt Creek Ozone Treatment Plant. The California JPIA and Dana Point will soon team up to complete an inventory of confined spaces throughout the city to ensure that potential risks are recognized and safety specifications are met so that public works employees are protected while fulfilling their duties.

“Both the public works department and the city overall are always eager to form a partnership to help better manage risk,” said Mellor. “They are very proactive about asking risk-related questions and taking full advantage of the many resources the California JPIA has to offer its members.”

“The California JPIA has truly helped us take actions over the years that protect the city from liability. The City Council prioritizes safety and has provided Public Works with the budgets we need to maintain our streets, sidewalks, signs, traffic signals, and other public assets to a very high standard,” said Director of Public Works/City Engineer Matthew Sinacori. “One good example is the city’s annual inspection of every public sidewalk in the city to identify needed repairs to eliminate potential tripping hazards. Hundreds of work orders are generated each year to address issues found. This has proved to be an invaluable tool to prevent claims.”

Dana Point’s public works department is ready and resilient largely due to the leadership and guidance of Sinacori, who, according to Mellor, cultivates an awareness of potential liability issues, assesses risks, and anticipates solutions to potential problems. Sinacori has established a five-star service standard for the divisions he supervises, including street maintenance, traffic engineering, solid waste and recycling, engineering, water quality, and construction and capital improvement projects.

“I am proud of our entire Public Works team. They all care about this community and keeping the city safe, well maintained, and clean. We put in the extra time needed to pick up that piece of trash, pick that weed, or fix that sign regardless of the time of day.   We also value the relationships we have with our emergency response teams (OCSD and OCFA) and are ready for any emergency,” said Sinacori. “We love working for a small city and the diversity it brings in our day. We will continue to find innovative ways to do more with less while still holding the highest standard possible.”

“The California JPIA is proud to support the important work performed by public works employees across the entire membership,” said Mellor. “Through proactive risk management efforts and utilizing resources provided by the Authority, member public works departments can reduce the likelihood of injury to employees and the public, and ensure public funds are used for their intended purpose.”

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Electronic Resource Update – Evidence of Coverage

By Jim Thyden, Insurance Programs Manager

The Authority has migrated to a new Evidence of Coverage (EOC) solution. The new EOC solution is accessed via myJPIA and is hosted in the Authority’s risk management information system (RMIS). Member employees with access to RMIS will find a fillable form to request an EOC document.

The EOC solution provides evidence of liability, workers’ compensation, and/or property coverage to third parties such as individuals, vendors, companies, and other public entities, including schools, cities, and the state and federal government.

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There are four types of EOCs:

1. Basic. Provides proof that the member has coverage with the Authority and does not name an additional Protected Party (the Authority’s term for Additional Insured). Basic EOCs are processed automatically and should be received by the member within 20 minutes.
2. Limited Protected Contract, Type 1. Provides proof for a written agreement that fits one of the categories below, that the member has coverage, and names an additional Protected Party. Protected Contract, Type 1 EOCs are processed automatically and should be received by the member within 20 minutes.
   1. Easements or License Agreements;
   2. Leases of Real or Personal Property;
   3. Encroachment Permits;
   4. Special Events Sponsored by the member; or
   5. Use of Facilities, Equipment, real or personal property by the member.
3. Limited Protected Contract, Type 2. Provides proof for a written agreement that is not one of the above categories and does not meet the definition of a Protected Contract. These contracts are submitted by members and processed by Authority staff. Limited Protected Contract, Type 2 EOCs are processed and are typically received by members within two business days once the Authority has received the complete written agreement. (Note: The Authority offices are closed on Fridays)
4. Protected Contract. Provides proof for a written agreement that meets the definition of a Protected Contract. Protected Contract EOCs require discussion with members and may take several days to process.

For additional information regarding Limited Protected Contract (Type 1 and 2) and Protected Contracts, click here.

Questions regarding the Evidence of Coverage service can be directed to Insurance Programs Manager Jim Thyden by email or at (562) 467-8784.

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California JPIA Recognizes Milestone Anniversary for Maintenance Worker Chris Yanonis

Visitors to the Authority’s beautiful campus in La Palma can bear witness to the impact of Maintenance Worker Chris Yanonis, who celebrates 15 years as a California JPIA staff member.

“Chris’s long tenure with the Authority speaks for itself,” said Administrative Services Director Nikki Salas. “His diligent work ethic and dedication to his fellow staff members and our campus show every day, as guests are welcomed by a beautifully kept landscape and a fully functioning building .”

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Since joining the California JPIA in 2007, Yanonis has performed an extensive list of onsite tasks, including building and grounds maintenance, facilities operations, and campus security. He also supports the planning and execution of events ranging from community service projects to Board of Directors meetings, all the while ensuring the Authority’s staff members have what they need to provide members with the best service and care.

“I am always amazed when I recall that the Authority’s campus is nearly 25 years old,” said Yanonis. “My goal every day is to make sure the building and landscape continue to look brand new for our staff and our members.”

The Authority’s iconic fountain has been rebuilt twice under Yanonis’s supervision, which he counts among his proudest accomplishments during his time with the California JPIA. He also has been recognized for his work on the Mariposa Courtyard, the back stairwell, and other landscape and building improvements.

“My job is made easy by the incredible California JPIA team members and how well the organization is run,” said Yanonis. “The team and staff are all very knowledgeable and always willing to help; everyone chips in and does their part to make my job easier.”

Congratulations, Chris, on your 15th anniversary!

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