At the January 9 Board meeting, a number of EID employees received "H.R. LaBounty Safety Awards" from the Association of California Water Agencies-Joint Powers Insurance Authority. The awards recognize the employees for their contribution, time, and efforts in improving workplace safety and operational practices.

The District also received ACWA's 2011 Region 3 Outstanding Outreach Participation Award for its contact with legislators, key regulators, and administrative officials on matters that could adversely affect District operations.

Board President Bill George presented awards to (top left picture) Hydrographer Bill Slightam, Buddy Tanner (not pictured) and Jake Eymann for correcting a significant fall hazard at the Caples Lake Auxiliary Dam. Larry Olson (not pictured) and Ron Barney (top right) were recognized for implementing a touch-pad device that not only eliminates employee exposure to confined space and fall hazards, but improves operational efficiency as well. John Chavers, Russell St. Thomas, and James Young (bottom right) were recognized for their contribution in the establishment of the District's confined space entry rescue team. Mary Lynn Carlton (bottom left) received the ACWA Region 3 Outstanding Outreach Award on behalf of the District.