ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
5.	CONSIDER SPONSORSHIP OF MAY 2011 MONTEREY COUNTY WATER AWARENESS DAY EVENT
Meeting Date:			October 18, 2010	Budgeted:	Yes
From:			Darby Fuerst	Program/	6-7811.40
			General Manager	Line Item No.:	4-2-1-A
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	$5,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on October 12, 2010 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: The Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County (WAC) is organizing its second large Water Awareness Month (May) kick off event on May 14, 2011, at Del Monte Center in Monterey. The event will showcase water efficiency including displays, booths, entertainment, demonstrations and other activities to educate the community about water conservation. MPWMD has been asked to co-sponsor the event by contributing $5,000. Funding for this event is included in the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget.

MPWMD was a sponsor at the $5,000 level in 2010. The event was a huge success and resulted in a larger number of local participants than the Monterey County Fair, formerly the District’s largest outreach event of the year. On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Water Awareness Day Celebration was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Del Monte Shopping Center. The event began with 16 booths including MPWMD, California American Water, Marina Coast Water District, KWAV, Sandbar Solar & Electric, Green Valley Landscaping and more. The Firefly Band kicked off the event at the Sunken Garden with Tiny the Clown strolling through the celebration and Bob Costa as a speaker at the Fountain of Learning. Throughout the day, the attendees also enjoyed the talents of Shinsho Mugen Daiko, ZunZun Tunes, The Next Blues Band, One Accord (Island Breeze Entertainment) Smiley Orca face painting and Watahbug. Additional topical speakers included Karen Harris of the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control District and Sherry Lee Bryant of Ecology Action. Over 100 attendees participated in a Water Treasure Hunt and raffle, which was outlined in the Event Program. They were also provided a recycled paper Del Monte Shopping Center bag to hold giveaways from the booths. There were a total of 21 raffle items given away and the grand prize of a Maytag HE Energy Efficient Washing Machine, donated by Cal Water Service, for the winner of the Water Treasure Hunt. The event was free and open to the public.

RECOMMENDATION: The Administrative Committee should support a recommendation to the Board supporting the District’s sponsorship at the $5,000 level. The Board sponsored Water Awareness Day at this level in 2010. Funding is in the Fiscal Year 2010-2011 budget. Sponsorship of a local water conservation event of this magnitude provides the District with an opportunity to educate the public about its mission and vision.

EXHIBITS

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