California Ag Network

Tag: Don Peracchi

  • Daniel Errotabere Elected President of Westlands Water District

    On December 17, 2019, Don Peracchi announced that he would step down as President of Westlands Water District’s Board, effective December 31, 2019. Following his announcement, the District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Director Daniel Errotabere as President of the District.

    Mr. Peracchi stated, “It has been an honor to serve as Westlands’ President, and I am proud of the District’s accomplishments over the last several years. These include the District’s role in passage of the WIIN Act, its role in negotiating revisions to the Coordinated Operations Agreement, conversion of the District’s water service contract to a repayment contract, and development of the groundwater sustainability plan. The District has a well-functioning Board supported by competent, dedicated staff. I believe it’s time to provide another Director with the opportunity to serve as President of the District.”

    Tom Birmingham, the District’s general manager, stated, “On behalf of the staff, I want to express our appreciation to Mr. Peracchi. Few people understand the time commitment required to serve as Westlands’ President; it is a full-time job. Mr. Peracchi led the District through difficult times, when drought and regulatory restrictions severely reduced water supply, but because of his leadership on the Board, the District is in a good position.”

    Mr. Errotabere stated, “Don Peracchi leaves big shoes to fill. He did an incredible job of leading the District through difficult times. I am gratified that the Board has confidence in my ability to continue the course set by Don and the Board.”

    Mr. Peracchi has served as a Director of Westlands since 2008 and was elected President in 2011. He will remain on the Board of Directors. Mr. Errotabere, who previously served as Westlands’ President from 2002 through 2005, will begin his second term as President of Westlands on January 1, 2020. 

    Westlands is a public water district governed by a nine-member Board of Directors. Elections for the Board are held every two years and Directors are elected to four-year terms in office. The Board elects the District President and appoints other officers. 

    Westlands Water District is the largest agricultural water district in the United States, made up of more than 1,000 square miles of prime farmland in western Fresno and Kings Counties. Under federal contracts, Westlands provides water to 700 family-owned farms that average 653 acres in size.

  • Westlands Water District Selects New General Counsel

    On May 15, 2018, the Westlands Water District Board of Directors appointed Jon D. Rubin to the position of General Counsel, effective June 1, 2018.
    Mr. Rubin brings to the District a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to help handle the many issues and pressures the famers and people of Westlands face every day.
    As General Counsel, Mr. Rubin will work under the direction of the Board of Directors, in coordination with the General Manager, to manage the District’s legal affairs. In addition, Mr. Rubin will provide legal guidance to the Board of Directors and the District’s senior management staff.
    Mr. Rubin has represented Westlands and other Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors during his entire 20-year legal career. Immediately prior to accepting the position of Westlands General Counsel, Mr. Rubin was employed as General Counsel by the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA). The SLDMWA is comprised of 28 water agencies, including Westlands, that deliver water to more than 2 million acres of land within the western San Joaquin Valley, San Benito, and Santa Clara counties.
    “Jon Rubin has proven over the years to be a tireless advocate for agencies that serve water to farmers, urban populations, and wildlife refuges,” said Westlands President Don Peracchi. “His legal experience and dedication to the diverse water interests of south-of-Delta CVP contractors make him a tremendous asset for the farmers in Westlands. We are fortunate to have him.”
    Mr. Rubin has been married for 14 years to his wife, Elaine. They have two children, Zachary, who is 11, and Jaymeson, who is 9. When not working, Mr. Rubin enjoys spending time with his family and the outdoors.