FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2024
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alexandra Nagy, alexandra@sunstonestrategies.org
Leela Yadav, leela@sunstonestrategies.org
Delta Advocates Call for Leadership That Respects Local Expertise and Climate Solutions
Stockton, Calif. — Restore the Delta, a leading environmental organization representing communities and stakeholders in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, calls on the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) to reinstate General Manager Adel Hagekhalil, citing his respectful and collaborative approach to Delta leadership and expertise. This comes in response to recent dismissive and disparaging comments by MWD Board members towards Delta experts and community representatives, marking a stark contrast to Hagekhalil’s collaborative leadership style.
At a recent MWD Board meeting, Delta expertise was repeatedly dismissed in an effort to cast Restore the Delta as only an anti-tunnel organization. The comments undermined the breadth of expertise Restore the Delta brings to critical water management and climate resilience issues. Board members went as far as dismissing expert testimony from civil engineer Emily Pappalardo, a recognized Delta levee specialist, disregarding her professional contributions and the scientific community’s insights.
Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, Executive Director of Restore the Delta, addressed these concerns in a letter to MWD Chair Adán Ortega. “Restore the Delta is not just an anti-tunnel organization. We work across multiple scientific and technical disciplines to safeguard the Delta’s water quality, environmental health, and the well-being of its communities,” Barrigan-Parrilla said. “Our work is supported by an extensive body of research, and we collaborate with state agencies, Tribal leaders, and academic institutions to advance fact-based policy solutions. Dismissing our expertise undermines the important work we do and does a disservice to those living in and relying on the Delta.”
The recent treatment stands in stark contrast to the respectful engagement fostered under General Manager Adel Hagekhalil, who had been instrumental in building productive relationships with Delta organizations, Tribal communities, and local stakeholders. Hagekhalil’s leadership emphasized collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect in working toward sustainable water solutions for Southern California and the Delta.
“General Manager Hagekhalil was the first Metropolitan leader to truly engage Delta communities with the respect they deserve. His commitment to fact-based, forward-looking solutions is exactly what MWD needs in the face of the climate crisis,” continued Barrigan-Parrilla. “We urge MWD’s leadership to reinstate Hagekhalil and return to a collaborative approach that ensures all voices are heard.”
Restore the Delta remains dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing the region, including water quality, flood resilience, and climate impacts. The organization calls for a renewed commitment from MWD to engage Delta experts and communities in meaningful dialogue as California navigates its water future.
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