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Board reappoints public director to Salinas Valley Basin GSA; names alternate
Summary
Monterey County supervisors affirmed four Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) agricultural seats and reappointed Caroline Chapin as the GSA public director, then selected Rosa Carrillo as the alternate after debate about continuity and representation.
Monterey County supervisors on June 24 affirmed the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) agricultural director appointments and reappointed Caroline Chapin as the primary public director, while naming Rosa Carrillo the alternate public director.
The reappointment came after Chapin, who has served six years on the GSA, told the board she chairs the agency’s budget and finance committee and the Langley sub-basin implementation committee and urged continuity during a “critical” phase. "I remain committed to the mission of the GSA because I believe it matters, not just today, but for generations to come," Chapin said.
Why it matters: The GSA is charged under California groundwater sustainability law with preparing and executing plans to achieve sustainable groundwater use. Board members and public commenters said continuity in leadership matters because important policy decisions and implementation steps are pending.
What the board did: The board voted to affirm four ag-nominated seats and to appoint Chapin as the primary public director. The motion to affirm those appointments passed with the board signaling support for keeping an experienced public director in place while onboarding additional community members as alternates. Supervisors and an ag association representative noted the GSA has “important issues” ahead and continuity reduces disruption.
Public comment and local nominations: Norm Gropp, president of the Salinas Basin Agricultural Water Association — the entity that nominates the four agricultural seats — told the board his group supported the returning nominees and specifically supported Chapin’s reappointment because of the experience she brings. Chapin told the board she would be willing to mentor other applicants and help them “become familiar with the agency’s work.”
Selection of alternate: After discussion and competing recommendations for the alternate role (two other applicants were on file but not present), supervisors debated regional representation and sector experience. Supervisor Church argued for Rosa Carrillo because she brings a farm-worker perspective that was underrepresented; Supervisor Alejo supported Ignacio Fregoso as an alternate for his agricultural background. The board ultimately voted 4–1 to appoint Rosa Carrillo as the alternate.
Process notes: Reed Gallogly, general counsel for the Salinas Valley Basin GSA, had told the board the GSA board had indicated a preference for the incumbent. The county’s appointment authority follows the GSA joint powers agreement procedures described to the board.
What’s next: Chapin and the other directors will continue to serve on the Salinas Valley Basin GSA, which must advance groundwater sustainability planning and implementation, including sub-basin work and committee oversight.
Votes at a glance: The motion to affirm the four ag-nominated seats and to appoint Caroline Chapin as primary passed (voice vote recorded as carried). The subsequent motion to appoint Rosa Carrillo as alternate was approved 4–1.
Speakers quoted: Caroline Chapin, GSA public director: “I remain committed to the mission of the GSA because I believe it matters, not just today, but for generations to come.” Norm Gropp, president, Salinas Basin Agricultural Water Association: “I also want to offer my support for Miss Chapin’s reappointment.”
