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Board grants franchise to California American after San Martin sale, residents to meet company
Summary
The supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance granting a franchise agreement to California American Water Company after the utility purchased San Martin Water Works and received CPUC approval. County officials said San Martin residents would continue with questions and local meetings are planned.
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously granted a franchise agreement to California American Water Company on April 8, replacing the prior franchise held by San Martin Water Works after that utility was sold and the sale approved by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Why it matters: The franchise covers water service to unincorporated San Martin. County staff told the board the transaction follows state regulator review and that California American will step into the county franchise previously held by San Martin Water Works.
Staff and board members said San Martin residents will continue to engage with the new company. Vice President Arenas thanked county staff and partners for outreach and said local neighborhood groups and the San Martin Neighborhood Association planned meetings with California American to discuss service questions and any planned changes. The San Martin Neighborhood Association speaker told the board the community wants to confirm whether public‑served properties will remain on wells or septic and raised interest in discussions about downtown improvements and agro‑tourism.
Quote: “We are going to have a meeting on February 22,” Sharon Luna of the San Martin Neighborhood Association told the board, and added the group “just want[s] to make sure that there are no plans in the works right now without the residents knowing of expansion.”
Board action: President Lee moved approval; the motion passed unanimously with all five supervisors voting yes.
Ending: County staff said the franchise will allow the new utility to operate under the county’s authority while county offices follow up on neighborhood concerns and planned community meetings with California American Water Company.
