West Sacramento flood-control board appoints David Dean as member‑at‑large

The West Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency appointed David Dean to its member‑at‑large seat at the Nov. 20 special meeting. Vice Chair Okolah moved to appoint Dean and Chair Cappizzio seconded; the board voted in favor and the appointment passed unanimously.

David Dean introduced himself as a civil and geotechnical engineer with nine years in private industry and five years at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as the geotechnical lead on the Sacramento River East Levee project. Dean emphasized engineering judgment, the Corps’ “three R’s” of robustness, resiliency and redundancy, and noted practical considerations such as easements and vibration monitoring during construction: “There’s something to be said about… being a little more robust in our solutions,” he said.

Meredith Beswick, the other finalist, described experience on levee projects since about 2017 with geotechnical investigations, conceptual design, construction observation and as‑builts and certification. Beswick highlighted reliance on facts, public outreach and practical construction controls such as work hours and noise limits.

The board announced Dean will serve a two‑year term; staff said he may assume chair responsibilities at an upcoming meeting consistent with board rotation. No additional action was required at the Nov. 20 meeting.