The New Media Institute has selected the Irvine Ranch Water District’s newly redesigned website, http://www.irwd.com as one of 24 winners in this year’s 2010 New Media Award competition. The District was recognized as the Best in Industry for the Government Utility Category.

The annual New Media Awards celebrate excellence in online communications.  Websites are judged based on how well they serve their audience, the overall user experience, ease of navigation, content and design.   “The New Media Institute is proud to recognize irwd.com with a Best in Industry Award for demonstrating their superior use of new media communications.  The Irvine Ranch Water District did a fantastic job of developing a website with an excellent user experience, rich content geared towards its audience and an aesthetically appealing design,” announced Barbara Eber-Schmid, EVP, New Media Institute upon presenting the award.

“We are proud to receive this recognition," said Paul Jones, IRWD General Manager. "The award recognizes the advances we have made in providing timely and relevant information to our customers. We look forward to continually improving the site and finding new and innovative ways to engage our customers, stakeholders and the media.”

IRWD’s newly redesigned website features current technology to make it easier for customers to use. Whether they are paying a bill, getting a question answered or learning more about water conservation, the site is designed to be customer-friendly and easy to navigate. In addition, the website makes it convenient to connect with IRWD via social media.  IRWD, known for innovation in water use efficiency, allocation based conservation rate structures and in use of recycled water, utilizes the new website to increase transparency by providing current, robust, and educational information on the District's programs and practices.

Also recognized was IRWD’s web design and development firm, Evolve Media.  To explore IRWD’s award-winning website, please visit www.irwd.com.  The award can be viewed by clicking on the following link:  http://www.newmediaawards.org/websiteawards/2010/irwd.html.

About Irvine Ranch Water District

Established in 1961 as a California Water District, IRWD provides drinking water, sewage collection and treatment, recycled water, and urban runoff treatment to Central Orange County, California. IRWD encompasses nearly 181 square miles extending from the Pacific coast to the foothills. The District serves the City of Irvine and portions of the Cities of Costa Mesa, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange and unincorporated Orange County. As an independent public agency, IRWD is governed by a five-member, publicly elected board of directors. These officials are responsible for the District’s policies and decision making while day-to-day operations are supervised by the general manager and his staff. 

All about Evolve Media

Evolve Media is a strategic crossmedia solutions agency. Whether it’s print or interactive, they deliver a rare blend of imaginative design, grounded in a rich understanding of strategic objectives and business requirements and combine it with deep technology expertise. With expertise in emerging and traditional markets, experience working with blue chip and new chip companies, and the support of a multitalented team, Evolve Media has been partnering with clients across North America and abroad for over 16 years, interested in building their brand and online presence.

About the New Media Awards

The New Media Awards is an annual competition, held by the New Media Institute, celebrating excellence in online communications. Websites are judged based on how well they serve their audience, considering the overall user experience, ease of navigation, content and design. Unlike many Web Awards competitions, winners are not selected based solely on design, but rather on how well they are using technology to serve and communicate to their audience. The award is given to sites that excel in both creating and engaging with an online community. 

To explore IRWD’s award-winning website, please visit www.irwd.com.

The Sea and Sage Audubon Society will host its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, October 30 from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. The charge is $10 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Children under age three are free.

As a reminder, the entry to the event is off of Campus Drive as the Michelson Drive entry is closed because of construction.

The menu is pancakes and sausages hot off the griddle, orange juice, fresh fruit, coffee and milk. This year will feature something a little extra – bird walks are scheduled both before and after breakfast. Bring your binoculars or stop at one of several spotting scope stations to see the birds up close at the ponds.

An education table will feature exhibits of art projects made at summer camp. Near the Audubon House, Wild Birds Unlimited will have a table with bird seed, feeders and other items and will answer any questions about how to attract birds to your yard, where to place feeders and bird baths.

At the Audubon House, check out the taxidermy birds on display and browse through the gift shop and book store.

Please call (949) 261-7963 for information, or visit www.seaandsageaudubon.org. Click here for the detour map.

Directors Douglas Reinhart and Peer Swan were each re-elected to four-year terms and Director Steven LaMar was elected to a four-year term on the Irvine Ranch Water District Board of Directors in the November 2 general election.

Reinhart was appointed to the IRWD board in 2004 to fill a board vacancy and was subsequently elected to a four-year term in 2006 when he ran unopposed. Director Reinhart is a registered civil engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the private sector, directing projects in water, wastewater and other infrastructure. He currently serves as President of the board, having previously served as Vice President in 2006 and President in 2007. Swan, who currently serves as Vice President, was first elected to the board in 1979. He was elected President in 1981, a position he held until 1995 and again in 2006. Swan was re-elected without opposition in 2006. He is active in the Association of California Water Agencies, where he serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and as Chairman of Region 10. Swan is president of the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary Board of Directors.

LaMar was appointed to the IRWD Board of Directors in 2009 to fill a vacancy. He currently serves on the Water Resources and Policy Committee. LaMar is a water policy and planning expert with more than 20 years of experience on statewide business and industry committees and has directly participated in many major water policy forums including serving on the 2009 California Water Plan Advisory Committee and as a member of the Delta Vision Stakeholders Coordination Group.

Customers are invited to attend IRWD Board meetings which are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. at the IRWD offices, 15600 Sand Canyon Avenue, Irvine.

Contact: Shannon Reed, Public Affairs Manager
reeds@irwd.com, (949) 453-5500

IRWD is proud to support local charities during the holiday season. This year, the District is making it easy and convenient for our customers to join us in the holiday giving spirit.

Second Harvest Food Bank collection barrels are located in the IRWD Sand Canyon Office lobby.  Customers are encouraged to drop donations off between now and the end of the year. Donation boxes for the Orangewood Children’s Foundation will also be available from November 30 thru December 15.

Public donations are accepted during IRWD’s business hours 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Items most needed  for Second Harvest include non-perishable canned goods and dry food such as canned meats, fish, soup, fruits and vegetables; pasta, hot and cold cereal, macaroni and cheese, rice, beans and peanut butter. Personal care items such as diapers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet tissue and soap are also welcome.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation is seeking items for infants and children up to age 18. Examples include new, unwrapped toys, personal items, gift cards, sheets and bedding, clothing for all ages and backpacks. Please, no stuffed animals.

IRWD also supports the United Way of Orange County year round. Members of the public interested in donating to United Way may stop by the Sand Canyon office and pick up a form.

This is the third year IRWD has taken collections for Second Harvest and Orangewood, but the 23^rd year for United Way. Over the years, IRWD employees have donated $552,416 to United Way, which assists Orange County individuals and families in crisis.

“Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to count our blessings and to reflect on the many things that we have to be thankful for in our lives,” said Janet Wells, IRWD’s Director of Human Resources.  “These days, it doesn't take much to see others around us who do not have family and friends to support them through these difficult economic times.  Many are wanting for the very basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and a friendly smile.  For this reason, IRWD sponsors the annual food drive to assist our community in providing these basic needs.  It is a great feeling to give back to our community and this year we would like to invite our customers to be a part of our mission.”