News Summary
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has appointed Barry Pressman, M.D., as one of its vice chairs to tackle ongoing water challenges in the region. With over 50 years of experience, Pressman aims to address water availability and affordability for residents. His leadership comes at a critical time when California’s water stability is threatened, especially regarding the stalled Delta tunnel project. Beverly Hills is also enhancing its fire prevention measures while focusing on local water resilience through new wells and conservation efforts.
Beverly Hills – The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) has appointed Barry Pressman, M.D., as one of its four vice chairs amidst ongoing water challenges in Southern California. Pressman, who has been on the MWD board since 2017, is expected to play a significant role in addressing the region’s pressing water issues in his new capacity.
In addition to being vice chair, Pressman will continue his involvement with the Executive Committee and will hold ex officio status on all other committees within the MWD. His extensive experience includes participation in various key committees, such as the five-year independent integrated resources review, finance, affordability, asset management, efficiency, and One Water and Adaptation.
Pressman is a practicing radiologist with a notable 50 years of experience. His commitment to community service began when he moved to Beverly Hills, which led him to join Team Beverly Hills to familiarize himself with local governance. His contributions to water management were shaped by his tenure on the Public Works Commission, during which he became increasingly aware of the region’s water issues, particularly during a period of drought.
The MWD is responsible for providing wholesale water to 26 public water agencies, including the city of Beverly Hills, serving approximately 19 million people. The district is the largest contractor of the State Water Project, ensuring water is imported from the Colorado River and Northern California. Currently, Pressman’s appointment comes at a time when California’s water stability is in jeopardy, especially considering the stalled $20-billion Delta tunnel project proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This project is important for transporting water from Northern California to Southern California, benefiting 27 million Californians.
With lawmakers from Delta cities opposing the expedited process, the need for water stability remains a pressing concern in California. Pressman has emphasized the MWD’s reliance on Northern California water resources, underscoring the importance of maintaining both availability and affordability of water for residents. He commended Beverly Hills for its effective emergency water storage.
As vice chair, Pressman aims to ensure that the MWD can supply adequate water at reasonable prices while fostering a supportive environment for its employees. His vision includes the importance of fair compensation and comfort for employees, which he sees as integral to the overall mission of the district.
In light of recent wildfire activities in Los Angeles County that have led to devastating damage and fatalities, Beverly Hills has heightened its focus on fire prevention. Since 2005, Beverly Hills has been recognized as a Firewise USA site for its proactive measures in fire safety. Fire Chief Greg Barton has reassured residents about the city’s extensive resources for firefighting, highlighting the city’s capabilities to manage local fire risks.
Beverly Hills officials continue to remind residents to be vigilant about fire preparedness, particularly given the recent wildfires nearby. The city maintains emergency connections with the Department of Water and Power and the MWD, ensuring consistent water availability for firefighting efforts. Furthermore, the city is currently constructing a new water well on La Cienega Boulevard as part of its Integrated Water Resources Plan, adopted in 2020, aiming to enhance local water resilience.
With this new well and existing resources, Beverly Hills intends to produce 25 percent of its water locally while continuing its conservation initiatives. Plans are also underway for constructing additional wells in the La Cienega area, which will further improve water service reliability.
The efforts of Beverly Hills to ensure water resiliency can be traced back over a century, consistently focusing on sustainable water management and preparedness for emergencies. As Southern California faces increasing challenges related to water supply, the leadership role of individuals like Barry Pressman within MWD is invaluable in fostering effective solutions for the future.
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Additional Resources
- Beverly Hills Courier: Barry Pressman Named Vice Chair of Metropolitan Water District Board
- Google Search: Beverly Hills fire preparedness
- Beverly Hills Courier: Fire Danger Preparedness
- Wikipedia: Water Supply in California
- Beverly Press: Beverly Hills Water Well Boosts Self-Sufficiency
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Conservation
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
