Pine Cove Water District Vice President Mike Esnard reads another honor for District Office Manager Becky Smith. Photos by J.P. Crumrine

It was a celebration in Pine Cove Saturday. The water district held its annual open house where customers feasted on tri-tip, salads and ice cream.

On display were the district’s three new trucks, courtesy of a grant and loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and nearly 2 miles of pipeline.

But the highlight was the PCWD’s Transparency Certificate of Excellence, which the Special District Leadership Foundation awarded. David Aranda, SDLF Board President, sent the letter bestowing the honor.

Pine Cove Water District Directors Joel Palmer (left) and Lou Padula (right) stand in front of two of the district’s new vehicles.

To earn the Transparency Certificate, special districts must demonstrate a commitment to open government. This includes ethics training for all board members, open and public meetings, and filing and availability of financial and compensation reports. A district must also fulfill multiple website requirements to demonstrate the availability of all kinds of information to the public.

District Vice President Mike Esnard also led a moving tribute to Thomas McCullough, the PCWD president, who recently and unexpectedly passed away.