Mentors influenced former PCWD general manager

Editor’s note: This is a continuation of the story from last week about Jerry Holldber, Pine Cove Water District (PCWD) general manager who retired at the end of 2021 after more than 35 years.

Just last summer and fall, Holldber developed a 10/20/50 Year Plan he took to the PCWD board.

This effort, done in cooperation with district engineer John Egan, took nearly seven years to complete. “I realized that we needed more money for pipe replacement,” he said. “First I began a study of the actual costs for running the district.”

This was basis for the five-year rate schedule approved several years ago. He has also applied for a $1.6 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Fortunately, Holldber met and worked with Egan early in his career. “He was patient and knowledgeable and believed in me,” Holldber said.

While Egan was mentor in the workplace, Holldber had help and guidance from several local men who knew him and his family. Johnny Wilson, who initially coerced him to work at Idyllwild Water District where he began his lifetime career, was one — “a good man from whom I learned a lot.”

The late John Friemoth played another important role in Holldber’s maturing. The Friemoths moved to Idyllwild about the same time as the Holldbers.

Holldber’s father even worked for some time at the Friemoths’ Idyllwild Garage. And Friemoth hired Holldber to work at Idyllwild Garage. He taught and trusted Holldber at a young age. For example, when Holldber was 16, Friemoth was letting him drive the garage’s tow truck.

“He had nicknames for everybody. I was ‘Big Hamburger’ and brother Steve was ‘Little Hamburger,” Holldber said with a laugh. “These came from him calling the family Hamburger rather than Holldber.

“I didn’t realize for decades that man had more influence than I realized,” he acknowledged.

And the late Dick McKee, a former board member and board president, was a major influencer, too. He offered Holldber advice throughout his time on the board and after. Most importantly, he told Holldber, “The truth will prevail.”

What he learned from these mentors is the basis for how he began to use long-term plans for managing PCWD. “I tried to be methodical. I knew I couldn’t do it all in a year, so I needed three-year plans,” he stated. “I achieved it in pieces.

“We needed water which is why I drilled so many wells. When we had water we needed storage,” he explained. “I was knocking off a little bit each year with emphasis on production and storage early on.”

Of course, what he accomplished in the field would not have been possible without the board’s concurrence and his staff.

Current President Robert Hewitt described Holldber’s relationship with the board and customers: “He defined and redefined the [PCWD] taking it from a tiny system over 30 years ago to a modern, hardened, robust and healthy water system that is a model for many small and large districts … Jerry set the bar for customer service. He truly loves the mountain communities, especially his PCWD customers.”

Not only the directors but his staff have good things to say about his management.

“I have a pretty high opinion of Jerry as a manager. Everything Jerry has done has been for the benefit of our customers and this district,” reflected Becky Smith, PCWD office manager.

“When I first came to work here, I was told by a few people that Jerry and I wouldn’t get along. I’m a little outspoken. But it was the opposite; he’s probably the best boss I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s been an honor to work with him. I would absolutely apply again,” she wrote in an email.

When asked if there has always been competition among the three Hill water districts, Holldber replied, “In the early years, there was the [San Jacinto Mountain Area] Water Study Agency. It was trying to develop a sewer district on the Hill. There was a lot of ego in each district. As years went on, in some ways we grew closer. And we do help when it’s needed now.”

One major and continuing effort are the booster pumps that enable district interconnection in an emergency. Former county supervisor and Fern Valley resident Kay Ceniceros provided the funds for this work, he recalled.

All three districts have signed a Mutual Aid Agreement. In emergencies, they do call on each for assistance.

So when asked if unification of the three districts into one would ever occur, Holldber was pessimistic and a champion of PCWD efforts. “If you consolidate, what’s in it for Pine Cove customers. Not a higher level of service, and studies show it doesn’t have a huge cost savings.”

All three districts went public in the 1950s. Each originated from independent and private companies. If they were starting today, “You would ask ‘Why’ three separate systems,” he admitted.

Holldber is proud of his achievements at PCWD. While he could not identify one specific project, he knows the district has improved; is better and not vulnerable in the future.

“I’m proud every year to have a successful budget and stay within the guidelines,” he answered. “As we continue to improve, there’s a strong connection with Pine Cove customers. And I do what’s best for Pine Covers.”

Holldber’s heart is in Pine Cove, but his life has been lived on the Hill. While he never mentioned his activities outside of PCWD, Hewitt noticeably recognized Holldber’s allegiance to the Hill and his neighbors.

“He never hesitated to volunteer his time for the betterment of our communities, including his commitment to Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends and the Mountain Communities Fire Safe Council [MCFSC], as well as over a dozen other organizations that he supported,” Hewitt relayed. “He is a very sincere and caring person always willing to take time from his busy day and come to the assistance of someone else.”

He has been a regular attendee at the Mountain Area Safety Task Force meetings since its inception and other county related emergency service groups. He has served as a director and officer at the MCFSC.

Third District supervisors have recognized Holldber’s contributions and knowledge of the community. In 2015, Supervisor Chuck Washington nominated him to the Riverside County’s Emergency Medical Care Committee, where he is the current vice chair of the committee.

He also served as chair of the County Service Area 38 Advisory Committee for several years before it was eliminated. And he has been a longtime active member of the Pine Cove Property Owners Association.

When asked about any funny moments with Holldber, who considers himself a comedian, Smith replied, “I don’t really have any funny moments, but what I have are my memories. I will always look up to Jerry and I want nothing but the best for him in his retirement. He will be missed.”

When asked the same question, Hewitt replied, “Funny stories? Tons of them but none that I can tell publicly.”

The past several years have been personally harder for Holldber. He separated from wife, Katie. They had been together for more than 35 years. They eventually divorced. And last year, she died.

He still has Jennifer, his stepdaughter, “delightful part of my life,” he noted.

And his health has changed. He’s no longer the strong growing athlete or the one tossing the log at the former Idyllwild Timber Festival. He suffered from pneumonia for a while and has persistent knee problems.

“It took a lot out of me. I realized that the last couple of years I’ve been tired and more moody,” he lamented. “I can’t keep up the pace and that was hard to accept.”

In October he gave the board notice of his plan to retire on Dec. 31. “I want to be retired, but it’s not so easy leaving. This has been my life. It’s scary. We’re all creatures of habit, so in the first months, I plan to separate from the mountain.

“It’s been a hell of a ride and I’ve enjoyed every moment,” he said.