LaFata is newest Fern Valley Water District director

Michael LaFata, formerly of Orange County, is the newest Fern Valley Water District (FVWD) director who moved with his wife Alexandra to the Hill in 2020. The Hill was their choice after a careful and extended evaluation of several Southern California mountain communities.

The LaFatas wanted a home in the mountains and first explored San Bernardino communities. After several visits to Lake Arrowhead, they felt it had too much of an L.A. vibe.

Consulting the maps again, he noticed Idyllwild. “I had never heard of it,” he admitted. They had never been here.

After a day trip, they returned for a weekend. That was enough exposure to help them decide the Hill is where they wanted to be. After exploring Idyllwild, Fern Valley and Pine Cove, they finally settled on their house after three visits.

So, Alexandra asked, “Do you have one more remodeling in you?” Of course, “Yes” and they bought their new home in Fern Valley. “We are very happy,” he said. “Most of our neighbors are full-timers and that’s a blessing.”

LaFata and his wife, Alexandra, who works at Idyllwild Arts, have a son and daughter, both in their 30s. Mike, 66, was born in Wisconsin, but has lived and traveled all over the U.S. His father was in the military and LaFata eventually graduated high school in New York.

And he’s attended several Southern California colleges — College of the Canyons, L.A. Valley Community College and Chapman University.

Before retiring, LaFata worked in the automotive industry, both Mitsubishi and Toyota. He recruited and managed sales managers for various dealerships. He had Mitsubishi of North America’s Western Region before retiring in 2019.

After three years, LaFata was ready to become more involved in the community. One day, he saw a notice on Facebook about the FVWD vacancy.

“They don’t come around that often,” he noted. “There are few opportunities like that in a small town and it seemed like a good fit.” He submitted his application and the board chose him at its Dec. 7 special meeting.

Although he does not have a water background, LaFata is interested in learning more and applying his past skills to help the district.

Water quality is at the top of his list of priorities. “We have to have high quality water. It’s first and foremost,” he affirmed. “Any business, municipality or utility needs a board’s oversight to ensure the public’s trust.”

Oversight of office and field staff was one of his responsibilities for years. While he has to learn a new vocabulary and the science of water, these are skills he needed and used while working. “Oversight is a crucial component of my business experience,” he stated. “The board is the same function.”

With respect to the cost of water, he conceded that in his time here, the FVWD water bill has not been one of his biggest. And he recognizes that reviewing and studying the monthly warrants (checks written) will help him understand the district’s finances better.

“I don’t know if we’re high or low but being on the board, I’ll get a better understanding,” he declared. He plans to spend time reviewing the warrants. “Whether it is construction, reconstruction or repair, I’ll understand these expenses,” he said, discussing his interests with the district.

While his career was not in the construction business, he did do some as he began his adult life. As he has moved around the country, he has remodeled many of their homes. Also, acquisition of supplies and materials was a significant part of his focus in automotive services and he hopes this experience will help his contribution to the district.

In his brief time on the Hill, LaFata confessed that the issue or concept of consolidating the three water districts has not entered his conversations. When asked, he was surprised about its history and felt the board will offer a learning experience.

“I’m honored the Fern Valley Water District board appointed me,” he said in conclusion. “I look forward to serving the community and I’ll do everything possible to serve.”