Western and water community mourn the loss of long-standing Board Member by Western Municipal Water District Jun 3, 2021 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – On Wednesday, June 2, Western Municipal Water District (Western) was informed of the passing of one of its long-standing, beloved board members and a regional water champion, Donald D. Galleano. A champion of regional water interests, Director Galleano joined Western’s Board of Directors in 2004. He represented Division 4, where he served the communities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and Norco with pride and integrity. In addition to the communities he served, our entire region benefited from Director Galleano’s leadership on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board and the Chino Basin Watermaster Board. “Western is deeply saddened by the loss of Director Galleano,” said Western’s Board President Brenda Dennstedt. “He was truly a water icon in California, treasured Board member, and pillar of the community who was known for his historic relationships with the agricultural community and for being a big picture water thinker. His support will be missed tremendously, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” Director Galleano was a third-generation winegrower at the Historic Cantu-Galleano Ranch, home to Galleano Winery, a historic local treasure and living wine museum in Mira Loma. Galleano Winery is a highly acclaimed dry farming operation, a statement to Director Galleano’s formidable commitment to water supply sustainability. “Our father was an incredible man who left an incredible legacy for his children and grandchildren, not to mention the many members of the public he helped during four decades of public service in Riverside County,” remarked his daughter, Gina Galleano Spraggins. “He came from humble beginnings but used his wit and wisdom, along with a generous dose of elbow grease, to build a world-class winery. Beyond his work as an elected official, Don Galleano will be remembered for his outsized personality and love of the finer things in life – close family, good food, good cigars and of course, good wine. He taught us well and he will be greatly missed.” Western’s heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Director Galleano’s family and loved ones. ### Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work and play within 527 square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: wmwd.com.