SMWD Recognizes Two Directors for Their Lasting Impact on the Community by Santa Margarita Water District Jun 15, 2026 Member Submitted News During its June 11, 2026, Open Session Board Meeting, the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) Board of Directors recognized two extraordinary public servants whose combined leadership represents more than 60 years of dedication to the District and the communities it serves. Director Betty H. Olson, Ph.D., was honored for more than 30 years of service to SMWD, while Director Saundra F. Jacobs was recognized for her 30 years of service on the Board of Directors. “It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize Directors Betty Olson and Saundra Jacobs for their extraordinary service to Santa Margarita Water District,” shared Laura Freese, President of the SMWD Board of Directors. “One of the most remarkable gifts they have shared is their willingness to mentor and teach others. When I joined the Board, I quickly learned how valuable it is to have experienced leaders who take the time to guide and support new members. Directors Olson and Jacobs have been wonderful teachers, generously sharing their knowledge, perspective, and commitment to public service.” Representing the Office of Orange County Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Scott Voigts, District Director, and Saga Conroy, Community Outreach Director, presented official declarations recognizing Directors Olson and Jacobs for their contributions to the region’s water future. During the presentation, Voigts offered heartfelt remarks highlighting the essential role SMWD plays in delivering high-quality drinking water and wastewater services that are often not visible to the community, as well as the importance of strong leadership in guiding those efforts. Directors Olson and Jacobs also received recognition from US Senator Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Young Kim, Congressman Mike Levin, State Senator Catherine Blakespear, and Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez. For more than three decades, both Directors have helped shape policies and investments that support reliable water supplies, sound financial stewardship, infrastructure planning, environmental responsibility, and exceptional service to customers. Director Olson brought a distinguished career in civil and environmental engineering to the Board. As a professor and founding director of the Urban Water Research Center at the University of California, Irvine, she has been widely respected for her expertise in water quality, research, and public policy. Throughout her tenure, she has been a champion of local water supply reliability, the expansion of recycled water, and responsible financial management. Director Jacobs has similarly contributed decades of professional expertise as an environmental planner and community leader. Her background in environmental policy, planning, and public service has helped guide District decisions that advance safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable water services. She has also played an active leadership role throughout the California water industry and local community organizations. Together, Directors Olson and Jacobs have helped guide SMWD through decades of growth, innovation, and changing water challenges. Their leadership has supported investments in critical infrastructure, water reliability initiatives, recycled water programs, and long-term planning efforts that continue to benefit customers today. “Their decades of service reflect a shared commitment to protecting public health, safeguarding water resources, and delivering reliable, high-quality water and wastewater services for generations to come,” shared Board President Freese. “As I reflect on all they have accomplished, I can only hope to learn as much as they have and to carry forward the example they have set. The SMWD Board of Directors is grateful for the remarkable leadership of Directors Olson and Jacobs and for their unwavering commitment to SMWD.”
