A forwarded email alerted me that the SCRD was to hold a Church Road Well Field project staff and contractor thank you drop-in on July 18. Despite a commitment to reporting on important initiatives, like this well field, Coast Reporter did not attend and can’t share details on that gathering as the invitation read “No Media, No Fist Fights, No yelling and No Contact sports.”
I assumed such restrictions were meant as an internal jest (and SCRD administration confirmed as much – even if they would have rathered we had not see them) but they created images in my mind of fisticuffs and vigorous verbal sparring at the project site, in spite of the SCRD’s long-standing respectful workplace policy.
There’s an old saying that goes “there’s a grain of truth in every joke.” It leaves me to speculate if issues reported on during the project build out (flooding, road erosion, delays, change orders and budget increases) were sources of some tensions.
Did those reports result in the “no media” invitation stipulation? Maybe, but it’s their party and the invites are their prerogative.
However, as event costs and the time of regional employees who choose to attend are paid for with public dollars, and as I would be unable to report on refreshment table offerings, I asked about the event budget. The SCRD’s response: likely less than $200. Well, that’s totally reasonable and puts cost-conscious party food like vegetable trays and fruit punch (no pun intended) within reach.
With explanations provided, I view the get-together as a great idea. Congrats are due and while event communications raised questions, here’s hoping it was enjoyable, well attended and as requested, didn’t turn into a slug-fest.
The event caveat against “contact sports” along with outdoor water use restrictions likely means no massive celebratory water balloon battle at the finale. Given this week’s forecasted mid-day temperatures, attendees might have welcomed such an activity. It would have made for a great photo op! And if unsurfaced angst in the workforce (as the invite hinted at) did exist, it could have been a playful and, in keeping with policy, harm-free way to release it.
But, saving water for essential uses is the focus right now. As the SCRD celebrates accessing more groundwater for its Chapman water system, that messaging must remain central in everything it does and says.
