Water Mirror at Copper Basin, photo by Sue Sims
THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
ABOUT MET THIS WEEK
A weekly newsletter by and for Metropolitan employees
April 30, 2018
Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
This is the third in our Earth Month series about Metropolitan environmental activities
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Once one of the most common butterflies in Southern California, the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydras editha quino), is now on the federal list of endangered species. The Quino is native to Southern California and northwestern Mexico and suffers from dwindling habitat. Its fate has been described in biological circles as “four engines out and about 10 seconds to impact.”

To rewrite that ending, Metropolitan recently created a plant restoration site adjacent to the Lake Skinner Equestrian Trail in the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve. Sown with a native herb gathered from the trail known as Plantago erecta (a member of the plantain family), the restoration site will provide thriving habitat for the butterfly. According to Met environmental specialist Alex Marks , “The establishment of the restoration site will ensure that there is no net loss of Quino habitat associated with use of the trail year-round.” This restoration project is part of a wider effort by Metropolitan to enhance public access in the Reserve.

Another opportunity for increased public access includes the future reopening of the Goldrich Trail in the South Hills area. Metropolitan’s Environmental Planning Section staff is monitoring the site for Plantago growth and adult Quino. As of now, no adult Quino have been observed, but Marks is hopeful of the project's success. 
The Women at Metropolitan
At least once a month, the employee resource group Woman at Metropolitan (WaM) holds events that nurture professional growth and development. Since its founding in 2016, WaM - which has more than 100 members - has created a platform to encourage employee engagement, develop influential leaders, foster work-life balance, provide networking and mentoring opportunities, facilitate peer support, and support technical enrichment.

“Whether it’s after-work networking opportunities, technical workshops, or short walks during breaks, we strive to build a positive culture that adds value to our members and to Metropolitan” said Vice President Annette Eckhardt . President Stacey Takaguchi , Treasurer Kira Alonzo and Secretary Jeannette Correa add “we’re always looking for members from all across the district to add to this wonderful group.” Here's the application.

April featured a Career Planning Lunch with managers Diane Pitman , Lilly Shraibati, Sue Sims and Dee Zinke . In May, WaM is hosting a toiletry drive to collect travel size items for the Downtown LA Women’s Center that serves homeless women.

On Saturday May 12, WaM members and hundreds of other volunteers with Homes4Families will gather to help build homes for low-income veterans and their families in the Santa Clarita area.

To participate, register here or contact Meang Hassel or Annette Eckhardt at mhassel@mwdh2o.com or aeckhardt@mwdh2o.com
Taking the Scenic Route

Fresh off her latest temporary assignment as interim team manager for WSO’s Business Support Team, Senior Administrative Analyst Alicia Escovedo is well-known in Operations, helping lead budget and administrative functions. Some recognize her as the friendly face who often dons a flower in her hair.

With more than 20 years at Met, Alicia credits her varied and vast organizational knowledge to many mentors along the way. “I’ve had many mentors throughout my career and the best reward is to hear recognition from them," she said.

Alicia has worked in more than half a dozen positions and teams since her start as a temporary general maintenance assistant in the Coatings Shop and Warehouse, through the Don Adams Memorial Program.

During her otherjobs as an accounts payable clerk and executive secretary, Alicia learned the lay of the Met land in several groups, including Engineering, External Affairs, Executive Offices and Finance. When asked to share her tips for advancement at Metropolitan, she suggests working in different groups to learn more about the company.

Alicia is a true LA girl — born and raised. She loves Dodger baseball and like many grew up in 1980s LA, she is a loyal Raiders fan. Alicia also loves going to concerts, enjoying an eclectic mix of music from oldies to alternative and classic rock to country. Her favorite concert was the classic rock group, The Eagles with lead singer Glenn Frey.
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NEXT LIST: MAY 7
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