Recognizing excellence in innovation, collaboration and efficiency, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District has issued its very first Scrappy Award to Brian Kloepfer, flood supervisor for the San Bernardino County Department of Public Works.
Kloepfer was selected for this inaugural honor for exhibiting a history of finding bare-bones, practical solutions to solving problems.
The award was presented May 11 at a celebration of the District’s 90-year anniversary, held outdoors at an informal ceremony at the Upper Santa Ana River Wash, where the District manages the capture and recharge of groundwater, and protects native species through habitat conservation and restoration projects.
“Brian embodies the spirit and philosophy of our District – to seek out resourceful approaches to challenges that result in effective and efficient solutions,” said SBVWCD Assistant General Manager Betsy Miller Vixie. “We have been continually impressed with his approach to his work and are grateful to him for all that he contributes to keep the Wash safe for the community and the plants and animals that make their homes there,” Miller said.
This year’s Scrappy Award was created by Redlands assemblage artist Richard Freund, who – true to the nature of the award – crafted the piece from objects and materials found at the Wash. Freund believes that making art from found objects allows his imagination to expand and flourish.