At the Butterfield Riviera East Community Association (BRECA) meeting on Feb 28, Richard Rauschmeier from the California Public Utilities Commission’s Office of Ratepayers Advocate discussed the Cal Am Water Application before the CPUC. Both BRECA and RCA have filed letters in objection to the rate increase proposal, which we find questionable and unjustified. This is a complex issue that has the potential of causing a serious increase in our water rates over the next decade or more, while not providing any significant benefits to us. Part of the issue is CalAm’s intent to combine with us several small water service areas and companies that have serious needs and for which we would be paying. RCA will be engaging in this issue in the month ahead, however, it seems unlikely local ratepayers will be protected by the CPUC.