The Lakes Country Club director of operations Jim Schmid running for Coachella Valley Water District board of directors

Hi-Lo and California GCSA board member seeks four-year term in Division Two

On Aug. 4, GCSAA Class A superintendent Jim Schmid announced his candidacy for the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) board of directors. Schmid, who serves as the director of operations for The Lakes Country Club in Palm Desert, Calif, will seek a four-year term in Division Two running against incumbent Ed Pack and two other candidates.

A resident of Palm Desert with his wife Gaby and daughters Scarlet and Stephanie, Schmid is committed to serving the residents and businesses located in Division Two. “We are facing serious water issues in the Coachella Valley,” said Schmid. “Rising costs, accessibility issues and increased regulation at the state level threaten the water needs of the valley. The cornerstone of my campaign is making sure we have a safe, resilient and affordable water supply.”

A current board of director for the Hi-Lo Desert and California GCSA as well as a member of the Coachella Valley Golf and Water Task Force, Schmid has taken on a leadership role for the golf industry and its water conservation efforts in the greater Palm Springs area. The valley is home to 121 golf courses representing roughly 14 percent of California’s total.

While the valley sits atop a vast aquifer and receives deliveries of Colorado River water, industry; particularly agriculture, golf and tourism have come under media scrutiny concerning use. The Coachella Valley Golf and Water Task Force has set a goal of reducing their total water footprint 10 percent below 2010 levels by 2021.

“Golf has gotten off to a slow start in terms of reaching our reduction goal,” said Schmid. “However, we are working diligently on conservation efforts including switching to non-potable water sources and making funds available to facilities who participate in turf reductions programs. Since January of 2015, 94 acres of turf have been removed at 14 local facilities saving approximately 580 acre-feet of water. Additionally, the CVWD just received a $1 million WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency grant that will further assist courses in this endeavor.”

The California golf industry is well aware of the importance of Schmid’s campaign and is working to assist on the campaign trail. “One of the golf industry’s own has taken the courageous step of standing for election to the governing board of the water agency that serves more golf courses than any other single water agency in the nation,” stated Craig Kessler, director of government affairs for the Southern California Golf Association. “For the industry to fail to reward that courage would be unconscionable; to fail to take advantage of the opportunity would be unforgivable.”

While golf is certainly a critical component of conservation in the valley, Schmid is well aware that it is going to take a team effort to reduce overall use as the valley continues to grow and expand.  “Agriculture, commerce, tourism and resident’s all play an important role in conservation moving forward,” said Schmid.  “By working together we can develop a water management plan that is achievable, equitable and provides for continued economic growth in the valley.”

For more information on Schmid or to donate to his campaign, visit his website.