THIS JUST IN –
The Governor appoints Thomas Gibson as Director of the Department of Water Resources, replacing Karla Nemeth (who served since 2018 until now).
READ MORE HERE: https://mavensnotebook.com/2026/06/29/this-just-in-governor-appoints-thomas-gibson-as-director-of-the-department-of-water-resources/

I’d say this was good because I’m convinced Wade Crowfoot is a good guy, he’s clearly a wildlife advocate, as shown lucidly with matters at Sulton Sea / Imperial Valley, which is at the heart of western states water wars. This appointment is also in line with bringing CA’s water agencies under one roof, CNRA. Karla was too sympathetic with CA state water contractors, one of the primary evils in CA agribiz/corruption.
Good comment! Thank you. The first time I met Karla was at a “peripheral canal” meeting (so that was long ago – 2009) and she told Mike & I aside, something like there’s no use fighting it. This is going to happen. That was before she became Director (at which time her husband had some position in Metropolitan Water District). So yes – I agree – a new face will be good.