Kings County Water District adds new member to the board

• Editor’s note: Monserrat Solis covers Kings County water issues for SJV Water through the California Local News Fellowship initiative. 

The Kings County Water District Board of Directors unanimously appointed David Stanfield, a farm manager for Summerfield Farms and advisory member to Mid-Kings River Groundwater Sustainability Agency, to the board during its April 3 meeting. 

Stanfield was one of three applicants vying for the vacant District 2 seat after director Michael Murray’s resignation in March. Clif Van Groningen and John Warmerdam also threw their hats in the ring. Ultimately, Stanfield’s involvement with Mid-Kings won over the board.

“I hope to see water for our ag community passed down, set up the next generation, be a good steward and serve the community,” Stanfield told SJV Water.

Kings County Water District and the Mid-Kings GSA had been part of a joint powers agreement for several years as part of the region’s effort to formulate a cohesive groundwater plan per the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

However, the group broke apart in 2024 over disagreement on how to approach the region’s plan and accusations that decisions weren’t being made with enough transparency. Mid-Kings was repaired and regenerated under the Kings County Board of Supervisors. And at least one new board member on  the Kings County Water District has broached the subject of rejoining with Mid-Kings.

Director Chip Mello, who sits on the advisory group with Stanfield, advocated for Stanfield.

“He showed great effort to be involved in water for quite some time, and so he’s up to speed with what’s going on,” Mello said. “I don’t think the other candidates are bad. I haven’t really seen them involved in the GSA and getting up to speed with what’s going on there.”

Stanfield was sworn in and joined the directors after the vote. 

“I’m a little nervous but happy to serve,” Stanfield said.

Stanfield also sits on the board for the Western Tree Nut Association, formerly the Western Agricultural Processors Association. The association represents those in the tree nut business in legislative matters.

• Republication or broadcast of SJV Water content is allowed with our reporter’s byline, SJV Water and the following tagline:
  SJV Water is an independent, nonprofit news site covering water in the San Joaquin Valley, www.sjvwater.org. Email us at sjvwater@sjvwater.org