Porterville city leader jumps ship to manage new water agency

A new groundwater sustainability agency that has struggled to get its footing in recent months is on a fresh trajectory with a new general manager. 

Michael Knight, Porterville assistant city manager, is leaving the city to take the reins as manager of the Porterville Groundwater Sustainability Agency. He also will serve as assistant manager for Porterville Irrigation District. His first day is Aug. 4.

The announcement came at the July 8 meeting of the Porterville Irrigation District board of directors, which was held inside its new portable-classroom-turned-boardroom adjacent to the district office. 

About 15 landowners and grower representatives spread out amidst the extra elbow room, feasting on donuts and reacting favorably to the news of Knight. 

Landowners have repeatedly voiced concerns over management and transparency issues since the Porterville ID board voted to break away from the embattled Eastern Tule GSA in February. That move came amidst fallout from a ruling by the state Water Resources Control Board to place the Tule subbasin on probation for its lack of a cohesive groundwater plan that would staunch runaway subsidence in the region and protect domestic wells. 

Sean Geivet will remain as manager of Porterville ID along with the Saucelito and Terra Bella irrigation districts. Knight will focus solely on overseeing staff in Porterville ID while setting up the new GSA. 

“I think the new management may give us good direction that we’ve been lacking,” said grower and dairyman Matt Kidder. “It will be a lot better if we have our own manager focused on one district. It’s nothing against Sean, it’s just too much for one person.” 

Grower Mike George said the Knight’s addition is “great news” for growers. 

“I’m happy to have someone focus on the new GSA,” he said. 

Knight is a familiar face to many in water, having worked in various utility and water positions over the last 20 years for the City of Porterville. He was instrumental in incorporating East Porterville residents into the city’s water system after hundreds of wells in that community went dry for months during the 2012-2016 drought. He’s worked with drinking water advocates Self-Help Enterprises and Community Water Center, and helped the city reach sustainability through recharge efforts. 

In an interview after the board meeting, Knight said he sees his new role as an opportunity to continue contributing to the community while supporting groundwater sustainability efforts. 

Establishing the Porterville GSA and laying groundwork to help the subbasin exit probation is the first order of business. 

“We need to get operating and coordinating with the surrounding entities,” he said. “And with that comes education and involvement from landowners. No matter who you are, we are all being impacted by a shift in responsibilities.” 

At Tuesday’s meeting, applications for a new Stakeholder Committee, which growers had advocated for, were available. They are due by Aug. 31 and available at the district office, 22086 Avenue 160 in Porterville.

“I’m afraid it’s going to mimic Eastern Tule with some tweaks and changes,” Kidder said of the new GSA.

But the change in leadership is a positive step forward. 

“I just hope the best for Michael (Knight),” he said. “I hope he can get a fair shake and come into this open minded, and listen to what growers have to say. It’s sometimes hard to know if you’re being heard.”