Tuesday, 27 October 2026, 7:55
📌 Key Takeaways:
A decisive election is underway for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors District 7. Residents across Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, and Los Gatos are evaluating two distinct visions for regional water stewardship. The winner will influence critical infrastructure investments, flood risk reduction, and ratepayer costs throughout Santa Clara County.
Eisenberg, the current board director, frames her campaign around affordability, sustainability, and community safety. She points to her tenure as a catalyst for cultural change within the agency. Her record includes opposing the proposed Pacheco Dam expansion, which she argued would drastically increase water rates. She also credits herself with pushing out former executives following substantiated harassment investigations. Eisenberg maintains that her advocacy has kept water costs manageable while modernizing district operations.
Dailey, a Los Altos City Council member and former Valley Water commissioner, argues that District 7 requires fresh leadership and consistent oversight. He emphasizes flood preparedness for vulnerable neighborhoods and advocates for humane management of watersheds. Dailey proposes reducing physical access to sensitive creek areas rather than relying solely on encampment abatement, claiming this approach saves taxpayer money. He also stresses the importance of having a board member who lives in North County to represent residents along the San Francisquito Creek.
The election does not unfold in a vacuum. Eisenberg faced a formal censure from the board in February 2024 following an investigation that substantiated nine complaints against her. The organization subsequently filed a lawsuit against her. Eisenberg disputes the narrative, attributing friction to past committee appointments and alleging whistleblower retaliation. She notes that the officials involved in the conflicts are no longer employed by the district. Despite being removed from several committees during the censure period, she continues to attend regional meetings and engage with stakeholders.
“I got rid of both of the corrupt executives, and I stopped the dam that would have quadrupled people’s water rates because water needs to be affordable,” Eisenberg stated during recent interviews.
Santa Clara County faces increasing pressure from climate variability and aging stormwater infrastructure. Predictions of an El Niño season heighten concerns about creek overflow and property damage. The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority plays a crucial role in managing flood risks across Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. Ongoing debates over the Reach 2 flood mitigation project highlight the technical and financial complexities of stream restoration. Effective board leadership will determine how quickly these projects move forward and how resources are allocated to protect local homeowners.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District oversees the region’s water supply, stream maintenance, and flood protection efforts. The agency is divided into seven geographic districts, each represented by a board member elected by local voters. Historical flooding events, including a major incident in 1998 that damaged over seventeen hundred properties, established the urgent need for coordinated watershed management. The district has since invested heavily in channel improvements and habitat restoration to safeguard communities.
Voters in District 7 face a choice between continuity and a shift in direction. Eisenberg brings experience navigating internal agency reforms and resisting costly infrastructure expansions. Dailey offers a focus on direct representation and proactive flood planning tailored to North County realities. As seasonal weather patterns grow more unpredictable, the incoming board member will play a defining role in balancing environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. Residents are encouraged to review candidate platforms ahead of the upcoming ballot deadline.
