Don Peracchi announced Tuesday that he is stepping down early as president of the Westlands Water District’s Board. His term was to end in 2022.
The district’s board of directors subsequently elevated Daniel Errotabere from vice president to president by unanimous vote.
Errotabere takes command on Jan. 1.

“It has been an honor to serve as Westlands’ president, and I am proud of the district’s accomplishments over the last several years,” Peracchi said in a statement released by the district. “These include the district’s role in passage of the WIIN Act … conversion of the district’s water service contract to a repayment contract, and development of the groundwater sustainability plan.
“The district has a well-functioning board supported by competent, dedicated staff. I believe it’s time to provide another director with the opportunity to serve as president of the district.”
Said Westlands general manager Tom Birmingham: “Few people understand the time commitment required to serve as Westlands’ president; it is a full-time job. Mr. Peracchi led the district through difficult times, when drought and regulatory restrictions severely reduced water supply, but because of his leadership on the board, the district is in a good position.”

Errotabere Was Board President Previously

Errotabere previously served as board president in 2002-05. He said that Peracchi leaves big shoes to fill.
“He did an incredible job of leading the district through difficult times.”

Peracchi Will Remain on the Board

Peracchi was elected board president in 2011. He will remain on the nine-member board. He grows almonds, wine grapes, and pomegranates south of Three Rocks.
Errotabere is a third-generation farmer whose family has farmed in Westlands since the late 1920s. He and his two brothers grow tomatoes, garlic, onions, garbanzo beans, and almonds in the Five Points area.

About Westlands

Westlands, a public agency headquartered in Fresno, is the largest agricultural water district in the United States. It covers more than 1,000 square miles in western Fresno and Kings Counties.