The pools at Alameda High School and Encinal High were suddenly shut down last week. There was no warning and this has upset several groups that regularly use the pools. I have researched this and here is my summary. I have taken the answers from AUSD, ARPD and Alameda County inspectors.
Who are the parties involved?
There are three separate government organizations
1. Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) headed by superintendent Kirsten Vital. AUSD board of education (BOE) president Ron Mooney and the rest of the board members Mike McMahon, Tracy Jensen, Neil Tam, Trish Spencer.
2. City of Alameda headed by Mayor Beverly Johnson. ARPD director Mr Dale Lillard works for the city.
3. Alameda County Board of Supervisors,
Alameda County Department of Environmental Health headed by director Mr Ariu Levi
Why were the pools closed?
The pools were closed because AUSD had a closed door board meeting. The board heard that Alameda County health inspectors had notified that the pools were in violation of 2 rules. Because AUSD would face very large fines from Alameda county if the pools continued operations, the AUSD board decided to immediately close the pools.
What are the violations?
The first violation was the pool drains did not pass inspection. According to California law AB 1020, it requires pools to be retrofitted with new drain covers. The new approved covers are needed to prevent children from getting trapped by suction and prevent drownings.
The second violation was that each pool is supposed to have separate filtration and heating. Currently the multiple pools share a filter system.
Who closed the pools?
AUSD closed the pools and changed the locks.
Who uses the pools?
The pools are used by several groups. It is used by the Alameda High School water polo team. It is also used by the Alameda masters adult swimmers. It is also used by the Alameda Islanders swim team.
What is the Impact of the closed pools?
The groups using the pool have been having a difficult time finding alternate locations.
The Alameda HS water polo team got this surprise event with 2 weeks left in the polo season.
Who has been able to help the groups?
The Harbor Bay Club, a private business, has graciously allowed some swimmers to use their pool. We thank the Harbor Bay Club for their generosity, class, and assistance.
The Islanders will look forward to the AUSD pools to be reopened so that the teams can get back to their full regular daily schedule of swimming.
Thank you to the Harbor Bay Club. Contact Lisa Franzel, Harbor Bay Club General Manager lizaf@harborbayclub.com
There are some older swimmers who have had to travel to pools outside Alameda to swim at 5AM. There are still need for more pool time for the groups affected.
The Piedmont Swim Club has also helped. The PSC board generously allowed their pool to be used for a water polo match. The match was originally scheduled to be held at Alameda’s pool.
Thank you to Piedmont Swim Club General Manager Joe Perez, Board President Tim Rood, and the Piedmont Swim Club board of directors.
Contact:
Tim Rood, Piedmont Swim Club Board President
tsr12@columbia.edu
Who runs the pools?
Alameda Unified School District (AUSD) owns the properties, since the pools are located at these 2 high schools. The Alameda city Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) jointly runs the pool with AUSD.
Why did these pools fail to comply?
AUSD and ARPD had a contractor work to install new pool drains. The engineer gave a certification for the work done. Unfortunately Alameda county did not accept the certification from the engineer.
Was AUSD and ARPD working on the filters as well?
ARPD has stated that they believe that the filters were a minor issue. They believed that the filtration system could be “grandfathered” and the work to upgrade the filter systems could be done slowly over time.
However Alameda County has disagreed. Alameda county believes that they have given several notices starting in 2008 requiring the pools to have separate filters. So because of this, the filter systems are out of compliance.
It is unclear on what is accurate and truth in this matter of the filter systems. Was ARPD and AUSD aware years ago that filters are a major issue? Did Alameda County provide clear notice and importance of the filter? Who knew about this and when?
When will the pools be reopened?
AUSD has stated that the pools will remain closed. When AUSD has gotten the green light from Alameda County that the pool drain and pool filters are compliant, then the pools can be opened.
What happens now?
AUSD has hired an architect to review the pool drains and filters. AUSD expects that in about 30 days, the contractor will provide AUSD will their assessment of what work is needed to comply with Alameda County.
Then what happens?
AUSD will have to determine the cost to make these pool repairs and cost of getting separate filtration systems.
Who will pay for this?
We do not know. AUSD and ARPD will have to decide and get agreement on who pays for what.
Is there money to pay for this?
We do not know.
How long will it take to fix?
We do not know.
Comments? These individuals need to hear from YOU!
AUSD Superintendent Kirsten Vital kvital@alameda.k12.ca.us
Alameda mayor Beverly Johnson BJOHNSON@ci.alameda.ca.us
Mr Dale Lillard, ARPD director DLILLARD@ci.alameda.ca.us
Mr. Robert Shemwell, AUSD chief business officer rshemwell@alameda.k12.ca.us
Mr Robbie Lyng, AUSD Maintenance and Facilities Director (510)-337-7090 rlyng@alameda.k12.ca.us
Ms. Trish Spencer, AUSD board member tspencer@alameda.k12.ca.us
Alameda vice-mayor Doug deHaan ddehaan@ci.alameda.ca.us
Alameda councilmember Frank Matarrese fmatarre@ci.alameda.ca.us
Mr Ariu Levi, Alameda County director of Environmental Health (510) 567-6777 ariu.levi@acgov.org
Ms. Christina Baines, assistant to mayor Johnson cbaines@ci.alameda.ca.us
Article Listing
http://www.aquaticsfan.com/alameda/blog/examining-maintenance-histories-alamedas-swim-centers
http://www.aquaticsfan.com/alameda/blog/safe-or-not
Alameda County shuts down 125 pools. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703369704575461842459879542.html
Piedmont Swim Club
http://piedmont.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/piedmont-swim-club-dives-in/
New Law for Pools
http://www.ktvu.com/news/24682509/detail.html
http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/localnews/ci_16398447
http://www.theislandofalameda.com/2010/10/district-officials-host-pool-meet/
http://alameda.patch.com/articles/community-meeting-tonight-high-school-pool-closures
