Water alliance taps former city official

Bellevue

Ed Oberg, a former Bellevue deputy city manager, is the new leader of the Cascade Water Alliance, the utility group announced Thursday.

Oberg takes on the title of CEO and replaces Michael Gagliardo, who had been general manager since the alliance was formed in 1999. Gagliardo is now the alliance's planning director, supervising the construction of long-range infrastructure.

The water alliance is a consortium of mostly Eastside cities that wants more control of the local water supply. This year, the group plans to finalize a deal to buy Lake Tapps in Pierce County and to start building a pipeline that will connect the Eastside to Tacoma's water supply.

With major projects in play, the group needed new leadership, alliance officials said.

Alliance members are Bellevue, Kirkland, Issaquah, Redmond, Tukwila and the Covington Water District, Sammamish Water and Sewer District and Skyline Water District.

Bellevue

Briefing to explain Feb. 9 caucuses

People with questions about the Feb. 9 Washington state presidential caucuses can attend a briefing in Bellevue next week.

The Eastside Empowerment Group will provide details, including how to find your caucus, the definition of a delegate and what happens after a caucus.

The caucus briefing is at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in Building L, Room 212, at Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.

Bellevue

Children's advocacy group honors city

For the third straight year, Bellevue has been named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by America's Promise Alliance, a children's advocacy group.

The Alexandria, Va.-based group cited Bellevue's children's programs, including the 24-Hour Relay Challenge and a new initiative to promote good health among kids.

Bellevue was the only King County city getting the award.

Seattle Times Eastside bureau