San Lorenzo, Calif., January 12,2021 – It is with great sadness that Oro Loma Sanitary District announces the passing of Board Member Emeritus Roland J. Dias. Former Director Dias passed away peacefully on September 7, 2020.
Dias dutifully served the public while on the Oro Loma Sanitary District Board from 1992 to 2018. During his 26 years with the District, he was a dedicated, well studied, and honorable member of numerous committees and ably served as Board President, Vice President, and Secretary for multiple terms.
“Director Dias provided sound leadership to staff during a significant transformation in Oro Loma Sanitary District’s history,” said General Manager Jason Warner. “During Director Dias’ time on the Board, Oro Loma retired all outstanding debt, paid down or paid off future retiree expenses, achieved multiple years with zero overflows and 14 years of continuous permit compliance, and restored the plant capacity while maintaining the lowest known sewer service rates in the state.
Warner continued, ”Director Dias took his work seriously, studied issues in detail, and applied his 35+ years of military and management experience to approach key Board decisions. He was a gentleman and treated his fellow elected officials and staff with great respect. Ron was famous for studying the lobby pictures of employees so he could remember their names at the annual recognition event. Part of Director Dias’ legacy can be observed in the quality of service and low rates that the District provides to the Oro Loma ratepayers today”.
Former Director Dias honorably served his country for four years in the United States Armed Forces. Following his military service, he graduated from Armstrong Business College with a Business Administration degree and then worked for both PT&T and AT&T for 30 years.
Director Dias will be missed by his fellow Board members, District staff, and the community he faithfully served. He will be remembered for his many contributions to Oro Loma’s success, his dedication and honest representation to the public, and his dignity and professionalism.
