Walter Wong 1930-2024
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Walter Wong, a distinguished environmental health leader who served as the Director of Environmental Health for the County of Monterey from 1971 to 2001. Walter's dedicated service spanned from the 1950s through the early 2000s, during which he set exemplary standards in environmental health that continue to benefit the community today.
Walter Wong, was renowned for his tireless work in advancing progressive environmental health programs. His contributions to the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project (CSIP) were pivotal in addressing the critical issue of saltwater intrusion in Monterey's aquifers. This initiative not only preserved the region's agricultural viability but also ensured the protection of valuable drinking water resources.
Walter's leadership extended to tackling the environmental health challenges of in drinking water, solid waste management, land use planning, agriculture, hazardous materials handling, and food safety. His forward-thinking policies and dedication to public health earned him high regard within the county and across the state of California. He was frequently sought after for his expertise and was an influential voice in the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), the California Environmental Health Association (CEHA), and among Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS).
Anecdotes from colleagues and friends often highlight Walter's unwavering commitment to his work and his community. His meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication set a benchmark for excellence in environmental health practices. Walter was not just a leader but a mentor and inspiration to many, fostering a culture of innovation and rigorous standards that are still in place today.
As an Asian-American in public service during the height of the civil rights movements, Walter's journey was a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. His contributions broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of environmental health professionals. Walter's legacy is one of resilience and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the County of Monterey and the broader field of environmental health.
Walter Wong's life and work will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. His efforts have ensured a safer, healthier environment for all, and his spirit of service and excellence will continue to inspire.
Walter is survived by his sister along with many nieces and nephews, who take solace in knowing that his work has made a lasting difference. Attached is the published obituary from his family and a picture of the 1971 CCDEH Conference held in Asilomar, Pacific Grove in Monterey County, Walter's first year as an EH Director. In honoring his memory, we strive here in Monterey County to uphold the high standards and dedication to public health that Walter exemplified throughout his career. Rest in Peace Walter.
Walter Wong, was renowned for his tireless work in advancing progressive environmental health programs. His contributions to the Castroville Seawater Intrusion Project (CSIP) were pivotal in addressing the critical issue of saltwater intrusion in Monterey's aquifers. This initiative not only preserved the region's agricultural viability but also ensured the protection of valuable drinking water resources.
Walter's leadership extended to tackling the environmental health challenges of in drinking water, solid waste management, land use planning, agriculture, hazardous materials handling, and food safety. His forward-thinking policies and dedication to public health earned him high regard within the county and across the state of California. He was frequently sought after for his expertise and was an influential voice in the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH), the California Environmental Health Association (CEHA), and among Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS).
Anecdotes from colleagues and friends often highlight Walter's unwavering commitment to his work and his community. His meticulous attention to detail and steadfast dedication set a benchmark for excellence in environmental health practices. Walter was not just a leader but a mentor and inspiration to many, fostering a culture of innovation and rigorous standards that are still in place today.
As an Asian-American in public service during the height of the civil rights movements, Walter's journey was a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. His contributions broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of environmental health professionals. Walter's legacy is one of resilience and passion, leaving an indelible mark on the County of Monterey and the broader field of environmental health.
Walter Wong's life and work will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude. His efforts have ensured a safer, healthier environment for all, and his spirit of service and excellence will continue to inspire.
Walter is survived by his sister along with many nieces and nephews, who take solace in knowing that his work has made a lasting difference. Attached is the published obituary from his family and a picture of the 1971 CCDEH Conference held in Asilomar, Pacific Grove in Monterey County, Walter's first year as an EH Director. In honoring his memory, we strive here in Monterey County to uphold the high standards and dedication to public health that Walter exemplified throughout his career. Rest in Peace Walter.
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Meet the new 2024-2025 CEHA Board of Directors!
Currently updating and more info coming soon!
President Kiki Cason
President-Elect Marisa Castillo
Vice-President Bogart Marquez
Immediate President Megan Floyd
Treasurer Michelle Bilodeau
Secretary Julie DeGraw
Central Chapter President Carlo Alvaarez
Central Chapter President-Elect Matt Weinburke
Citrus Chapter President Dana Cevos
Citrus Chapter President-Elect
Mission Chapter President James Bragg
Mission Chapter President-Elect
Northern Chapter President Amr Hassanein
Northern Chapter President-Elect Darryl Wong
Redwood Chapter President Melissa Hernandez
Redwood Chapter President-Elect
Southern Chapter President Charles Futoran
Southern Chapter President-Elect Denise Takehara
Southwest Chapter President Laura Fernandez
Southwest Chapter President-Elect Ernesto Reyes
Superior Chapter President Christine Lawrence
Superior Chapter President-Elect Marisol Cuevas
President-Elect Marisa Castillo
Vice-President Bogart Marquez
Immediate President Megan Floyd
Treasurer Michelle Bilodeau
Secretary Julie DeGraw
Central Chapter President Carlo Alvaarez
Central Chapter President-Elect Matt Weinburke
Citrus Chapter President Dana Cevos
Citrus Chapter President-Elect
Mission Chapter President James Bragg
Mission Chapter President-Elect
Northern Chapter President Amr Hassanein
Northern Chapter President-Elect Darryl Wong
Redwood Chapter President Melissa Hernandez
Redwood Chapter President-Elect
Southern Chapter President Charles Futoran
Southern Chapter President-Elect Denise Takehara
Southwest Chapter President Laura Fernandez
Southwest Chapter President-Elect Ernesto Reyes
Superior Chapter President Christine Lawrence
Superior Chapter President-Elect Marisol Cuevas
Check your local chapter page for pictures of events and gatherings!
We Are Committed To The
Professional Growth And Development
Of Environmental Health Professionals
CEHA Mission Statement - Dedicated To Improving The Quality Of Life And Health Through Environmental Education And Protection. (Adopted January 13, 1990 By The Board Of Directors)
CEHA Vision Statement Providing For The Well-Being Of All Californians Through Environmental Protection And Enhancement In Our Home, Communities, Work Places, And Recreational Areas And Forming A Healthful Environment For Enjoying The Never-Ending Miracle That Is California. (Adopted March 30, 1991 By The Board Of Directors)
CEHA Strategic Plan Mission Statement To Provide The Very Highest Quality Career-Long Professional Growth And Support For The Environmental Health Professional; And To Provide A Forum For Environmental Health Issues To Advance The Environmental Health Cause. (Adopted January 18, 1992 By The Board Of Directors)
Professional Growth And Development
Of Environmental Health Professionals
CEHA Mission Statement - Dedicated To Improving The Quality Of Life And Health Through Environmental Education And Protection. (Adopted January 13, 1990 By The Board Of Directors)
CEHA Vision Statement Providing For The Well-Being Of All Californians Through Environmental Protection And Enhancement In Our Home, Communities, Work Places, And Recreational Areas And Forming A Healthful Environment For Enjoying The Never-Ending Miracle That Is California. (Adopted March 30, 1991 By The Board Of Directors)
CEHA Strategic Plan Mission Statement To Provide The Very Highest Quality Career-Long Professional Growth And Support For The Environmental Health Professional; And To Provide A Forum For Environmental Health Issues To Advance The Environmental Health Cause. (Adopted January 18, 1992 By The Board Of Directors)
CEHA is a non-profit association committed to providing for the professional growth and development of the environmental health professional. We are primarily an organization of volunteers dedicated to the environmental health profession, which includes the protection of public health and the environment.
To learn more about becoming a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), please visit the CDPH link.
To learn more about becoming a Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS), please visit the CDPH link.