James Vanden Akker Receives SR/WA

In September 2018, Mr. James Vanden Akker was approved as a Senior Right of Way Professional (SR/WA) from IRWA. We want to commend Mr. Vanden Akker for his pursuit of further education and dedication to the SR/WA program.

James was required to complete 208 credit units plus an ethics course and examination in order to complete the requirements. James started his candidacy in May 2016 and completed all the course work and exams up to this past September. He did a terrific job and worked very hard for the last 2 ½ years.

James works as a Real Estate Representative II for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). He works in the Planning and Acquisition department acquiring easements and fee property for MWD’s pipeline infrastructure. Prior to employment with MWD, he worked for OPC Services and Paragon Partners, Right of Way consultants.

Born in Bellflower, California on April 1st (yes, James has heard all the jokes!), making him an “Aries”, who is very specific, grand, and demanding, but very giving with those who are close to him. James received his B.A. from California State University Fullerton, making him a “Titan” alumnus, which also breeds skillful Major League Baseball (MLB) players. He has been married to Kevin since November 2015 and they reside in Rancho Santa Margarita.

James pretty much enjoys all kinds of cuisines and likes reading, music, and nice restaurants. He is also a writer and has even published some essays and short stories. As far as his tastes in music, James enjoys singer/songwriter fare, the sort we used to call folk.

The last book James read was the novel “Life Drawing” by Robin Black (which he describes as “completely shattering”) and his last movie taken in was “A Star is Born”. James loves dining and some of his favorite restaurants include Bobby Van’s in New York, Uncle Bo’s in Hawaii, and the Blind Pig and Pizze E Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita.

When James wants to veg out, his favorite shows are “The Golden Girls” “Six Feet Under” and any of the true crime programs. Such a variety, James! James is filled with all kinds of favorite quotes but his latest is from Dr. Seuss and it is “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams!”.

One of James’s pet peeves is people who are not courteous and who display poor manners. If there’s one thing James has learned in life, it’s that “Fear” can be a great motivator!

James’s last vacation was a trip to New York and he really loved it! What James looks for in people is mainly honesty and friendliness. A recent accomplishment was pursuing and securing his current job at MWD and his most important unrealized goal is to write and publish a book.

When asked why he is involved in IRWA, James stated “My first job in the industry insisted I join, then I found out quickly how valuable and educational the organization is”. Next time you see James at a luncheon, say “Hi James and congrats on your SR/WA!”