California Odha Zertuche Díaz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
California Odha Zertuche Díaz
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| Born | 1923 Ensenada, Mexico
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| Died | 1991 Ensenada, Mexico
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| Nationality | Mexican |
| Occupation | Civil engineer |
| Known for | Forjadora de Baja California Award |
California Odha Zertuche Díaz (1923–1991) was a brilliant Mexican civil engineer. She is known for developing the main drinking water and sewer system in Ensenada, Mexico. Her important work helped the city grow and improved life for many people.
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About California Odha Zertuche Díaz
California Odha Zertuche Díaz was born in 1923 and passed away in 1991. She lived in the port city of Ensenada, which is in the Mexican state of Baja California. This city is on the Pacific coast, about 110 kilometers (65 miles) south of the United States border.
Her Education and Early Career
California Odha Zertuche Díaz was the first woman to graduate from the UNAM School of Engineering in 1954. Her final project was about designing a sewer system for Ensenada. She was one of the first women in Mexico to earn a degree in civil engineering. Many believe she was the very first engineer in Ensenada.
She also helped start the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) in 1957. She was a founding teacher there. Later, in 1960, she helped create the university's School of Marine Sciences.
Developing Ensenada's Water System
Zertuche Díaz worked for the government in the Secretariat of Hydraulic Resources. Here, she became the main person in charge of building Ensenada's water system. This was a big challenge because the city does not have any rivers.
Most of Ensenada's water comes from underground sources. When it rains a lot, some small streams form. The city also gets drinking water from four main water bodies. These include the Hidden Lagoon, the Emilio López Zamora Dam, Hanson Lagoon, and La Lagunita.
Community Contributions
In her later years, California Odha Zertuche Díaz gave land for a Sports City and for different university schools. She also started the Association of Women Professionals of Baja California. She even helped create the Red Cross in Ensenada.
Awards and Recognition
In 2014, California Odha Zertuche Díaz received the "Forjadora de Baja California" award. This award means "Forger of Baja California." She earned it because her work helped create the drinking water and sewer network in Ensenada.
At the same event, other important women from different cities in Baja California also received this award. These women included Antonia Brenner from Tijuana and María Concepción López Vargas from Tecate. Their pictures and short stories are shown on a special wall in the State Congress building.
See also
In Spanish: California Odha Zertuche Díaz para niños
