The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) hosted its April 2025 Quarterly Board Meeting and Luncheon at the picturesque Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula last week, bringing together water leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders for meaningful discussions on California’s water future.
Special thanks to our amazing luncheon sponsors: Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Western Municipal Water District, and GEI Consultants.
The board meeting saw impressive attendance with 37 board members gathering to hear exclusive conversations with key water policy leaders. The meeting featured special guests California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Karla Nemeth and Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, who shared their insights and priorities regarding California’s water challenges.
Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez is focused on enhancing his understanding of Southern California’s water issues and exploring practical solutions by learning from historical patterns and seeking incremental changes. To emphasize his commitment to collaboration, Gonzalez shared his cell phone number with attendees, inviting direct communication with water leaders.
Director of the Department of Water Resources Karla Nemeth presented a vision for California’s climate resilience, stressing the importance of collaborative projects among local water districts and addressing affordability to ensure water access for all Californians. She highlighted three priorities: adapting to changing hydrology, upgrading infrastructure, and improving water affordability. Nemeth also shared insights from research conducted during the 2023 atmospheric river storms, which continues to inform the state’s water management and emergency response strategies.
After the board meeting, nearly 200 attendees gathered for a luncheon in Temecula wine country, where Director Nemeth expanded on her earlier themes and engaged with the water community. The event offered a valuable networking opportunity for water professionals, elected officials, and stakeholders.
Join us on Friday, July 18th for our next Quarterly Luncheon!
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- Left to right: E.J. Caldwell, Steve Elie, Rich Nagel, Mayor Acquanetta Warren, San Bernardino County Supervisor Jesse Armendariz
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- Attendees network and exchange ideas during the luncheon at the SCWC Quarterly Meeting, set against the picturesque backdrop of Temecula wine country.
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- Participants engage in lively discussions and build valuable connections during the networking session at the SCWC Quarterly Meeting.
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- SCWC board members and attendees discuss strategic priorities for addressing California’s water challenges, emphasizing collaboration and sustainable solutions.
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- SCWC Board members Donna Bloom-Crook, Jacquelin Mutter, and Gene Hernandez
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- Jody Roberto, SCWC Board member Tina Javid and SCWC Vice Chair Steve Elie
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- Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez with SCWC Board member Cheryl Clary
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- SCWC Board member Dawn Taffler
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- California Dept. of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth with SCWC Board member Geoff Vanden Heuvel
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- SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson facilitates Q&A at April Quarterly Luncheon
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- California Dept. of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth addresses the crowd.