This event is sold out.

📍 Event Details

• Location: Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663
• Time:
  • 5:30 p.m. – VIP Reception and Photo Opportunities
  • 6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Program

🎤 Keynote Speaker

We’re honored to welcome Mike Murphy, renowned Republican political strategy expert, as our keynote speaker. With decades of experience in national campaigns and political commentary, Mike brings a unique perspective on the intersection of politics and water policy.

✨ Thank you Event Sponsors

Wine Sponsor: Gannett Fleming (GFT)

Table Sponsors: Mesa Water District and Butier 

🎟️ Tickets

• VIP Reception & Dinner:
  • $325 – SCWC Members
  • $375 – Non-members
• Dinner Only:
  • $275 – SCWC Members
  • $325 – Non-members

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities

Support SCWC’s mission and gain visibility among Southern California’s water leaders. Sponsorship levels include:

• Founding Sponsor – $20,000
• Premier Sponsor – $10,000
• Patron Sponsor – $5,000
• Table Sponsor – $3,500
• Wine Sponsor – $3,000

Each level includes tickets, VIP access, recognition, and promotional opportunities. For full details or to become a sponsor, contact Julie Ackman at jackman@socalwater.org or call 714.335.7500.

🗓️ Important Deadlines

• Ticket Redemption Deadline: October 15, 2025
• No cancellations or refunds after: October 16, 2025

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating water leadership and collaboration. We look forward to seeing you there!

The post 🎉 SOLD OUT: SCWC Annual Meeting & Dinner – October 23, 2025 appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins delivered a powerful keynote on California’s water challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable infrastructure to address climate impacts on water resources. She highlighted Proposition 4’s $3.8 billion allocation for drinking water and drought resilience and stressed the role of science and innovation in managing resources efficiently.  She advocated for modernizing water infrastructure, diversifying water sources, and educating both the public and new legislators on water issues. Finally, she encouraged water leaders to continue lobbying effectively, particularly around large projects like the Delta Conveyance Project, which face high costs and complex stakeholder dynamics.

In his video message, Governor Gavin Newsom congratulated the Southern California Water Coalition on its 40th anniversary, emphasizing the critical role of partnerships in tackling climate-driven water challenges. He highlighted California’s projected 10% water loss by 2040 due to hotter, drier conditions and the increasing volatility of weather patterns. Newsom stressed the importance of proactive solutions like the Delta Conveyance Project, which could capture water to support millions, reinforcing California’s commitment to water resiliency and sustainable management.

Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren, Chair of the Southern California Water Coalition, highlighted the importance of water advocacy, emphasizing how the coalition’s efforts in Sacramento benefit cities and counties across Southern California. “It’s been a dream come true to see how, by working together, sharing data, and engaging with leaders, the SCWC brings everything together. That’s what will secure Southern California’s water future,” Mayor Warren said.

Charley Wilson, the Executive Director of the SCWC, expressed his pleasure with the turnout and the milestone achieved by the coalition. “Some of our Board members were already working in water back in 1984. Others weren’t even born yet. This diversity makes me proud because it shows that our coalition continues to grow with the next generation of leaders committed to addressing climate change and other critical water challenges. Water is an issue that affects everyone and every generation,” Wilson said.

The evening also included an award ceremony recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the water sector:

• Harriett Wieder Award: Adán Ortega Jr., Board Chair of the Metropolitan Water District, accepted the Harriett Wieder Award on behalf of Senator Alex Padilla, recognized for his role in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing substantial support for the Pure Water Southern California project—the world’s largest water recycling facility. The Harriett M. Wieder Water Leadership Award honors leaders dedicated to California’s water supply issues, symbolized by a block of wood representing Wieder’s famous approach to making an impact: “sometimes you have to hit someone with a 2×4.
• Kathy Cole Award: SCWC Vice Chair Steve Elie presented Danielle Coats, the Director of Government and Public Affairs at Rancho California Water District, with the Kathy Cole Award. This award recognizes her 20 years of dedication to water policy. Known for her work on water affordability, the CropSWAP program, and advocacy with agencies like FEMA, Coats has driven awareness and funding for critical water projects. The award celebrates her exemplary commitment to sustainable water management and the collaborative spirit of retired water policy leader Kathy Cole.

“Our two award winners exemplify the leadership and dedication our water community needs to secure a sustainable future for California,” Wilson said.

“Senator Padilla has been an unwavering advocate for California’s water future, pushing for critical investments that address the state’s most pressing water challenges,” said Wilson.  “His leadership in advancing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling transformative projects like Pure Water Southern California, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable water supply.”

“Danielle Coats’ steady advocacy for accessible, affordable water solutions has empowered communities across Southern California. Both are true champions of water resilience,” he continued.

Adán Ortega Jr. also addressed the SCWC’s Board of Directors during its meeting, outlining what’s next for the Metropolitan Water District. His remarks highlighted the district’s ongoing initiatives and the strategic plans to ensure a sustainable water supply for the region.

Other highlights of the evening included the premier of SCWC’s newest video, “40 Years of Impact: 2024 Water Year in Review,” highlighting SCWC members reflecting on the coalition’s 40 years of coalition building. The SCWC team also showcased its animated video “Southern California’s Water Story,” a recent winner of five global Collision Awards for animation. 

As the SCWC looks forward to the next 40 years, it remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for sustainable water policies and ensuring a secure water future for all Southern Californians.

View more photos on Flickr HERE.

Read about our 2023 Annual Meeting and Dinner HERE.

The post Celebrating 40 Years of Advocacy: Southern California Water Coalition’s Anniversary Meeting & Dinner Recap appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Buy tickets at this link. Download the flyer at this link.

This year’s dinner is especially significant as it commemorates SCWC’s 40th anniversary, a milestone in its mission to advocate for reliable and resilient water supplies across Southern California. The event’s theme, “Celebrating 40 Years of Partnership and Education,” reflects the Coalition’s enduring impact since its founding by Harriett Wieder in 1984.

The evening will begin with a VIP reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will hear from keynote speaker Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Toni G. Atkins of San Diego, who will share her insights on water issues and the future of California’s water infrastructure.

Tickets for the VIP reception and dinner are priced at $325 for SCWC members and $375 for non-members, while dinner-only tickets are $275 for members and $325 for non-members. Event sponsorships range from $3,000 to $10,000. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite, and inquiries about sponsorships can be directed to Julie Ackman at jackman[at]socalwater.org.

SCWC was established in response to the 1982 ballot rejection of the Peripheral Canal, a project aimed at enhancing the State Water Project by bypassing the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Harriett Wieder, alarmed by misinformation surrounding the water crisis, founded the organization to advocate for Southern California’s water needs. “It was necessary for someone to set the record straight,” Wieder told the Los Angeles Times in 1986. “Our children and our children’s children depend on [water] for the lifestyle they’ll have after we’re gone.”

Initially named the Southern California Water Committee, the Coalition started with representation from each Southern California county’s board of supervisors. Under the leadership of its first Executive Director, Lou Smallwood, the organization rapidly expanded. “Each county is getting organized. We’re on our way,” Smallwood remarked a few years after its inception.

Today, the Southern California Water Coalition, under the leadership of its board and Executive Director Charley Wilson, stands as a robust alliance of local and regional governments, businesses, water agencies, and organizations, all dedicated to water resource advocacy. Through public education and partnership, SCWC continues to drive action to secure the water future of Southern California. The annual dinner has become a highlight of the fall season for the water community.

The post Celebrate 40 Years with SCWC at our Annual Dinner on Nov 7 appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Join us on Thursday, November 2, 2023 for our Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, California.

The annual SCWC dinner and meeting brings together an amazing group of leaders from across Southern California to network, share ideas and learn more about the challenges facing California’s water supply.

The VIP reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. We will present the Kathy Cole Award and the Harriett Wieder Water Leadership Award starting at 7:15 p.m.

Our keynote speaker will be Speaker Emeritus Anthony Rendon, who represents the 62nd Assembly District in Southeast Los Angeles County.

We’re excited to debut a new video highlighting our accomplishments of the year and many of our hard-working and inspiring Board members! 

The post Join us for our November 2 Annual Dinner appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

On Thursday, October 27, 2022, leaders in water, business, labor, agriculture, and nonprofits joined us for our annual meeting, a dinner with award presentations, and a keynote by State Water Resources Control Board Vice Chair Dorene D’Adamo on the state of California water and an update on efforts to expand uses of recycled water and reuse.

San Diego County Water Authority General Manager Sandra Kerl introduces keynote speaker Dorene D’Adamo, Vice Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.

SCWC held its annual Board meeting prior to the dinner and State Senator John Laird joined the group via Zoom web conference to talk about water infrastructure funding. The dinner followed with nearly 300 people attended. Two awards were given out to outstanding members of SCWC for their work.

A.G. Kawamura Recognized with Harriett M. Wieder Award

A.G. Kawamura received the 2022 Harriett M. Wieder Award for his holistic water leadership. He is third-generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper from Orange County and the former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (2003-2010). He is co-chair of Solutions From the Land, a non-profit organization that collaborates with farmers, ranchers, foresters and stakeholders to implement climate smart land management practices and strategies.

A.G. Kawamura won the 2022 Harriett M. Wieder Award for his holistic water leadership. He was unable to attend and Paul Cook, GM of IRWD, accepted the award on his behalf.

In addition to his longtime service on the SCWC Board, Kawamura currently serves on several boards and committees including: The Ag Advisory Committee for the AGree Initiative; the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources (BANR), a policy arm of the National Academy of Sciences’ Natural Resource Council; Ag Advisory Committee for the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; Trustee for the Council on Agriculture, Science and Technology (CAST); American Farmland Trust; The 25x’25 Alliance, a national alliance of renewable energy stakeholders; Advisory Committee for the Agricultural Sustainability Institute (ASI) at U.C. Davis. He is a former chair and current board member of Western Growers Association. As a progressive urban farmer, Kawamura has a lifetime of experience working within the shrinking rural and urban boundaries of Southern California. Kawamura graduated with a BA from UC Berkeley and was participated in the California Ag Leadership Program.

Patty Cortez Wins Kathy Cole Award

Patty Cortez’s legislative work in California water in general and as Co-Chair of SCWC’s Legislative Task Force was recognized with the Kathy Cole Award. Cortez is the Mayor of the City of Covina and the Executive Director of Government and Community Affairs at the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. She has over fifteen years of diversified experience in the management of public relation campaigns, public affairs and crisis communications. Patty is responsible for managing the District’s legislative agenda, public relations and educational outreach to the community.

Tony Fellow, Upper San Gabriel Valley Water District Board member, presents the 2022 Kathy Cole Award to Patty Cortez, Covina City Mayor and Executive Manager of Government and Community Affairs of USGVWD.

Prior to joining Upper District, Patty was a Public Affairs Manager for Edison International in the Legislative Affairs division. There, she managed public outreach programs for Edison’s legislative priorities and new infrastructure projects. Patty also served as a District Representative for Congressman Gary Miller and has extensive experience in public relations with Formula PR, where she developed national PR campaigns for sports and entertainment clients.

San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford has served as SCWC’s Board Chair since July 2020. Her term with us ends this year. She was recognized at the Annual Dinner with an award and SCWC’s sincere thanks for her leadership.

SCWC Board Chair and San Bernardino County Supervisor Janice Rutherford and SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson, as Supervisor Rutherford is recognized for her service as SCWC Board Chair.

Dorene D’Adamo, Vice Chair, State Water Resources Control Board, makes keynote remarks at the SCWC Annual Dinner at the Long Beach Hilton on Oct. 27, 2022.

The post Recap of SCWC’s 2022 Annual Dinner appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Join us on Thursday, October 27, 2022 for our Annual Meeting and Dinner at the Long Beach Hilton. Our keynote speaker is Dorene D’Adamo, Vice Chair, State Water Resources Control Board.

The annual SCWC dinner and meeting brings together an amazing group of leaders from across Southern California to network, share ideas and learn more about the challenges facing California’s water supply.

The VIP reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. We will present the Kathy Cole Award and the Harriett Wieder Water Leadership Award starting at 7:15 p.m.

We’re excited to debut a new video highlighting our accomplishments of the year and many of our hard-working and inspiring Board members! 

The post Join us for our October 27 Annual Dinner appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The post Join us for our Annual Meeting and Dinner appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.