water events Archives - Southern California Water Coalition

SCWC Returns to Temecula for May 15 Quarterly Luncheon

SCWC Staff — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Spend a beautiful spring day with hundreds of Southern California water and community leaders at Southern California Water Coalition’s May 2026 Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. For the fifth year in a row, we return to the picturesque Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula for our board meeting followed by a Quarterly Luncheon of delicious food, epic networking, and a thought-provoking program. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m.

View the event flyer at this link: https://socalwater.org/wp-content/uploads/SCWC-Q2-Luncheon_Flyer_V3.pdf

Special thanks to our amazing luncheon sponsors: Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Kiewit, Municipal Water District of Orange County, and Western Municipal Water District.

Our events and programming would not be possible without our founding sponsors: County of San Bernardino, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Riverside County Flood Control & Water Conservation, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, and West Basin Municipal Water District.

Buy tickets and sponsorships now at this link: https://secure.anedot.com/southern-california-water-coalition/scwcmay15quarterlymeeting

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Gather With SCWC in Temecula on April 25

SCWC Staff — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 15:00:20 +0000

Spend a beautiful spring day with hundreds of Southern California water and community leaders at Southern California Water Coalition’s April Quarterly Meeting and Luncheon. For the fourth year in a row, we return to the picturesque Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula for our board meeting followed by a Quarterly Luncheon of delicious food, epic networking, and a thought-provoking program.

Our luncheon speaker will be Karla Nemeth, Director, California Department of Water Resources.

Tickets are now on sale on EventBrite for the Friday, April 25th luncheon.

Special thanks to our amazing luncheon sponsors: Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Western Municipal Water District, and GEI Consultants.

Buy tickets now HERE. Download the flyer HERE.

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SCWC’s April Quarterly Meeting: Honoring Legacy, Charting Water’s Future

SCWC Staff — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 22:35:47 +0000

The Southern California Water Coalition’s April Quarterly Board Meeting and Luncheon took place on Friday, April 19, amidst the picturesque setting of Temecula’s Wilson Creek Winery, marking the third occasion that SCWC chose this venue. Renowned for its appeal among SCWC members and its stunning ambiance, the winery welcomed over 150 attendees.

View more event photos HERE.

The meeting commenced with a poignant moment as the Board paid tribute to longtime member Robert Bein, who had recently passed away on February 17. Fondly remembered for his active participation, Bein’s absence was felt, particularly since he had engaged in lively discussions during SCWC’s January meeting, where he had posed questions to Wade Crowfoot, Secretary of California Natural Resources Agency. Geoff Vanden Heuvel, another Board member, eloquently reflected on Bein’s legacy, followed by Mayor Acquanetta Warren leading the group in a moment of respectful silence.

Senator Kelly Seyarto joined the board to offer his welcome and discuss the need for investment in water infrastructure. The Board then embarked on a tour of the vineyard, immersing themselves in the serene surroundings and learning more about the vineyard’s waterwise irrigation practices before reconvening for the luncheon.

The luncheon featured an esteemed panel of speakers:

Neil Chase, CEO of CalMatters, shared illuminating insights into the Digital Democracy project, delving into its profound impact on the political landscape, especially as the November ballot draws near. CalMatters’ Digital Democracy initiative leverages technology and data to enhance transparency, accountability, and understanding regarding California state legislators and their policymaking decisions. Interested individuals can sign up for a demonstration of the website on May 1: sign up HERE.
Sara Katz, President and CEO of Katz & Associates, offered her expertise on crafting effective communication strategies to garner support for water infrastructure investment. Emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and fostering trust well in advance of making requests, Katz underscored the significance of community engagement (early and often) in advocating for water projects.
Adam Probolsky, President of Probolsky Research, provided a comprehensive analysis of polling data and voter sentiments, providing valuable insights into the electorate’s priorities and concerns. With a focus on cutting through the noise with clear and impactful messaging about water initiatives, Probolsky highlighted the importance of effective communication in driving public support.

The luncheon concluded on a high note, with attendees enriched by the informative discussions and inspired to advocate for vital water initiatives in Southern California.

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Learn more about SCWC’s Innovation Matters Webinar

SCWC Staff — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 01:04:50 +0000

Catch up on all the good information shared during our September 2023 installment of our What Matters Webinar Series, led by our Water Energy Efficiency Task Force chairs Scott Houston and Kris Murray. Watch the webinar video on demand, read the Q&A and chat transcripts, and view the powerpoint slide decks shared by our panelists.

What Matters Webinar Series

Innovation Matters: Charting the Path in Energy Advancements at the Water-Energy Nexus

The new webinar is part of SCWC’s “What Matters” webinar series, designed to provide online exchanges of best practices as water and power utilities, nonprofits, businesses and others grapple with changes to the way we live, work and deliver services.

Speakers are:

Erin Brooks, Director, Customer Energy Solutions, Southern California Gas
Liz Crosson, Sustainability, Resiliency, and Innovation Officer, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Bryan Falconer, Senior Advisor, Southern California Edison
Tom Fang, Supervising Engineer, Los Angeles County Sanitation District
Shea Hughes, Director of West Coast Business Development, SCALE Microgrid
Lauren Seymour, Assistant Director, The Energy Coalition, on behalf of the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalREN) Public Agency Programs

Founding Sponsors

County of San Bernardino
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Irvine Ranch Water District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
Water Replenishment District of Southern California
West Basin Municipal Water District

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Register for SCWC’s Colorado River Webinar

SCWC Staff — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 02:49:42 +0000

A Collaborative Approach to Colorado River Management | Un enfoque colaborativo para la gestión del río Colorado

The Colorado River is in crisis, creating serious challenges for water managers and the communities that rely upon it. Our panel of diverse stakeholders will discuss efforts to find collaborative solutions Basin-wide and how this could shape the future of Western water for years to come. This is the first in what is anticipated to be a series on the Colorado River.

El río Colorado está en crisis, creando serios desafíos para los administradores del agua y las comunidades que dependen de él. Nuestro panel de diversas partes interesadas discutirá los esfuerzos para encontrar soluciones colaborativas en toda la cuenca y cómo esto podría dar forma al futuro del agua occidental en los años venideros. Esta es la primera de lo que se anticipa será una serie sobre el río Colorado. Regístrese ahora para escuchar en español o inglés.

View the event flyer. This event has concluded and you may watch a recording of it on our What Matters Water TV + Podcast.

Speakers:

Michael Cohen, Senior Associate, Pacific Institute
Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Chris Harris, Executive Director, Colorado River Board of California
Sandy Kerl, General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority
Henry Martinez, General Manager, Imperial Irrigation District
David Palumbo, Deputy Commissioner – Operations, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation
Thomas Tortez, Jr., Tribal Chairman, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

Sponsors:

Founding Sponsors

County of San Bernardino
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Irvine Ranch Water District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
West Basin Municipal Water District

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Fall 2022 Water Events You Don’t Want to Miss

SCWC Staff — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 16:25:25 +0000

As summer comes to a close and fall is just around the corner, water industry professionals are gearing up for a busy season. There are several major events happening in the next few months that you definitely don’t want to miss. Here is a quick rundown of what’s coming up for the Southern California Water Coalition:

A Collaborative Approach to Colorado River Management

We’re relaunching a brand new What Matters webinar on Thursday, October 6, 2022, all about the Colorado River! Join us and our sponsors Black & Veatch, Richard Brady, Imperial Irrigation District and San Diego County Water Authority as we unpack the challenges we’re facing on the Colorado River. More details coming soon!

SCWC’s Annual Event and Award Presentation

Celebrate an outstanding year of accomplishments with Southern California Water Coalition at our annual event on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at the Long Beach Hilton, 701 West Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90831.

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Southern California Water Coalition Tackles Equity, Access, and Affordability

SCWC Staff — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 00:24:06 +0000

L to R: Kurt Schwabe, professor at UC Riverside; Mayor Acquanetta Warren, city of Fontana; Anatole Falagan, asst. gm at Long Beach Water

The SCWC’s expert panel discussion on Equity, Access, and Affordability of Water marked the inception of its newest task force, which will seek to explore Southern California’s unique people and cultures to work through challenges that the water industry faces regionally. The formation of the Equity, Access, and Affordability Task Force was characterized by the discussion that took place between the four experts who were invited to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas on the panel, which mediated by SCWC Executive Director Charley Wilson.

The selected panelists ranged in vocation and provided diverse outlooks to the topics. The first panelist was longtime member of the SCWC Board of Trustees, co-chair of the Colorado River Task Force, and the Assistant General Manager of the Long Beach Water Department Anatole Falagan. The second panelist was mayor of Fontana, CA, Acquanetta Warren. The next panelist was adjunct fellow of the Public Policy Institute of California and Professor of Environmental Economics and Policy at UC Riverside, Kurt Schwabe. The final panelist was Senior Legislative Program Manager of the Eastern Municipal Water District in the Public Policy and Governmental Affairs Department, Danielle Coats.

The topics ranged from the legislative and regulatory issues that play a role in implementing new policies and how equity, access, and affordability fit into the bigger picture of water. Falagan remarked that the issue of water equity, access, and affordability is not static — it is constantly changing. It is a revolving conversation that requires consistent consideration.

Warren provided a valuable perspective as mayor of a small city that doesn’t own a water company. She explained that when she was first elected to serve Fontana, the city was spending a lot of time litigating over water rates with private water companies. One of the first things she did when she took office was sit down with the water companies and work together on infrastructure. Taking the time to understand how the water flows, what issues are presented, and how to make it fair for their service area made all the difference. “We have to deliver,” she said, “and when we have to pull on our companies that provide, it’s because we’ve got to provide to the public.”

Coats, who recalled joining Eastern Municipal Water District the year before the Human Right to Water Bill passed in the state, considered the state bills surrounding water systems that have been controversial and groundbreaking leading up to this point. She explained that, while moving legislation may not always solve problems, the work builds understanding among policymakers. “What we’ve learned through this process, I think,” said Coats, “is that not all of the solutions are on the table, that there is a lot left in this conversation, that there’s a lot of areas to be innovative.” Moving forward, Coats predicted that solutions aren’t necessarily going to come from state policymakers or legislation, but from people on the ground in local governments and water districts.

L to R: Charley Wilson, SCWC executive director; Kurt Schwabe, professor at UC Riverside; Mayor Acquanetta Warren, city of Fontana; Danielle Coats, sr. legislative program manager at Eastern Municipal Water District, and Anatole Falagan, asst. gm at Long Beach Water

Beyond propositions, proposed legislature, meeting fiscal demands with increased rates, and taking steps to modernize infrastructure, there is one thing we know for sure about the future: there are going to be challenges. July’s panel helped to form the task force that is going to prepare us for anything the future has in store. A big thanks to our incredible panelists who helped get the Equity, Access, and Affordability of Water Task Force off the ground with their expertise and dedication to a future where water is accessible for all. To watch the video of the panel discussion or to learn more about the new task force, please visit https://socalwater.org/equity-access-affordability-water-video/

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Southern California Water Coalition Honored Ronald Gastelum and Christine Compton at Annual Awards

SCWC Staff — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 17:46:26 +0000

After last year’s virtual event, the Southern California Water Coalition was pleased to host its 2021 Annual Event and Awards Presentation in-person. The keynote speaker Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles, 27th District) and the Chair of the Committee on Water and Natural Resources whose inspirational speech urged attendees to think big to tackle California’s water challenges. The awards ceremony and dinner was held on October 21st at the Long Beach Hilton and honored two very special awardees.

“This year is a homecoming. After the resilience we saw from our water community both remotely and on the front lines in 2020, it’s a delight to be able to come together again in celebration of the accomplishments of our water leaders,” said SCWC Executive Director Charles Wilson. “It’s a great time to be able to recognize our honorees.”

The Harriett M. Wieder Award and the Kathy Cole Award are traditionally presented to two exceptional leaders whose achievements shined brightly throughout the year. For 2021, the Harriett M. Wieder Award was presented to Ronald Gastelum and the Kathy Cole Award went to Christine Compton.

Ronald Gastelum Won Harriett Wieder Award for 2021

“From his work as the General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to his service at the LA Area Chamber of Commerce and the SCWC, Ronald Gastelum’s enduring leadership has solidified a lasting legacy,” Wilson said of the Harriett Wieder Awardee.

A pillar of environmental resource management, Gastelum continues to forge initiatives and push both private and public sector organizations toward a sustainable future. He has a lengthy resume with an array of exemplary leadership work, particularly as General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California as well as his service to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Southern California Water Coalition. Nature Conservancy and Water Education for Latino Leaders, to name a few.

Gastelum’s enduring, positive impact on regional and statewide water issues is renowned. While at MWD he worked with the Board of Directors representing its 26 member agencies to ensure a diversification of the regional water supply by overseeing the development of a brand-new large-scale water transfer. In addition, he maximized resource protection with strategic groundwater storage and the introduction of essential conservation programs. In terms of management, he led an internal restructure that introduced updates to a long-term resource plan, saw the completion of a new reservoir, and overhauled rate structure and financial plans for the years to come.

Since his service at the Metropolitan Water District, Gastelum has continued to lead regional water interests as the interim Executive Vice President of the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, the interim Executive Director of the Southern California Water Committee, and the President and Chairman of the Board of the Water Conservation Partners. Gastelum is a Whittier College graduate and holds a Juris Doctorate from UCLA Law School.

Kathy Cole Award went to Christine Compton

2020 saw the introduction of the Kathy Cole Award, to be presented to industry leaders who exemplify commitment to education and advocacy in water policy. The second Kathy Cole Award was presented to the Irvine Ranch Water District Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy and Deputy General Counsel Christine Compton.

Compton’s extensive career in public policy advisement began as a legislative aide for California State Assemblyman Bill Campbell. She moved on to serve as his Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Advisor during his term as Orange County Supervisor. In 2013, she began her work with the Irvine Ranch Water District.

“Christine Compton has been instrumental in forging public policy that protects our most precious regional resource,” Wilson said. “Her advocacy and passion for outreach align perfectly with the values of the SCWC’s newest Kathy Cole Award.”

Compton’s long list of accomplishments include degrees from USC’s Marshall School of Business and Loyola Marymount University’s Loyola Law School. She also won the Ralph Heim Exceptional Outreach and Advocacy Award from the California Special Districts Association in 2020.

The area’s largest networking event for water, business, agriculture, local public policymakers, labor groups, and environmental leaders commenced with a VIP reception followed by a dinner and program. The event also marked the premiere of SCWC’s new trailer for What Matters Water TV + Podcast which will begin on November 9, and highlighted three new regional California Water publications showcasing water successes in Northern Los Angeles County, Ventura County, South Bay, Long Beach and the San Gabriel Valley.

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Join us August 10 for Stormwater Workshop

SCWC Staff — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 23:27:11 +0000

Recent implementation of multi‐benefit stormwater projects and programs have been gaining momentum throughout Southern California, especially within Los Angeles County. These projects are intended to provide benefits of increasing water supply, improving water quality, and providing tangible community benefits. However, unless these projects capture and infiltrate water in areas that augment groundwater, or the captured stormwater is used directly on‐site, then no water supply benefit is achieved. This will include a guide for cities on how to implement the strategy and how to approach wastewater agencies about working together.

This event has concluded. Watch the on-demand video here.

TITLE: A Strategic Approach to Integrate Stormwater and Sewer Systems

WHEN: Tuesday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PDT

PANELISTS:

David Pedersen – General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Robert Ferrante – General Manager, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County
Matthew Hacker – Senior Resource Specialist, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Dan Lafferty – Deputy Director of Water Resources, Los Angeles County Public Works
Traci Minamide – Chief Operating Officer, City of Los Angeles Sanitation and Environment
Susan Moisio – Global Vice President – Water, Jacobs Engineering

MODERATORS:

Eileen Alduenda – Executive Director, Council for Watershed Health
Charley Wilson – Executive Director, Southern California Water Coalition

This webinar will present Phase 2 of the white paper “Tapping Existing Infrastructure to Create Water Supply and Water Quality Solutions” by CH2M Hill for Las Virgenes Municipal Water District and Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster, May 2018.

Partner

Council for Watershed Health

Event Sponsors

DRP
Jacobs
HDR

Founding Sponsors

County of San Bernardino
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Irvine Ranch Water District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
West Basin Municipal Water District

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Join us July 23 for in-person Quarterly Luncheon

SCWC Staff — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 01:02:03 +0000

Fostering inclusivity in our industry and our coalition helps us address issues and solve problems more creatively, and we’ll explore the topic during Southern California Water Coalition’s in-person Quarterly Luncheon on July 23, 2021 at noon at the DoubleTree Hotel (222 N. Vineyard Ave., Ontario, California).

“Equity, Access and Affordability” will feature an expert panel to discuss how we can not only recognize but celebrate the rich diversity of Southern California’s people and cultures and see clearly how we are all connected by the need for a safe, affordable and reliable water supply.

Our expert panel includes:

Danielle Coats, Senior Legislative Program Manager, Eastern Municipal Water District
Anatole Falagan, Assistant General Manager, Long Beach Water Department
Kurt Schwabe, Professor, UC Riverside
Mayor Acquanetta Warren, City of Fontana

Approaching this topic asks that we recognize the history of oppression that has resulted in disparities for some communities. We wholeheartedly support and appreciate efforts such as California’s declaration of a Human Right to Water which aims to restore this basic human need. At the same time, we understand the limitations that the state and local agencies may face in addressing these entrenched and complex issues. Yet we know that our coalition is a powerful network of organizations and individuals willing to work to create positive systemic change. We believe that SCWC has a role in this work and that that work can only be done by engaging diverse perspectives and continuing to examine and improve our efforts to be inclusive, act equitably and continue to educate and inform Southern Californians about our water needs and the state’s water resources.

RSVP HERE.

As of June 15, 2021, all sectors are back to usual operations with no capacity restrictions in San Bernardino County. Fully vaccinated individuals won’t need to wear face coverings in most indoor settings. The county states that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are required to wear facial coverings outside of their home. Read more in San Bernardino County’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19.

Luncheon Sponsor

Moulton Niguel Water District

Founding Sponsors

County of San Bernardino
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Irvine Ranch Water District
Los Angeles County Public Works
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
Water Replenishment District of Southern California
West Basin Municipal Water District

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