7:30 a.m.

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m.

Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance

• Jeffery M. Thomas, Board Member, Municipal Water District of Orange County
• Stephen R. Sheldon, Board Member, Orange County Water District
• Fritz Coleman, Master of Ceremonies

8:15 a.m.

Shielding SoCal Waters: Cyber Defense for Orange County's Water Infrastructure

This session will focus on Orange County's unique vulnerabilities and strengths in safeguarding water infrastructure against cyber threats. Local and national experts will delve into region-specific challenges, latest advancements in cybersecurity technologies, and collaborative strategies to bolster defenses against potential terrorist attacks.

• Ivana Brooks, Cyber Intelligence Analyst, Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center
• Troy Laughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Enterprise Security Inc.
• Ted Johnson, Critical Infrastructure Protection Section, Homeland Security Division, Governor's Office of Emergency Services

9:15 a.m.

Decoding Proposition 4: Ensuring Effective Water Funding in California's Climate Bond

Proposition 4, a pivotal climate bond, promises substantial funding aimed at addressing California's pressing climate issues, with a significant portion earmarked for water-related projects. However, questions remain about the allocation and actual expenditure on water infrastructure and resources.

• Adam Probolsky, President, Probolsky Research
• Soren Nelson, Policy Advocate, Association of California Water Agencies
• Liz Forsberg Pardi, California Policy Director, The Nature Conservancy

10:15 a.m.

Networking Break

10:30 a.m.

Ripple Effect: Consequences of Making Conservation a California Way of Life

In the face of escalating environmental challenges, California's proposed conservation regulations aim to pioneer sustainable practices that ensure long-term ecological balance. However, these policies often set off a cascade of unintended consequences that ripple through various sectors. This session delves into the complexities and unexpected outcomes of these conservation initiatives.

• Jennifer Hernandez, Attorney, Holland & Knight
• Maureen Erbeznik, Principal, Maureen Erbeznik and Associates
• Karla Nemeth, Director, California Department of Water Resources

11:15 a.m.

Navigating the Transition: Decarbonizing the Electric Grid for California Water Agencies

This session explores the intricate process of decarbonizing the electric grid through the experiences of key water agencies within the state. Each agency demonstrates unique adaptations to the evolving energy landscape, highlighting a spectrum of risks, lessons learned, and significant opportunities for similar entities.

• Moderator: Charley Wilson, Executive Director, Southern California Water Coalition
• Marco Tule, Board Member, Inland Empire Utilities Agency
• Liz Crosson, Sustainability, Resiliency and Innovation Officer, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
• Tish Berge, Assistant General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority

12:30 p.m.

Luncheon Keynote: Several Years of Water Summits: Here's What I've Learned and Other Insights

Master of Ceremonies and stand up comedian Fritz Coleman will bring his wit and humor as he reflects on hosting the OC Water Summit for the past several years.

• Fritz Coleman, Master of Ceremonies