• 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

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.
• Kevin Morley, Manager of Federal Relations, American Water Works Association

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, State Relations Advocate, Association of California Water Agencies
• Garry Brown, Founder and President, OC Coastkeeper (Invited)
• Dr. Mark Gold, Director of Water Scarcity Solutions, National Resources Defense Council (Invited)

Ripple Effect: Unintended 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
• Eric Oppenheimer, Executive Director, State Water Resources Control Board (Invited)

Energizing Water: The Shift to Clean Energy

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 (Invited)
• Representative TBD, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (Invited)
• Dan Denham, General Manager, San Diego County Water Authority (Invited)

Luncheon Keynote: Making Water a Priority at the Federal Level

U.S. Senate Candidate Steve Garvey will discuss his vision for water sustainability, regulations, infrastructure investments, and federal-level advocacy for water-related issues.

• Steve Garvey, Candidate for U.S. Senate (Invited)