CSU-WATER, in partnership with the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute and the Office of Assemblymember David Tangipa, are hosting a nonpartisan, statewide webinar series designed to help students, faculty and stakeholders understand how California’s legislature shapes water policy — and how emerging leaders can get involved.
“This webinar series supports the mission of CSU-WATER to engage and assist the future California water leaders as we head into a somewhat murky water future and the multiple demands on freshwater,” said Steve Blumenshine, executive director of CSU-WATER. “The CSU-WATER team and our partners in this effort are very grateful for our diverse and wonderful panelists for their contributions to the webinar series.”
Blake Zante, executive director of The Maddy Institute, said, “Water policy impacts every region in California. As the state navigates evolving challenges and opportunities related to water, it is essential that future leaders understand how the legislative process shapes decisions that impact communities across the state.”
Each webinar session will feature timely discussions and insight on current and future water challenges with state legislators, committee consultants and water policy experts.
Session 1: “Ripples to Rules — How Ideas Flow Into Policy”
Jan. 29 | 2 to 3 p.m.
An introduction to how policy is shaped in the California legislature, featuring consultants from key water-related committees.
Panelists:
- Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria.
- Senator John Laird.
- Pablo Garza, chief consultant for the Assembly Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife.
- Genevieve Wong, principal consultant for the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water.
- Taylor McKee, consultant on the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality.
- Steph Mitchell, senior consultant on the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
- Soren Nelson, senior policy advocate at the Association of California Water Agencies.
Session 2: “Making Waves — Water Policies and Workforce Needs”
Feb. 5 | 2 to 3 p.m.
A look at today’s most pressing water policy issues and workforce needs, including water rights and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Panelists:
- Assemblymember David Tangipa.
- Assemblymember Chris Rogers.
- Paul Gosselin, deputy director for Sustainable Water Management.
- David Sandino, director of the Aoki Water Justice Clinic at UC Davis School of Law.
- Arshdeep Singh, director of the Punjabi American Growers Group.
- Felicia Marcus, William C. Landreth Visiting Fellow at Stanford University’s Water in the West Program.
Session 3: “Future Water Management and Policy — Leadership for What’s Next”
Feb. 12 | 2 to 3 p.m.
A forward-looking discussion on climate-driven water challenges, long-term supply planning and future leadership needs.
Panelists:
- Senator Anna Caballero.
- Joel Metzger, deputy director of Statewide Water Resources Planning and Enterprise Project Management.
- Austin Ewell, executive director of the San Joaquin Water Blueprint.
- Eddie Ocampo, chair of the San Joaquin Water Blueprint.
- Jay Jefferson II, executive legislative representative at Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
This webinar series is free and open to the public. University students, faculty, water agencies, legislative staff and community members are encouraged to attend. Register online to receive a webinar link.
(Story by Guadalupe Cruz, The Maddy Institute)
