“More binds us than divides us,” said CDFA Undersecretary Sandy Schubert to open “Every Last Drop: Managing Water & Food Production” in Coalinga, produced by West Hills Community College District and The Gualco Group, Inc., et al. At a critical time — as the Brown administration and the Legislature develop a groundwater program in a time of historic drought — the conference successfully opened up new understandings and encouraged progress, according to the consensus of 200 senior State officials and San Joaquin Valley leaders.
Many diverse voices were heard and heeded. Debbie Davis, Governor’s Office of Planning & Research, reminded the audience, “We all share commonalities and that is our foundation.” Economist and farmer Tony Oliviera said, “Drought in California is felt all over the world.” Echoed William Bourdeau of Harris Farms, “This is about a safe, abundant food supply.” Joe MacIlvaine of Paramount Farms added, “We do not waste water.”
Water manager expertise came from Dave Orth, general manager of the 1.2-million acre Kings River Conservation District. “We’ve taken the elasticity out of the water system, and resilience is now difficult.” Groundwater is California’s reserve in a drought, he noted, and we must plan now for the next flood while expanding recycling and recharge. Connecting groundwater and surface water is vital.
Strive for consensus in water world. “We’ve reached a tipping point,” said DeeDee D’Adamo, State Water Resources Control Board member, “and we can’t waste a good crisis.” In the words of Dan Dooley, UC executive vp, “Stop trying to prove you’re right and listen.” But let’s prove Jim Mayer, CA Forward CEO, right when he said, “Californians are experts at managing disasters.”