Special to WaterWrights.net
2026 KERN COUNTY WATER SUMMIT TO BE HELD MARCH 5TH
Full Steam Ahead towards discussion of critical water issues
BAKERSFIELD, CA – The Water Association of Kern County is hosting the 10th annual Kern County Water Summit on Thursday, March 5th. The summit will feature various panels discussing some of California’s most critical water issues. Our conference theme is centered around the Little Engine of Kern County and the water challenged we continue to face to make it over the continuous mountain. This event is designed for community leaders, business owners, farmers, and government officials who need to know how important water is to growth and sustainability and what challenges we are facing moving full steam ahead.
Agenda
7:30AM Doors Open & Check In, Continental Breakfast & Trade Show
8:00AM Setting the Tracks Opening Remarks; Jenny Holtermann, Executive Director, Water Association of Kern County – Stephanie Hearn, President, Water Association of Kern County – Elected Officials
8:30AM A Train That Left the Station Golden Mussels; Valerie Goodwin, Dudek
9:00AM Keeping Momentum Moving Forward Government Working Together; Caitlin Peterson, PPIC – Edward Ring, Cal Policy Center – Brad Samuelson, Water & Land Solutions
10:00AM Trade Show Break
10:30AM Where the Train is Headed Weathering the Storm; Richard Stone, RHS Consulting – Thomas Painter, ASO Flights – Steve Rosier, Sierra Hydrographic
11:30AM The Train in here Keynote Speaker; Joaquin Esquivel, Chairman State Water Board
Lunch
12:15PM Lunch & Trade Show
1:00PM Planning the Route The new era of California Water Planning; Joel Metzger, DWR
1:20PM The Downhill Journey Looking Back on the Little SGMA Engine That Could; Paul Gosselin, DWR
1:45PM Laying the Tracks Forward Subsidence; Rosemary Knight, Stanford – John Yarbrough, DWR, CASP – Manny Bahia, State Water Contractors
2:45PM I thought I could, I thought I could Closing Remarks
3:00PM Don’t get derailed Cocktail Hour & Trade Show
The event will be held from 7:30am-4:00pm at Dignity Heath Arena (1001 Truxtun Ave.) Ticket sales will close February 25th.
For more information contact:
Jenny Holtermann, jenny@wakc.com
661-746-3300 or 661-477-8084 
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