The 19th annual Southern California Water Conference
at the Ontario DoubleTree Hotel, 222 N Vineyard Ave
For nearly two decades, the BIA Southern California Water Conference has provided a forum where government officials, water management representatives, business leaders and community stakeholders come together to share best practices and discuss ideas to meet the challenges of serving the growing demand for water while protecting our natural resources.
Resiliency in the Face of Change. Are we ready?
8:20 a.m. WELCOME
8:30 a.m. HOUSING, WILDFIRE, AND THE FUTURE OF SAFER COMMUNITIES
This panel examines the evolving state of Southern California’s housing market in the wake of the recent wildfires, focusing on the regional implications for housing availability and safety. As communities rebuild, innovative residential construction techniques—such as defensible space, fire-resistant materials, and updated California building codes—are setting new standards for public safety. Experts will compare modern housing resilience to older housing stock, exploring how these advancements not only protect lives and property. Join us to learn how policy, planning, and innovation are shaping a safer, more resilient housing future.
Moderator: Randall Lewis, Lewis Operating Corp
Panelists: Wes Keusder- Keusder Homes; Dave Bartlett- Brookfield Development; Geoff Smith- Lennar; Joe Oftelie- Warmington Residential
9:45 a.m. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN A CHANGING CLIMATE
Extreme weather from flood to fire, an uptick in seismic activity, and power grid challenges have all exposed our need to become better prepared for emergencies. What are we doing to prepare? How can strategic partnerships create solutions for our region?
Moderator: Lance Eckhart- General Manager, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency
Panelists: Brett Barbre- Director, Yorba Linda Water District; Vicki Osborn- Director of Emergency Management - Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County; Bernard Molloy - Fire Chief, Murrieta Fire & Rescue
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. BUILDING RESILIENT WATER SYSTEMS
How do we build water systems that can withstand and recover from stresses, while also using water efficiently and sustainably?
Moderator: Darcy Burke- Director, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Panelists: Shivaji Deshmukh- General Manager, Inland Empire Utilities Agency; Craig Miller- General Manager, Western Municipal Water District; Joe Mouawad- General Manager, Eastern Municipal Water District
12:00 p.m. Lunch
12:30 p.m. Keynote Speaker - Cindy Messer - Deputy Director, Department of Water Resources
FUTURE-PROOFING CALIFORNIA: A WATER STRATEGY TO UNLOCK HOUSING AND GROWTH
As climate extremes intensify, California’s water infrastructure is under growing pressure. The Department of Water Resources’ 2025 Climate Adaptation Strategy lays out a bold vision to modernize aging systems, expand water storage, and ensure long-term supply reliability.
For developers and builders, the connection is clear: without resilient water infrastructure, new housing and community development can’t move forward. This strategy takes a both/and approach—advancing major projects like the Delta Conveyance while supporting regional solutions that enable responsible growth.
Learn how California’s water investments are paving the way for the homes, jobs, and infrastructure our future demands.
1:00 p.m. CLOSING REMARKS
