The first action session is The Very Last Drop: Managing Water and Food Production on March 27, 2014, hosted at Harris Ranch Conference Center (Coalinga, Calif.).

The purpose of “The Very Last Drop: Managing Water & Food Production" is to connect state and San Joaquin Valley leaders to discuss and prioritize immediate regional actions to respond to a historic drought — and to use the drought as a crucible for a new agribusiness economy. The objective is to leave the host venue with a to-do list and responsible parties.

“As we all know, water and food are arguably the most indispensable pillars of the state’s economy,” said Stuart Van Horn, vice chancellor, WHCCD, who is coordinating the program.

“Communities can’t function without them. There needs to be integrated, linked actions and alliances with greater coordination and accelerated implementation. The series is designed to stimulate those alliances.”

Featured speakers include Victor Davis Hanson, Martin and Illie, senior fellow, Hoover Institution; Marvin Meyers, chief executive officer, Meyers Farms; Sandra Schubert, undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture.

Remarks will be delivered by: Dorene D’Adamo, member, State Water Resources Control Board; Daniel Dooley, VP, director of agriculture/natural resources, UC Office of the President; Frank Gornick, chancellor, West Hills Community College District; Jim Mayer, president and CEO, California Forward, Mark Nechodom, director, California Department of Conservation.

There is a long list of distinguished panelists at www.essentialelelements.com.

For more information and to participate, visit the website or contact Dr. Stuart Van Horn at stuartvanhorn@whccd.edu or (559) 934-2131.