The first series topic is The Very Last Drop: Managing Water and Food Production on March 27, 2014, hosted at the Harris Ranch Conference Center in Coalinga, Calif. There are only 50 seats remaining for this event.

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.

Premier sponsorship for Essential Elements is $5,000 for all three series. The event’s other sponsors include Chevron, Paramount Farms, WHCCD Foundation, West Hills College Coalinga, West Hills College Lemoore and the Westside Institute of Technology.

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.

The list of distinguished panelists is available at http://www.essentialelementsseries.com. Future topics for Essential Elements include Energy and Trade & Logistics.

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