Next Tuesday, Sept. 23, DWR will host its inaugural Water Resources Science Symposium at the California Natural Resources Agency auditorium. This year’s theme, “Science Drives Our Decision-Making,” will showcase key decisions shaped by scientific research, innovative tools, and strong partnerships, while exploring emerging challenges in water management. The all-day, in-person event runs from 8:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This symposium is free, but registration is required as space is limited (tickets are moving fast). Visit DWR’s Water Resources Science Symposium webpage for more details, including an agenda.

The California Council on Science & Technology (CCST) released its 2024-2025 Annual Report last week. In the past year, CCST expanded its influence across some of California’s most urgent priorities: wildfire resilience, clean energy, disaster preparedness, and responsible AI. The report highlights a year of progress in bridging science and policy, helping decision-makers and communities navigate through tough decisions with confidence and clarity.

The 58th Annual California Native American Day is on Friday, Sept. 26. The day will be celebrated with a free, public event at the west steps of the California State Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event's theme is "Walking in Their Footsteps: Carrying Forward the Legacy of Strength and Sovereignty." The celebration will feature cultural performances, artisan and vendor booths, educational exhibits, and a special recognition of Native American veterans and elders. An event program and agenda are available online.

The next Central Valley Flood Protection Board Coordinating Committee (CVFPB) meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 23. The meeting will include three informative presentations: (1) “Sustainable Conservation,” presented by Katie Haldeman, Project Director, Accelerating Restoration; (2) “Floodplain Forward Coalition,” presented by David Guy, President, Northern California Water Association; and (3) “FIRO-MAR,” presented by David Arrate, California Department of Water Resources, Division of Planning. The online meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. and runs until 12 noon. Access to recordings of previous CVFPB meetings is available online.

The Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovations (LCI) is updating California’s General Plan, Specific Plan, and Tribal Consultation Guidelines (collectively known as the Planning Guidelines). This update will provide essential tools and resources that guide how communities plan for growth, resilience, and inclusion. The LCI seeks your expertise and experience to ensure that the planning guidelines reflect California’s diverse water planning needs. You are invited to fill out the survey by Saturday, Sept. 20. More information is available online about the Planning Guidelines Update and the update process. Your input is valuable and appreciated.

The Western Regional Partnership (WRP) monthly newsletter offers many resources, funding opportunities, policy changes, updates in key personnel, and activities relevant to the WRP Region. Among the dozens of articles in the recent August issue are stories on record-setting U.S. natural gas consumption in 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Wyoming and Colorado, and changes to the Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Financing Program that will reduce barriers for Tribes seeking loans and loan guarantees for energy projects. Visit the WRP website to learn more about the partnership and to download their most-recent newsletter.