From Fallowed Land to Broadband: CSAC Regional Meeting Addresses Issues Facing Rural Counties

County leaders and industry experts gathered this week for CSAC’s regional meeting in Kings County to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing California’s rural and agricultural communities.

The meeting began Wednesday afternoon with a High-Speed Rail Tour for an inside look at the Hanford Viaduct, the largest viaduct in the Central Valley. Participants learned about the project’s regional economic impacts, engineering challenges, and long-term goals.

Day two on Thursday featured a series of discussions on key issues affecting the region: agriculture, water, and infrastructure.

CSAC Immediate Past President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of supporting California’s agricultural economy while adapting to changing realities around water availability and land use.

The first panel on voluntary land repurposing was moderated by Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel and focused on opportunities to repurpose fallowed agricultural land while supporting growers, communities, and environmental goals.

Panelists included:

• Shanna Atherton-Bauer, Division Director for Land Resource Protection, California Department of Conservation
• Stephanie Anagnoson, Director of Water and Natural Resources, Madera County
• Reyn Akiona, Executive Director, Valley Eco

The lunchtime discussion on water and Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was moderated by Kings County Supervisor Doug Verboon. It examined groundwater sustainability efforts, water management challenges, and the importance of local leadership in implementing SGMA.

Panelists included:

• Buddy Mendes, Supervisor, Fresno County
• Amer Hussain, Principal, Geosyntec Consultants
• Justin Mendes, General Manager, North Fork Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• Garrett Gilcrease, President, Kings County Farm Bureau and local farmer

The final panel, moderated by Immediate Past President Griffiths, focused on achieving universal broadband access in the San Joaquin Valley and closing the digital divide.

Panelists included:

• Janus Norman, President and CEO, CalBroadband
• Tracy Rhine, Senior Policy Advocate, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
• Bryant Milesi, Director of External and Legislative Affairs, AT&T
• Marcos Montes, Director of Government Affairs, Comcast

CSAC thanks the speakers, panelists, moderators, and county leaders who participated in a productive two days of discussion and collaboration on issues critical to the future of the San Joaquin Valley and California’s agricultural counties.