Schedule and speaker assignments are subject to change. This web site is updated often and contains the most recent information.

Wednesday May 9, 2007: 10:45 AM | 2:00 PM | 3:45 PM Thursday May 10, 2007: 10:45 AM | 2:00 PM | 3:45 PM

Wednesday May 9, 2007: 10:45 AM

Room	Session
301	Branding your community Image means so much. Cultivation of a destination brand helps capture the attention of the tourist consumer and tourism dollars. Caroline Beteta, California Travel & Tourism Commission Melissa Martinez, Seventh Surface Yvette Mulholland, Yolo County Visitors Bureau Bob Warren, Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau Session Sponsor: Kautz Ironstone Vineyards
302	Is it the weather? The earth’s climate affects every aspect of daily life. Scientists say change is occurring. How might it affect us and what actions can we take? Guido Franco, California Energy Commission James Goldstene, California Air Resources Board Mike Hendrix, Michael Brandman Associates Session Sponsor: Pacific Union Homes
303	California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Set in motion by an executive order from Governor Schwarzenegger, the Partnership is an unprecedented public-private effort focused on improving the region’s economic vitality and quality of life. Cheri Cruz, Central Valley Higher Education Consortium Jennifer Faughn, Strategy One Laurie Primavera, RN, CA State University Fresno Ashley N. Swearengin, California State University Fresno Session Sponsor: Western States Petroleum Association
304	Be the consummate community leader When to talk, when to collaborate, when to walk away--a Kenny Rogers song or dialogue on successful community partnerships. Keith A. Kelley, Fresno West Coalition David Lighthall, PhD, Central Valley Health Policy InstituteLourdes Medina, Radio Bilingue Baldwin S. Moy, California Rural Legal Assistance Walter Parry, Fresno Metro Ministry Margarita A. Rocha, Centro La Familia Lue N. Yang, Center for New Americans Session Sponsor:
305	All the right moves Goods movement is a vital component to our economy. The Valley can compete if the right moves are made quickly. Richard Nordahl, CA Department of Transportation Mike Swearingen, San Joaquin Council of Governments Session Sponsor: ESA
306	Empowering Customers Individual homes and businesses will play a key role in slowing the effects of greenhouse gasses. Small steps can have a large impact. Kenneth Brennan, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Duane Larson, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Session Sponsor:
307	Engage students today for a better tomorrow Students represent the next generation of community, economic, political and social leaders. Future change requires participation now. Josh Franco, Student Body President, UC Merced Rodney Nickens, University of California Merced Session Sponsor: Tejon Ranch Company
308	Golden gulag--prisons in the Valley Prison site selectors have traditionally based decisions on availability of labor and land. Siting impacts both rural and urban communities. Ruth Wilson Gilmore, University of Southern California Session Sponsor:
310	Growing a community Pixley residents and community leaders have used the Great Valley conference to engage a discussion, inspire new ideas and focus action. Wayne Clark, Pixley Foundation Betty Morehead, Pixley Chamber of Commerce Margarita Ramirez, Tulare High School Barry Sommer, Lindsay Unified School District Session Sponsor:

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Wednesday May 9, 2007: 2:00 PM

Room	Session
301	Dollars for education The Williams lawsuit and settlement provides funds for California classrooms. Youth leaders offer their spending priorities. Angelica Castenada, Madera Youth Leaders Pablo Fernandes, Madera Youth Leaders Kathy Garcia, Madera Youth Leaders Monica Itezl Henestroza, Public AdvocatesAndrea Herrera, Madera Youth Leaders Wesley Moy, Madera Youth Leaders Session Sponsor:
302	Health by the megabyte Technological advances can instantly put patients and their medical records in the hands of specialists miles away, speeding diagnosis and treatment. Kathy J. Chorba, Center for Health & Technology UC Davis Health System Maria Pallavicini, PhD, University of California Merced Session Sponsor: Global Valley Networks
303	Got breath? Good air quality is as essential to survival as food and water. New programs are aimed at taking a bite out of Nox and PM2.5. Jesse D. Frederick, WZI Inc. Tom Jordan, San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Kathryn Phillips, Environmental Defense Session Sponsor: Valley CAN
304	Salinity--significant challenge for the Valley Salinity is a slow-growing but continuing threat to irrigated agriculture and our environment. Can science offer new solutions? Karl E. Longley, ScD, California Regional Water Quality Control Board Session Sponsor:
305	Infrastructure bonds--transportation, water and housing Last November, California voters passed the largest ever infrastructure bond to fix roads, housing and levees. Elliott Balch, CA Office of Assembly Member Arambula R. Kirk Lindsey, California Transportation CommissionRod Mayer, California Department of Water Resources Session Sponsor: CH2M Hill
306	Protecting open space lands In an era of shrinking budgets, rising land prices, and competing demands for resources, the greenprint concept is gaining popularity as a tool for preserving open space. Kristine Mazzei, Valley Vision David Shabazian, Sacramento Area Council of Governments Session Sponsor: Jones & Stokes
307	Airport land use compatibility planning Airport planning will play a critical role in the Valley's economic future. Legal and social issues are critical to compatibility. Lori Ballance, Gatzke Dillon & Ballance LLP Ken Brody, Mead & Hunt David F. Carbone, County of San Mateo Scott Motta, Castle Airport Session Sponsor: Quad Knopf
308	Building coalitions around transportation Route 66 is among the most recognized roadways in America, a nostalgic destination in itself. Can Highway 99 do the same? Jim Conkle, Route 66 Preservation Foundation Lorrie Fleming, Route 66 Preservation Foundation Session Sponsor: Enterprise Rent-A-Car

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Wednesday May 9, 2007: 3:45 PM

Room	Session
301	Ballot box conservation and preservation With the passage of Proposition 84, new opportunities exist for projects to expand parks, clean water, conserve habitat and more. Darla Guenzler, California Council of Land Trusts Chuck Mills, California Council of Land Trusts Session Sponsor: Versar Environmental Risk Management
302	Land use counts, too Form-based codes have been widely touted as a zoning reform. Overlooked have been the benefits of the regulation of land use as a Smart Growth tool. Peter Pollock, FAICP, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Session Sponsor:
303	Yesterday, today and tomorrow--renewable energy 2017 Where are we compared to a decade ago? What difference can 10 more years make? Ken Koyama, California Energy Commission Donald Osborn, Spectrum Energy Development Session Sponsor:
304	3000 megawatts in 10 years The Million Solar Roofs Initiative is expected to boost solar development by as much as 3000 MW within 10 years. Much of that will happen on new homes and in municipal utility districts in the central valley. Dana Armanino, Marin County Community Development Agency Bernadette del Chiaro, Environment California Gwen Johnson Rose, The Vote Solar Initiative Mark A. Riffey, Roseville Electric Session Sponsor:
305	Valley writers read Publisher Malcolm Margolin presents literary and artistic excursions into the Great Central Valley through stories by local authors. Gerald Haslam, Author Jack Laws, California Academy of Sciences Malcolm Margolin, Heyday Books Session Sponsor: Chevron
306	Measuring Community Well-Being through Indicators Community well-being is one of the frameworks for assessing the quality of life, civic health, and vibrancy in the region. Nancy Erbstein, University of California Davis Paul Heckman, University of California Davis Jonathan London, PhD, University of California Davis Samantha L. Sommer, University of California Davis Session Sponsor:
307	Addressing salinity--some solutions Salt reduction efforts are underway by stakeholders. Processors, watershed and urban sources are featured. Gary M. Carlton, Kennedy Jenks Consultants Tess A. Dunham, Somach, Simmons & Dunn representing Central Valley Clean Water Association Rosa Lau-Staggs, City of Fresno Session Sponsor:
308	Puzzle pieces of a regional food system Locally grown, good for you and economically beneficial for the producer–what more could you ask? Rick Landon, County of Yolo David Levin, Grower's Collaborative Kelly van Boxtel, Community Alliance with Family Farmers Session Sponsor:

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Thursday May 10, 2007: 10:45 AM

Room	Session
301	Large scale planning, mitigation banking and habitat Developers and conservationists are benefiting from mitigation banks and large scale planning. Ensuring healthy ecosystems saves money, avoids hassles and is good for the environment. Barry G. Hibbard, Tejon Ranch Company Gerry N. Kamilos, Gerry N. Kamilos LLC Rod J. Meade, R. J. Meade Consulting Session Sponsor: RRM Design Group
302	Youth leadership Civic engagement and youth leadership projects help Central Valley young people learn how they can influence public policy at statewide and local levels. Jennifer Gong, Youth in Focus Rhonnel Sotelo, Stuart Foundation Session Sponsor:
303	Renewable energy and agriculture--partners for the future Current legislation, emerging technology and regulatory roadblocks all factor into the connection between agriculture and renewable energy. Ladi Asgill, Sustainable Conservation Harold Hirsch, Pacific Gas & Electric Company Eric Larsen, RCM Digesters, Inc. Steve Shaffer, California Department of Food & Agriculture Session Sponsor:
304	Green buildings now! LEED certified commercial building in the Valley costs less to operate, improves community health and lasts longer. Loren Aiton, Taylor Teter Partnership Session Sponsor:
305	Culture and transportation--lessons for Highway 99 Route 66 has a song and a logo; it had a TV show. Highway 99 has also been part of the American story. Culture, arts and tourism can be powerful unifiers. Art Carlock, Highway 99 Cruise 'n' Show Jim Conkle, Route 66 Preservation Foundation Lorrie Fleming, Route 66 Preservation Foundation April Moi, Hello North Session Sponsor:
306	The carbon dioxide connection--alternatives to gasoline Those interested in renouncing fossil fuel vehicles may lament over who killed the electric car but there is promise in emerging alternatives and legislation. Stephen Kaffka, University of California Davis Spencer Quong, Union of Concerned Scientists Session Sponsor:
307	Rural technology access--narrowing the gap Innovative grassroots projects are bridging the digital divide in California’s Central Valley. Community technology projects improve local opportunities in the global market. John Baltierra, Firebaugh Computer Learning Center Mary Lester, Alliance for Technology Access Sandra Orozco, Great Valley Center Session Sponsor:
308	Envisioning futures for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Are the Delta levees, species and management in crisis? Scientifically up-to-date data of alternative management may be the answer. Richard E. Howitt, University of California Davis Jay Lund, University of California Davis Peter B. Moyle, University of California Davis Session Sponsor: Public Policy Institute of California

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Thursday May 10, 2007: 2:00 PM

Room	Session
301	Immigrants--international becomes local Organizations from around the world are working in the Central Valley to make it a better place to live. Elmano Costa, Portuguese Education Foundation Isao Fujimoto, Central Valley Partnership--UC DavisChristiana Hunter, Liberian Community Foundation Nasir Shah, Pakistani Community Toulu Thao, Hmong American CommunityLeoncio Vasquez, Binational Center for Development of Indigenous Communities Session Sponsor:
302	Cities respond to climate change (presentation) A radically innovative urban form could be a way to provide new hope for civilization and a transformation of energy systems. David Dobereiner, DOB, Architect Session Sponsor:
303	Plan, move prosper New models and forward thinking can help transportation dollars support local and regional goals. New tools and policies can better predict outcomes. Michael C. McCoy, University of California Davis Bruce A. Race, FAIA, AICP, RACESTUDIO   Plan Move Proser Session Sponsor:
304	Developing your downtown Great downtowns don't happen overnight! Downtown experts share the latest trends on building a vibrant downtown and downtown development. Laura Cole-Rowe, Davis Downtown Business Association Session Sponsor:
305	Preschool for all RAND research shows if every child had the opportunity to attend quality pre-school, local communities would see major reductions in high school dropouts, grade retention, special education years and juvenile crime. Arturo Flores, Sacramento City Schools Irma Marquez, Peter Burnett Elementary School Scott Moore, Preschool California Gaye Riggs, Merced County Office of Education Session Sponsor:
306	Earth, wind and fire--the renewable energy connection People began talking about renewable energy in the 1970's, but only recently has come of age. Biomass, wind and solar all have a place. Charles Adamson, Southern California Edison Alis Clausen, Southern California Edison Company Bryan Jenkins, University of California Davis Liz Merry, NorCal Solar Energy Association Session Sponsor:
307	Central Valley youth voice Young people in rural and high-need communities are using technology to engage others in solving community challenges. Sergio Cuellar, Youth In Focus JoAnna Martinez, Center for Multicultural Cooperation John Minkler, Center for Multicultural Cooperation Jessie Ryan, Campaign for College Opportunity Session Sponsor:
308	Gangs--enforcement and intervention strategies A shared menace, gangs are California's version of organized crime. What is being done and what is working? Adam Christianson, County of Stanislaus Keith Foster, City of Fresno Jose Gomez, City of Stockton Session Sponsor:
310	Valley youth discuss challenges facing their generation West Fresno teens discuss the challenges and personal stresses - as well as the tremendous optimism of their generation. Patricia Johnson, Pacific News Service Mai Der Vang, Pacific News Service Session Sponsor:

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Thursday May 10, 2007: 3:45 PM

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Room	Session
302	Cities respond to climate change (interactive) Imagine a pattern of development that lays soil on top of concrete--high density, medium rise cities for all demographics bound together as communities. David Dobereiner, DOB, Architect Session Sponsor:
303	San Joaquin Valley Blueprint process More frequently part of the scoring for state funding; regional planning also helps pool resources and engages a broader constituency in addressing challenges. The SJV Blueprint is the largest and most recent effort to date in the Valley. Marjorie Kirn, Merced County Association of Governments Edward Thompson, Jr., American Farmland Trust John R. Wright, AICP, City of Clovis Session Sponsor: PMC
304	Co-housing and green architecture Neighborhoods can plan co-housing that creates socially vibrant and environmentally sustainable communities with a focus on green building practices. Rick Mockler, CoHousing Partners, LLC David Mogavero, Mogavero Notestine Associates Session Sponsor:
305	A completely new version of the classic economic development Daniel L. Ripke, CA State University Chico Session Sponsor:
306	Criminal justice: What are our available measures? Is crime increasing or decreasing and how many crimes are being solved in your city? These and other measures of the criminal justice system are available. Georgia Fong, California Department of Justice Steve Galeria, California Department of Justice Session Sponsor:
307	Big Streets New techniques can yield big streets that move people and goods while also building economy, identity and value. Ellen Greenberg, AICP, City Planner Session Sponsor:
310	Grant makers roundtable Youth service providers are invited to meet with representatives of foundations that support youth programs. Diane Littlefield, Sierra Health Foundation Rhonnel Sotelo, Stuart Foundation Ruth E. Williams, Community Technology Foundation of California Session Sponsor:

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