Los Angeles, CA – The Pérez-Silverman Symposium on Water and Food Security, presented by the Urban Ecology Center at Cal State LA, took place on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Golden Eagle Ballroom, California State University, Los Angeles. The event, running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featured three insightful panels addressing critical issues related to water and food security in the Los Angeles area. The symposium brought together esteemed faculty from Cal State LA and representatives from notable community organizations, fostering a robust dialogue on these pressing topics.
The symposium began with a warm welcome, setting the tone for the day's events. The first panel, "Water Resources and Security," chaired by Dr. Wai Kit Choi, provided a comprehensive overview of water security challenges and solutions. Dr. Barry Hibbs, Dr. Ángela Vergara, and Dr. Jessica Bremner, all faculty members from Cal State LA, shared their expertise on groundwater management, historical perspectives on water issues, and the spatial inequality of water access.
Following a brief intermission, the second panel, "WELL Leaders Combat Local Water Issues," chaired by Victor Griego, President of Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL), took the stage. Moderated by Councilmember Rafael Trujillo from the City of Rialto, the panel featured Mayor Celeste Rodriguez of San Fernando, Councilmember Gustavo V. Camacho of Pico Rivera, Mayor Pro Tem Salvador Melendez of Montebello, and Danielle Soto, Director of the Three Valleys Municipal Water District. The panelists discussed their experiences and initiatives addressing local water issues, emphasizing the importance of equitable water policies and community engagement.
The final panel commenced after a lunch break, during which President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, Dean Réne Vellanoweth, event namesake Jeff Silverman, and Amelia Perez-Silverman engaged in further discussions. "Urban Agriculture and Food Security in Los Angeles," chaired by Dr. Analena Hope Hassberg, delved into the intersection of food justice and urban farming. Panelists Alberto Tlatoa from South Central Farm, Cristian Marroquin from Community Services Unlimited, and Florence Nishida from Green Grounds shared their efforts in promoting urban agriculture and addressing food insecurity in Los Angeles.
The symposium concluded with a social mixer, allowing attendees to further network and discuss the day's topics. The event was a significant step forward in addressing water and food security issues in Los Angeles, highlighting the collaborative efforts of academia and community organizations.
The success of the Pérez-Silverman Symposium underscores the importance of continued dialogue and action on these critical issues, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future for all Los Angeles residents.